Before You Fly

  • Understand the difference between Basic Operations and Advanced Operations because that relates to where you can fly and how close you can get to people
  • Register your drone if it is greater than 250g
  • The regulations require you to follow your drone manufacturer’s instructions. You should read them thoroughly and have a copy of them with you when you fly (a physical copy or electronic)
  • Inspect your drone and batteries for damage before flying and ensure you have the latest software updates
  • Consider the area where you will fly to see if it’s suitable. CAR 901.901 lists the specific things you should look for during your site survey:
  1. the boundaries of your flight operation
  2. the airspace you are going to fly in
  3. your take-off and departure and arrival and landing routes
  4. proximity to aircraft, airports and heliports
  5. location and height of obstacles, such as buildings, wires, towers, power lines
  6. the weather conditions, especially wind and temperature
  7. the locations of persons not involved in your flight (bystanders)