New RPAS “Drone” Regulations 2025

April 1st, 2025 heralded the much anticipated release of the expanded RPAS/Drone regulations allowing drone flights beyond visual line of sight (BVLOS). While the new privileges won’t kick in until November 4, 2025, most of the infrastructure to support the new capabilities was put in place.

Expanded Privileges for Advanced Pilot Certificates

As of November 4, 2025, the following drone operations will be permitted for pilots with a Pilot Certificate – Advanced Operations (either previously issued or new):

Sheltered Operations

Sheltered operations are flights with a small drone (>=250 g and <=25 kg) that are close to a structure, such as a building. To conduct sheltered operations, you must fly the drone:

• • More than 30 metres (100 feet) away from people not involved in the operation
  • No greater than 30 metres (100 feet) above the structure
  • Less than 61 metres (200 feet) horizontally from the structure

Extended Visual Line-of-Sight (EVLOS) Operations

EVLOS operations are short-range flights with a small drone, but where the drone is far away enough from the pilot that it cannot be seen by an unaided eye. To conduct EVLOS, you must:

• Remain in uncontrolled airspace
• Fly more than 30 metres (100 feet) away from people not involved in the operation
• Receive assistance from a trained Visual Observer (VO) holding an RPA pilot certificate (either Basic, Advanced or Complex)
• Fly the drone within 2 nautical miles (3.6 km) of yourself, the VO and the Control Station

Medium Drones Within Visual Line of Sight (VLOS)

To fly your medium drone (>25 kg and <=150 kg) within VLOS, the drone must be declared by the manufacturer as safe and able to perform the specific advanced operations that you want to conduct. You can fly medium drones in uncontrolled airspace or in controlled airspace with permission from air traffic control.

If you already hold a Pilot Certificate – Advanced Operations today, you do not need to re-apply for your certificate, however you do need to familiarize yourself with the new operating rules. And make sure you keep your certificate current!

New Restrictions

As of April 1st, 2025, a Special Flight Operations Certificate (SFOC) is required for flights of any drone, including micro drones (<250 g), at an advertised event

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
• Successfully pass a flight review

All lower-risk BVLOS operations must

• remain in uncontrolled airspace
• stay below 122 metres (400 feet)
• stay away from airports and aerodromes
• If you are flying a small or medium drone, you may operate at least 1 km away from a populated area.
• If you are flying a small drone, you may also operate over a sparsely populated area or less than 1 km from a populated area.

RPAS Operator Certificate

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.