OC2509100001
TrainingHorizon
HighCloud Solutions Télépilotées
Guide

CAR Part IX… explained in plain language

A short guide to help you navigate Canadian drone (RPAS) rules—without replacing official regulations or flight training.

Transport Canada — Aviation (drones)CAR — Part IX (RPAS / drones) — consolidated official text (Justice Laws)Canadian Aviation Regulations (SOR/96-433) information page

This content is educational. Exact rules, exceptions, and updates are always on the Transport Canada website and in the consolidated regulations. For a real mission, check official sources or a certified training provider.

What is “Part IX”?

The Canadian Aviation Regulations (CAR) are the main federal aviation rules in Canada. They are organized in parts. Part IX covers remotely piloted aircraft systems—in everyday language, drones operated under regulatory requirements (often called RPAS).

If you fly a drone for more than casual recreation—or beyond certain thresholds—you usually enter this framework: pilot certificate, aircraft registration, airspace rules, and more.

Why does it exist?

The goal is to reduce risks to people on the ground, other airspace users (airplanes, helicopters), and property—while enabling professional use cases with clear rules.

The pilot: basic vs advanced certificate

For small remotely piloted aircraft operated beyond casual recreation, Transport Canada sets two pilot competency tiers (before Level 1 complex operations). Do not treat them as interchangeable “options”: they align with different operation types.

Certificate — basic operations (VLOS)

The pilot certificate — small remotely piloted aircraft (VLOS) — basic operations is issued after you pass an online knowledge exam (aligned with TP 15263). It authorizes “basic” operations: generally VLOS in less demanding conditions—outside controlled airspace, respecting regulatory stand-off from aerodromes, and the altitude and lateral distance limits that apply to this tier. It does not authorize controlled airspace or the closer-to-people scenarios that fall under the advanced framework.

Certificate — advanced operations

The pilot certificate — remotely piloted aircraft — advanced operations requires a supervised exam and recurrent knowledge requirements. It matches the “advanced” operations listed in the CAR—for example controlled airspace (with required authorizations such as NAV Drone), and regulatory proximity to non-participants—provided the scenario is permitted, the aircraft has a manufacturer declaration / Standard 922 compliance when required, and the operating structure (ROC, procedures) is compliant.

Micro drones (often: under 250 g)

In everyday language, a “micro drone” is often an aircraft with an operating weight under 250 g. Several CAR provisions hinge on “250 g or more” (registration, CAR 900.13; commercial air service, CAR 900.09). The basic/advanced pilot certificates described in CAR 901.55 et seq. are tied to TP 15263 for systems from 250 g up to and including 150 kg—that is not the same regulatory package as for aircraft strictly under 250 g alone. Always check the drone portal and the consolidated CAR. A dedicated section below expands on the details.

These certificates focus on the “small remotely piloted aircraft” defined in the CAR (and the weight band covered by official training such as TP 15263). Which tier you need depends on operation type, airspace, aircraft weight, and the documentation required for your configuration.

The aircraft: marking and registration

RPAS operated under Part IX must follow Transport Canada registration and marking rules (by category, weight, and use). The 250 g threshold is key to whether registration applies in your case. Details (label, number, renewal) are on the official drone portal.

Micro drones: rules and explanations

Operating weight and use (recreation, work, research, etc.) often determine which requirements apply. The following summarizes common expectations for very light aircraft—the consolidated CAR and Transport Canada remain the authority.

The 250 g threshold

People often call a “micro drone” a small remotely piloted aircraft with an operating weight under 250 g (0.55 lb). That marker appears in several Part IX provisions—for example, registration is required for a system that includes an aircraft of 250 g or more (section 900.13), except narrow cases such as certain operations under a special flight operations certificate.

Registration

CAR 900.13 generally requires the small remotely piloted aircraft to be registered when its operating weight is 250 g or more (except narrow cases such as certain operations under a special flight operations certificate). Below 250 g, that registration duty under 900.13 does not apply in the same way—that is not a blanket “no rules” pass: other requirements (operators, special operations, restrictions, specific scenarios) may still apply.

Pilot certificate

In the CAR text, issuance of basic/advanced pilot certificates (e.g., CAR 901.55, 901.64) is tied to TP 15263 for remotely piloted aircraft systems from 250 g up to and including 150 kg. In other words, that block of provisions is not what automatically imposes the “same” theoretical certificate as for 250 g–150 kg aircraft when you are strictly under 250 g. For micro drones, Transport Canada instead describes dedicated safety rules and the prohibition of careless or reckless operation (e.g., CAR 900.06); the leisure/work split you may see on public pages for heavier drones does not map one‑for‑one onto this legal structure to mandate a certificate under 250 g. Paid activity can still trigger other obligations (operator, SFOC, advertised events, municipalities). Always check the consolidated regulations and official TC guidance.

Two goals behind the rules (and why “showing compliance” can be demanding)

Behind the detailed sections, Canadian drone rules ultimately pursue two complementary objectives—including for micro drones. Stated as two short rules, they still leave wide room for judgment: “not putting … at risk” is rarely a simple yes/no checkbox; it is often a reasonableness call based on context, available information, and what a third party may second-guess later.

  • 1. Do not put airspace at risk

    Avoid hazards to other air traffic and to how airspace is managed: other aircraft, regulated areas, controlled-airspace authorization when required, NOTAMs, and related flight rules. In practice, risk is not always binary: it depends on traffic at the time, NOTAMs, visibility, terrain, and sometimes traffic you never saw. Showing after the fact that airspace was not endangered can take far more than an “uneventful” flight—briefing notes, maps, documented decisions—because what was acceptable in the moment can be disputed.

  • 2. Do not put people on the ground at risk

    Protect the public and property: stand-off distances and altitude, flying over people (or not), context such as events and crowds—according to the operation tier that applies. Here too, “risk” invites interpretation: what counts as enough stand-off? a flyover seen as acceptable versus intrusive? a crowd “moderate” or already too dense? What felt prudent on site may be challenged later (witnesses, video, insurance, event organizers). Compliance is therefore not just a number on a chart—it can be hard to prove without preparation, risk assessment, and a record of decisions taken.

In short: two clear headlines, but a huge grey zone for edge cases and disagreement about what was “reasonable.” With a micro drone, demonstrating this is often harder still: short flight, small aircraft, fast-changing environment, little performance margin. That is why professional or adversarial settings often demand documentation that goes beyond “we followed the rules” and explains how airspace and ground risks were identified and managed at the time of the operation.

Safety rules that still apply

A micro drone is still an aircraft: even without registration under 900.13 (under 250 g), safety rules and the prohibition of careless or reckless operation (e.g., CAR 900.06) still matter. In practice, you will usually need to:

  • fly visual line-of-sight (VLOS), unless another authorized framework applies;
  • respect altitude, lateral distance, and “over people” restrictions for your operation type (events, crowds, etc.);
  • consider aerodromes, controlled/restricted airspace, and NOTAMs;
  • respect privacy and any applicable local rules (parks, municipalities, private property).

Paid work and commercial air service

CAR 900.09 targets, among other things, using an aircraft of 250 g or more for a commercial air service (link to a Canadian operator, with exceptions in subsections (2) and (3)). Below 250 g, subsection (1)’s weight test does not apply the same way; paid activity can still involve other requirements (operator structure, SFOC, local rules, etc.) without automatically assuming you need the 250 g–150 kg pilot certificate pathway in CAR 901.55 et seq. Do not confuse that with registration either (900.13, 250 g or more).

Exact stand-off distances from aerodromes and people, and exceptions, are in the official text and TC guidance; they differ between basic and advanced operations. For a real mission, validate the exact scenario.

Cross-check the CAR (e.g., 900.09, 900.13, 901.02–901.27) and Transport Canada pages on pilot certification and drone registration.

Basic vs advanced operations (big picture)

“Basic” and “advanced” operations line up with the certificates of the same name: with a basic certificate alone you remain within basic operations; for a CAR “advanced” scenario you need the advanced certificate and, depending on the case, aircraft declaration, airspace authorizations, and a suitable operating structure.

This is not a marketing choice: legal requirements and flight conditions determine what you may do.

Complex operations — Level 1 (the third tier)

In addition to basic and advanced pilot certification, Transport Canada introduced a third tier: the Level 1 complex operations certificate. It is defined in Standard 921 and allows certain BVLOS (beyond visual line-of-sight) operations within a narrow framework, without an SFOC, provided all of the following conditions are met:

ConditionRequirement
AirspaceUncontrolled (Class G) only
AltitudeBelow 400 ft AGL
Distance from an aerodromeMore than 9.3 km (5 NM)
PilotComplex operations Level 1 certificate (Standard 921)
AircraftManufacturer declaration compliant with Standard 922
Operational structureValid ROC, SOPs, documented operational control
Population densityAlso a factor to consider (inhabitants/km²): the operation matrices in Standards 921 and 922 spell out which density thresholds keep a Level 1 scenario acceptable versus when other measures (e.g. an SFOC) are required.

If any one of these conditions is not met—controlled airspace, proximity to an aerodrome, higher altitude—an SFOC is required again.

Level 1 therefore does not replace an SFOC for all BVLOS situations: it only exempts you within this tightly bounded framework. For everything else, applying to Transport Canada for an SFOC remains the appropriate path.

CAR reference: 901.87 et seq., 903.03 · Standards: 921, 922

ROC — RPAS operator certificate

The ROC (RPAS operator certificate) is issued by Transport Canada to the organization—not to an individual pilot. It shows that the company or entity has a complete operational structure aligned with the CAR: standardized procedures (SOPs), documented risk management, records, clearly defined roles (PIC, visual observers, accountable executive), quality assurance, and mechanisms to maintain competency.

When is it required?

  • For advanced operations conducted under an organizational structure
  • For Level 1 complex operations
  • For any operation that requires an SFOC
  • When multiple pilots operate under the same entity

How to tell them apart

PilotROCSFOC
Applies toIndividualOrganizationSpecific operation
Issued byTransport CanadaTransport CanadaTransport Canada
DurationOngoing (with recurrent requirements)ContinuousTime-limited / scoped
Required forAll regulated flyingAdvanced / Level 1 complex operationsExemptions and BVLOS outside Level 1

Building your own ROC: a significant investment

Establishing and maintaining a compliant operational structure is a real investment: writing SOPs, implementing an SMS framework, designating an accountable executive, ongoing operational documentation, maintenance records, internal audits. For many operators, that burden is heavy relative to flight volume.

The alternative — HighCloud’s CICAR program

HighCloud developed the CICAR program for exactly this challenge. Partner pilots and companies can operate under HighCloud’s ROC with access to our full operational structure—procedures, records, operational control, traceability through the Horizon platform—at lower cost. You keep your corporate independence while operating in a CAR-compliant framework without building that entire infrastructure yourself.

Learn about the CICAR program

CAR reference: 901.69, 901.87, 901.194

Standard 921 — remotely piloted aircraft (pilots and training)

Standard 921 sets out Transport Canada’s expectations for pilot certificates (basic, advanced, and complex Level 1 operations): minimum exam scores, reference material (e.g. TP 15263, TP 15530), flight reviews, and flight reviewer qualifications. The CAR cross-references it for several Part IX provisions (e.g. 901.55, 901.64, 901.90).

It also covers recurrent knowledge requirements and rules for self-declared training providers. Read it when preparing for an exam or flight review, or when structuring RPAS training offerings.

Transport Canada — Standard 921 (remotely piloted aircraft)

Standard 922 — RPAS safety assurance

Standard 922 is the key technical standard for RPAS safety assurance. It complements CAR Part IX by spelling out detailed technical requirements that the regulations themselves do not fully describe. It is commonly referenced at CAR 901.69, 901.87, and 901.194.

