Transport Canada's New RPAS Regulations: What Every Canadian Drone Pilot Needs to Know

By Brendan Callaghan Owner - Cariboo Remote Drone Services

Canada's drone industry is undergoing its most significant regulatory transformation since the introduction of Part IX of the Canadian Aviation Regulations (CARs) in 2019. On March 26, 2025, Transport Canada published sweeping amendments that expand drone operations well beyond traditional Visual Line-of-Sight (VLOS) flights. These changes represent a major step toward integrating drones into Canadian airspace while maintaining aviation safety. Although some provisions became available on April 1, 2025, the majority of the operational changes came into force on November 4, 2025, following a delay from the originally planned implementation date.

For professional RPAS pilots, businesses, emergency services, and training organizations, these regulations create exciting new opportunities—but they also introduce additional responsibilities, training requirements, and organizational oversight.

Why the Regulations Changed

Canada's previous RPAS framework was largely designed around visual line-of-sight operations using drones weighing under 25 kg. While effective, it limited many commercial applications that required longer distances, larger aircraft, or operations in remote environments.

Transport Canada's updated regulations aim to:

• Expand commercial drone operations safely

• Enable routine low-risk Beyond Visual Line-of-Sight (BVLOS) operations

• Introduce regulations for medium-sized RPAS (25–150 kg)

• Reduce reliance on individual Special Flight Operations Certificates (SFOCs)

• Align Canada's drone regulations with evolving international standards.

Level 1 Complex Operations

One of the most significant changes is the introduction of the Level 1 Complex Operations pilot certification.

This new certification bridges the gap between Advanced Operations and full SFOC-required operations.

Pilots must already hold an Advanced RPAS Certificate before pursuing the Level 1 Complex qualification. They must successfully complete:

• a new Transport Canada written examination,

• additional operational knowledge requirements,

• and meet recency requirements established under the regulations.

The Level 1 Complex certificate is designed specifically for pilots conducting:

• lower-risk BVLOS operations

• Extended Visual Line-of-Sight (EVLOS)

• sheltered operations

• certain operations using larger drones

Routine BVLOS Operations

Perhaps the biggest advancement is the authorization of routine low-risk BVLOS flights without requiring an individual SFOC for every mission.

Previously, organizations wishing to fly beyond visual line of sight often faced months of paperwork, operational risk assessments, and Transport Canada approval.

Under the new framework, qualified operators may conduct routine BVLOS operations provided they meet:

• pilot certification requirements,

• aircraft eligibility,

• operational limitations,

• airspace requirements,

• and organizational requirements.

This dramatically reduces administrative burden while maintaining a high safety standard.

Introduction of the RPAS Operator Certificate (RPOC)

Another major change is the creation of the RPAS Operator Certificate (RPOC).

Rather than regulating only individual pilots, Transport Canada is now placing greater emphasis on the organization conducting operations.

Organizations seeking to conduct more advanced operations must demonstrate they have:

• operational procedures

• safety management processes

• training programs

• maintenance procedures

• record keeping systems

• operational oversight

This approach mirrors the certification model already used throughout commercial aviation.

Medium RPAS (25–150 kg)

For the first time, Canada now has a dedicated regulatory framework for medium-sized drones weighing between 25 kg and 150 kg.

Previously, these aircraft almost always required an SFOC.

The new regulations create standardized requirements covering:

• pilot qualifications

• aircraft requirements

• maintenance

• operating limitations

• organizational oversight

This opens the door for significantly larger commercial drones capable of carrying advanced sensors, heavier payloads, and specialized equipment.

Reduced Dependence on SFOCs

The Special Flight Operations Certificate has long been one of the most challenging aspects of conducting advanced drone operations in Canada.

The new regulations reduce the need for SFOCs in many situations by creating standardized approval pathways.

SFOCs will still exist for higher-risk or novel operations, but many routine commercial missions will no longer require case-by-case approval.

New Fees and Certification Costs

Transport Canada has also introduced several new fees associated with the expanded regulatory framework.

These include fees for:

• Level 1 Complex examinations

• Level 1 Complex pilot certificates

• RPAS Operator Certificates

• various SFOC application categories

• amendments to certificates

• acceptance letters for certain operations.

While these introduce additional costs, they replace many of the delays and administrative burdens previously associated with individual approvals.

What This Means for Commercial Operators

For commercial drone companies, these changes are transformative.

Industries expected to benefit include:

• Surveying

• Mining

• Forestry

• Agriculture

• Search and Rescue

• Infrastructure Inspection

• Pipeline Monitoring

• Electrical Utilities

• Emergency Services

• Law Enforcement

Routine BVLOS operations will significantly improve operational efficiency by allowing drones to inspect larger areas in fewer flights.

Impact on Emergency Services

Police agencies, fire departments, and Search and Rescue organizations stand to gain substantially.

BVLOS capability allows emergency responders to:

• search larger wilderness areas

• monitor wildfire progression

• conduct long-distance infrastructure assessments

• improve situational awareness during disasters

• reduce response times

For organizations already operating drone programs, these regulations create opportunities to expand operational capability while remaining within standardized regulatory requirements.

Increased Demand for Training

The regulatory changes will likely create unprecedented demand for high-quality RPAS training.

Pilots will require education in:

• BVLOS procedures

• Operational Risk Assessments

• Detect and Avoid systems

• Airspace integration

• Crew Resource Management

• Emergency procedures

• Human factors

• organizational compliance

Training providers capable of delivering Transport Canada-compliant Level 1 Complex education are expected to see significant industry demand.

Challenges Facing Pilots

Although the regulations create new opportunities, they also introduce new responsibilities.

Pilots should expect:

• additional documentation

• increased planning requirements

• higher knowledge expectations

• ongoing recency requirements

• greater emphasis on operational safety

• increased accountability

Professional drone operations are becoming increasingly similar to traditional aviation.

The Future of Canadian RPAS

These regulations represent only the beginning of Canada's long-term RPAS integration strategy.

Future developments are expected to include:

• Remote Identification (Remote ID)

• UAS Traffic Management (UTM)

• increased automation

• higher levels of autonomy

• integration with crewed aviation

• expanded BVLOS operations in urban environments

Canada is positioning itself as one of the global leaders in commercial drone regulation.

Final Thoughts

Transport Canada's expanded RPAS regulations mark the most significant advancement in Canadian drone operations since the original drone regulations were introduced.

For recreational pilots, relatively little changes.

For commercial operators, however, the new framework fundamentally changes what is possible.

Organizations willing to invest in advanced training, robust operational procedures, and organizational compliance will be well positioned to take advantage of routine BVLOS operations, larger aircraft, and expanded commercial opportunities.

The Canadian RPAS industry is entering a new era—one where drones are no longer limited to short-range visual flights but are becoming fully integrated tools for industry, public safety, and critical infrastructure. As the technology evolves, pilots who embrace continuous learning and regulatory compliance will be at the forefront of this rapidly expanding sector.