Flying a Drone in Controlled Airspace: NAV CANADA Authorization with NAV Drone

If you live near Toronto, Montreal, Vancouver, Calgary, Ottawa or many other cities, there’s a good chance your backyard sits inside controlled airspace. Flying there is possible, but only with the right certificate and NAV CANADA’s authorization.

What is controlled airspace?

Controlled airspace is airspace where air traffic control services are provided, typically around airports with control towers and along busy routes. Uncontrolled airspace (often called class G) is everything else, where no air traffic control service is provided.

Who can fly in controlled airspace

• Pilots holding the Advanced certificate and meeting recency.
• Using a drone with a safety declaration suitable for the operation — see safety assurance.
• With an RPAS flight authorization from NAV CANADA (or the Department of National Defence for military airspace).

How to request authorization with NAV Drone

NAV Drone is NAV CANADA’s official app for drone pilots. It’s free on iOS and Android, with a web version. It shows airspace classes, restrictions and NOTAMs, and lets you request authorization to fly in NAV CANADA controlled airspace.

1. Create an account and add your pilot and drone information.
2. Plan the operation: draw the area, set the maximum height, choose start and end times and the category of operation.
3. Submit the request. Many low-risk requests receive an automated answer quickly; others are reviewed by NAV CANADA staff.
4. Read the conditions carefully: altitude limits, times and any requirement to contact a control unit.
5. Fly only within the authorized area, time and height, and keep your authorization available.

Common mistakes

• Assuming a geofencing warning in the drone’s app equals legal permission. It doesn’t.
• Flying with a Basic certificate in controlled airspace because “it’s only 30 metres up”.
• Flying outside the authorized time window.
• Forgetting NOTAMs that temporarily restrict airspace, for example during major events.

Airports and heliports in uncontrolled airspace

Even outside controlled airspace, basic operations must stay more than 5.6 km (3 NM) from certified airports and 1.9 km (1 NM) from heliports. Many small aerodromes and water aerodromes also exist: check charts and tools before flying. Our site survey guide shows how.

Penalties

Flying where you’re not allowed can cost individuals up to $3,000 per violation — see drone fines.