What it covers in practice

  1. 1. Operation matricesStandard 922 sets out matrices that define permitted scenarios based on combined factors: aircraft type, take-off weight, airspace, mission type (VLOS, BVLOS, over people, etc.). It is the reference for knowing whether a given configuration is acceptable as-is or needs a declaration, an acceptance letter, or an SFOC.
  2. 2. Manufacturer declarationFor advanced or complex operations, the manufacturer must have submitted to Transport Canada a declaration showing the aircraft meets Standard 922. Without that declaration, the aircraft cannot be used in those scenarios, regardless of pilot certification.
  3. 3. Acceptance letterIn some cases—notably Level 1 complex operations or non-standard configurations—a Transport Canada acceptance letter is required in addition to the manufacturer declaration. It formalizes TC approval for the specific operational scenario.
  4. 4. DAA (detect and avoid) requirementsStandard 922 sets minimum detect-and-avoid requirements for other aircraft. In VLOS, the pilot maintains visual separation. In BVLOS, that duty shifts to the system—DAA becomes the technological equivalent of the pilot’s visual scan.

What is DAA?

DAA (detect and avoid) is the RPAS capability to detect other aircraft in the operating airspace and take avoiding action without the pilot seeing the traffic. Standard 922 specifies requirements by operation type and airspace.

Examples of DAA technologies:

  • ADS-B In — receiving transponder signals from nearby aircraft
  • Onboard radar — active detection of obstacles and aircraft
  • Electro-optical / infrared — camera-based detection and image processing
  • Acoustic systems — detection by sound signature

In BVLOS, losing visual contact with the aircraft is not just a practical constraint—it is a fundamental change in the safety model. DAA is the regulatory and technical response to that shift.

Standard 923 — visual observer and section 922.10 (vision-based DAA)

Standard 923 is relevant, but the CAR wording matters: it is not a blanket swap of all technological DAA for an observer. CAR 901.95(2) sets a narrow exception for operations under the applicable Division: a pilot may operate without a declaration covering the technical requirements in section 922.10 of Standard 922 only if a visual observer maintains unaided sufficient visual contact with the airspace to detect conflicting traffic and hazards and take avoiding action, and the operation is conducted in accordance with Standard 923 (Vision-Based Detect and Avoid). Other Standard 922 requirements that apply to the operation generally still apply; Standard 923 defines the functions, qualifications, and limits of this vision-based pathway. Confirm against the consolidated regulations and the exact scenario.

Without this clarification, it is easy to assume an “observer on site” is enough while the pilot and control station stay somewhere else. Vision-based detect and avoid expects one coherent setup: the pilot and control station must be part of the designated operation site or area (the CAR uses the same idea for extended VLOS—pilot and control station at the site set aside for take-off, launch, landing or recovery under CAR 901.74), not flying from a remote location disconnected from the flight volume and the observer. Exact distances, positioning, and procedures are in Standard 923 and must be followed as written.

CAR 901.95(2) · Standard 923 (TC) — pilot/control station site: see also CAR 901.74 (extended VLOS)

Transport Canada — Standard 923 (vision-based detect and avoid)

Link to the ROC and Level 1 complex operations

Compliance with Standard 922 is essential for Level 1 complex operations: the aircraft must have a valid manufacturer declaration, and the operator’s organizational structure (ROC) must document how Standard 922 requirements are maintained in real operations.

Reference: Standard 922 (TC), CAR 901.69, 901.87, 901.194

Transport Canada — Standard 922 (RPAS safety assurance)

Principles you will see again and again

  • Respect altitude and distance limits for your operation type.
  • Keep visual contact with the aircraft (unless a specific framework says otherwise).
  • Do not endanger people or other aircraft; adapt to weather and terrain.
  • Account for restricted areas (NOTAMs, controlled airspace, events, etc.).

In Quebec you often hear “SATP” for regulated drone operations; elsewhere in Canada “RPAS” is common. Both refer to remotely piloted aircraft systems.

What this page does not replace

  • The full text of the CAR and official guidance.
  • A flight authorization or mission-specific assessment.
  • An operator’s internal procedures (operations manual, SMS, etc.).

Official sources (check these first)

Drone portal, exams, registration, safety reminders.

Transport Canada portals and tools

Regulations, manual and standards

Flight authorizations

Reference sheet — Drones and aerodromes

HighCloud Solutions Télépilotées Inc.

450-915-1188info@highcloud.ca
Summary of essential rules for drone use near Canadian aerodromes under CAR Part IX and the Transport Canada AIM. Intended for certified pilots and organizations conducting professional RPAS operations.

1. Minimum operating distances

Measured from the aerodrome centre. Any deviation requires an established procedure or an SFOC.

Aerodrome typeVLOS distanceBVLOS distanceCAR reference
Certified airport (CFS “Cert”)5.6 km (3 NM)9.3 km (5 NM)901.46 (a)
Certified heliport (CFS “Cert”)1.9 km (1 NM)9.3 km (5 NM)901.46 (b)
Military aerodrome (DND)DND authorization < 5.6 kmSFOC required901.46 (d) / 903.03
Uncertified aerodromeNo minimum distance prescribed (avoid the traffic circuit)SFOC required901.47 / 903.03 (see note)

2. Operation categories and conditions

CategoryAirspaceMain conditionsCAR references
Basic operationsUncontrolled (Class G)• Beyond 5.6 km of a certified airport • 30 m (100 ft) from bystanders minimum • Never fly over bystanders • Basic certificate required901.61, 901.62 (a)(b)(c), 901.63
Advanced operations (< 5.6 km certified airport, uncontrolled)Uncontrolled (Class G)• Advanced certificate required • Airport established procedure OR AIM 3.4.5 procedure • Notify the airport before operations • Manufacturer declaration (Standard 922)901.69, 901.70, 901.71, 901.74
Advanced operations (controlled airspace)Controlled (Class C, D, E)• Advanced certificate + manufacturer declaration • Nav Canada authorization via NAV Drone • Maintain ATC radio contact at all times901.69, 901.72, 901.75
BVLOSControlled or uncontrolled• SFOC required (except Level 1 complex operations) • Level 1 complex: uncontrolled, < 400 ft AGL, > 9.3 km from an aerodrome903.03, 901.87 et seq.

3. Procedure — Certified airport in uncontrolled airspace

Reference: AIM ATP 3.4.5 · CAR 901.46

Applies to VLOS operations within 3 NM of a certified airport or 1 NM of a certified heliport, in Class G (uncontrolled) airspace.

#Before flightDuring and after
1Check whether an established procedure exists. Consult the CFS or contact the airport. If one exists → follow it. If none → apply AIM 3.4.5.Announce on MF/ATF frequency: position, altitude, operating area and expected duration.
2Certified airport: notify the airport (phone or radio) before starting. Uncertified aerodrome: the CAR does not require prior notice — HighCloud still recommends doing so as a courtesy and for shared airspace safety.Continuous radio monitoring on MF/ATF for the whole operation.
3Check active NOTAMs via the Nav Canada portal or the NAV Drone app.Yield immediately to all manned aircraft. Absolute priority — no exceptions. (CAR 901.42)
4Confirm airspace class with the NRC tool. Ensure you hold an advanced certificate.Never enter the established traffic circuit (CAR 901.47). Announce end of operation on frequency.

4. Critical points

Critical points to remember

  • Uncontrolled aerodrome ≠ unregulated airspace. Minimum distances still apply.
  • Flight < 3 NM from an uncertified controlled airport: follow the airport’s established procedure first. If none exists, apply AIM 3.4.5 after notifying the airport.
  • Uncertified aerodrome: no prescribed minimum distance and the CAR does not require prior notice (CAR 901.47). HighCloud still recommends notifying the aerodrome as a courtesy.
  • Even small drones may require an SFOC for restricted airspace or announced events (CAR 903.03).
  • Fines: up to $1,000 — and up to $5,000 if the safety of an aircraft or person is compromised (CAR 901.07).

5. Key regulatory references

Article / sourceDescriptionContext
CAR 901.46Minimum distances from certified airport or heliportAll VLOS operations
CAR 901.47Must not disrupt traffic circuit of an aerodrome listed in the CFSCertified or uncertified aerodrome
CAR 901.61–901.65Basic operations rules (certificate, registration, distance from bystanders)Basic operations
CAR 901.69–901.76Advanced operations (controlled airspace, bystanders, manufacturer declaration)Advanced operations
CAR 901.87 et seq.Level 1 complex operations (BVLOS without SFOC under conditions)BVLOS — Level 1
CAR 903.03Special flight operations certificate (SFOC) — issuance conditionsSpecial operations / BVLOS
TC AIM — ATP 3.4.5Established procedure: VLOS within 3 NM of a certified airport in uncontrolled airspaceUncontrolled airspace context
TC AIM — ATP 3.2.35General rules: vicinity of aerodrome, airport or heliportAll operations
Canada Flight Supplement (CFS)Certification status, MF/ATF frequencies, local proceduresPlanning

For information only. Always confirm against official Transport Canada publications in force at the time of operation.

HighCloud Solutions Télépilotées Inc. | 450-915-1188 | info@highcloud.ca

Article-by-article index (CAR Part IX)

Each Part IX section published in the Canada Gazette, Part II is listed below with the full consolidated text from Justice Laws (header/footer noise removed) and links to the French and English section pages.

The text shown is the consolidated section as prepared for this page (without trailing “table of contents” blocks). If anything differs, the Justice website is authoritative. “Reserved” entries do not yet contain regulatory text at that slot.

On desktop, hover a card to see a plain-language interpretation. On touch screens, use the help icon next to the section number. Key regulatory terms are highlighted in colour.

900.01 to 900.20 — Definitions, general application and registration

  • 900.01
    Official text (FR)Official text (EN)

    The following definitions apply in this Part.

    advertised event
    means an outdoor event that is advertised to the general public, including a concert, festival, market or sporting event. ( événement annoncé )
    autonomous
    [Repealed, SOR/2025-70, s. 43]
    BVLOS
    means beyond visual line-of-sight. ( BVLOS )
    BVLOS operation
    means an operation of a remotely piloted aircraft that is not in visual line-of-sight, but does not include an extended VLOS operation or a sheltered operation. ( opération en BVLOS )
    command and control link
    [Repealed, SOR/2025-70, s. 43]
    contingency procedures
    means the procedures to be followed to address conditions that could lead to an unsafe situation. ( procédure de contingence )
    contingency volume
    means the area immediately surrounding the flight geography within which contingency procedures are intended to be used to return a remotely piloted aircraft to the flight geography or safely terminate the flight. ( volume de contingence )
    control station
    [Repealed, SOR/2025-70, s. 43]
    detect and avoid functions
    [Repealed, SOR/2025-70, s. 43]
    extended VLOS operation
    means an operation of a remotely piloted aircraft that is not in visual line-of-sight but during which unaided visual contact is maintained with the airspace in which the aircraft is operating in a manner sufficient to detect conflicting air traffic and other hazards and take action to avoid them. ( opération en VLOS prolongée )
    first-person view device
    [Repealed, SOR/2025-70, s. 43]
    flight geography
    means the area within which a remotely piloted aircraft is intended to fly for a specific operation. ( géographie de vol )
    flight termination system
    [Repealed, SOR/2025-70, s. 43]
    fly-away
    means, in respect of a remotely piloted aircraft, an interruption or loss of the command and control link such that the pilot is no longer able to control the aircraft and the aircraft no longer follows its preprogrammed procedures or operates in a predictable or planned manner. ( dérive )
    ground risk buffer
    means the area immediately surrounding the contingency volume that, when measured horizontally from the perimeter of the contingency volume, is at least equal to the planned maximum altitude of the remotely piloted aircraft for the flight. ( tampon de risque au sol )
    mandatory action
    means the inspection, repair or modification of a remotely piloted aircraft system that is necessary to prevent an unsafe or potentially unsafe condition. ( mesure obligatoire )
    medium remotely piloted aircraft
    means a remotely piloted aircraft that has an operating weight of more than 25 kg (55 pounds) but not more than 150 kg (331 pounds). ( aéronef télépiloté moyen )
    operating weight
    means the weight of a remotely piloted aircraft at any point during a flight, including any payload and any safety equipment that is on board or otherwise connected to the aircraft. ( masse opérationnelle )
    operational volume
    means the area that is composed of the flight geography, contingency volume and ground risk buffer. ( volume opérationnel )
    payload
    means a system, object or collection of objects, including a slung load, that is on board or is otherwise connected to a remotely piloted aircraft but that is not required for flight. ( charge utile )
    populated area
    means an area with more than five people per square kilometre. ( zone peuplée )
    RPAS ground school instruction
    means instructor-led training given to one or more persons, delivered in-person or virtually, and provided through an organized program of lectures, homework or self-paced study. ( instruction théorique au sol pour les SATP )
    RPAS operations manual
    means the manual established by an RPAS operator under section 901.217. ( manuel d’exploitation de SATP )
    RPAS operator
    means the holder of an RPAS operator certificate. ( exploitant de SATP )
    RPAS operator certificate
    means a certificate issued under section 901.214. ( certificat d’exploitation de SATP )
    sheltered operation
    means an operation of a remotely piloted aircraft that is not in visual line-of-sight and during which the aircraft remains at a distance of less than 200 feet (61 m), measured horizontally, from a building or structure and at an altitude no greater than 100 feet (30 m) above that building or structure. ( opération protégée )
    small remotely piloted aircraft
    means a remotely piloted aircraft that has an operating weight of at least 250 g (0.55 pounds) but not more than 25 kg (55 pounds). ( petit aéronef télépiloté )
    sparsely populated area
    means an area with more than 5 but not more than 25 people per square kilometre. ( zone peu densément peuplée )
    Standard 922
    means Standard 922 — RPAS Safety Assurance , published by the Department of Transport. ( norme 922 )
    visual line-of-sight
    or VLOS means unaided visual contact maintained with a remotely piloted aircraft in a manner sufficient to maintain control of the aircraft, know its location and scan the airspace in which it is operating in order to detect conflicting air traffic and other hazards and take action to avoid them. ( visibilité directe ou VLOS )
    visual observer
    means a crew member who is trained to assist the pilot in ensuring the safe conduct of a flight. ( observateur visuel )
    VLOS operation
    means an operation of a remotely piloted aircraft in visual line-of-sight. ( opération en VLOS )
    Water Aerodrome Supplement
    has the same meaning as in section 300.01. ( Supplément hydroaérodromes )

