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Canada’s Drone Rules in 2025: What You Need to Know (Microdrones, FPV, Basic & Advanced Ops)
- Eric Peters
- Apr 5
- 3 min read
Transport Canada has officially rolled out major updates to Canada’s drone regulations. As of April 1, 2025, several new rules are already in effect—and even more are coming on November 4, 2025. Whether you're a recreational pilot, flying FPV, or running commercial operations, here's everything you need to stay compliant and fly with confidence.
✅ Current Rules as of April 2025
Microdrones (Under 250g)
Small but mighty—these drones are still the easiest to operate legally.
No certification or registration needed
You must still fly safely and avoid endangering people or aircraft
NEW: You now need a Special Flight Operations Certificate (SFOC) to fly microdrones at advertised events
Small Drones (250g – 25kg)
Basic Operations
Fly in uncontrolled airspace only
Keep at least 30m away from bystanders
No flying over people
Requires a Basic Pilot Certificate + drone registration
Advanced Operations
Fly in controlled airspace (with ATC authorization)
Can fly near/over people with an approved drone
Requires Advanced Pilot Certificate and drone listed on the Safety Assurance list
👓 FPV & Visual Line-of-Sight Rules
According to CARs 901.11:
“No pilot shall operate a remotely piloted aircraft system unless the pilot or a visual observer has the aircraft in visual line-of-sight.”
✅ This means FPV is legal as long as you have a trained visual observer who maintains unaided visual contact with the drone and relays situational awareness.
🛫 FPV in Controlled Airspace
Per CARs 901.14, you can fly FPV in controlled airspace only if:
You hold an Advanced Certificate
You’re using a compliant drone
You get ATC authorization
You have a visual observer maintaining line-of-sight
“901.14: No pilot shall operate a remotely piloted aircraft in controlled airspace except in accordance with (a) subsection 901.71(1)... or (b) a special flight operations certificate.”
So, to fly FPV in controlled airspace:
✅ Hold an Advanced Certificate
✅ Use a drone on the Safety Assurance list
✅ Get authorization from ATC (per 901.71(1))
✅ Use a trained visual observer who maintains VLOS
No SFOC is required if you're operating within these rules.
🕶️ Use of FPV Devices
Transport Canada also addresses FPV specifically as per CARs 901.38:
“901.38 (1): No pilot shall operate... using a first-person view device unless a visual observer maintains unaided visual contact with the airspace... to detect conflicting air traffic and other hazards.”
This is mandatory for FPV flights: visual observer = required.
This makes it clear: FPV is legal with a visual observer. Without one, it violates VLOS rules—even in uncontrolled airspace.
🗓️ April 1, 2025 – What’s Changing
✅ SFOC Now Required for Microdrones at Events
Even sub-250g drones will now require an SFOC-RPAS for use at advertised events.
💸 New Fees (In Effect as of April 1, 2025)
Drone Registration: $10
Level 1 Complex Exam: $50
Pilot Certificate – Level 1 Complex Operations: $125
RPAS Operator Certificate (RPOC): $125 Transport Canada
Special Flight Operations Certificate (SFOC-RPAS) Fees (Effective November 4, 2025)
Starting November 4, 2025, applicants for an SFOC-RPAS will be subject to the following fees, except for government organizations involved in emergency response:
SFOC Complexity Level | New Fee |
Very Low Complexity | $20 |
Low Complexity | $75 |
Medium Complexity | $900 |
High Complexity | $2,000 |
These fees apply to operations such as higher altitude flights, operations at advertised events, and flying drones weighing more than 150 kg.
⚠️ Higher Fines
Up to $3,000 for individuals
Up to $15,000 for corporations
🛬 November 4, 2025 – Even Bigger Changes
🔭 EVLOS (Extended Visual Line-of-Sight)
Legalizes FPV with trained observer
Only allowed in uncontrolled airspace
Drone must stay within 2 nautical miles of both pilot and observer
📡 Lower-Risk BVLOS
Allowed in uncontrolled airspace
Below 400 ft
Requires Level 1 Complex Certificate + RPOC
No SFOC needed
🏗️ Sheltered & Medium RPAS Flights
Advanced pilots will be allowed to:
Fly close to structures (sheltered ops)
Operate drones between 25–150kg within VLOS (under certain safety assurances)
📌 Quick Recap for FPV Pilots
Scenario | Legal if… |
FPV in uncontrolled airspace | ✅ With observer keeping VLOS |
FPV in controlled airspace | ✅ Advanced Certificate + ATC clearance + visual observer |
EVLOS (FPV beyond your own VLOS) | ✅ In uncontrolled airspace starting Nov 4 with trained observer |
BVLOS | ✅ With new Level 1 Complex Cert + RPOC (Nov 4) |
Microdrones at events | ❌ SFOC required (April 1) |
📚 Official Links
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