If you are a visitor to Canada looking to fly drones within Canada, you must apply for a Special Flight Operations Certificate (SFOC).
Foreign drone operators is defined by:
- you are not a Canadian citizen,
- permanent resident of Canada
- a corporation incorporated by or under the laws of Canada or a province
How do you apply for an SFOC?
- Complete a ground school course that is TP15263 compliant
- You are required to read and understand the Canadian Aviation Regulations – Part IX
- Pass the Transport Canada Advanced/Basic exam
- Complete the Flight Review Prep course
- Complete and pass a Flight Review
- Obtain a certificate of completion for the Ground School and Flight Review from your training provider
The application process:
- Complete this Transport Canada Form 26-0835E
- Complete the Compliance Matrix
- Make a digital copy of your passport.
- Have a digital copy of your Ground School certificate and Flight Review certificate ready
- Make a digital copy if you have a foreign RPAS pilot certificate (FAA 107, C.A.A., etc.)
- Make a digital copy if you have a foreign registration certificate for your drone.
Submitting the application:
E-mail a digital copy of all the above-required documents to:
TC.RPASCentre-CentreSATP.TC@tc.gc.ca and mention “YOUR NAME - SFOC Application – Foreign Operator/Pilot” in the “SUBJECT” line.
Please note, applications can take up to 30 working days to process. You must comply with all the conditions of your SFOC once you have received it. Failure to comply can result in fines up to $1000 for individuals and $5000 for corporations.