    SOR/2019-11, s. 23 SOR/2025-70, s. 43

    Previous Version

  • 900.02
    Official text (FR)Official text (EN)

    This Part applies in respect of the operation of remotely piloted aircraft systems.

    SOR/2019-11, s. 23

    Previous Version

    Visual summary (regulatory detail)

    Diagram or visual excerpt to support reading this section. The official text (links above) remains authoritative.

    Download (PNG)Open in new tab
  • 900.03Reserved
    Official text (FR)Official text (EN)

    Reserved section: no regulatory text is published at this slot yet. Still check the official link in case the consolidated version has been updated.

  • 900.06
    Official text (FR)Official text (EN)

    No person shall operate a remotely piloted aircraft system in such a reckless or negligent manner as to endanger or be likely to endanger aviation safety or the safety of any person.

    SOR/2019-11, s. 23

    Visual summary (regulatory detail)

    Diagram or visual excerpt to support reading this section. The official text (links above) remains authoritative.

    Download (PNG)Open in new tab
  • 900.07
    Official text (FR)Official text (EN)

    A person who operates a remotely piloted aircraft shall ensure that the appropriate ATS unit or user agency is notified immediately any time the aircraft is no longer under the person’s control and inadvertently enters or is likely to enter into Class F Special Use Restricted airspace, as specified in the Designated Airspace Handbook .

    SOR/2025-70, s. 47 SOR/2025-226, s. 24

    Previous Version

    Visual summary (regulatory detail)

    Diagram or visual excerpt to support reading this section. The official text (links above) remains authoritative.

    Download (PNG)Open in new tab
  • 900.08
    Official text (FR)Official text (EN)

    (1) No person shall operate a remotely piloted aircraft over or within the security perimeter established by a public authority in response to an emergency.

    (2) Subsection (1) does not apply to the operation of a remotely piloted aircraft for the purpose of an operation to save human life, a police operation, a fire-fighting operation or any other operation that is conducted in the service of a public authority.

    SOR/2025-70, s. 47

    Visual summary (regulatory detail)

    Diagram or visual excerpt to support reading this section. The official text (links above) remains authoritative.

    Download (PNG)Open in new tab
  • 900.09
    Official text (FR)Official text (EN)

    (1) Subject to subsections (2) and (3), no person shall operate a remotely piloted aircraft having an operating weight of 250 g (0.55 pounds) or more to provide a commercial air service unless that person is Canadian or an employee, an agent or mandatary or a representative of an RPAS operator.

    (2) A person who does not meet the criteria referred to in subsection (1) may operate a remotely piloted aircraft to provide a specialty air service if

    (a) they are a citizen, permanent resident or corporation of a foreign state with which Canada has entered into a free trade agreement that Canada has implemented and under which the operation is authorized; and

    (b) the operation is conducted in accordance with a special flight operations certificate — RPAS issued under section 903.03.

    (3) A person that does not meet the criteria referred to in subsection (1) may operate a remotely piloted aircraft to provide an air transport service if the person holds a licence issued under section 61 of the Canada Transportation Act .

    SOR/2025-70, s. 47

    Visual summary (regulatory detail)

    Diagram or visual excerpt to support reading this section. The official text (links above) remains authoritative.

    Download (PNG)Open in new tab
  • 900.13
    Official text (FR)Official text (EN)

    (1) Subject to subsection (2), no person shall operate a remotely piloted aircraft system that includes a remotely piloted aircraft having an operating weight of 250 g (0.55 pounds) or more unless the remotely piloted aircraft is registered in accordance with this Division.

    (2) A person may operate a remotely piloted aircraft system that includes a remotely piloted aircraft that is not registered in accordance with this Division if the operation is conducted in accordance with a special flight operations certificate — RPAS issued under section 903.03.

    SOR/2025-70, s. 47

    Visual summary (regulatory detail)

    Diagram or visual excerpt to support reading this section. The official text (links above) remains authoritative.

    Download (PNG)Open in new tab
  • 900.14
    Official text (FR)Official text (EN)

    No pilot shall operate a remotely piloted aircraft system unless the registration number referred to in paragraph 900.16(3)(a) is clearly visible on the remotely piloted aircraft.

    SOR/2025-70, s. 47

    Visual summary (regulatory detail)

    Diagram or visual excerpt to support reading this section. The official text (links above) remains authoritative.

    Download (PNG)Open in new tab
  • 900.15
    Official text (FR)Official text (EN)

    (1) Subject to subsection (2), a person is qualified to be the registered owner of a remotely piloted aircraft if they are

    (a) a Canadian citizen or permanent resident of Canada;

    (b) a corporation or entity that is incorporated or formed under the laws of Canada or a province; or

    (c) a government in Canada or an agent or mandatary of such a government.

    (2) No individual is qualified to be the registered owner of a remotely piloted aircraft unless that individual is at least 14 years of age.

    SOR/2025-70, s. 47

    Visual summary (regulatory detail)

    Diagram or visual excerpt to support reading this section. The official text (links above) remains authoritative.

    Download (PNG)Open in new tab
  • 900.16
    Official text (FR)Official text (EN)

    (1) The Minister shall, on receipt of an application, register a remotely piloted aircraft if the applicant is qualified to be the registered owner of the aircraft.

    (2) The application shall include the following information:

    (a) if the applicant is an individual,

    (i) the applicant’s name and address,

    (ii) the applicant’s date of birth, and

    (iii) an indication as to whether the applicant is a Canadian citizen or permanent resident of Canada;

    (b) if the applicant is a corporation or entity that is incorporated or formed under the laws of Canada or a province,

    (i) the corporation’s or entity’s legal name and address,

    (ii) the name and title of the person making the application, and

    (iii) the business number assigned to the corporation or entity by the Minister of National Revenue, if any;

    (c) if the applicant is His Majesty in right of Canada or a province,

    (i) the name of the government body, and

    (ii) the name and title of the person making the application;

    (d) an indication as to whether the aircraft was purchased or built by the applicant;

    (e) the date of purchase of the aircraft by the applicant, if applicable;

    (f) the manufacturer and model of the aircraft, if applicable;

    (g) the serial number of the aircraft, if applicable;

    (h) the category of aircraft, such as a fixed-wing aircraft, rotary-wing aircraft, hybrid aircraft or lighter-than-air aircraft; and

    (i) any Canadian registration number previously issued in respect of the aircraft.

    (3) On registering the remotely piloted aircraft, the Minister shall issue to the registered owner of the aircraft a certificate of registration that includes

    (a) a registration number;

    (b) the name and address of the registered owner; and

    (c) the serial number of the aircraft, if applicable.

    SOR/2025-70, s. 47

    Visual summary (regulatory detail)

    Diagram or visual excerpt to support reading this section. The official text (links above) remains authoritative.

    Download (PNG)Open in new tab
  • 900.17
    Official text (FR)Official text (EN)

    The Minister shall establish and maintain a register of remotely piloted aircraft in which there shall be entered, in respect of each aircraft for which a certificate of registration has been issued under section 900.16,

    (a) the name and address of the registered owner;

    (b) the registration number referred to in paragraph 900.16(3)(a); and

    (c) any other particulars concerning the aircraft that the Minister determines necessary for the registration of the remotely piloted aircraft.

    SOR/2025-70, s. 47

    Visual summary (regulatory detail)

    Diagram or visual excerpt to support reading this section. The official text (links above) remains authoritative.

    Download (PNG)Open in new tab
  • 900.18
    Official text (FR)Official text (EN)

    (1) A registered owner of a remotely piloted aircraft shall, within seven days after becoming aware that any of the following events has occurred, notify the Minister that

    (a) the aircraft is destroyed;

    (b) the aircraft is permanently withdrawn from use;

    (c) the aircraft is missing and the search for the aircraft is terminated;

    (d) the aircraft has been missing for 60 days or more; or

    (e) the registered owner has transferred legal custody and control of the aircraft.

    (2) When an event referred to in subsection (1) has occurred, the certificate of registration in respect of the remotely piloted aircraft is cancelled.

    (3) The certificate of registration of a remotely piloted aircraft is cancelled when

    (a) the registered owner of the aircraft dies;

    (b) the entity that is the registered owner of the aircraft is wound up, dissolved or amalgamated with another entity; or

    (c) the registered owner of the aircraft ceases to be qualified to be a registered owner under section 900.15.

    (4) For the purposes of this Division, an owner has legal custody and control of a remotely piloted aircraft when the owner has complete responsibility for the operation and maintenance of the remotely piloted aircraft system of which the aircraft is an element.

    SOR/2025-70, s. 47

    Visual summary (regulatory detail)

    Diagram or visual excerpt to support reading this section. The official text (links above) remains authoritative.

    Download (PNG)Open in new tab
  • 900.19
    Official text (FR)Official text (EN)

    The registered owner of a remotely piloted aircraft shall notify the Minister of any change in the name or address of the registered owner by not later than seven days after the change.

    SOR/2025-70, s. 47

    Visual summary (regulatory detail)

    Diagram or visual excerpt to support reading this section. The official text (links above) remains authoritative.

    Download (PNG)Open in new tab
  • 900.20
    Official text (FR)Official text (EN)

    No pilot shall operate a remotely piloted aircraft system unless the certificate of registration issued in respect of the remotely piloted aircraft that is an element of the system is easily accessible to the pilot for the duration of the operation.

    SOR/2025-70, s. 47

    Visual summary (regulatory detail)

    Diagram or visual excerpt to support reading this section. The official text (links above) remains authoritative.

    Download (PNG)Open in new tab

901.01 to 901.27 — Small and medium RPAS (scope and general rules)

  • 901.01
    Official text (FR)Official text (EN)

    This Subpart applies in respect of the operation of remotely piloted aircraft systems that include a small remotely piloted aircraft or a medium remotely piloted aircraft.

    SOR/2019-11, s. 23 SOR/2025-70, s. 49

    Previous Version

  • 901.02Reserved
    Official text (FR)Official text (EN)

    Reserved section: no regulatory text is published at this slot yet. Still check the official link in case the consolidated version has been updated.

  • 901.03Reserved
    Official text (FR)Official text (EN)

    Reserved section: no regulatory text is published at this slot yet. Still check the official link in case the consolidated version has been updated.

