Laws

Quick Answer To fly drones commercially in the US, get an FAA Part 107 Remote Pilot Certificate: study, pass the ~$175 knowledge test, complete the online IACRA application + TSA background check, and renew every 24 months (costs ~$175 each cycle). In Canada, get a Transport Canada certificate — Basic ($10 exam, no flight test) or Advanced ($25 exam + a paid flight review, typically $150–$300). Study resources are widely available (FAA study guides, free and paid prep courses). Budget roughly $250–$500 total in the US and $200–$350 in Canada to get fully licensed and registered. This guide walks through both paths step-by-step. ...

Quick Answer In the United States, the FAA regulates all drones. For commercial flying you need a Part 107 Remote Pilot Certificate (pass the aeronautical knowledge test + TSA vetting). For recreational flights under 49 USC 44809 you must pass the free online TRUST test and carry proof when you fly. Remote ID (broadcasting your drone’s identity/location) became a fully enforced requirement for most drones from mid-2024. Fly away from airports, stay under 400ft, keep VLOS, and don’t fly over people (for recreation) unless your drone/procedure qualifies — violations can bring civil penalties up to $1,599+ per incident. Here’s the full breakdown. ...

Quick Answer In Canada, drones (officially “Remotely Piloted Aircraft Systems,” RPAS) are regulated by Transport Canada — not the FAA. The rules depend on your drone’s weight and how you fly it. Fly a drone between 250g and 25kg outdoors and you must register it and pass an online exam ($10 for Basic, $25 for Advanced). Basic operations keep you away from people and certain airspace; advanced operations let you fly closer to crowds and control zones but require a flight review. Flying an unsafe/unregistered drone can bring fines up to $5,000+ — and under new rules, penalties have been strengthened. Here’s everything you need. ...