Regulations — Transport Canada Part IX
Plain-language reference for Advanced operations. This is a summary for field use, not the legal text. Always defer to the current Canadian Aviation Regulations (CARs) Part IX and Transport Canada guidance.
Verify before relying
Figures below reflect CARs Part IX including the 2025 amendments. Rules change — confirm against Transport Canada's site and your operations manual. Last reviewed: July 2026.
Our category: Advanced Operations
OPS operates the DJI Mini 5 Pro (>250 g, registered small RPAS) under Advanced Operations. This category is required when you fly in controlled airspace, near people, or near aerodromes — typical for emergency-scene work.
To fly Advanced you must:
- Hold a valid Pilot Certificate — Advanced Operations (online exam + in-person flight review) and carry it.
- Meet recency requirements and keep the certificate current.
- Fly a drone declared safe for the intended advanced operation.
- Register the aircraft and display its registration number; carry proof.
Core operating limits (quick facts)
| Rule | Limit |
|---|---|
| Maximum altitude | 122 m (400 ft) AGL unless otherwise authorized |
| Visual line-of-sight | Maintain VLOS at all times (Advanced, standard) |
| Distance from bystanders | Advanced: may operate near/over people per drone's declaration; min 5 m horizontal is the basic threshold — follow your aircraft's operational declaration |
| Controlled airspace | Authorization required (NAV CANADA / NAV Drone) |
| Aerodromes | Respect distances / obtain coordination |
| Populated area | >5 people per km² |
| Sparsely populated | >5 to ≤25 people per km² |
Emergency-scene & public-safety rules
- Do not interfere with other emergency services operating on scene.
- Yield right of way to all manned aircraft (helicopters / medevac) — descend/land to deconflict.
- Coordinate with incident command before and during flight.
- Flying at or near active emergency scenes carries special obligations — confirm authority to operate.
Reporting obligations
- Flyaway: report to NAV CANADA; advise nearest ATC of last position, heading, altitude, endurance.
- Occurrences: assess Transport Canada mandatory reporting and CADORS criteria.
- Records: maintain flight, maintenance and training records per CARs.
Emergency procedures requirement (CARs 901.23)
Advanced operators must have established emergency procedures and be able to describe lost-link and flyaway actions, including who to contact. See the Emergency Procedures page.
Looking ahead — BVLOS & medium RPAS (context)
Not currently used by OPS — kept for awareness as the program grows.
- Level 1 Complex (lower-risk BVLOS): as of 4 Nov 2025 — requires 18+, online exam, 20 hrs ground school, flight review, and an RPAS Operator Certificate (RPOC). Uncontrolled airspace, ≤122 m, distance-from-populated-area conditions.
- EVLOS / Sheltered ops: new Advanced privileges as of 4 Nov 2025.
- Medium RPAS (25–150 kg): new category; not applicable to the Mini 5 Pro.
- SFOC fees: government emergency-response organizations are exempt from SFOC-RPAS fees.