  • 901.04Reserved
    Official text (FR)Official text (EN)

    Reserved section: no regulatory text is published at this slot yet. Still check the official link in case the consolidated version has been updated.

  • 901.05Reserved
    Official text (FR)Official text (EN)

    Reserved section: no regulatory text is published at this slot yet. Still check the official link in case the consolidated version has been updated.

  • 901.06Reserved
    Official text (FR)Official text (EN)

    Reserved section: no regulatory text is published at this slot yet. Still check the official link in case the consolidated version has been updated.

  • 901.07Reserved
    Official text (FR)Official text (EN)

    Reserved section: no regulatory text is published at this slot yet. Still check the official link in case the consolidated version has been updated.

  • 901.08Reserved
    Official text (FR)Official text (EN)

    Reserved section: no regulatory text is published at this slot yet. Still check the official link in case the consolidated version has been updated.

  • 901.09Reserved
    Official text (FR)Official text (EN)

    Reserved section: no regulatory text is published at this slot yet. Still check the official link in case the consolidated version has been updated.

  • 901.11
    Official text (FR)Official text (EN)

    (1) Subject to subsection (2), no pilot shall operate a remotely piloted aircraft system unless the pilot or a visual observer has the aircraft in visual line-of-sight.

    (2) A pilot may operate a remotely piloted aircraft system without the pilot or a visual observer having the aircraft in visual line-of-sight if the operation is one referred to in paragraph 901.62(b) or (c) that is conducted in accordance with Division V or is an operation referred to in section 901.87 that is conducted in accordance with Division VI or if the operation is conducted in accordance with a special flight operations certificate — RPAS issued under section 903.03.

    SOR/2019-11, s. 23 SOR/2025-70, s. 51

    Previous Version

    Visual summary (regulatory detail)

    Diagram or visual excerpt to support reading this section. The official text (links above) remains authoritative.

    Download (PNG)Open in new tab
  • 901.12Reserved
    Official text (FR)Official text (EN)

    Reserved section: no regulatory text is published at this slot yet. Still check the official link in case the consolidated version has been updated.

  • 901.13
    Official text (FR)Official text (EN)

    (1) Subject to subsection (2), no pilot operating a remotely piloted aircraft shall cause the aircraft to leave Canadian Domestic Airspace.

    (2) A pilot may operate a remotely piloted aircraft outside of Canadian Domestic Airspace if the operation is conducted in accordance with a special flight operations certificate — RPAS issued under section 903.03.

    SOR/2019-11, s. 23 SOR/2025-70, s. 53

    Previous Version

    Visual summary (regulatory detail)

    Diagram or visual excerpt to support reading this section. The official text (links above) remains authoritative.

    Download (PNG)Open in new tab
  • 901.14
    Official text (FR)Official text (EN)

    No pilot shall operate a remotely piloted aircraft in controlled airspace except in accordance with

    (a) subsection 901.71(1), in the case of an operation conducted under Division V; and

    (b) a special flight operations certificate — RPAS issued under section 903.03, in any other case.

    SOR/2019-11, s. 23 SOR/2025-70, s. 53 SOR/2025-70, s. 54

    Previous Version

    Visual summary (regulatory detail)

    Diagram or visual excerpt to support reading this section. The official text (links above) remains authoritative.

    Download (PNG)Open in new tab
  • 901.15
    Official text (FR)Official text (EN)

    A pilot of a remotely piloted aircraft shall ensure that the appropriate ATS unit or user agency is notified immediately any time the aircraft is no longer under the pilot’s control and inadvertently enters or is likely to enter into controlled airspace.

    SOR/2019-11, s. 23 SOR/2025-70, s. 53 SOR/2025-98, s. 24 SOR/2025-226, s. 25

    Previous Version

    Visual summary (regulatory detail)

    Diagram or visual excerpt to support reading this section. The official text (links above) remains authoritative.

    Download (PNG)Open in new tab
  • 901.16
    Official text (FR)Official text (EN)

    A pilot that operates a remotely piloted aircraft system shall immediately cease operations if aviation safety or the safety of any person is endangered or likely to be endangered.

    SOR/2019-11, s. 23

    Visual summary (regulatory detail)

    Diagram or visual excerpt to support reading this section. The official text (links above) remains authoritative.

    Download (PNG)Open in new tab
  • 901.17
    Official text (FR)Official text (EN)

    A pilot of a remotely piloted aircraft shall give way to power-driven heavier-than-air aircraft, airships, gliders and balloons at all times.

    SOR/2019-11, s. 23

    Visual summary (regulatory detail)

    Diagram or visual excerpt to support reading this section. The official text (links above) remains authoritative.

    Download (PNG)Open in new tab
  • 901.18
    Official text (FR)Official text (EN)

    No pilot shall operate a remotely piloted aircraft in such proximity to another aircraft as to create a risk of collision.

    SOR/2019-11, s. 23

    Visual summary (regulatory detail)

    Diagram or visual excerpt to support reading this section. The official text (links above) remains authoritative.

    Download (PNG)Open in new tab
  • 901.19
    Official text (FR)Official text (EN)

    (1) No person shall act as a crew member of a remotely piloted aircraft system if the person

    (a) is suffering or is likely to suffer from fatigue; or

    (b) is otherwise unfit to perform properly the person’s duties.

    (2) No person shall act as a crew member of a remotely piloted aircraft system

    (a) within 12 hours after consuming an alcoholic beverage;

    (b) while under the influence of alcohol; or

    (c) while using any drug that impairs the person’s faculties to the extent that aviation safety or the safety of any person is endangered or likely to be endangered.

    SOR/2019-11, s. 23

    Visual summary (regulatory detail)

    Diagram or visual excerpt to support reading this section. The official text (links above) remains authoritative.

    Download (PNG)Open in new tab
  • 901.20
    Official text (FR)Official text (EN)

    (1) No pilot shall operate a remotely piloted aircraft system if visual observers are used to assist the pilot in detecting and avoiding conflicting air traffic and other hazards unless reliable and timely communication is maintained between the pilot and each visual observer during the operation.

    (2) A visual observer shall communicate information to the pilot in a timely manner, during the operation, whenever the visual observer detects conflicting air traffic, hazards to aviation safety or hazards to persons on the surface.

    (3) No visual observer shall perform visual observer duties for more than one remotely piloted aircraft at a time unless the aircraft are operated in accordance with subsection 901.40(1) or in accordance with a special flight operations certificate — RPAS issued under section 903.03.

    (4) No visual observer shall perform visual observer duties while operating a moving vehicle, vessel or aircraft.

    SOR/2019-11, s. 23 SOR/2025-70, s. 55

    Previous Version

    Visual summary (regulatory detail)

    Diagram or visual excerpt to support reading this section. The official text (links above) remains authoritative.

    Download (PNG)Open in new tab
  • 901.21
    Official text (FR)Official text (EN)

    Every crew member of a remotely piloted aircraft system shall, during flight time, comply with the instructions of the pilot.

    SOR/2019-11, s. 23

    Visual summary (regulatory detail)

    Diagram or visual excerpt to support reading this section. The official text (links above) remains authoritative.

    Download (PNG)Open in new tab
  • 901.22
    Official text (FR)Official text (EN)

    No pilot shall operate a remotely piloted aircraft that carries persons on board except in accordance with a special flight operations certificate – RPAS issued under section 903.03.

    SOR/2019-11, s. 23 SOR/2025-70, s. 56

    Previous Version

    Visual summary (regulatory detail)

    Diagram or visual excerpt to support reading this section. The official text (links above) remains authoritative.

    Download (PNG)Open in new tab
  • 901.23
    Official text (FR)Official text (EN)

    (1) No pilot shall operate a remotely piloted aircraft system unless the following procedures are established:

    (a) normal operating procedures, including pre-flight, take-off, launch, approach, landing and recovery procedures; and

    (b) emergency procedures, including with respect to

    (i) a control station failure,

    (ii) an equipment failure,

    (iii) a failure of the remotely piloted aircraft,

    (iv) a loss of the command and control link,

    (v) a fly-away,

    (vi) flight termination, and

    (vii) the detection and avoidance of conflicting air traffic and other hazards.

    (2) If the manufacturer of the remotely piloted aircraft system or the person who has made a declaration referred to in section 901.194 in respect of that model of system provides instructions with respect to the topics referred to in paragraphs (1)(a) and (b), the procedures established under subsection (1) shall reflect those instructions.

    (3) No pilot shall conduct the take-off or launch of a remotely piloted aircraft unless the procedures referred to in subsection (1) are reviewed before the flight by, and are immediately available to, each crew member.

    (4) No pilot shall operate a remotely piloted aircraft system unless the operation is conducted in accordance with the procedures referred to in subsection (1).

    SOR/2019-11, s. 23 SOR/2025-70, s. 57

    Previous Version

    Visual summary (regulatory detail)

    Diagram or visual excerpt to support reading this section. The official text (links above) remains authoritative.

    Download (PNG)Open in new tab
  • 901.24
    Official text (FR)Official text (EN)

    A pilot of a remotely piloted aircraft shall, before commencing a flight, be familiar with the information that is relevant to the intended flight, including

    (a) the results of the site survey conducted under section 901.27;

    (b) any declaration referred to in section 901.194 made in respect of the model of remotely piloted aircraft system to be used for the flight; and

    (c) the qualifications of all crew members.

    SOR/2019-11, s. 23 SOR/2025-70, s. 58

    Previous Version

    Visual summary (regulatory detail)

    Diagram or visual excerpt to support reading this section. The official text (links above) remains authoritative.

    Download (PNG)Open in new tab
  • 901.25
    Official text (FR)Official text (EN)

    (1) Subject to subsection (2), no pilot shall operate a remotely piloted aircraft at an altitude greater than

    (a) 400 feet (122 m) AGL; or

    (b) 100 feet (30 m) above any building or structure, if the aircraft is being operated at a distance of less than 200 feet (61 m), measured horizontally, from the building or structure.

    (2) A pilot may operate a remotely piloted aircraft at an altitude greater than those set out in subsection (1) if the operation is conducted in accordance with a special flight operations certificate — RPAS issued under section 903.03.

    SOR/2019-11, s. 23

    Visual summary (regulatory detail)

    Diagram or visual excerpt to support reading this section. The official text (links above) remains authoritative.

    Download (PNG)Open in new tab
  • 901.26
    Official text (FR)Official text (EN)

    Unless the operation is conducted under Division V, no pilot shall operate

    (a) a small remotely piloted aircraft to conduct a VLOS operation at a distance of less than 100 feet (30 m), measured horizontally and at any altitude, from any person not involved in the operation; or

    (b) a medium remotely piloted aircraft to conduct a VLOS operation at a distance of less than 500 feet (152.4 m), measured horizontally and at any altitude, from any person not involved in the operation.

    SOR/2019-11, s. 23 SOR/2025-70, s. 59

    Previous Version

    Visual summary (regulatory detail)

    Diagram or visual excerpt to support reading this section. The official text (links above) remains authoritative.

    Download (PNG)Open in new tab
  • 901.27
    Official text (FR)Official text (EN)

    No pilot shall operate a remotely piloted aircraft system unless, before commencing the operation, they determine that the operational volume is suitable by conducting a site survey that takes into account the following factors:

    (a) the type of airspace and any requirements applicable to the flight geography, including any specified in a NOTAM;

    (b) the altitudes and routes to be used for approach, take-off, launch, landing or recovery;

    (c) the proximity of other aircraft operations;

    (d) the proximity of airports, heliports and other aerodromes;

    (e) the location and height of obstacles, including wires, masts, buildings, cell phone towers and wind turbines;

    (f) the predominant weather and environmental conditions and the weather forecast for the duration of the flight;

    (g) in the case of a VLOS operation, an extended VLOS operation or a sheltered operation, the horizontal distance from any person not involved in the operation; and

    (h) in the case of a BVLOS operation, the distance from any populated area or sparsely populated area.

    SOR/2019-11, s. 23 SOR/2025-70, s. 60

    Previous Version

    Visual summary (regulatory detail)

    Diagram or visual excerpt to support reading this section. The official text (links above) remains authoritative.

