Transport Canada SFOC-Authorized Drone Operations

Authorized for Drone Operations at Advertised Events

When a project involves a large public gathering, hiring an experienced drone crew is only part of the equation.

The operator also needs the appropriate Transport Canada authorization.

Aerial Vista Productions holds a Standing Special Flight Operations Certificate for Remotely Piloted Aircraft Systems (SFOC-RPAS), giving our production team an important operational advantage for qualifying projects covered by our certificate.

For clients producing concerts, festivals, sporting events and other advertised public events, this can mean a more streamlined path to getting professional aerial footage while meeting Transport Canada’s regulatory requirements.

A Major Advantage for Event Producers

Under Canadian drone regulations, an advertised event is treated differently from an ordinary drone shoot.

Transport Canada defines an advertised event as an outdoor event advertised to the general public, including events such as:

• Concerts
• Sporting events
• Music festivals
• Outdoor markets
• Public festivals and celebrations
• Other outdoor events promoted to the general public

   

Canadian Aviation Regulations require an appropriate SFOC-RPAS for drone operations at an advertised event.

This requirement applies regardless of drone size — including microdrones weighing less than 250 grams.

That means simply hiring a licensed Advanced drone pilot does not automatically provide authorization to operate at an advertised event.

What Is an SFOC-RPAS?

SFOC stands for:

Special Flight Operations Certificate — Remotely Piloted Aircraft Systems

An SFOC is an authorization issued by Transport Canada permitting specific drone operations that fall outside, or require additional authorization beyond, Canada’s normal Basic, Advanced or Level 1 Complex operating rules.

Transport Canada issues an SFOC when an applicant demonstrates that the proposed operation can be conducted without adversely affecting aviation safety or the safety of people on the ground.

An SFOC specifies:

• The certificate holder Certificate number

• Validity period

• Types of operations authorized

• Conditions and operating limitations imposed by Transport Canada

Our operations are therefore conducted according to both the Canadian Aviation Regulations and the specific conditions contained in our SFOC.

Why Our Standing SFOC Matters

Many SFOCs are obtained in relation to individual operations and may require an operator to prepare an application before a project can proceed.

Aerial Vista Productions’ standing authorization provides an important advantage when a proposed operation falls within the scope of our existing certificate.

Faster Project Planning

Where the operation is already covered by our SFOC, we may be able to eliminate or reduce the need for a new project-specific SFOC application.

That can be particularly valuable for productions operating on short timelines.

Reduced Regulatory Uncertainty

Event producers frequently discover late in production that normal drone credentials are not sufficient for filming an advertised event.

Working with an operator that already holds applicable Transport Canada authorization helps address this issue earlier in pre-production.

Experienced Special-Operations Procedures

Holding an SFOC involves more than possessing a document.

Operations must comply with the procedures, aircraft requirements, crew qualifications, risk controls and other conditions applicable to the authorization.

Our flight planning can include:

• Pre-flight site surveysAirspace assessment

• NOTAM review

• Crowd and ground-risk assessment

• Flight geography planning

• Takeoff and landing zones

• Emergency procedures

• Crew coordination

• Visual observer positioning where required

• Aircraft and system checks

• Weather assessment

• Coordination with event organizers

• Coordination with air traffic services or other authorities where required

Events We Can Support

Subject to the location, airspace, aircraft, operating conditions and the privileges contained in our SFOC, Aerial Vista Productions can assess drone operations for:

Concerts & Music Festivals

Capture establishing shots, venue scale, crowd atmosphere, performances and cinematic aerial perspectives for television, social media and promotional campaigns.

Sporting Events

Professional aerial coverage for races, cycling events, mountain-bike competitions, running events, outdoor tournaments and other public sporting events.

Festivals & Community Events

Aerial coverage can showcase attendance, location, activities and the overall scale of community celebrations.

Outdoor Markets

Capture overhead imagery showing vendors, visitors, layouts and the surrounding destination.

Film & Television Productions

When a production incorporates an advertised public event, our SFOC capabilities can form part of a larger aviation and production-safety plan.

Tourism & Destination Marketing

Public events are often some of the best opportunities to demonstrate the energy of a destination. Properly authorized drone cinematography can document these events from perspectives that conventional cameras cannot achieve.

Can Any Drone Pilot Film an Advertised Event?

No.

Holding a normal Basic or Advanced drone pilot certificate by itself does not authorize a pilot to fly at an advertised event.

Under Canadian Aviation Regulations, drone operations at advertised events must be conducted in accordance with an applicable SFOC-RPAS.

Transport Canada’s requirement now applies to all RPAS weight categories, including drones under 250 grams.

Does an SFOC Allow a Drone to Fly Anywhere?

No.

An SFOC is not a blanket exemption from Canadian aviation regulations.

Every proposed operation must still be evaluated against:

The exact conditions of the SFOC

• Airspace classification
• Airport, heliport and aerodrome restrictions
• NAV CANADA requirements
• NOTAMs and temporary flight restrictions
• Aircraft capabilities and safety declarations
• Pilot and crew qualifications
• Weather
• Ground risk
• Event configuration
• Emergency operations
• Municipal or property restrictions
• Any other applicable Transport Canada requirements

Additional permissions or amendments may therefore still be required for certain locations or operations.

Why This Matters to Producers

Drone authorization can become a major production issue when it is addressed too late.

A production company may have already secured:

 

• The venue
• Performers
• Film permits
• Production insurance
• Camera crews
• Event organizers
• Broadcast schedules

…and then discover that its drone operator cannot legally conduct the proposed flight.

Working with Aerial Vista Productions allows the aviation component to be evaluated during pre-production rather than on shoot day.

Professional Drone Operations for High-Profile Events

Aerial Vista Productions provides professional RPAS cinematography and aerial-production services throughout British Columbia and Canada.

Our combination of professional aircraft, experienced flight crews, aviation planning and Transport Canada SFOC authorization enables us to take on operations that may be outside the capability or regulatory authorization of conventional drone operators.

Planning an Event?

Send us:

 

• Event location
• Event dates and times
• Expected attendance
• Type of event
• Required aerial shots
• Venue map or site plan
• Aircraft or camera requirements

 

We can review the proposed operation and determine whether it falls within our existing SFOC authorization and what additional aviation coordination, if any, is required.

Aerial Vista Productions
Professional Drone Cinematography • Special Flight Operations • Film & Television • Events • Commercial Aerial Production

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