what is an aerodrome

What Is an Aerodrome?

If you are anything like me, then you probably never even heard of an aerodrome before operating drones. I certainly had no clue, and now that I understand what an Aerodrome is and consists of, I know how truly important this knowledge really is. The fact of the matter is that if you’re flying drones in Canada, you need to know what one is.

Knowing about aerodromes and the rules for operating a drone around them directly impacts:

  • Where you can legally fly
  • How do you plan your missions
  • How do you assess risk
  • Whether you pass a Transport Canada flight review

Yet, despite its importance, this area is one of the most misunderstood terms among drone pilots.

In this comprehensive guide, we’ll break down everything you need to know—from legal definitions to real-world scenarios—so you can operate safely and confidently under Transport Canada regulations.

What Is an Aerodrome? (Official Canadian Definition)

According to the Canadian Aviation Regulations (CARs), an aerodrome is:

Any area of land, water, or ice used, designed, prepared, or set apart for the arrival, departure, movement, or servicing of aircraft.

This definition is intentionally broad—and that’s exactly why it is important to have a solid understanding of the subject.

Why This Definition Is So Important

Most new drone pilots think:

“Aerodrome = airport”

That assumption is wrong and potentially dangerous.

Because in reality, an aerodrome includes:

  • International airports
  • Small rural airstrips
  • Private landing strips
  • Helicopter landing zones
  • Lakes used by seaplanes
  • Temporary or seasonal landing areas

If an aircraft can take off or land there, it may legally qualify as an aerodrome.

Aerodrome vs Airport: A Critical Distinction

Understanding the difference between these two terms is essential.

Aerodrome (Broad Category)

  • Any place aircraft can operate from
  • May be registered or unregistered
  • May not appear on maps or apps
  • May not have any infrastructure

Airport (Specific Type of Aerodrome)

  • Certified under strict regulations
  • Listed in official aviation publications
  • Typically has:
    • Runways
    • Lighting
    • Markings
    • Air traffic procedures

Simple Rule to Remember

All airports are aerodromes—but not all aerodromes are airports.

For drone pilots, this means:

  • You must think beyond major airports
  • Risk exists in far more places than you expect

Types of Aerodromes in Canada

Let’s break this down into categories you’ll actually encounter in the field.

1. Certified Airports

These are the most obvious and regulated aerodromes.

Examples:

  • Vancouver International
  • Calgary International
  • Prince George Airport

Characteristics:

  • Controlled airspace (Class C or D)
  • Air Traffic Control (ATC)
  • Clearly defined control zones

These are always visible in tools like NAV Drone.

2. Registered Aerodromes

These are officially recognized but not certified.

They may include:

  • Small regional airports
  • Rural airstrips

Characteristics:

  • Listed in aviation databases
  • May not have ATC
  • Often located in uncontrolled airspace

3. Unregistered Aerodromes (High Risk for Drone Pilots)

This is where many pilots get caught off guard.

These include:

  • Private airstrips
  • Logging or mining company landing areas
  • Agricultural fields used for aircraft
  • Remote gravel strips

Important:

  • These may NOT appear in NAV Drone
  • They may NOT appear on charts

But they are still legally aerodromes.

4. Heliports and Helipads

Used by:

  • Medevac services
  • Oil & gas operations
  • Urban emergency services

These are particularly dangerous because:

  • Helicopters operate at low altitude
  • They can change direction quickly
  • They may appear with little warning

5. Seaplane Bases

Extremely common in British Columbia.

Located on:

  • Lakes
  • Rivers
  • Coastal areas

Why they matter:

  • Aircraft operate at very low altitudes
  • Water surfaces may appear “empty,” but are active

Why Aerodromes Matter for Drone Pilots

Aerodromes matter for drone pilots because they are active zones of manned aircraft operations, where planes and helicopters are constantly taking off, landing, and maneuvering at low altitudes. These environments present a significantly higher risk of collision, especially since drones are often difficult for pilots to see. Understanding where they are located—and how their surrounding airspace is structured—is essential for maintaining safe separation and avoiding dangerous situations that could impact both drone operators and crewed aircraft.

For drone pilots in Canada, awareness of these environments goes beyond just avoiding restricted areas—it’s about making informed, responsible flight decisions every time you take off. Even in uncontrolled airspace near smaller aerodromes, pilots must remain vigilant, monitor for incoming aircraft, and be prepared to land immediately if necessary. Respecting their operations not only keeps you compliant with Transport Canada regulations but also demonstrates professionalism and commitment to aviation safety.

Understanding this critical subject is not just theoretical—it directly affects public safety and your drone operations.

1. Collision Risk

Aircraft operate at:

  • Low altitudes during takeoff and landing
  • The same altitude range as drones

This creates a high-risk environment.

