Canada’s New Drone Rules: What Every Operator Needs to Know (Effective 4 Nov 2025)

As of November 4, 2025, Transport Canada is rolling out the second major phase of its updated drone regulations — a watershed moment for commercial drone operators in Canada.

🎯 What’s changing

These updates aren’t just incremental. They open new operational windows, especially for commercial operators like us.

1. Expanded operations for medium-sized drones

(up to 150 kg)

Under the new regulations, drones weighing more than 25-kg and up to 150-kg (previously much more restricted) will be allowed within visual line-of-sight (VLOS) under defined conditions.

This means heavier payloads, more stable platforms, and expanded mission types become viable.

2. Routine lower-risk Beyond Visual Line-Sight (BVLOS) and EVLOS operations

For operators who meet the certification/training criteria, operations like extended visual line-of-sight (EVLOS) and low-risk BVLOS become possible in uncontrolled airspace, below 122 m (400 ft), and away from airports/ populated areas.

That opens significant opportunity for inspection, infrastructure drone work, long-range surveying, etc.

3. Sheltered operations permitted

A new category (“sheltered” operations — flying near structures/buildings) will be authorized under defined rules.

4. Updated certification & regulatory framework

– A new “Level 1 Complex” pilot certification track has been introduced.

– The requirement for a Special Flight Operations Certificate (SFOC) for many lower-risk operations will be removed (or significantly reduced) after Nov 4.

– Fees, exam requirements, and operator compliance (RPOC – RPAS Operator Certificate) are part of the changes.

5. Weight categories are clarified

Micro drones (< 250 g), small drones (250 g-25 kg), medium drones (25-150 kg) are distinct categories under the new scheme.

What this means for DIRXECP film work

• With the heavier drone allowance (up to 150 kg) within VLOS, you could consider deploying larger drones (if you invest or rent) for high-end commercial shoots or infrastructure work.

• BVLOS & EVLOS opens avenues for infrastructure inspection, agriculture/land surveying, long-range site monitoring — potentially new revenue streams beyond real-estate videography.

• Ensure your pilot certification(s) are compliant — if you don’t meet the new advanced/Level 1 complex standards yet, schedule training and flight review now.

• Update your in-house procedures/SOPs to align with the new regulatory framework (procedures, safety, documentation).

• Communicate to clients: you’re operating under the latest, approved standards — this can be a selling point (especially for higher-risk or advanced operations).

• For real-estate clients, highlight that you’re using compliant, advanced drone operations (now allowed) and are ahead of the regulatory curve.

What you must do now

Here are practical next steps:

1. Review your pilot certificates – Make sure your certificates (Basic / Advanced / Level 1) are valid, and you’re eligible for the new operation types coming Nov 4.

2. Update your operations manual – Reflect the new categories of operation (EVLOS, BVLOS, sheltered) if you intend to offer them.

3. Check your drones & payloads – Are your aircraft declared or approved for the kinds of operations now allowed? If you plan medium-drone work (25-150 kg) you’ll need to ensure your drone meets the required standards.

4. Revisit your SFOC / RPOC status – If you currently operate under SFOC for many flights, assess how the new rules reduce your burden (or change your fee/approval model).

5. Update marketing & client communications – Use this regulatory change to reinforce your expertise: “We’re certified under Canada’s 2025 drone regulation changes.”

6. Plan business expansion – Consider new service lines: infrastructure inspection, long-range surveys, EVLOS/BVLOS work, etc.

7. Stay informed – The rules rollout is in phases; some parts were introduced April 1, 2025, and full effect is Nov 4.  Ensure you track guidance, updates and any Transport Canada advisory circulars.

Key caveats & things to watch

• The new BVLOS/EVLOS operations are still subject to “lower-risk” criteria (uncontrolled airspace, below 122 m, sufficient separation from bystanders, etc.).

• Having the certificate is one thing; having the operational procedures, tech, approvals is another.

• Municipal or provincial restrictions still apply (eg. local bylaws, no-drone zones, privacy laws) on top of federal rules.

• Fees are changing. Be ready for updated cost structures.

The bigger picture

From an industry perspective, these changes mark Canada stepping up its drone-services game. The regulatory predictability will help growth, innovation, and higher-value operations.

For commercial operators, this means fewer one-off SFOCs, better scaling, and easier permission to do advanced work — provided you meet the compliance.

For DIRXECP, this means opportunity: being ahead of the curve, offering more complex and advanced drone services, and using this regulatory shift as a competitive differentiator.

If you’re a drone operator in Canada, Nov 4, 2025 isn’t just a date — it’s a doorway into new kinds of operations, new business opportunities, and a higher level of professional standard.

At DIRXECP, we’re ready to lead the way — with certified pilots, compliant procedures, advanced gear (including our V-Mount batteries, multi-SSD workflows, DJI Mavic Mini 4 Pro, etc.), and a commitment to helping our clients leverage this new landscape.

Contact us if you’d like a consult for how these changes affect your project, or how we can help you integrate an advanced drone workflow under the new rules. contact@dirxecp.com