What must occur before an RPA can be operated according to Canadian regulations?

For an Remotely Piloted Aircraft (RPA) to be operated under Canadian regulations, proper registration is a fundamental requirement. Registration serves multiple key purposes: it ensures that the RPA is identified within the national airspace system, assists in tracing ownership, and helps regulatory authorities maintain oversight of this growing sector.

Before any RPA can take to the skies, it must be registered with Transport Canada. This registration process includes assigning a unique identification number to the aircraft, which is then affixed to the drone. This helps enhance safety and accountability, especially as the number of drones operating in Canadian airspace increases.

Other factors may contribute to the operational readiness of an RPA, such as insurance or testing, but registration is a regulatory prerequisite that must be completed first. Without this step, operating the RPA would not comply with legal obligations, ultimately leading to potential penalties or legal repercussions.