    Download (PNG)Open in new tab

901.28 to 901.47 — Operation, flight preparation and related duties

  • 901.28
    Official text (FR)Official text (EN)

    A pilot of a remotely piloted aircraft shall, before commencing a flight,

    (a) ensure that there is a sufficient amount of fuel or energy for safe completion of the flight;

    (b) ensure that each crew member, before acting as a crew member, has been instructed

    (i) with respect to the duties that the crew member is to perform, and

    (ii) on the location and use of any emergency equipment associated with the operation of the remotely piloted aircraft system; and

    (c) determine the maximum distance from the pilot the aircraft can travel without endangering aviation safety or the safety of any person.

    SOR/2019-11, s. 23

    Visual summary (regulatory detail)

    Diagram or visual excerpt to support reading this section. The official text (links above) remains authoritative.

    Download (PNG)Open in new tab
  • 901.29
    Official text (FR)Official text (EN)

    No pilot shall conduct the take-off or launch of a remotely piloted aircraft, or permit the take-off or launch of a remotely piloted aircraft to be conducted, unless the pilot ensures that

    (a) the aircraft is serviceable;

    (b) the remotely piloted aircraft system has been maintained, and all mandatory actions have been completed, in accordance with the instructions of the manufacturer or of the person who has made a declaration referred to in section 901.194 in respect of that model of system; and

    (c) all equipment required by these Regulations or the manufacturer’s instructions, including any system element necessary to support the operation of the remotely piloted aircraft system, is installed, if applicable, and serviceable.

    (d) [Repealed, SOR/2025-70, s. 61]

    SOR/2019-11, s. 23 SOR/2025-70, s. 61

    Previous Version

    Visual summary (regulatory detail)

    Diagram or visual excerpt to support reading this section. The official text (links above) remains authoritative.

    Download (PNG)Open in new tab
  • 901.30
    Official text (FR)Official text (EN)

    (1) No pilot shall conduct the take-off or launch of a remotely piloted aircraft unless the operating manuals applicable to the remotely piloted aircraft system of which the aircraft is an element are immediately available to crew members.

    (2) No pilot shall conduct the take-off or launch of a remotely piloted aircraft to conduct a BVLOS operation under Division VI unless the RPAS operator’s RPAS operations manual is immediately available to crew members.

    SOR/2019-11, s. 23 SOR/2025-70, s. 62

    Previous Version

    Visual summary (regulatory detail)

    Diagram or visual excerpt to support reading this section. The official text (links above) remains authoritative.

    Download (PNG)Open in new tab
  • 901.31
    Official text (FR)Official text (EN)

    No pilot shall operate a remotely piloted aircraft system unless it is operated in accordance with the applicable operating manuals.

    SOR/2019-11, s. 23 SOR/2025-70, s. 63

    Previous Version

    Visual summary (regulatory detail)

    Diagram or visual excerpt to support reading this section. The official text (links above) remains authoritative.

    Download (PNG)Open in new tab
  • 901.32
    Official text (FR)Official text (EN)

    No pilot shall operate a remotely piloted aircraft system that is not designed to allow pilot intervention in the management of a flight.

    SOR/2019-11, s. 23 SOR/2025-70, s. 64

    Previous Version

    Visual summary (regulatory detail)

    Diagram or visual excerpt to support reading this section. The official text (links above) remains authoritative.

    Download (PNG)Open in new tab
  • 901.33
    Official text (FR)Official text (EN)

    A pilot of a remotely piloted aircraft shall, before take-off, launch, approach, landing or recovery,

    (a) ensure that there is no likelihood of collision with another aircraft, person or obstacle; and

    (b) ensure that the site set aside for take-off, launch, landing or recovery, as the case may be, is suitable for the intended operation.

    SOR/2019-11, s. 23

    Visual summary (regulatory detail)

    Diagram or visual excerpt to support reading this section. The official text (links above) remains authoritative.

    Download (PNG)Open in new tab
  • 901.34
    Official text (FR)Official text (EN)

    (1) No pilot shall operate a remotely piloted aircraft to conduct a VLOS operation unless the weather conditions at the time of flight permit

    (a) the operation to be conducted in accordance with the operating manuals applicable to the remotely piloted aircraft system of which the aircraft is an element; and

    (b) the pilot or any visual observer to conduct the entire flight in visual-line-of-sight.

    (2) If the ground visibility is four miles or less, no pilot shall operate a medium remotely piloted aircraft to conduct a VLOS operation at a distance of more than half of the ground visibility unless the operation is conducted in accordance with a special flight operations certificate — RPAS issued under section 903.03.

    (3) Subject to subsection (4), no pilot shall operate a remotely piloted aircraft to conduct a BVLOS operation unless ground visibility is not less than three miles and the aircraft is operated clear of cloud.

    (4) A pilot may operate a remotely piloted aircraft to conduct a BVLOS operation in cloud or when the ground visibility is less than three miles if

    (a) a declaration referred to in section 901.194 has been made in respect of the model of remotely piloted aircraft system of which the aircraft is an element and in respect of the technical requirements set out in section 922.10 of Standard 922 and the operating manuals applicable to the system allow for operation in those conditions; or

    (b) the operation is conducted in accordance with a special flight operations certificate — RPAS issued under section 903.03.

    SOR/2019-11, s. 23 SOR/2025-70, s. 65

    Previous Version

    Visual summary (regulatory detail)

    Diagram or visual excerpt to support reading this section. The official text (links above) remains authoritative.

    Download (PNG)Open in new tab
  • 901.35
    Official text (FR)Official text (EN)

    (1) No pilot shall operate a remotely piloted aircraft system when icing conditions are observed, are reported to exist or are likely to be encountered along the route of flight unless the aircraft is equipped with de-icing or anti-icing equipment or the pilot has a means to detect icing.

    (2) No pilot shall operate a remotely piloted aircraft system with frost, ice or snow adhering to any of the critical surfaces of the remotely piloted aircraft.

    (3) For the purposes of subsection (2), critical surfaces means the wings, control surfaces, rotors, propellers, horizontal stabilizers, vertical stabilizers or any other stabilizing surfaces of the remotely piloted aircraft, as well as any other surfaces identified as critical surfaces in the operating manuals applicable to the system.

    SOR/2019-11, s. 23 SOR/2025-70, s. 66

    Previous Version

    Visual summary (regulatory detail)

    Diagram or visual excerpt to support reading this section. The official text (links above) remains authoritative.

    Download (PNG)Open in new tab
  • 901.36
    Official text (FR)Official text (EN)

    No pilot shall operate a remotely piloted aircraft in formation with other aircraft except by pre-arrangement between the pilots of the aircraft in respect of the intended flight.

    SOR/2019-11, s. 23

    Visual summary (regulatory detail)

    Diagram or visual excerpt to support reading this section. The official text (links above) remains authoritative.

    Download (PNG)Open in new tab
  • 901.37
    Official text (FR)Official text (EN)

    No pilot shall operate a remotely piloted aircraft while operating a moving vehicle, vessel or manned aircraft.

    SOR/2019-11, s. 23

    Visual summary (regulatory detail)

    Diagram or visual excerpt to support reading this section. The official text (links above) remains authoritative.

    Download (PNG)Open in new tab
  • 901.38
    Official text (FR)Official text (EN)

    (1) Unless the operation is conducted under Division VI, no pilot shall operate a remotely piloted aircraft system using a first-person view device unless a visual observer maintains unaided visual contact with the airspace beyond the field of view displayed on the device in order to detect conflicting air traffic and other hazards and take action to avoid them.

    (2) For the purposes of subsection (1), first-person view device means a device that generates and transmits a streaming video image to a control station display or monitor, giving the pilot of a remotely piloted aircraft the illusion of flying the aircraft from an onboard pilot’s perspective.

    SOR/2019-11, s. 23 SOR/2025-70, s. 67

    Previous Version

    Visual summary (regulatory detail)

    Diagram or visual excerpt to support reading this section. The official text (links above) remains authoritative.

    Download (PNG)Open in new tab
  • 901.39
    Official text (FR)Official text (EN)

    (1) No pilot shall operate a remotely piloted aircraft system at night unless the remotely piloted aircraft is equipped with lights that are sufficient to allow the aircraft to be visible to the pilot or a visual observer, whether with or without night-vision goggles, and those lights are turned on.

    (2) No pilot shall operate a remotely piloted aircraft system using night-vision goggles unless the goggles are capable of, or the person has another means of, detecting all light within the visual spectrum.

    SOR/2019-11, s. 23 SOR/2025-70, s. 69

    Previous Version

    Visual summary (regulatory detail)

    Diagram or visual excerpt to support reading this section. The official text (links above) remains authoritative.

    Download (PNG)Open in new tab
  • 901.40
    Official text (FR)Official text (EN)

    (1) Subject to subsections (2) and (3), no pilot shall operate more than one remotely piloted aircraft at a time unless

    (a) the aircraft are operated to conduct a VLOS operation;

    (b) the aircraft are operated in accordance with the operating manuals applicable to the remotely piloted aircraft system;

    (c) the remotely piloted aircraft system is designed to permit the operation of multiple aircraft from a single control station; and

    (d) no more than five aircraft are operated at a time.

    (2) A pilot may operate more than five remotely piloted aircraft at a time if the operation is conducted in accordance with a special flight operations certificate — RPAS issued under section 903.03.

    (3) A pilot may operate more than one remotely piloted aircraft at a time to conduct an operation that is not a VLOS operation if the operation is conducted in accordance with a special flight operations certificate — RPAS issued under section 903.03.

    SOR/2019-11, s. 23 SOR/2025-70, s. 70

    Previous Version

    Visual summary (regulatory detail)

    Diagram or visual excerpt to support reading this section. The official text (links above) remains authoritative.

    Download (PNG)Open in new tab
  • 901.41
    Official text (FR)Official text (EN)

    (1) No pilot shall operate a remotely piloted aircraft system at any advertised event except in accordance with a special flight operations certificate — RPAS issued under section 903.03.

    (2) Subsection (1) does not apply to the operation of a remotely piloted aircraft system for the purpose of an operation to save human life, a police operation, a fire-fighting operation or any other operation that is conducted in the service of a public authority.

    SOR/2019-11, s. 23 SOR/2025-70, s. 70

    Previous Version

    Visual summary (regulatory detail)

    Diagram or visual excerpt to support reading this section. The official text (links above) remains authoritative.

    Download (PNG)Open in new tab
  • 901.42
    Official text (FR)Official text (EN)

    No pilot shall hand over their responsibilities to another pilot during flight unless, before the take-off or launch of a remotely piloted aircraft,

    (a) a pre-arrangement in respect of the handover has been made between the pilots; and

    (b) a procedure has been developed to mitigate the risk of loss of control of the aircraft.

    SOR/2019-11, s. 23 SOR/2025-70, s. 71(F)

    Previous Version

    Visual summary (regulatory detail)

    Diagram or visual excerpt to support reading this section. The official text (links above) remains authoritative.

    Download (PNG)Open in new tab
  • 901.43
    Official text (FR)Official text (EN)

    (1) Subject to subsection (2), no pilot shall operate a remotely piloted aircraft system if the aircraft is transporting a payload that

    (a) [Repealed, SOR/2025-70, s. 72]

    (b) includes weapons, ammunition or other equipment designed for use in war;

    (c) could create a hazard to aviation safety or cause injury to persons; or

    (d) is attached to the aircraft by means of a line, unless the operation is conducted in accordance with the operating manuals applicable to the system.

    (2) A pilot may operate a remotely piloted aircraft system when the aircraft is transporting a payload referred to in subsection (1) if the operation is conducted in accordance with a special flight operations certificate — RPAS issued under section 903.03.

    SOR/2019-11, s. 23 SOR/2025-70, s. 72

    Previous Version

    Visual summary (regulatory detail)

    Diagram or visual excerpt to support reading this section. The official text (links above) remains authoritative.

    Download (PNG)Open in new tab
  • 901.44
    Official text (FR)Official text (EN)

    No pilot shall activate a system that terminates the flight of a remotely piloted aircraft if it will endanger or will likely endanger aviation safety or the safety of any person.

    SOR/2019-11, s. 23 SOR/2025-70, s. 73

    Previous Version

    Visual summary (regulatory detail)

    Diagram or visual excerpt to support reading this section. The official text (links above) remains authoritative.