2. Legal Compliance

Under Transport Canada, you must:

  • Avoid interfering with aircraft
  • Yield to all manned aviation
  • Follow airspace restrictions

3. Airspace Classification

Aerodromes often determine:

  • Control zones
  • Airspace class

For example:

  • Class C around major airports
  • Class D around smaller ones

Canadian Drone Laws Around Aerodromes

Canadian drone laws around aerodromes are designed to protect manned aircraft operations and ensure airspace safety. Under Transport Canada regulations, pilots with a Basic RPAS Certification are not permitted to fly in controlled airspace, which includes the airspace surrounding most aerodromes and airports. This means that if you are operating under a Basic Certificate, you must stay well clear of airports, heliports, and any area where air traffic is actively managed. Controlled airspace is clearly marked on aeronautical charts and flight apps, and it is the pilot’s responsibility to identify these areas before flying.

For those looking to operate closer to aerodromes or within controlled airspace, an Advanced RPAS Certification is required, along with proper authorization and adherence to stricter operational procedures. Even outside controlled airspace, drone pilots must always maintain a safe distance from aircraft and avoid interfering with any aviation activity. Failing to follow these rules can result in serious penalties, including fines and enforcement action, making it essential for all drone operators to understand and respect Canadian airspace regulations before every flight.

Basic Operations

If you are the holder of a Basic RPAS Certification, then you must stay:

  • 3 nautical miles from airports
  • 1 nautical mile from heliports

These are the laws; there are no exceptions.

Advanced Operations

With an Advanced RPAS Certification, you CAN fly closer—but only if:

  • You receive authorization
  • You operate safely
  • You follow all conditions

Universal Rule

Regardless of drone operator license level:

You must always yield to manned aircraft.

How to Identify Aerodromes Before a Flight

This is a critical flight planning skill all UAV operators should learn.

1. Use NAV Drone

NAV Drone shows:

  • Major aerodromes
  • Control zones
  • Airspace classifications

But remember:

  • It does NOT show everything

2. Use Aeronautical Charts

VFR Navigation Charts (VNC) provide:

  • Registered aerodromes
  • Terrain and obstacles

3. Use Satellite Imagery

Tools like:

  • Google Maps
  • Google Earth

Help identify:

  • Runways
  • Clearings
  • Water landing zones

4. Check NOTAMs

NOTAMs may indicate:

  • Temporary aerodromes
  • Increased aircraft activity

5. Conduct a Physical Site Survey

Look for:

  • Aircraft activity
  • Landing areas
  • Helicopter traffic

Real-World Scenario (Northern BC)

Let’s make this practical.

You’re hired to film a forestry operation near Dawson Creek.

You check NAV Drone:

  • No major airport nearby
  • Airspace appears clear

But in reality:

  • A helicopter is servicing the site
  • A nearby clearing is used as a landing zone

This is effectively an unregistered aerodrome environment.

What a Professional Drone Pilot Does

  • Recognizes the risk
  • Adjusts flight altitude
  • Maintains constant awareness
  • Prepares for immediate descent

Advanced Risk Management

1. Establish Buffers

Even if you are legal to fly in the airspace:

  • Stay farther away than required

2. Fly Lower

Reduce conflict with aircraft

3. Use a Visual Observer

Especially in high-risk environments

4. Listen Constantly

It is critical to understand that Aircraft are often heard before seen

5. Plan Emergency Actions

Drone pilots in Canada must always know:

  • Where to descend
  • Where to land

Common Mistakes Drone Pilots Make

1. Only Looking for Airports

Ignoring smaller aerodromes

2. Over-Relying on Apps

Not all aerodromes appear digitally

3. Ignoring Helicopters

Major safety risk

4. Not Conducting Site Surveys

Missing real-world hazards

Frequently Asked Questions

Do all aerodromes appear in NAV Drone?

No, not all Aerodromes appear in Nav Drone. Many private or temporary ones do not. It’s crucial to remember that relying solely on digital maps can be misleading. Always conduct thorough site surveys and be aware of potential unregistered or temporary aerodromes, especially in areas with significant aircraft activity.

Can I fly near an aerodrome with an Advanced license?

Yes, with proper authorization and risk management.

Are lakes considered aerodromes?

If used by seaplanes—yes.

Do I need permission to fly near all aerodromes?

Not always, but you must never interfere with aircraft.

What is the safest practice near aerodromes?

Maintain distance, stay low, and stay alert.

Final Thoughts

Understanding this key subject is one of the most important skills for Canadian drone pilots. It’s the cornerstone of safe, legal, and responsible drone operations in Canada, impacting everything from flight planning to risk assessment. This knowledge distinguishes professional pilots from hobbyists and ensures adherence to Transport Canada regulations.

It separates:

  • Hobbyists from professionals
  • Safe pilots from risky ones

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