Find out what we’re doing to support drone safety and promote innovation with international partners.
On this page
- International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO)
- Collaborating with international partners
- Joint Authorities for Rulemaking on Unmanned Systems (JARUS)
- Standards development organizations
International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO)
Canada is a member of the International Civil Aviation Organization. As a participant, we can learn from other countries’ experience regulating drones. Standards and recommended practices developed at ICAO help improve the safety of aircraft in Canada.
ICAO has established the RPAS Panel to develop guidelines for drone operations flying under instrument-flight-rules (IFR) from one airport to another. Future guidelines will cover all aspects of drone aviation to ensure that drones can operate safely in our aviation system and alongside other airspace users. Canada is participating in the RPAS panel to ensure that these guidelines meet the needs of Canadians and to advance aviation safety globally.
Collaborating with international partners
Canada’s drone industry is part of a broader aviation network, which requires collaboration to support innovation, and ensure the safety of our aviation system. Transport Canada works with other state civil aviation agencies from around the world to share information, align Canadian drone policy, and share best practices.
For example, Transport Canada has a strong relationship with the United States Federal Aviation Administration, and has signed a Memorandum of Understanding to share results of RPAS research, such as the effects of icing conditions on drones, given the Canadian climate. Transport Canada is also a participant in the FAA’s International Roundtable on RPAS research which brings together multiple civil aviation authorities and academic institutions from around the world to share information.
Joint Authorities for Rulemaking on Unmanned Systems (JARUS)
Canada is a member of the Joint Authorities for Rulemaking on Unmanned Systems and the organization’s co-chair for 2020-2021. JARUS members are representatives from national aviation authorities of over 50 countries and international organizations.
As a participant in JARUS sessions, we can stay up to date with global trends in drone regulation and technological development and adapt recommendations into Canada’s drone policy and regulations.
Standards development organizations
Transport Canada has also been participating with a range of standards development organizations to support emerging international requirements that will support the safe integration of aircraft into aviation systems.
The Radio Technical Commission for Aeronautics (RTCA) has been developing standards to support technical solutions required by future ICAO standards and recommended practices.
ASTM International, formerly known as the American Society for Testing and Materials, has been developing standards to support the type certification of large RPAS and is developing standards for drone traffic management services.