Canada has introduced new rules with the aim of unlocking the potential of medium-sized drones and beyond visual line of sight (BVLOS) operations. The new regulations allow medium-sized drone operations and some BVLOS operations without the need for a Special Flight Operations Certificate (SFOC-RPAS).
The expanded regulations introduce:
- New pilot and operator certification for lower-risk beyond visual line of sight operations
- Expanded privileges for advanced pilots to fly sheltered operations and extended visual line of sight (EVLOS) operations
- New rules for flying medium drones (over 25 kg up to 150 kg) within visual line of sight (VLOS)
- New technical standards for drones and any supporting systems flying advanced, complex or special flight operations
- New requirements for flying microdrones at advertised events
- New and updated fees for services provided by Transport Canada
The new regulations will come into force in two phases to give stakeholders time to obtain the appropriate training and certification, and to familiarise themselves with the new rules. This also avoids changing operating rules during the peak summer flying season in 2025.
The new regulations introduce a new pilot certification process for lower-risk BVLOS called Level 1 Complex Operations. To conduct lower-risk BVLOS, pilots must be at least 18 years old, pass a new online exam for advanced and Level 1 Complex Operations, complete at least 20 hours of ground school and successfully pass a flight review.
BVLOS, EVLOS, or Sheltered operations under the new regulations cannot begin until November 4, 2025. Pilots wanting to fly these types of operations before November 4 must apply for a Special Flight Operations Certificate.
The new Level 1 Complex exam and application for an RPAS Operator Certificate (RPOC) can be accessed through the Drone Management Portal from April 1, 2025. New and updated web pages and official publications will also be made available from April 1, 2025.
Individuals, businesses, and organisations wishing to conduct BVLOS operations must have an RPAS Operator Certificate (RPOC). To obtain an RPOC, pilots, businesses, and organisations will be required to have policies and procedures in place that reflect the size and complexity of the operations they will carry out.
Transport Canada states that all lower-risk BVLOS operations must remain in uncontrolled airspace, stay below 122 metres (400 feet) and stay away from airports and aerodromes. Those flying a small drone may operate over a sparsely populated area or at least 1 km from a populated area. If you are flying a small or medium drone, you must operate at least 1 km away from a populated area.
According to Transport Canada’s definitions, populated area means an area with more than five people per square kilometre and sparsely populated area means an area with more than five but not more than 25 people per square kilometre.
As of November 4, 2025, the following drone operations will be permitted for pilots with a Pilot Certificate – Advanced Operations:
- Sheltered operations
- Extended visual line-of-sight (EVLOS) operations
- Medium drones within VLOS
Those who already hold a Pilot Certificate – Advanced Operations do not need to re-apply for their certificate.
Transport Canada defines sheltered operations as flights with a small drone that are close to a structure, such as a building. To conduct sheltered operations, pilots must fly the drone:
- More than 30 metres (100 feet) away from people not involved in the operation
- No greater than 30 metres (100 feet) above the structure
- Less than 61 metres (200 feet) horizontally from the structure
EVLOS operations are short-range flights with a small drone, but where the drone is far away enough from the pilot that it cannot be seen by an unaided eye. To conduct EVLOS, pilots must:
- Remain in uncontrolled airspace
- Fly more than 30 metres (100 feet) away from people not involved in the operation
- Receive assistance from a trained Visual Observer (VO) holding an RPA pilot certificate
- Fly the drone within 2 nautical miles (3.6 km) of yourself, the VO and the Control Station
To fly medium sized drones within VLOS, the drone must be declared as safe and able to perform the specific advanced operations required by the pilot. Medium sized drones may be flown in uncontrolled airspace or in controlled airspace with permission from air traffic control.
Finally, as of April 1, 2025, a Special Flight Operations Certificate will be required to fly microdrones at advertised events.
For more information and the revised fee structure:
