There are many differing opinions of what needs to be done to use a drone in Agriculture. I am going to talk to you about the legal requirements in Canada. Many people think It is too hard to get a drone license; this is not the case at all!

Before I go on, when I use the term "drone" in this article it will refer to:

RPAS – Remotely Piloted Aircraft System

UAV – Unmanned Aerial Vehicle 

Transport Canada made new regulations for drones that took effect in June of 2019. There is now a system where:

1. no license is required if drone is under 250g
2. Advanced license required if any of the basic requirements are not met
3. basic license required: 

• You fly it in uncontrolled airspace
• You fly it more than 30 meters (100 feet) horizontally from bystanders
• You never fly it over bystanders
• You fly it more than 3 nautical miles from a certified airport or a military aerodrome
• You fly it more than 1 nautical mile from a certified heliport 

Most agricultural drone flights will meet the requirements for a Basic license. To get you license you follow these steps: 

1. Login to the drone management portal on Transport Canada’s website
2. Write and Pass the SMALL BASIC EXAM – 35 questions in 90 minutes, pass with 65%.
3. Each attempt costs you $10 to write. If you do not pass, you can try every 24 hours.
4. Print your pilot certificate – basic operations after passing the exam. Carry it with you when you fly
5. Register your drone with transport Canada ($5) if your drone is over 250g
6. Mark your drone with registration number before you fly
7. Proof of recency must be confirmed: every two years or less you must complete a recurrent training program, safety seminar endorsed by TC, or complete a self paced study program 

Transport Canada states for drones under 250g: “Do not need to register your drone. You must not operate your drone in a reckless or negligent manner as to endanger or be likely to endanger aviation safety or safety anyone”

• You can not pilot a drone while you are driving a boat or vehicle. You can be the rider in a vehicle and pilot the drone as long as VLOS is maintained and you are able to see the neighbouring air space.
• You can only fly below 400 feet AGL
• You can not fly over forest fires or accident scenes
• Some urban areas have additional bylaws pertaining to flights
• VLOS = visual line of sight must be maintained at all times
• It does not matter if you are flying for personal or commercial use
• you need to be 14 years old to get a basic license and 16 years old to get an advanced license. Children younger than 14 must be supervised by someone with a license for events