Basic vs Advanced RPAS Certificate: Which Do You Need?

Canada's drone rules split most small-RPAS flying into two certificate levels: Basic operations and Advanced operations. The distinction isn't about how good a pilot you are — it's about the risk profile of the operation: airspace, proximity to people, and proximity to aerodromes. Since the 2025 amendments there's also a third tier, Level 1 Complex, for lower-risk BVLOS work.

Basic operations (CARs 901.53)

Basic covers flying a small RPAS within visual line-of-sight (VLOS) when all of the following hold:

• you're in uncontrolled airspace, and
• you stay at least 30 m (100 ft) horizontally — at any altitude — from any person not involved in the operation.

Advanced operations (CARs 901.62)

You need Advanced the moment your operation includes any of:

• VLOS flight in controlled airspace,
• flying closer than 30 m horizontally to bystanders (the rules further distinguish 5–30 m from less-than-5 m operations),
• operating within 3 NM of an airport or 1 NM of a heliport,
• extended VLOS or sheltered operations, or
• operating a medium remotely piloted aircraft (25–150 kg) — one of the 2025 changes: medium-RPAS VLOS work now falls under Advanced rather than requiring an SFOC.

Which one do commercial pilots actually need?

Honest answer: most working operators end up needing Advanced. Commercial work gravitates toward the conditions on the Advanced list — job sites near people, urban (controlled) airspace, and properties near aerodromes. Basic is a legitimate starting point for rural, away-from-people work, but if you're building a drone business, plan for the Advanced exam and flight review early; it's what most clients' jobs will require.

Both certificates: recency and paperwork

• Recency (CARs 901.56): within the 24 months before any flight, you must have been issued your certificate or completed specified recurrent training.
• Accessibility (CARs 901.57): your certificate and proof of recency must be easily accessible while you operate.
• Records (CARs 901.48): flight and maintenance records are required either way — see our flight log requirements guide.

And Level 1 Complex?

The 2025 amendments added a Level 1 Complex operations certificate covering lower-risk BVLOS operations that previously needed a Special Flight Operations Certificate. It's a significant step up in requirements and applies to a minority of operators today — if your work is VLOS, Basic vs Advanced is still the decision that matters.

Frequently asked questions