Drones, or Remotely Piloted Aircraft Systems (RPAS), have become powerful tools across industries such as agriculture, construction, media, and public safety. Starting a drone program in Canada involves more than just purchasing equipment—it requires strategic planning and regulatory compliance to ensure successful and legal operations, while still providing a high return on investment. Whether you’re a business owner, government official, or hobbyist considering scaling up, understanding the necessary steps will save you time and avoid potential legal complications.
Follow along over the next few weeks as we will be going over what you should consider when starting a successful drone program. These items include the following; certification and regulations, hardware and software, insurance and program management & continuous review and training.
Certification and Regulations: The first step is understanding Canadian drone regulations. In Canada, Transport Canada(TC) governs all RPAS operations under Part IX the Canadian Aviation Regulations (CARs). Pilots operating drones weighing between 250 grams and 25 kilograms for work or research purposes must hold a Basic or Advanced Drone Pilot Certificate, depending on the intended operational environment. Those operating in controlled airspace or near bystanders will need the advanced certification, which involves both an online exam and an in-person flight review. Ensuring your team is properly licensed is the foundation for safe and legal flights. If you are looking to operate a drone outside of normal operations, you will require a special flight operations certificate (SFOC). These activities include flying beyond visual line of sight (BVLOS), flying a RPA weighing above 25KG, flying more than 5 RPA from a single control station, flying at an advertised event, flying above 400’ AGL or flying within 3 NM of a military aerodrome.
Hardware and Software: Choosing the right drone hardware and software is equally important. Consider the specific needs of your program and where you will be flying. For example, a construction site might require a drone equipped with LiDAR or a high resolution RGB sensor for 3D mapping / asset inspection, while search-and-rescue, teams may need high resolution thermal imaging capabilities. Additionally, investing in fleet management software can help track maintenance, battery performance, and flight logs—critical for long-term operational efficiency.
Insurance and Program Management: Insurance and risk management are crucial components of a sustainable drone program. Most organizations will require proof of aviation liability insurance to access job sites to cover potential damages or accidents. In Canada, drone-specific insurance policies are available to cover not only general liability but also damage to equipment (hull coverage). Risk management plans should include thorough pre-flight inspections (checklists), regular manufacturer approved maintenance, and professionally trained crew members. By addressing potential risks proactively, you can avoid costly downtime and ensure consistent operations.
Continuous Review and Training: It’s important to continuously train your crew and keep up with changing regulations. Drones are part of an evolving technological landscape, and new features, regulations, and best practices emerge frequently. Regular training sessions and updates on Transport Canada’s regulatory changes will keep your operations safe, compliant, and efficient. By taking these steps, you can build a drone program that not only meets current requirements but is also adaptable to future innovations and industry standards.
At Altohelix, we're committed to supporting you throughout your entire journey. Whether you're starting a new program, aiming to enhance your current program's efficiency, or looking to expand its scale, we're here to assist you. Our partnerships provide flexibility in hardware, software, and training options, ensuring we can tailor solutions to your specific needs. Continue to follow along to learn more.