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Canada’s Drone Rules and How They’ll Affect Pilots Going Into 2026


If you fly drones in Canada — whether for fun, work, or business — 2025 was a landmark year for regulatory reform. Transport Canada implemented major updates to the drone rulebook that modernize how pilots operate, certify, and plan flights. These changes are now fully in effect, and 2026 will be the first year that pilots operate entirely under this updated system.


In this post, we’ll break down:

  • What changed in 2025

  • What that means for pilots in 2026

  • Real-world examples from different industries

  • Links to the official information you need


🔄 What Changed in 2025 — A Quick Recap

Transport Canada’s updated drone regulations were introduced in two phases in 2025 to give everyone time to prepare:


🔹 Phase 1 — April 1, 2025:New certification pathways opened. Pilots could begin taking the Level 1 Complex exam and apply for Operator certificates. Transport Canada


🔹 Phase 2 — November 4, 2025:Expanded operational privileges came into force — including new BVLOS (Beyond Visual Line of Sight), EVLOS (Extended Visual Line of Sight), and medium drone operations without needing a traditional Special Flight Operations Certificate (SFOC), provided the right certification is held. Transport Canada


These regulatory updates focus on safety, pilot skills, and risk-based guidelines — opening up routine access to more advanced types of drone missions. Transport Canada


🚁 Key Rule Changes and What They Mean in 2026

📍 1. Certification Is Now Central

Canada introduced a new pilot certification called Level 1 Complex Operations for lower-risk BVLOS flights. To get it, you must be at least 18, complete ground school, pass two exams, and complete a flight review under Transport Canada rules. Transport Canada


💡 What this means in 2026:Pilots who want to fly beyond visual line of sight without an SFOC must hold this certification and operate under a compliant RPAS Operator Certificate (RPOC).


📍 2. BVLOS and EVLOS Are Now Official Categories

Before 2025, many advanced operations like BVLOS had to go through a lengthy SFOC process every time. Now:

  • Lower-risk BVLOS is permitted under the new Level 1 Complex framework

  • EVLOS operations are recognized with a trained visual observer assisting the pilot Transport Canada


💡 Real-world example — Agriculture: A precision agriculture service provider in Alberta can now plan and execute large crop-health mapping flights across 1000+ acres beyond visual line of sight without applying for an SFOC each time — provided the pilot and operator have the correct certificates.


📍 3. Medium Drones (25–150 kg) Are Easier to Operate

Under the 2025 changes, drones weighing 25–150 kg no longer require an SFOC just to fly, provided the pilot holds an Advanced certificate and complies with other requirements. RealAgriculture


💡 Real-world example — Industrial Inspections: A utility inspection company flying a heavy drone (e.g., carrying a thermal sensor or LiDAR payload) can now perform infrastructure inspections (power lines, towers, pipelines) more easily — cutting down red tape and opening new commercial opportunities.


📍 4. Microdrones Are Still Regulated at Events

Even drones under 250 g now have specific rules — particularly when flown at advertised public events, where an SFOC is required. Transport Canada


💡 Real-world example — FPV at Events: An FPV drone pilot who films concerts or markets can no longer assume “micro” means “free pass.” If the flight is near a public event, planning and approvals are necessary — even for small drones.


📊 Tips for Pilots Sharing the Airspace in 2026


➡️ Stay certified — advanced commercial operations increasingly depend on your certification level.

➡️ Use tools like NAV Drone to plan and get authorizations — NAV CANADA updated its tools to support these new operations. NAV CANADA

➡️ Budget for training and fees — exams, certificates, and operator fees are now part of planning.

➡️ Keep documentation up to date — compliance isn’t just about flight skills; it’s about processes and records too.


📌 Where to Find Official Information


✔️ Government summary of the 2025 rule changes:👉 Transport Canada — 2025 Summary of Changes to Canada’s Drone Regulations

✔️ Transport Canada rule details and penalties:👉 Flying your drone safely and legally

✔️ Level 1 Complex certification details:👉 Drone operation categories and pilot certificates: Level 1

✔️ NAV Drone update to support new operations:👉 NAV CANADA launches major NAV Drone update


🚀 Final Thoughts — Ready for 2026

Canada’s updated drone rules are about balancing innovation with safety — and 2026 will be the year pilots truly operate under that new framework.


If you’re a recreational flyer, a commercial operator, or a service provider:

  • Understand the new categories

  • Get the right certification

  • Plan your operations against the updated requirements


Doing that will not only keep you compliant — it will give you a competitive advantage as the drone industry continues to grow quickly across Canada.


 
 
 
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