Drone Zone

Drone Zone Issue 4 - November 2025

Table of Contents

  • Canada’s expanded drone regulations have come-into-force!

  • Reminder: Recreational drone operators survey

  • Tips for safe drone operations during the Fall and Winter months

  • Drones by the numbers

Canada’s expanded drone regulations have come-into-force!

As of November 4, 2025, you can fly under Canada’s new drone rules once you have received the appropriate training and certification.

We encourage you to consult the following new and updated webpages:

If you have a question about the new regulations, please email TC.RPASINFO-INFOSATP.TC@tc.gc.ca.

If you have a question about applying for an SFOC-RPAS, please email TC.RPASCentre-CentreSATP.TC@tc.gc.ca.

Drone safety rules banner

Reminder: Recreational drone operators survey

Do you fly your drone primarily for fun? We want to hear from you!

Transport Canada is trying to determine how much recreational drone users know about Transport Canada’s work around drone safety. The results of this survey will help determine the impact of our drone safety programs and find areas that need to be improved. The survey can be found here: Recreational Drone Operators Survey.

The survey will remain open until 11:59 PM ET on November 21, 2025.

Thank you for taking the time to provide your feedback.

 

Tips for safe drone operations during the Fall and Winter months

Being aware of the weather conditions in and around your flying location is one of your key responsibilities as a drone pilot. With the seasons changing and Winter approaching, it’s time to review the icing, moisture, temperature, and other limitations for your drone to ensure you meet CARs 901.31 (Manufacturer’s Instructions), 901.34 (Minimum Weather Conditions), and 901.35 (Icing).

Manufacturer’s Instructions: Pilots must always operate their drone within the limits stated by your standard operating procedures and drone manufacturer’s environmental ratings, which are typically outlined in your drone’s manual (CAR 901.31). The weather conditions must not interfere with their ability to fly in accordance with the manufacturer’s declarations (CAR 901.34).

Icing: Under icing conditions, ice can build up extremely quickly on drone rotors, propellers and wings. Icing on these critical surfaces can have disastrous effects on the ability to control the drone due to increased weight, reduced lift, and increased drag. Drones are not permitted to fly with any ice or snow on the aircraft (CAR 901.35(2)), or into known/forecasted icing conditions, unless it is equipped with de-/anti-icing equipment and equipment designed to detect icing (CAR 901.35 (1)).

Temperature and wind: Extreme cold can interfere with pilots’ physical endurance and finger dexterity, potentially affecting their ability to adequately control the drone. Remember that windy conditions can make temperatures feel colder and make it challenging for the drone to maintain position. 

For more information on weather conditions, such as moisture, fog, and additional resources, see the section “The Environment – Whether to Fly or Not” in RPAS 101: A General Knowledge Guide for Canadian RPAS Pilots, developed jointly between Transport Canada and the Aerial Evolution Association of Canada (AEAC). Please note that the information in this publication is to be considered as guidance material only.

Drones by the numbers

*Accurate as of November 3, 2025

  • Number of drones registered: 115,728
  • Number of Basic Pilot Certificates issued: 127,328
  • Number of Advanced Pilot Certificates issued: 19,707
  • Number of RPAS Operator Certificates (RPOCs) issued: 318
  • Number of self-declared Drone Flight Schools: 261

Thank you for subscribing to the Drone Zone Newsletter! If you have any questions about this publication, please write to us at TC.RPASINFO-INFOSATP.TC@tc.gc.ca
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