New Rules For sub250g Drones in Canada: What You Need to Know

Big changes are here for drone pilots across Canada—especially if you're flying micro-drones (under 250 g) at public events.

As of April 1, 2025, even the smallest drones now require a Special Flight Operations Certificate (SFOC) for use at advertised gatherings like concerts, festivals, markets, and sports events. These updates are part of a larger regulatory overhaul coming into full effect November 4, 2025, aimed at improving safety, streamlining operations, and opening the skies to more advanced drone work. Whether you're a solo creator, drone freelancer, or part of a commercial team—this is your quick guide to navigating the new rules and staying flight-ready. 🚀

🗓️ Key Dates to Remember

📍 Date

🚨 What’s Changing

| Date | What’s Changing |

|------------------|-----------------------------------------------|

| April 1, 2025 | Micro-drones now require an SFOC at advertised public events. New fees, application forms, and Level 1 certification process launched. |

| November 4, 2025 | Transport Canada’s full regulation overhaul kicks in: new SFOC tiers, more freedom for BVLOS & EVLOS, medium drone ops, and sheltered flight zones. |

📦 What’s New for Micro-Drones?

For years, drones under 250g were considered low-risk and mostly exempt from restrictions. But as of April 1, 2025, even micro-drones must follow stricter rules when flying at:

• 🎶 Music festivals or concerts

• 🏟️ Sporting events

• 🎡 Fairs, markets, or public gatherings

• 📣 Any advertised or promoted public event

  
  

If you're flying at one of these events, you must apply for a Low-Complexity SFOC, even if your drone weighs less than 250g.

💡 Transport Canada’s goal is to protect the public and airspace during busy, crowded events—no matter how small the drone is.

🧾 What is a “Low-Complexity” SFOC?

This is the new simplified SFOC category designed for scenarios like:

• ✅ Flying a micro-drone at a concert or public park event

• ✅ Operating inside controlled or restricted airspace

• ✅ FPV flights around people (even with micro drones)

  
  

Cost: $75

Processing time: ~30 days

Key requirement: Must include flight plan, safety procedures, pilot certification (if applicable), and an invitation or permission from the event organizer.

📄 Need help? I’ve created a free customizable SFOC Support Document Template to get you started.

🆕 What’s Coming November 4?

Transport Canada is officially launching its new four-tier SFOC framework, replacing the outdated one-size-fits-all system:

1. Very Low Complexity – Basic indoor or remote-area flights

2. Low Complexity – Micro-drones at public events, limited risk

3. Medium Complexity – Urban FPV, more complex airspace

4. High Complexity – Custom builds, BVLOS with higher risks

   
   

Other key changes include:

• 🔹 BVLOS (Beyond Visual Line of Sight) flights will be allowed without an SFOC if you pass the new Level 1 Complex Operations exam and meet safety requirements.

• 🔹 EVLOS (Extended Visual Line of Sight) now permitted using trained spotters and clear protocols.

• 🔹 Sheltered operations now recognized—allowing flight near structures with advanced mitigation.

• 🔹 Medium drones (25–150kg) can fly under set conditions without needing full SFOC authorization.

  
  

📋 What Drone Pilots Should Do Right Now

Here’s how to stay compliant (and ahead of the curve):

✅ Task

🕐 Deadline

| Task | Deadline |

|--------------------------------------------------------------|------------------------|

| Review your upcoming drone gigs | Now |

| If filming at a public event: Apply for a Low-Complexity SFOC| 30+ days in advance |

| Budget for new fees (registration, exams, SFOC) | Immediately |

| Prepare for Level 1 Complex Operations exam | Before November 4 |

| Update SOPs & safety plans for EVLOS & BVLOS | Fall 2025 |

🎯 Why These Rules Matter

Transport Canada’s 2025 drone framework is designed to:

• 🔐 Enhance safety at busy public events and in dense airspace

• 🎯 Simplify the application process with clear SFOC levels

• 🚀 Enable innovation, allowing for more autonomous, FPV, and BVLOS operations

• 📘 Support education and training, making drone ops more professional and standardized across Canada

  
  

🖊️ Preparing for the Future of Drone Flights

As we march toward the 2025 implementation dates, adapting to these new rules is crucial.

Staying informed can significantly impact your flying experience. Make sure to familiarize yourself with additional safety guidelines and operational limits set forth by Transport Canada.

Recharge your drone knowledge and skills!

🎬 Final Thoughts

Even if you’re just flying a micro-drone like the DJI Mini 4 Pro, these rule changes matter. The era of “under-250g = no rules” is officially over—at least when you’re flying around people.

The good news? The path forward is clearer, safer, and more empowering for those ready to step up their pilot game.

👉 If you’re planning to film at a summer event, get that SFOC in early. Need help writing it? I’ve got templates and services ready.

Have questions about how these changes affect your work? Want help building a compliant flight plan or getting certified for advanced operations? 📩 Reach out — I’d love to help you fly smarter, safer, and fully compliant.