Transport Canada’s new drone regulations, set to take effect in fall 2025, are poised to transform the drone industry by allowing more accessible long-distance flights. This shift marks a significant departure from the current case-by-case approval system for beyond visual line of sight (BVLOS) operations. Ian Wills, president of Coastal Drone in Langley, B.C., describes the changes as groundbreaking, noting, “The entire drone space is exploding.”
The updated rules will open up Canada’s skies to low-risk BVLOS missions, particularly in sparsely populated or remote areas. These changes are expected to benefit industries such as agriculture, public safety, and logistics, enabling large-scale drone deliveries, aerial inspections, and extensive mapping. For Canada’s remote communities, the regulations could mean improved access to critical services like medical supply deliveries.
Under the new framework, drone pilots must be certified, and their remotely piloted aircraft systems (RPAs) must be equipped with technology to detect and avoid air traffic. Drones will need to weigh under 150 kilograms and operate in uncontrolled airspace at low altitudes. These measures treat drones similarly to aircraft due to shared airspace risks.
Transport Canada’s Ryan Coates emphasizes the transformative potential of the regulations, noting that the previous approval process involved extensive paperwork and risk assessments, creating barriers for drone users. With advancements in technology, the department recognized the need for streamlined regulations to match industry capabilities.
The updated rules also reflect years of evolving drone technology and industry demands. Since Canada introduced its first RPA regulations in 2019, over 107,000 drone pilots have been certified, and nearly 100,000 RPAs registered. The earlier rules, designed to prevent mishaps in restricted airspace, are now being overhauled to support more advanced operations.
Experts like Glen Lynch, CEO of Volatus Aerospace, see vast potential in the changes. He envisions drones replacing traditional methods for tasks such as inspecting oil-and-gas facilities or targeting infected crops, all managed remotely.
Beyond industry, the updated BVLOS rules promise social impact. Dr. John Pawlovich, a rural health advocate, highlights the potential for drones to improve healthcare delivery in remote areas. His team’s pilot project successfully delivered medicine to Stellat’en First Nation in northern B.C., an initiative now easier to scale under the new regulations.
These updates signal a new era for Canada’s drone industry, balancing innovation with safety while addressing logistical challenges in remote areas.