Flying a Drone in Canada: The 2026 Starting Point

Start with aircraft weight

• Microdrone: less than 250 g. The small-drone certificate system generally does not apply, but reckless or negligent operation is prohibited.
• Small drone: 250 g through 25 kg. Registration and the applicable pilot certificate are normally required.
• Medium drone: over 25 kg through 150 kg. The expanded framework includes defined pathways for some operations.
• Large drone: over 150 kg remains outside ordinary small- and medium-drone pathways.

Pilot certificate levels

• Basic for qualifying lower-risk small-drone operations.
• Advanced for operations requiring the Advanced certificate and applicable aircraft safety assurance.
• Level 1 Complex for defined complex operations, including eligible lower-risk BVLOS work.

What changed

Canada introduced new rules for lower-risk BVLOS, EVLOS and sheltered operations, medium drones and the Level 1 Complex certificate. Microdrones at advertised events also require an SFOC.