Drone Zone

Drone Zone Issue 2 - June 2025

Transport Canada SET Branch Newsletter

Table of Contents 

  • We’re back! 

  • ICYMI: New BVLOS and Medium RPAS Regulations 

  • Aviation Program Integration  

  • 16th Annual AEAC Student UAS Competition 2025 

  • New E-Bulletin Notifications for 900-Series Advisory Circulars (ACs) 

  • Reminding Training Providers about use of Transport Canada logo 

  • Drones by the numbers

We’re back! 

Thank you for your patience during our recent pause in newsletter communications. Due to the caretaker convention in effect during the federal election period, we temporarily paused our newsletter releases. You can learn more about this convention here. Now that the election period is over, you can expect to hear from us more regularly as we bring you updates and reminders from the RPAS Team.   

ICYMI: New Beyond visual line-of-sight (BVLOS) and Medium RPAS Regulations  

In case you missed it: Transport Canada has officially published new rules for lower-risk beyond visual line-of-sight (BVLOS) operations and medium remotely piloted aircraft systems (RPAS) in the Canada Gazette, Part II. The regulations were published on March 26, 2025, and come into force in two stages. 

Starting April 1, 2025, certification services and updated registration tools became available to help pilots and manufacturers prepare for operations under the new framework; however, you cannot start flying BVLOS, extended visual line-of-sight (EVLOS), or Sheltered Operations until November 4, 2025. Until then, a Special Flight Operations Certificate (SFOC) remains required. The new rules also introduce a Level 1 Complex Certificate, designed to certify pilots for lower-risk BVLOS operations, and an RPAS Operator Certificate (RPOC), which ensures that individuals, businesses, and organizations have the appropriate policies and procedures in place for conducting BVLOS flights with the level of complexity and risk appropriate to their operations.  

Full details can be found in the Canada Gazette, Part II.  For a summary, visit our Drone Safety website.  

Aviation Program Integration 

On April 1, 2025, Transport Canada’s Civil Aviation and Aviation Security programs integrated into a single program responsible for both aviation safety and security. The integration of the safety and security programs is part of Transport Canada’s commitment to being a more efficient and effective regulator. By bringing these functions together, we are strengthening our ability to adapt to emerging threats, evolving industry trends and needs, and future challenges. To support these goals, the RPAS Task Force has broadened its mandate and renamed the Strategy and Emerging Technologies (SET) Branch. Our commitment to working closely with stakeholders remains a priority, and you can expect the same level of service, engagement, and collaboration as before. Should there be any future adjustments, we will provide you with updates via this newsletter to keep you informed. We appreciate your ongoing collaboration, and we look forward to continuing to work together to keep the Canadian aviation ecosystem safe and secure.    

16th Annual Aerial Evolution Association of Canada Student UAS Competition 2025 

Three young men crouch on an outdoor drone landing pad, closely inspecting a multirotor drone. One holds a remote control, while another wears FPV goggles pushed up on his head. The scene demonstrates a focused teamwork and preparation for a drone flight.

The 16th Annual Student Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS) Competition, hosted by the Aerial Evolution Association of Canada (AEAC), took place in Medicine Hat, Alberta, from May 9–11, 2025. Held at the Len Young Memorial Field, the event brought university student teams from across Canada to showcase their drone prototypes in a wildfire response scenario, inspired by Canada’s record-breaking 2023 wildfire season. 

Participants responded to a simulated call from the Ministry of Forests seeking automated UAS solutions for small-scale wildfire detection and mitigation. Following a design proposal phase in January, teams competed in live flight demonstrations to test their systems in real-world conditions. 

Transport Canada’s RPAS Team supported the event by reviewing and approving Special Flight Operations Certificate (SFOC) applications. Additionally, one TC representative, Carlos Ruella, attended as a competition judge, contributing to both technical assessments and stakeholder engagement with the next generation of RPAS professionals.  

New E-Bulletin Notifications for 900-Series Advisory Circulars (ACs)   

Want to keep up to date with new and updated Advisory Circulars (ACs) related to drones? Transport Canada has provided the option to subscribe to an e-Bulletin for AC releases. If you want to receive an email when a new publication is made, enter your email address in the box at the bottom of this page, select “CAR 900 Series - Remotely Piloted Aircraft Systems” on the next page, then save. You can find all of TC’s other e-news options on this page as well should you choose to subscribe to any others.  

Reminding Training Providers about use of TC Logo   

We’d like to remind all training providers that the use of the Transport Canada logo and claims of being “certified” or “compliant” by Transport Canada are not permitted. This helps ensure a level playing field and avoids confusion among prospective students regarding endorsement or official affiliation. 

Training providers who have submitted a TP 15530 Self-Declaration are encouraged to review their promotional materials to ensure compliance. Thank you for your continued professionalism and cooperation in upholding these standards. 

If you have questions, please contact tc.rpasinfo-infosatp.tc@tc.gc.ca.  

Drones by the Numbers 

*Accurate as of May 26, 2025 

  • Number of drones registered: 111,362 

  • Number of Basic Pilot Certificates issued: 119,693 

  • Number of Advanced Pilot Certificates issued: 17,404 

  • Number of publicly self-declared Drone Flight Schools: 210 

 

Thank you for subscribing to the Drone Zone Newsletter! If you have any questions, please write to us at tc.rpasinfo-infosatp.tc@tc.gc.ca     
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