Big changes in Canadian drone regulations as of today!

[rjwmorrell]

New rules came into effect as of today (April 1, 2025) that effects Canadian drone pilots. These are based on changes published in the Canada Gazette last month, and while some of the bigger changes happen in November, the main one that came into force today was that microdrones (under 250g) now require a Special Flight Operations Certificate (SFOC) when used at an advertised event.

Previously, microdrones fell outside of the SFOC requirement at advertised events, and only the small drones (250 g to 25 kg) required one. Also going live today, there is a new Level 1 Complex Operations Exam available for pilot certificate holders, who wish to undertake that category of operations when they come into effect in November. That category will allow some BVLOS and EVLOS operations.

Drone registrations fees also went up to $10 as of today.

There's a lot more, and I am still going over all the details, but some big news for Canadians.

 

[Chrislaf]

Will be checking out the new details too.

Chris

 

[Tofino]

Thanks for the info..

 

[ereisinger1906]

New rules came into effect as of today (April 1, 2025) that effects Canadian drone pilots. These are based on changes published in the Canada Gazette last month, and while some of the bigger changes happen in November, the main one that came into force today was that microdrones (under 250g) now require a Special Flight Operations Certificate (SFOC) when used at an advertised event.

Previously, microdrones fell outside of the SFOC requirement at advertised events, and only the small drones (250 g to 25 kg) required one. Also going live today, there is a new Level 1 Complex Operations Exam available for pilot certificate holders, who wish to undertake that category of operations when they come into effect in November. That category will allow some BVLOS and EVLOS operations.

Drone registrations fees also went up to $10 as of today.

There's a lot more, and I am still going over all the details, but some big news for Canadians.

Thanks for sharing that useful information. I’m a new pilot out of Ottawa.

 

[RedBaron2]

I had considered using my Mavic2 Pro in Canada. When I last checked, the basic requirements were prohibitive for US pilots. My Mini-2 is much more Canada-friendly. Thanks for the info.

 

[Dronecation]

New rules came into effect as of today (April 1, 2025) that effects Canadian drone pilots. These are based on changes published in the Canada Gazette last month, and while some of the bigger changes happen in November, the main one that came into force today was that microdrones (under 250g) now require a Special Flight Operations Certificate (SFOC) when used at an advertised event.

Previously, microdrones fell outside of the SFOC requirement at advertised events, and only the small drones (250 g to 25 kg) required one. Also going live today, there is a new Level 1 Complex Operations Exam available for pilot certificate holders, who wish to undertake that category of operations when they come into effect in November. That category will allow some BVLOS and EVLOS operations.

Drone registrations fees also went up to $10 as of today.

There's a lot more, and I am still going over all the details, but some big news for Canadians.

That new rule for the sub 250g drones is a real stinker. Totally unnecessary.
Video of interest for those who might be interested.

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