To unlock the potential of medium-sized drones and beyond visual line-of-sight (BVLOS) operations in Canada, regulatory changes were needed. The new regulations allow medium-sized drone operations and some beyond the visual line-of-sight operations without the need for a Special Flight Operations Certificate (SFOC-RPAS). Course cost includes LLC1 Flight Review.

Two phases for coming into force

The new regulations will come into force in two phases to give stakeholders time to get their appropriate training, certification, and to familiarize themselves with the new rules.

You cannot start flying BVLOS, EVLOS, or Sheltered operations until November 4, 2025.

However, you will be able to take the new Level 1 Complex exam and apply for an RPAS Operator Certificate (RPOC) through the Drone Management Portal starting April 1, 2025.

This approach avoids changing operating rules during the peak summer flying season in 2025. If you want to fly these types of operations before November 4, you still need to apply for a Special Flight Operations Certificate.

New and updated web pages and official publications (TPs, Standards, and Advisory Circulars) will be made available starting on April 1, 2025.

Lower-risk beyond visual line-of-sight (BVLOS)

The new regulations introduce a new pilot certification process for lower-risk BVLOS called Level 1 Complex Operations. To conduct lower-risk BVLOS, you must:

Be at least 18 years old
Pass the online exam for advanced and Level 1 Complex Operations
Complete at least 20 hours of ground school and successfully pass a flight review

Individuals, businesses, and organizations wishing to conduct BVLOS operations must have an RPAS Operator Certificate (RPOC). To obtain an RPOC, pilots, businesses, and organizations will be required to have policies and procedures in place that reflect the size and complexity of the operations they will carry out.

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