    Download (PNG)Open in new tab
  • 901.45
    Official text (FR)Official text (EN)

    No pilot shall operate a remotely piloted aircraft equipped with an ELT.

    SOR/2019-11, s. 23

    Visual summary (regulatory detail)

    Diagram or visual excerpt to support reading this section. The official text (links above) remains authoritative.

    Download (PNG)Open in new tab
  • 901.46
    Official text (FR)Official text (EN)

    (1) Subject to subsection (2), no pilot shall operate a remotely piloted aircraft system if the aircraft is in the transponder airspace referred to in section 601.03 unless the aircraft is equipped with a transponder and automatic pressure-altitude reporting equipment.

    (2) An air traffic control unit may authorize a pilot to operate a remotely piloted aircraft that is not equipped in accordance with subsection (1) within the airspace referred to in section 601.03 if

    (a) the air traffic control unit provides an air traffic control service in respect of that airspace;

    (b) the pilot made a request to the air traffic control unit to operate the aircraft within that airspace before the aircraft entered the airspace; and

    (c) aviation safety is not likely to be affected.

    SOR/2019-11, s. 23

    Visual summary (regulatory detail)

    Diagram or visual excerpt to support reading this section. The official text (links above) remains authoritative.

    Download (PNG)Open in new tab
  • 901.47
    Official text (FR)Official text (EN)

    (1) No pilot shall operate a remotely piloted aircraft at or near an aerodrome that is listed in the Canada Flight Supplement or the Water Aerodrome Supplement in a manner that could interfere with an aircraft operating in the established traffic pattern.

    (2) Subject to section 901.73, no pilot shall operate a remotely piloted aircraft to conduct a VLOS operation if the aircraft is at a distance of less than

    (a) three nautical miles from the centre of an airport; and

    (b) one nautical mile from the centre of a heliport.

    (3) No pilot shall operate a remotely piloted aircraft to conduct a BVLOS operation if the aircraft is at a distance of less than five nautical miles from the centre of an aerodrome that is listed in the Canada Flight Supplement or the Water Aerodrome Supplement unless the operation is conducted in accordance with a special flight operations certificate — RPAS issued under section 903.03.

    (4) No pilot shall operate a remotely piloted aircraft if the aircraft is at a distance of less than three nautical miles from the centre of an aerodrome operated under the authority of the Minister of National Defence unless authorized to do so by the Department of National Defence.

    SOR/2019-11, s. 23 SOR/2025-70, s. 74

    Previous Version

    Visual summary (regulatory detail)

    Diagram or visual excerpt to support reading this section. The official text (links above) remains authoritative.

    Download (PNG)Open in new tab

901.48 to 901.66 — Operator records, pilot and maintenance

  • 901.48
    Official text (FR)Official text (EN)

    (1) Every owner of a remotely piloted aircraft system shall keep the following records:

    (a) a record containing the names of the pilots and other crew members who are involved in each flight and, in respect of the system, the time of each flight or series of flights; and

    (b) a record containing the particulars of any mandatory action and any other maintenance action, modification or repair performed on the system, including

    (i) the names of the persons who performed them,

    (ii) the dates they were undertaken,

    (iii) in the case of a modification, the manufacturer, model and a description of the part or equipment installed to modify the system, and

    (iv) if applicable, any instructions provided to complete the work.

    (2) Every owner of a remotely piloted aircraft system shall ensure that the records referred to in subsection (1) are made available to the Minister on request and are retained for a period of

    (a) in the case of the records referred to in paragraph (1)(a), 12 months after the day on which they are created; and

    (b) in the case of the records referred to in paragraph (1)(b), 24 months after the day on which they are created.

    (3) Every owner of a remotely piloted aircraft system who transfers ownership of the system to another person shall, at the time of transfer, also deliver to that person all of the records referred to in paragraph (1)(b).

    SOR/2019-11, s. 23

    Visual summary (regulatory detail)

    Diagram or visual excerpt to support reading this section. The official text (links above) remains authoritative.

    Download (PNG)Open in new tab
  • 901.49
    Official text (FR)Official text (EN)

    (1) A pilot that operates a remotely piloted aircraft system shall immediately cease operations if any of the following incidents or accidents occurs until such time as an analysis is undertaken as to the cause of the occurrence and corrective actions have been taken to mitigate the risk of recurrence:

    (a) injuries to any person requiring medical attention;

    (b) unintended contact between the aircraft and persons;

    (c) unanticipated damage incurred to the airframe, control station, payload or command and control links that adversely affects the performance or flight characteristics of the aircraft;

    (d) any time the aircraft is not kept within horizontal boundaries or altitude limits;

    (e) any collision with or risk of collision with another aircraft;

    (f) any time the aircraft becomes uncontrollable, experiences a fly-away or is missing; and

    (g) any incident not referred to in paragraphs (a) to (f) for which a police report has been filed or for which a Civil Aviation Daily Occurrence Report has resulted.

    (2) The pilot of the remotely piloted aircraft system shall keep, and make available to the Minister on request, a record of any analyses undertaken under subsection (1) for a period of 12 months after the day on which the record is created.

    SOR/2019-11, s. 23

    Visual summary (regulatory detail)

    Diagram or visual excerpt to support reading this section. The official text (links above) remains authoritative.

    Download (PNG)Open in new tab
  • 901.50
    Official text (FR)Official text (EN)

    No pilot shall create a hazard to persons or property on the surface by dropping an object from a remotely piloted aircraft in flight.

    SOR/2025-70, s. 75

    Visual summary (regulatory detail)

    Diagram or visual excerpt to support reading this section. The official text (links above) remains authoritative.

    Download (PNG)Open in new tab
  • 901.51
    Official text (FR)Official text (EN)

    The pilot of a remotely piloted aircraft system of a model for which a declaration referred to in section 901.194 has been made and for which an acceptance letter has been issued under section 901.196 shall ensure that any reportable service difficulty that is discovered with respect to the system is reported to the person who has made the declaration as soon as feasible after the discovery.

    SOR/2025-70, s. 75

    Visual summary (regulatory detail)

    Diagram or visual excerpt to support reading this section. The official text (links above) remains authoritative.

    Download (PNG)Open in new tab
  • 901.53
    Official text (FR)Official text (EN)

    This Division applies in respect of the operation of small remotely piloted aircraft to conduct a VLOS operation in uncontrolled airspace and at a distance of not less than 100 feet (30 m), measured horizontally and at any altitude, from any person not involved in the operation.

    SOR/2019-11, s. 23 SOR/2025-70, s. 76

    Previous Version

    Visual summary (regulatory detail)

    Diagram or visual excerpt to support reading this section. The official text (links above) remains authoritative.

    Download (PNG)Open in new tab
  • 901.54
    Official text (FR)Official text (EN)

    (1) Subject to subsection (2), no person shall operate a remotely piloted aircraft system under this Division unless the person

    (a) is at least 14 years of age; and

    (b) holds

    (i) a pilot certificate — small remotely piloted aircraft (VLOS) — basic operations issued under section 901.55,

    (ii) a pilot certificate — remotely piloted aircraft — advanced operations issued under section 901.64, or

    (iii) a pilot certificate — remotely piloted aircraft — level 1 complex operations issued under section 901.90.

    (2) Subsection (1) does not apply if the operation of the remotely piloted aircraft system is conducted under the direct supervision of a person who is permitted to operate such a system under this Division, Division V or Division VI.

    SOR/2019-11, s. 23 SOR/2025-70, s. 77

    Previous Version

    Visual summary (regulatory detail)

    Diagram or visual excerpt to support reading this section. The official text (links above) remains authoritative.

    Download (PNG)Open in new tab
  • 901.55
    Official text (FR)Official text (EN)

    The Minister shall, on receipt of an application, issue a pilot certificate — small remotely piloted aircraft (VLOS) — basic operations if the applicant demonstrates to the Minister that the applicant

    (a) is at least 14 years of age; and

    (b) has successfully completed the examination “Remotely Piloted Aircraft Systems — Basic Operations” in accordance with the document entitled Knowledge Requirements for Pilots of Remotely Piloted Aircraft Systems, 250 g up to and including 150 kg, Basic and Advanced Operations , TP 15263, published by the Minister.

    SOR/2019-11, s. 23 SOR/2025-70, s. 78

    Previous Version

    Visual summary (regulatory detail)

    Diagram or visual excerpt to support reading this section. The official text (links above) remains authoritative.

    Download (PNG)Open in new tab
  • 901.56
    Official text (FR)Official text (EN)

    (1) No holder of a pilot certificate — small remotely piloted aircraft (VLOS) — basic operations, a pilot certificate — remotely piloted aircraft — advanced operations or a pilot certificate — remotely piloted aircraft — level 1 complex operations shall operate a remotely piloted aircraft system under this Division unless the holder has, within the 24 months preceding the flight,

    (a) been issued a pilot certificate — small remotely piloted aircraft (VLOS) — basic operations under section 901.55, a pilot certificate — remotely piloted aircraft — advanced operations under section 901.64 or a pilot certificate — remotely piloted aircraft — level 1 complex operations under section 901.90; or

    (b) successfully completed

    (i) any of the examinations referred to in paragraph 901.55(b), 901.64(b) or 901.90(d),

    (ii) any of the flight reviews referred to in paragraph 901.64(c) or 901.90(e), or

    (iii) any of the recurrent training activities set out in section 921.04 of Standard 921 — Remotely Piloted Aircraft .

    (2) The person referred to in subsection (1) shall keep a record of all activities referred to in paragraph (1)(b), including the dates on which they were completed, for at least 24 months after the day on which they were completed.

    SOR/2019-11, s. 23 SOR/2025-70, s. 79

    Previous Version

    Visual summary (regulatory detail)

    Diagram or visual excerpt to support reading this section. The official text (links above) remains authoritative.

    Download (PNG)Open in new tab
  • 901.57
    Official text (FR)Official text (EN)

    No pilot shall operate a remotely piloted aircraft system under this Division unless both of the following are easily accessible to the pilot during the operation of the system:

    (a) the pilot certificate — small remotely piloted aircraft (VLOS) — basic operations issued under section 901.55, the pilot certificate — remotely piloted aircraft — advanced operations issued under section 901.64 or the pilot certificate — remotely piloted aircraft — level 1 complex operations issued under section 901.90; and

    (b) documentation demonstrating that the pilot meets the recency requirements set out in section 901.56.

    SOR/2019-11, s. 23 SOR/2025-70, s. 80

    Previous Version

    Visual summary (regulatory detail)

    Diagram or visual excerpt to support reading this section. The official text (links above) remains authoritative.

    Download (PNG)Open in new tab
  • 901.58
    Official text (FR)Official text (EN)

    No person shall, in respect of an examination taken under this Division,

    (a) copy or remove from any place all or any portion of the text of the examination;

    (b) give help to or accept help from any person during the examination, unless authorized by the Minister for accommodation purposes; or

    (c) complete all or any portion of the examination on behalf of any other person.

    SOR/2019-11, s. 23 SOR/2025-70, s. 81

    Previous Version

    Visual summary (regulatory detail)

    Diagram or visual excerpt to support reading this section. The official text (links above) remains authoritative.

    Download (PNG)Open in new tab
  • 901.59
    Official text (FR)Official text (EN)

    No person who fails an examination taken under this Division shall retake the examination for a period of 24 hours after the examination.

    SOR/2019-11, s. 23 SOR/2025-70, s. 82

    Previous Version

    Visual summary (regulatory detail)

    Diagram or visual excerpt to support reading this section. The official text (links above) remains authoritative.

