HALIFAX -- Transport Canada says it is investigating the sighting of a possible drone by the pilots of a commercial Jazz aircraft on a flight from Halifax to St. John's, N.L.

The department says the sighting occurred Aug. 3.

The pilots of the Bombardier aircraft reported seeing a red and white vertical tube with a rotor less than 300 metres above the aircraft.

Transport Canada says it is trying to determine whether a violation occurred and whether enforcement action is required.

By law, operators of commercial unmanned aerial vehicles must obtain a special flight operations certificate from Transport Canada.

The department must also be informed of the vehicle's proposed flight path.