Flying Drones in Medicine Hat

Medicine Hat is one of Canada’s prime drone flying locations. Affectionately known as ‘Canada’s Drone City,’ Medicine Hat is home to a variety of drone users, from hobbyists capturing prairie sunsets to professionals supporting industry work. If drone flight interests you, you have come to the right place! Read on to learn about how you can join this growing industry in a safe and responsible manner.  

Rules at a glance:

Federal regulations + local bylaws = safe enjoyment for all 

In Canada, drones are regulated federally through Transport Canada under the Canadian Aviation Regulations (CARs), while the City of Medicine Hat enforces local bylaws that help protect public safety and the shared enjoyment of outdoor spaces. Knowing the who, what, where and when of safe flight operations ensure enjoyment for everyone.  

Start here: general rules for safe drone operations 

Drones are small but mighty! The key to successful drone operations is courteous and responsible behaviour that keeps everyone, both in the air and on the ground, safe from injury or harm.  

To keep fellow airspace users safe, the maximum altitude a drone may fly is 400 feet above ground level (AGL) unless you are specifically authorized to fly higher. You may also need authorization for flights near airports/heliports, emergency response operations, and festivals or special events. 

Who can fly a drone in Canada? 

Just like driving a car, there are age limits to be aware of when planning to fly a drone.  

• 14+ years: eligible for a Basic pilot certificate 
• 16+ years: eligible for an Advanced pilot certificate 
• 18+ years: eligible for a Level 1 Complex certificate 

If you’re flying for business in Medicine Hat be prepared to provide a City of Medicine Hat business license number and proof of insurance. 

What you fly matters: drone weight classes (and what they require) 

Microdrones (under 250 g) 

• No registration or pilot certificate required (but safety rules still apply). 
• A SFOC-RPAS is required if you’re flying at an advertised event. 

Small drones (250 g to 25 kg) 

• Your drone must be registered with Transport Canada and marked. 
• The pilot must hold at least a Basic Operations Certificate. 
• Carry proof of registration when you fly. 

Medium drones (25 kg to 150 kg) 

• Your drone must be registered with Transport Canada and marked. 
• The pilot must hold an Advanced Operations Certificate. 
• Carry proof of registration when you fly. 

Large drones (over 150 kg) 

• Registration with Transport Canada is required. 
• The pilot must hold a Special Drone Operations Pilot Certificate. 

For information about registering your drone, visit the Transport Canada site.

What is an SFOC-RPAS and when do I need one? 

A Special Flight Operations Certificate for Remotely Piloted Aircraft Systems (SFOC-RPAS) is required for large drone operations, flights over 400ft, and flights beyond visual line of sight. 

Of extra importance is the requirement to have a SFOC-RPAS for any flights taking place over advertised festivals and events. If you are attending an event without an SFOC-RPAS, plan to leave your drone at home. 

Where you can (and cannot) fly 

Drone use is encouraged in Medicine Hat at approved locations. Keep in mind that other outdoor users value shared spaces, which means privacy laws, nuisance bylaws, trespassing laws, and the City’s Parks Bylaw (#4859, Section 8) may apply to your flight.  

In some cases, drone flight is not permitted. Keep your drone on the ground: 

• Over or within the security perimeter of police or emergency operations. 
• Near disasters (including floods, wildfires, or wind events). 
• Within 9.3 km (5 nautical miles) of a wildfire. 
• Over festivals or public events without proper authorization. 
• Aerodromes: 
  • 5.6 km (3 nautical miles) from certified airports 
  • 1.9 km (1 nautical mile) from certified heliports 
  • 9.3 km (5 nautical miles) from certified aerodromes/heliports for certain BVLOS operations 

When to fly: A Simple Pre-Flight Checklist 

So, you are ready to fly? Confirm you are operationally ready with this quick and easy checklist.  

• You have reviewed safe drone operation guidelines and understand the rules for your drone and flight type. 
• The take-off, landing, and flight area is clear of obstacles (buildings, trees, power lines). 
• Weather conditions are safe. 
• Your flight won’t interfere with emergencies or special events. 
• You have planned your takeoff, landing, and flight path. 
• You can maintain visual line of sight. 
• There is no risk to people or property. 

Let us know you're a drone user

The City of Medicine Hat encourages residents to register as a drone user and their intended drone use.

Why should you register?

• Ensure you're aware of the laws mandating drone use and your drone responsibly
• Shape our understanding of the intended uses for drones in our community
• Support community awareness around drone use
• Elevate and grow the local drone industry 

Sign up as a drone user with the City here. 

If you see unsafe drone use 

Medicine Hat Police and Bylaw (non-emergency): 403-529-8481 

Transport Canada: Report a drone incident here.

Drones are an exciting way to play and explore outdoors. Always remember, responsible drone operations make for a safe and enjoyable city for all of us.