Drones and You — New Transport Canada Rules Now in Effect

Transport Canada’s updated RPAS (drone) regulations officially came into force on November 4, 2025. While these changes are aimed at commercial and advanced drone operators, they will increasingly affect the low-altitude airspace used by general aviation and homebuilt aircraft across Canada.

What’s New?

• Medium-size drones (25-150 kg) are now permitted to operate within visual line of sight (VLOS) under structured conditions.
• A new pilot certificate; Level 1 Complex Operations is required for lower-risk BVLOS, Extended VLOS (EVLOS), and certain automated flight profiles.
• Sheltered operations — flights close to buildings or structures — have been formally defined and approved within specific limits.
• The Drone Site Selection Tool 2 (DSST-2) has been updated to support these new categories and provide improved airspace planning data.
• Additional RPAS platforms now fall under expanded registration and authorization requirements.

Why GA Pilots Should Pay Attention

With these rules in force, drones — many larger and more capable than before — will increasingly appear in airspace traditionally used by light aircraft. Expect to see more RPAS activity around smaller aerodromes, local training circuits, and low-level utility or emergency-response corridors.

As BVLOS and EVLOS operations become more routine, airspace sharing between unmanned and manned aircraft becomes a daily reality. Situational awareness at low altitudes is now more important than ever.

Recommended Actions for EAA Canada Members

• Add Drone Zone or DSST-2 checks to your pre-flight planning.
• Review NOTAMs for RPAS-related advisories or temporary airspace restrictions.
• Brief your chapter members and visiting pilots on increased unmanned activity near your home field.
• Report unsafe drone behaviour through Transport Canada’s reporting portal — never confront operators directly.

Final Thoughts

Drones are now a permanent part of Canada’s aviation ecosystem. By incorporating RPAS awareness into our planning and flying routines, we help ensure that general aviation and homebuilt aircraft continue to operate safely in the shared airspace we all depend on.

Source: Transport Canada — RPAS Regulatory Update (October-November 2025).