• Before you submit a permit request, please review the Calgary Police’s information on the safe operation of drones.
• Drone areas throughout the city have been considered to allow for as broad use as possible, however there are control areas in which drones are not allowed, including the airport, all splash parks and all cemeteries. Details can be found here.

Please review Transport Canada’s drone safety information.

Microdrones (<250 g)

• Microdrones don’t require drone registration or a pilot certificate unless being flown at an advertised event.
  • An SFOC – RPAS* is required when flying a microdrone at an advertised event.
• Please abide by Transport Canada good practices.

Drones 250 g – 25 kg

Please use Transport Canada’s resources to determine your category of drone operation and if your flight will take place in controlled airspace.

You will be asked to provide the following documentation for your category of drone operation before a City permit is issued:

Basic Operations:

• Proof of Transport Canada drone registration
• Pilot Certificate for Basic Operations
• Map of flight path and launch/land location(s)

Advanced Operations:

• Proof of Transport Canada drone registration
• Pilot Certificate for Advanced Operations
• RPAS Flight Authorization from NAV Canada (if flying in controlled airspace)
• Flight plan and site survey including:
  • Map of flight path and launch/land location(s)
  • Maximum flight height
  • Evaluation of potential obstacles (buildings, film equipment, etc.)
  • Emergency procedures
  • Proof of NAV CAN flight approval

*Special Flight Operations Certificate for Remotely Piloted Aircraft System (SFOC-RPAS)

An SFOC-RPAS is required for special circumstance drone flights including:

• At an advertised event (including microdrones)
• For foreign pilots/operators (not a Canadian citizen or permanent resident of Canada)
• Drones over 250 kg
• Flights above 400 ft
• Flights beyond visual line of sight

• A permit is required for drone use when launching or landing from City of Calgary property including flying over any City park or greenspace.
• The film production and drone pilot must comply with the Migratory Birds Regulations and Alberta Wildlife Act. From March 15 to August 31 (dates may vary), birds and other wildlife are especially sensitive to disturbance.

Drone Flight Path

• Drones should be launched and landed from a manicured surface such as mowed grass, gravel or pavement.
• Drone flight paths must avoid birds, bats, and other wildlife. If wildlife is in the air, change the flight path or delay the flight. To avoid nesting birds on the ground, in water, or in trees, fly higher and immediately move the drone away from the area.

Wildlife Sweep

• To reduce risk to wildlife, drone use within 30 meters (launch, land or flight path) of natural areas and trees is not permitted without a Wildlife Sweep from a qualified biologist.
• The biologist will follow Alberta Wildlife Sweep Protocols and identify any sensitive wildlife to avoid.
• The biologist must be on-site during the drone operation to ensure compliance with their recommendations.

All fees are subject to change and 5% Goods and Services Tax (GST) 

• Fees vary based on the weight of the drone along with launch and landing locations. Our Film Friendly Team will assist you with quotes.