Drone Zone

Drone Zone Issue 8 - June 2026

Table of Contents 

  • Notice of Proposed Amendment (NPA) 2026-005 RPAS: Remote Identification, Community-Based Organizations, and Designated Airspace
  • Drones are strictly prohibited in and around all FIFA World Cup 2026™ sites
  • RPA, RPAS and drone: what is the difference?
  • CAR 901.180 Training Provider Requirements – Flight Reviewers
  • Updated guidance on requirements for issuance of Foreign Special Flight Operations Certificates (SFOC-RPAS)
  • Publication of Advisory Circular (AC) No. 900-001 on RPAS Jurisdictional issues
  • Transport Canada wins a Seamless Skies award
  • Drone Pilot Certificates issued by province and territory
  • Drones by the numbers

Notice of Proposed Amendment (NPA) 2026-005 RPAS: Remote Identification, Community-Based Organizations, and Designated Airspace

On June 8, 2026, Transport Canada published a proposed regulatory amendment aimed at:

  1. Safely integrating the growing number of RPAS into Canadian airspace;
  2. Reducing the regulatory burden and applicability of Part IX for recreational RPAS organizations and their members; and
  3. Creating more suitable mechanisms for Transport Canada to manage RPAS airspace access and communicate airspace access rules for RPAS pilots and operators.

Access the NPA here: Notice of Proposed Amendment (NPA) 2026-005 RPAS: Remote Identification, Community-Based Organizations, and Designated Airspace.

The consultation period is open to the public until September 9, 2026. To submit your feedback on the Notice, please complete the official survey.

If you encounter any technical difficulties with the survey, you may submit your comments to TC.RPASINFO-INFOSATP.TC@tc.gc.ca, with the title of the NPA in the subject line.

We will be holding public information sessions on the NPA later in the summer. More information will be shared in a future edition of this newsletter.

Did you know? The Canadian Aviation Regulation Advisory Council (CARAC) helps Transport Canada consult with the public and civil aviation stakeholders on policy and regulatory initiatives related to the Canadian Aviation Regulations (CARs) and standards. Become a CARAC member to be notified when Transport Canada publishes proposed changes to the CARs and standards.

Drones are strictly prohibited in and around all FIFA World Cup 2026™ sites

Beginning on June 12, 2026, Toronto and Vancouver will host multiple matches of the FIFA World Cup 2026™. The event is one of the largest global sporting events and is expected to generate unprecedented demand on the civil aviation system, not only at major airports but also at the numerous regional airports and airspace sectors serving both metropolitan regions.

Drone pilots are advised that RPAS Restricted Airspace has been established in Toronto and Vancouver for the duration of the event. Airspace access is limited to approved military, police, and other RPAS providing direct support to FIFA World Cup 2026™.

Image of a bilingual advisory stating that Drones are strictly prohibited in and around all official FIFA World Cup 2026 sites.

English caption: Drones are strictly prohibited in and around all official FIFA World Cup 2026TM sites.

French caption: Les drones sont strictement interdits au-dessus et autour de tous les sites officiels de la Coupe du Monde de la FIFA 2026TM

RPA, RPAS and drone: what is the difference?

The terms remotely piloted aircraft (RPA), remotely piloted aircraft system (RPAS), and drone are often used interchangeably in everyday conversation and online; however, under the Canadian Aviation Regulations (CARs), they have specific differences.

  • A remotely piloted aircraft (RPA) is “a navigable aircraft, other than a balloon, rocket or kite, that is operated by a pilot who is not on board” (CAR 101.01(1)). It refers to the aircraft (i.e.: the flying vehicle controlled by a pilot who is not on board).

  • A remotely piloted aircraft system (RPAS) is a broader term than RPA. It refers to the RPA plus the complete set of elements that enable flight. It is defined as “a set of configurable elements consisting of a remotely piloted aircraft, its control station, the command and control links and any other system elements required during flight operation” (CAR 101.01(1)).

  • The word drone is not a regulatory term in Canada but is widely used in everyday speak. Wherever possible, Transport Canada uses the word “drone” as it is more plain language and easily understood by the public.

CAR 901.180 Training Provider Requirements – Flight Reviewers

According to CAR 901.180, self-declared training providers must ensure that any flight reviewers associated with their organization are conducting their flight reviews in accordance with CAR 901.181, which references section 921.06 of Standard 921.

TP 15395 Flight Reviewer’s Guide for Pilots of Remotely Piloted Aircraft Systems outlines recommended flight reviewer training, in the form of training assignments and practical observations of flight reviews. Training providers are encouraged to conduct initial and recurrent training with their flight reviewers to promote consistent application of Standard 921 and support ongoing competence.

Updated guidance on requirements for issuance of Foreign Special Flight Operations Certificates (SFOC-RPAS)

We recently updated our guidance on the issuance of Foreign Special Flight Operations Certificates for a remotely piloted aircraft system (SFOC-RPAS). For more information, please consult Get permission to fly a drone as a foreign pilot or operator.

For any SFOC-RPAS questions, please email TC.RPASCentre-CentreSATP.TC@tc.gc.ca.

Publication of Advisory Circular (AC) No. 900-001 on RPAS Jurisdictional issues

While the federal government has exclusive jurisdiction over aeronautics, issues surrounding the locations, procedures, and flight rules for RPAS operations may intersect with federal, provincial, territorial, and municipal legislation. Last month, AC 901-001: Jurisdictional Issues regarding Remotely Piloted Aircraft Systems (RPAS) Operation was published to improve stakeholder awareness of the implications of provincial, territorial, and municipal legislation related to activities including an RPA or overall operation of an RPAS. If you have suggestions for amendments to this document, please email TC.RPASINFO-INFOSATP.TC@tc.gc.ca.

Want to be notified when Transport Canada releases new and updated aviation documents and publications? Subscribe to our Civil Aviation e-Bulletin.

Transport Canada wins a Seamless Skies award

Last month at Airspace World in Lisbon, Portugal, Transport Canada was the recipient of the Seamless Skies Award in the category "Building the Lower Airspace Economy". Awarded jointly to Transport Canada, NAV CANADA, and Unifly, this award recognizes our work preparing lower airspace for the safe and secure integration of drones and new aircraft.

Drone Pilot Certificates issued by province and territory

We recently published Drone Pilot Certificate data issued by province and territory for the years 2019-2025. It will be updated for 2026 along with Transport Canada’s other aviation personnel licensing statistics.

Drones by the numbers

*Accurate as of June 10, 2026

  • Number of drones registered: 120,815
  • Number of Basic Pilot Certificates issued: 138,305
  • Number of Advanced Pilot Certificates issued: 22,290
  • Number of Level 1 Complex Pilot Certificates issued: 600
  • Number of active RPAS Operator Certificates (RPOCs): 550
  • Number of Flight Reviewers: 1,357
  • Number of self-declared Drone Flight Schools: 284 (includes 78 Level 1 Complex Training Providers)

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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