Can I fly a drone near Qualicum Beach Airport (CAT4)?
Updated · From NAV CANADA and municipal data
Not with a Basic certificate: Basic pilots must stay at least 5.6 km (3 nautical miles) from Qualicum Beach Airport (CAT4). With an Advanced certificate you can fly closer by following Transport Canada's established procedures for uncontrolled aerodromes, which include contacting the airport operator.
CAT4 at a glance
- ICAO code
- CAT4
- Status
- Certified airport (Canada Flight Supplement)
- Operator
- Town
- Operator phone
- 250-752-6921
- Control tower
- No
- Controlled airspace
- None at the surface
- Elevation
- 192 ft
How far from Qualicum Beach Airport can I fly a drone?
Basic pilots must stay 5.6 km (3 NM) from the airport, measured from its centre point. For lower-risk beyond visual line-of-sight operations the distance is 9.3 km (5 NM). Advanced pilots can fly closer with the right permission.
Who do I contact before flying near CAT4?
Contact the airport operator, Town (250-752-6921), and follow the procedures in section 3.4.1.3 of the RPA chapter of Transport Canada's Aeronautical Information Manual.
Can I fly a sub-250 g drone near Qualicum Beach Airport?
Drones under 250 g do not need registration or a certificate, but you must never interfere with aircraft. Staying well clear of the airport and its approach paths is the safe choice.
Check an exact address
Rules change block by block. The free airspace checker shows the control zones, airports, NOTAMs and park restrictions at any Canadian address.
Can I fly here? →Sources
- Transport Canada: Where to fly your drone
- Transport Canada: Drone operation categories and pilot certificates
- NAV CANADA: NAV Drone authorization
General guidance based on the Canadian Aviation Regulations, not legal advice. Always confirm current NOTAMs and authorizations before you fly.