1. Do I need an Advanced licence to operate the DJI T100?

Yes — for operations under CAR Part IX, an Advanced RPAS Pilot Certificate is required.

The DJI T100 is classified as a Medium RPA (operating weight over 25 kg).

Under CAR Part IX:

  • Basic operations apply only to Small RPAs (250 g – 25 kg).

  • Medium RPAs (over 25 kg up to 150 kg) may only operate under the Advanced framework.

This means the pilot must:

  • Hold an Advanced RPAS Pilot Certificate

  • Successfully complete a Flight Review

  • Operate within the aircraft’s Safety Assurance Declaration (Standard 922)

The determining factor is operating weight during flight — including payload and attached equipment — not empty aircraft weight.

2. Does the DJI T100 always require an SFOC?

Not always — but it depends on operating weight.

If the operating weight is:

• Up to 150 kg → The operation may fall under CAR Part IX (Advanced framework), provided the aircraft holds the appropriate Safety Assurance Declaration.

• Above 150 kg → An SFOC-RPAS is mandatory under CAR 903.01(a).

If the drone exceeds 150 kg during operations (including payload), the operation automatically moves outside Part IX and into the SFOC framework.

The threshold is 150 kg operating weight — not aircraft model name.

3. Can I operate the T100 on my own private farm without special licensing?

No.

Private land ownership does not exempt an operator from aviation regulations.

Compliance is determined by:

  • Operating weight

  • Airspace classification

  • Proximity to people

  • Operational risk environment

Even on private farmland:

  • Medium RPAs still require Advanced licensing under Part IX.

  • Operating above 150 kg still requires an SFOC.

  • Controlled airspace still requires proper authorization.

Land ownership does not override federal aviation law.

4. What is the regulatory breakdown for T100 operations?

Here is the simplified structure:

250 g – 25 kg → Small RPA → Basic or Advanced (depending on environment)

Over 25 kg – 150 kg → Medium RPA → Advanced only (Part IX)

Above 150 kg → SFOC-RPAS required (CAR Subpart 3)

The DJI T100 falls in the Medium category unless operating weight exceeds 150 kg.

5. When exactly is an SFOC required?

An SFOC-RPAS is required when:

  • Operating weight exceeds 150 kg; or

  • The operation falls outside the scope of the aircraft’s Safety Assurance Declaration; or

  • The operation involves medium/high complexity beyond Part IX conditions.

Annual medium-complexity SFOC applications currently involve a government processing fee.

Applicants must typically submit:

  • A SORA (often STSC-001 format)

  • Operational and technical declarations

  • Supporting documentation

SFOC approval is not a simple form submission — it requires structured documentation.

6. What documentation may be required for medium/high-complexity SFOC?

If the organization does not hold an RPA Operator Certificate (RPOC), Transport Canada may require documentation demonstrating compliance with CAR 901.217–901.223, including:

  • RPAS Operations Manual

  • Safety management processes

  • Training program

  • Maintenance Control Manual

  • Record-keeping system

  • Designated pilot-in-command procedures

Many organizations underestimate the documentation requirements for SFOC operations.

7. How many batteries are recommended for commercial agricultural operations?

For professional agricultural operations, most operators use:

• 3–4 batteries minimum for basic rotation
• 4–6 batteries for sustained high-efficiency workflow

Battery planning directly impacts operational productivity.

In many cases, operational bottlenecks result from insufficient power infrastructure rather than aircraft limitations.

Final Clarification

For DJI T100:

✔ Over 25 kg → Advanced licence required
✔ Up to 150 kg → Operates under Part IX Advanced framework
✔ Above 150 kg → SFOC mandatory

Compliance is determined by operating weight and operational environment — not assumptions.

If you are unsure which framework applies to your specific scenario, clarification before flight is strongly recommended.

As a Transport Canada–recognized Flight School and Certified Advanced Flight Reviewer, we assist operators in navigating these frameworks.

WONDERFULL INC.
Transport Canada–Recognized RPAS Flight School
Certified Advanced Flight Reviewer

Agricultural RPAS Sales | Compliance | Training | Parts | Services

Office: 647-800-7952
Mobile: 647-287-6851

5955 10 Sideroad
Innisfil, Ontario L0L 1K0
Canada