    Download (PNG)Open in new tab
  • 901.62
    Official text (FR)Official text (EN)

    This Division applies in respect of the following operations of a remotely piloted aircraft system:

    (a) the operation of a small remotely piloted aircraft to conduct a VLOS operation

    (i) in controlled airspace,

    (ii) at a distance of less than 100 feet (30 m) but not less than 16.4 feet (5 m), measured horizontally and at any altitude, from any person not involved in the operation,

    (iii) at a distance of less than 16.4 feet (5 m), measured horizontally and at any altitude, from any person not involved in the operation, or

    (iv) within three nautical miles from the centre of an airport or within one nautical mile from the centre of a heliport;

    (b) the operation of a small remotely piloted aircraft to conduct an extended VLOS operation in uncontrolled airspace;

    (c) the operation of a small remotely piloted aircraft to conduct a sheltered operation;

    (d) the operation of a medium remotely piloted aircraft to conduct a VLOS operation in uncontrolled airspace and at a distance of 500 feet (152.4 m) or more, measured horizontally and at any altitude, from any person not involved in the operation;

    (e) the operation of a medium remotely piloted aircraft to conduct a VLOS operation in uncontrolled airspace and at a distance of less than 500 feet (152.4 m) but not less than 100 feet (30 m), measured horizontally and at any altitude, from any person not involved in the operation;

    (f) the operation of a medium remotely piloted aircraft to conduct a VLOS operation at a distance of less than 100 feet (30 m), measured horizontally and at any altitude, from any person not involved in the operation; and

    (g) the operation of a medium remotely piloted aircraft to conduct a VLOS operation in controlled airspace.

    SOR/2019-11, s. 23 SOR/2025-70, s. 83

    Previous Version

    Visual summary (regulatory detail)

    Diagram or visual excerpt to support reading this section. The official text (links above) remains authoritative.

    Download (PNG)Open in new tab
  • 901.63
    Official text (FR)Official text (EN)

    (1) Subject to subsection (2), no person shall operate a remotely piloted aircraft system under this Division unless the person

    (a) is at least 16 years of age; and

    (b) holds either

    (i) a pilot certificate — remotely piloted aircraft — advanced operations issued under section 901.64, or

    (ii) a pilot certificate — remotely piloted aircraft — level 1 complex operations issued under section 901.90.

    (2) Subsection (1) does not apply if the operation of the remotely piloted aircraft system is conducted under the direct supervision of a person who is permitted to operate such a system under this Division or Division VI.

    SOR/2019-11, s. 23 SOR/2025-70, s. 84

    Previous Version

    Visual summary (regulatory detail)

    Diagram or visual excerpt to support reading this section. The official text (links above) remains authoritative.

    Download (PNG)Open in new tab
  • 901.64
    Official text (FR)Official text (EN)

    The Minister shall, on receipt of an application, issue a pilot certificate — remotely piloted aircraft — advanced operations if the applicant demonstrates to the Minister that the applicant

    (a) is at least 16 years of age;

    (b) has successfully completed the examination “Remotely Piloted Aircraft Systems — Advanced Operations” in accordance with the document entitled Knowledge Requirements for Pilots of Remotely Piloted Aircraft Systems, 250 g up to and including 150 kg, Basic and Advanced Operations , TP 15263, published by the Minister; and

    (c) has, within 12 months before the date of application, successfully completed a flight review in accordance with section 921.02 of Standard 921 — Remotely Piloted Aircraft conducted by a person qualified to act as a flight reviewer under subsection 901.175(1).

    SOR/2019-11, s. 23 SOR/2021-152, s. 13(F) SOR/2025-70, s. 85 SOR/2025-70, s. 98

    Previous Version

    Visual summary (regulatory detail)

    Diagram or visual excerpt to support reading this section. The official text (links above) remains authoritative.

    Download (PNG)Open in new tab
  • 901.65
    Official text (FR)Official text (EN)

    (1) No holder of a pilot certificate — remotely piloted aircraft — advanced operations or a pilot certificate — remotely piloted aircraft — level 1 complex operations shall operate a remotely piloted aircraft system under this Division unless the holder has, within the 24 months preceding the flight,

    (a) been issued a pilot certificate — remotely piloted aircraft — advanced operations under section 901.64 or a pilot certificate — remotely piloted aircraft — level 1 complex operations under section 901.90; or

    (b) successfully completed

    (i) any of the examinations referred to in paragraph 901.55(b), 901.64(b) or 901.90(d),

    (ii) any of the flight reviews referred to in paragraph 901.64(c) or 901.90(e), or

    (iii) any of the recurrent training activities set out in section 921.04 of Standard 921 — Remotely Piloted Aircraft .

    (2) The person referred to in subsection (1) shall keep a record of all activities completed in accordance with paragraph (1)(b), including the dates on which they were completed, for at least 24 months after the day on which they were completed.

    SOR/2019-11, s. 23 SOR/2021-152, s. 14(F) SOR/2025-70, s. 86

    Previous Version

    Visual summary (regulatory detail)

    Diagram or visual excerpt to support reading this section. The official text (links above) remains authoritative.

    Download (PNG)Open in new tab
  • 901.66
    Official text (FR)Official text (EN)

    No pilot shall operate a remotely piloted aircraft system under this Division unless both of the following are easily accessible during the operation of the system:

    (a) the pilot certificate — remotely piloted aircraft — advanced operations issued under section 901.64 or the pilot certificate — remotely piloted aircraft — level 1 complex operations issued under section 901.90; and

    (b) documentation demonstrating that the pilot meets the recency requirements set out in section 901.65.

    SOR/2019-11, s. 23 SOR/2025-70, s. 87

    Previous Version

    Visual summary (regulatory detail)

    Diagram or visual excerpt to support reading this section. The official text (links above) remains authoritative.

    Download (PNG)Open in new tab

901.67 to 901.96 — Miscellaneous provisions (including foundational advanced operations)

  • 901.67
    Official text (FR)Official text (EN)

    No person shall commit an act referred to in paragraphs 901.58(a) to (c) in respect of an examination taken under this Division.

    SOR/2019-11, s. 23 SOR/2025-70, s. 88(F)

    Previous Version

    Visual summary (regulatory detail)

    Diagram or visual excerpt to support reading this section. The official text (links above) remains authoritative.

    Download (PNG)Open in new tab
  • 901.68
    Official text (FR)Official text (EN)

    No person who fails an examination or a flight review taken under this Division shall retake the examination or flight review for a period of 24 hours after the examination or review.

    SOR/2019-11, s. 23 SOR/2025-70, s. 89

    Previous Version

    Visual summary (regulatory detail)

    Diagram or visual excerpt to support reading this section. The official text (links above) remains authoritative.

    Download (PNG)Open in new tab
  • 901.69
    Official text (FR)Official text (EN)

    No pilot shall operate a remotely piloted aircraft system under this Division to conduct any of the following operations unless a declaration to the Minister has been made in accordance with section 901.194 in respect of that model of system and in respect of each of the technical requirements set out in Standard 922 that is applicable to the operation:

    (a) the VLOS operation of a small remotely piloted aircraft in controlled airspace;

    (b) the VLOS operation of a small remotely piloted aircraft at a distance of less than 100 feet (30 m) but not less than 16.4 feet (5 m), measured horizontally and at any altitude, from any person not involved in the operation;

    (c) the VLOS operation of a small remotely piloted aircraft at a distance of less than 16.4 feet (5 m), measured horizontally and at any altitude, from any person not involved in the operation;

    (d) the operation of a small remotely piloted aircraft to conduct a sheltered operation in controlled airspace;

    (e) the VLOS operation of a medium remotely piloted aircraft at a distance of 500 feet (152.4 m) or more, measured horizontally and at any altitude, from any person not involved in the operation;

    (f) the VLOS operation of a medium remotely piloted aircraft at a distance of less than 500 feet (152.4 m) but not less than 100 feet (30 m), measured horizontally and at any altitude, from any person not involved in the operation;

    (g) the VLOS operation of a medium remotely piloted aircraft at a distance of less than 100 feet (30 m), measured horizontally and at any altitude, from any person not involved in the operation; or

    (h) the VLOS operation of a medium remotely piloted aircraft in controlled airspace.

    SOR/2019-11, s. 23 SOR/2025-70, s. 89

    Previous Version

    Visual summary (regulatory detail)

    Diagram or visual excerpt to support reading this section. The official text (links above) remains authoritative.

    Download (PNG)Open in new tab
  • 901.70
    Official text (FR)Official text (EN)

    (1) No pilot shall conduct any of the operations described in section 901.69 using a remotely piloted aircraft system that has been modified in any way unless

    (a) the pilot is able to demonstrate to the Minister that, despite the modification, the system continues to meet the technical requirements set out in Standard 922 that are applicable to the operation; and

    (b) if applicable, the modification was performed in accordance with the instructions of the manufacturer of the part or equipment used to modify the system.

    (2) No pilot shall conduct an operation described in paragraph 901.69(f) or (g) using a remotely piloted aircraft system that has been modified in any way unless the modification was performed in accordance with the instructions of the person who has made a declaration referred to in 901.194 in respect of that model of system.

    SOR/2019-11, s. 23 SOR/2025-70, s. 90

    Previous Version

    Visual summary (regulatory detail)

    Diagram or visual excerpt to support reading this section. The official text (links above) remains authoritative.

    Download (PNG)Open in new tab
  • 901.71
    Official text (FR)Official text (EN)

    (1) No pilot shall operate a remotely piloted aircraft in controlled airspace under this Division unless an authorization has been issued by the provider of air traffic services in the area of operation and, if requested, the following information has been provided to that provider:

    (a) the date, time and duration of the operation;

    (b) the category, registration number and physical characteristics of the aircraft;

    (c) the vertical and horizontal boundaries of the area of operation;

    (d) [Repealed, SOR/2025-70, s. 91]

    (e) [Repealed, SOR/2025-70, s. 91]

    (f) [Repealed, SOR/2025-70, s. 91]

    (g) the name, contact information and pilot certificate number of any pilot of the aircraft;

    (h) the procedures and flight profiles to be followed in the case of a lost command and control link;

    (i) the procedures to be followed in emergency situations;

    (j) the process and the time required to terminate the operation; and

    (k) any other information required by the provider of air traffic services that is necessary for the provision of air traffic management.

    (2) Despite section 901.25, a pilot may operate a remotely piloted aircraft in controlled airspace under this Division at an altitude above those referred to in that section if an authorization to that effect has been issued by the provider of air traffic services in the area of operation.

    (3) No pilot shall operate a remotely piloted aircraft in controlled airspace under this Division unless the authorization referred to in subsection (1) is easily accessible to the pilot during the operation.

    SOR/2019-11, s. 23 SOR/2025-70, s. 91

    Previous Version

    Visual summary (regulatory detail)

    Diagram or visual excerpt to support reading this section. The official text (links above) remains authoritative.

    Download (PNG)Open in new tab
  • 901.72
    Official text (FR)Official text (EN)

    The pilot of a remotely piloted aircraft operating in controlled airspace under this Division shall comply with all of the air traffic control instructions directed at the pilot.

    SOR/2019-11, s. 23

    Visual summary (regulatory detail)

    Diagram or visual excerpt to support reading this section. The official text (links above) remains authoritative.

    Download (PNG)Open in new tab
  • 901.73
    Official text (FR)Official text (EN)

    No pilot shall operate a remotely piloted aircraft system under this Division if the remotely piloted aircraft is at a distance of less than three nautical miles from the centre of an airport or less than one nautical mile from the centre of a heliport unless the operation is conducted in accordance with the established procedure with respect to the safe use of remotely piloted aircraft systems that is applicable to that airport or heliport.

    SOR/2019-11, s. 23 SOR/2025-70, s. 92

    Previous Version

    Visual summary (regulatory detail)

    Diagram or visual excerpt to support reading this section. The official text (links above) remains authoritative.

    Download (PNG)Open in new tab
  • 901.74
    Official text (FR)Official text (EN)

    (1) No pilot shall operate a remotely piloted aircraft system under this Division to conduct an extended VLOS operation or a sheltered operation unless

    (a) the pilot and control station are located at the site set aside for take-off, launch, landing or recovery at the time of those activities;

    (b) the remotely piloted aircraft is at a distance of not more than two nautical miles from the pilot, the control station and the visual observer at any time during the flight; and

    (c) the operation is conducted at a distance of at least 100 feet (30 m), measured horizontally and at any altitude, from any person not involved in the operation.

    (2) No pilot shall operate a remotely piloted aircraft system under this Division to conduct an extended VLOS operation unless a visual observer maintains unaided visual contact with the airspace in which the remotely piloted aircraft is operating in a manner sufficient to detect conflicting air traffic and other hazards and take action to avoid them.

