About drones: We know that anyone can fly a micro (sub 250g) drone without registration or a pilot certification. Most micros weigh around 249g, which is roughly one fat hamster. If you put even a sticker on it, it goes over 250g. Get a bigger battery to extend flight times? Forget it, if you want to stay legal. This strict weight limit reduces risk if they fall out of the sky or hit someone. Transport Canada does not worry about falling hamsters.
Basic Certification
Holders of Basic pilot certificates can fly drones that weigh up to 25kg (55lb). That’s about a big sack of compost, a large bag of pet food, or a medium sized dog. Any of those would do a lot more damage. This is why Transport Canada requires drones over 250g to be registered, and their pilots to be trained.
Advanced Certification
Advanced pilots, myself included, can fly drones that weigh up to 150kg. 330 pounds. That category includes search and rescue, delivery service, and agricultural drones. According to Google that’s about one dishwasher, a giant panda, or a small sumo wrestler. Drones we fly could cause a great deal of damage. This is why we train. Why we take an actual flight test. Advanced pilots are held to higher standards.
There are around 20,000 Advanced drone pilots across Canada. I am one of them. When you hire us you hire someone capable, responsible, and trained. As long as you pay the invoice, I will not drop a sumo wrestler on you. Promise.
(screenshot from the Transport Canada web site).
