How Old Do You Have to Be to Fly a Drone in Canada? Age Rules for Young Pilots

Drones are a fantastic way for young people to discover aviation, photography and technology. Canadian rules set minimum ages for pilot certificates, but they also allow younger people to fly under supervision.

Minimum ages at a glance

Flying under supervision

People who are below the minimum age, or who don’t yet hold a certificate, can fly a drone of 250 g or more when they are directly supervised by a person who holds the required certificate for that operation. This allows training in clubs, camps, schools and youth groups. The supervising pilot remains responsible for the flight.

• The supervisor must be right there, able to take control or stop the flight.
• The operation must stay within the supervisor’s certificate privileges.
• All other rules — registration, airspace, distances — still apply.

Tips for parents

1. Start with a microdrone under 250 g in an open, empty space.
2. Learn the rules together — the Basic exam study material is a great family project. See our Basic exam guide.
3. Teach privacy and respect early: no filming neighbours or strangers. See drone privacy.
4. Explain where not to fly: parks with bans, near airports, near emergencies.
5. Use a checklist every time — see our pre-flight checklist.

Schools, camps and clubs

• Have at least one certified pilot supervising each active flight.
• Register all drones of 250 g or more.
• Run a site survey for the training area — see site survey.
• Keep a simple flight log for each session.
• Check insurance coverage for group activities.