    SOR/2025-70, s. 93

    Visual summary (regulatory detail)

    Diagram or visual excerpt to support reading this section. The official text (links above) remains authoritative.

    Download (PNG)Open in new tab
  • 901.75
    Official text (FR)Official text (EN)

    No visual observer shall perform visual observer duties with respect to an extended VLOS operation under this Division unless they

    (a) hold

    (i) a pilot certificate — small remotely piloted aircraft (VLOS) — basic operations issued under section 901.55,

    (ii) a pilot certificate — remotely piloted aircraft — advanced operations issued under section 901.64, or

    (iii) a pilot certificate — remotely piloted aircraft — level 1 complex operations issued under section 901.90;

    (b) maintain unaided visual contact with the airspace in which the remotely piloted aircraft is operating in a manner sufficient to detect conflicting air traffic and other hazards and take action to avoid them; and

    (c) remain at a distance of not more than two nautical miles from the remotely piloted aircraft at all times during the flight.

    SOR/2025-70, s. 93

    Visual summary (regulatory detail)

    Diagram or visual excerpt to support reading this section. The official text (links above) remains authoritative.

    Download (PNG)Open in new tab
  • 901.76Reserved
    Official text (FR)Official text (EN)

    Reserved section: no regulatory text is published at this slot yet. Still check the official link in case the consolidated version has been updated.

  • 901.77Reserved
    Official text (FR)Official text (EN)

    Reserved section: no regulatory text is published at this slot yet. Still check the official link in case the consolidated version has been updated.

  • 901.78Reserved
    Official text (FR)Official text (EN)

    Reserved section: no regulatory text is published at this slot yet. Still check the official link in case the consolidated version has been updated.

  • 901.79Reserved
    Official text (FR)Official text (EN)

    Reserved section: no regulatory text is published at this slot yet. Still check the official link in case the consolidated version has been updated.

  • 901.82Reserved
    Official text (FR)Official text (EN)

    Reserved section: no regulatory text is published at this slot yet. Still check the official link in case the consolidated version has been updated.

  • 901.83Reserved
    Official text (FR)Official text (EN)

    Reserved section: no regulatory text is published at this slot yet. Still check the official link in case the consolidated version has been updated.

  • 901.84Reserved
    Official text (FR)Official text (EN)

    Reserved section: no regulatory text is published at this slot yet. Still check the official link in case the consolidated version has been updated.

  • 901.85Reserved
    Official text (FR)Official text (EN)

    Reserved section: no regulatory text is published at this slot yet. Still check the official link in case the consolidated version has been updated.

  • 901.86Reserved
    Official text (FR)Official text (EN)

    Reserved section: no regulatory text is published at this slot yet. Still check the official link in case the consolidated version has been updated.

  • 901.87
    Official text (FR)Official text (EN)

    This Division applies in respect of the following operations of a remotely piloted aircraft system:

    (a) the operation of a small remotely piloted aircraft or a medium remotely piloted aircraft to conduct a BVLOS operation in uncontrolled airspace and at a distance of not less than 1 km from a populated area; and

    (b) the operation of a small remotely piloted aircraft to conduct a BVLOS operation in uncontrolled airspace over a sparsely populated area or at a distance of less than 1 km from a populated area.

    SOR/2019-11, s. 23 SOR/2025-70, s. 94

    Previous Version

    Visual summary (regulatory detail)

    Diagram or visual excerpt to support reading this section. The official text (links above) remains authoritative.

    Download (PNG)Open in new tab
  • 901.88
    Official text (FR)Official text (EN)

    No person shall operate a remotely piloted aircraft system under this Division unless the person

    (a) is an RPAS operator or an employee, an agent or mandatary or a representative of an RPAS operator; and

    (b) complies with the conditions in the RPAS operator certificate issued to the RPAS operator.

    SOR/2025-70, s. 94

    Visual summary (regulatory detail)

    Diagram or visual excerpt to support reading this section. The official text (links above) remains authoritative.

    Download (PNG)Open in new tab
  • 901.89
    Official text (FR)Official text (EN)

    (1) Subject to subsection (2), no person shall operate a remotely piloted aircraft system under this Division unless the person

    (a) is at least 18 years of age; and

    (b) holds a pilot certificate — remotely piloted aircraft — level 1 complex operations issued under section 901.90.

    (2) Subsection (1) does not apply if the operation of the remotely piloted aircraft system is for the purpose of training and is conducted under the direct supervision of a person who is 18 years of age or older and who is permitted to operate a remotely piloted aircraft system under this Division.

    SOR/2025-70, s. 94

    Visual summary (regulatory detail)

    Diagram or visual excerpt to support reading this section. The official text (links above) remains authoritative.

    Download (PNG)Open in new tab
  • 901.90
    Official text (FR)Official text (EN)

    The Minister shall, on receipt of an application, issue a pilot certificate — remotely piloted aircraft — level 1 complex operations if the applicant demonstrates to the Minister that the applicant

    (a) is at least 18 years of age;

    (b) has successfully completed the examination “Remotely Piloted Aircraft Systems — Advanced Operations” in accordance with the document entitled Knowledge Requirements for Pilots of Remotely Piloted Aircraft Systems, 250 g up to and including 150 kg, Basic and Advanced Operations , TP 15263, published by the Minister;

    (c) has completed 20 hours of RPAS ground school instruction delivered by a training provider referred to in section 901.182 and covering the subjects set out in the document entitled Knowledge Requirements for Pilots of Remotely Piloted Aircraft Systems — Level 1 Complex Operations , TP 15530, published by the Minister;

    (d) has, after completion of the instruction referred to in paragraph (c), successfully completed the examination “Remotely Piloted Aircraft Systems — Level 1 Complex Operations” in accordance with the document entitled Knowledge Requirements for Pilots of Remotely Piloted Aircraft Systems — Level 1 Complex Operations , TP 15530, published by the Minister; and

    (e) has, within 12 months before the date of application, successfully completed a flight review in accordance with section 921.07 of Standard 921 — Remotely Piloted Aircraft conducted by a person qualified to act as a flight reviewer under subsection 901.175(2).

    SOR/2025-70, s. 94

    Visual summary (regulatory detail)

    Diagram or visual excerpt to support reading this section. The official text (links above) remains authoritative.

    Download (PNG)Open in new tab
  • 901.91
    Official text (FR)Official text (EN)

    No holder of a pilot certificate — remotely piloted aircraft — level 1 complex operations shall operate a remotely piloted aircraft system under this Division unless the holder has, within the 24 months preceding the flight,

    (a) been issued a pilot certificate — remotely piloted aircraft — level 1 complex operations under section 901.90; or

    (b) successfully completed

    (i) any of the examinations referred to in paragraph 901.55(b), 901.64(b) or 901.90(d),

    (ii) any of the flight reviews referred to in paragraph 901.64(c) or 901.90(e), or

    (iii) any of the recurrent training activities set out in section 921.04 of Standard 921 — Remotely Piloted Aircraft .

    SOR/2025-70, s. 94

    Visual summary (regulatory detail)

    Diagram or visual excerpt to support reading this section. The official text (links above) remains authoritative.

    Download (PNG)Open in new tab
  • 901.92
    Official text (FR)Official text (EN)

    No pilot shall operate a remotely piloted aircraft system under this Division unless the following are easily accessible during the operation:

    (a) the pilot certificate — remotely piloted aircraft — level 1 complex operations issued under section 901.90; and

    (b) documentation demonstrating that the pilot meets the recency requirements set out in section 901.91.

    SOR/2025-70, s. 94

    Visual summary (regulatory detail)

    Diagram or visual excerpt to support reading this section. The official text (links above) remains authoritative.

    Download (PNG)Open in new tab
  • 901.93
    Official text (FR)Official text (EN)

    No person shall commit an act referred to in paragraphs 901.58(a) to (c) in respect of an examination taken under this Division.

    SOR/2025-70, s. 94

    Visual summary (regulatory detail)

    Diagram or visual excerpt to support reading this section. The official text (links above) remains authoritative.

    Download (PNG)Open in new tab
  • 901.94
    Official text (FR)Official text (EN)

    No person who fails an examination or a flight review taken under this Division shall retake the examination or flight review for a period of 24 hours after the examination or review.

    SOR/2025-70, s. 94

    Visual summary (regulatory detail)

    Diagram or visual excerpt to support reading this section. The official text (links above) remains authoritative.

    Download (PNG)Open in new tab
  • 901.95
    Official text (FR)Official text (EN)

    (1) No pilot shall operate a remotely piloted aircraft system under this Division unless a declaration to the Minister has been made in accordance with section 901.194 in respect of that model of system and in respect of each of the technical requirements set out in Standard 922 that is applicable to the operation.

    (2) Despite subsection (1), a pilot may operate a remotely piloted aircraft system under this Division without a declaration having been made in respect of the technical requirements set out in section 922.10 of Standard 922 if a visual observer maintains unaided visual contact with the airspace in which the remotely piloted aircraft is operating in a manner sufficient to detect conflicting air traffic and other hazards and take action to avoid them and the operation is conducted in accordance with the Standard 923 — Vision-Based Detect and Avoid .

    SOR/2025-70, s. 94

    Visual summary (regulatory detail)

    Diagram or visual excerpt to support reading this section. The official text (links above) remains authoritative.

    Download (PNG)Open in new tab
  • 901.96
    Official text (FR)Official text (EN)

    (1) No pilot shall operate a remotely piloted aircraft system under this Division if the system has been modified in any way unless

    (a) the pilot is able to demonstrate to the Minister that, despite the modification, the system continues to meet the technical requirements set out in Standard 922 that are applicable to the operation; and

    (b) if applicable, the modification was performed in accordance with the instructions of the manufacturer of the part or equipment used to modify the system.

    (2) No pilot shall conduct an operation described in paragraph 901.87(b) using a remotely piloted aircraft system that has been modified in any way unless the modification was performed in accordance with the instructions of the person who has made a declaration referred to in section 901.194 in respect of that model of system.

    SOR/2025-70, s. 94

    Visual summary (regulatory detail)

    Diagram or visual excerpt to support reading this section. The official text (links above) remains authoritative.

    Download (PNG)Open in new tab

901.175 to 901.223 — Advanced operations, Standard 922 and related provisions

  • 901.175
    Official text (FR)Official text (EN)

    (1) No person shall perform the duties of a flight reviewer for a flight review referred to in paragraph 901.64(c) unless that person

    (a) holds a pilot certificate — remotely piloted aircraft — advanced operations endorsed with a flight reviewer rating under section 901.176 or a pilot certificate — remotely piloted aircraft — level 1 complex operations endorsed with such a rating; and

    (b) is able to demonstrate that they are affiliated with a training provider that has made a declaration to the Minister in accordance with the requirements of section 921.05 or 921.08 of Standard 921 — Remotely Piloted Aircraft .

    (2) No person shall perform the duties of a flight reviewer for a flight review referred to in paragraph 901.90(e) unless that person

    (a) holds a pilot certificate — remotely piloted aircraft — level 1 complex operations endorsed with a flight reviewer rating under section 901.176; and

    (b) is able to demonstrate that they are affiliated with a training provider that has made a declaration to the Minister in accordance with the requirements of section 921.08 of Standard 921 — Remotely Piloted Aircraft .

    SOR/2025-70, s. 94

    Visual summary (regulatory detail)

    Diagram or visual excerpt to support reading this section. The official text (links above) remains authoritative.

    Download (PNG)Open in new tab
  • 901.176
    Official text (FR)Official text (EN)

    The Minister shall, on receipt of an application, endorse the applicant’s pilot certificate with a flight reviewer rating if the applicant demonstrates to the Minister that the applicant

    (a) is at least 18 years of age;

    (b) holds a pilot certificate — remotely piloted aircraft — advanced operations issued under section 901.64 or a pilot certificate — remotely piloted aircraft — level 1 complex operations issued under section 901.90 and meets the recency requirements set out in section 901.65 or 901.91, as the case may be;

    (c) has held one of the certificates referred to in paragraph (b) for at least six months immediately before the date of application; and

    (d) has successfully completed the examination “Remotely Piloted Aircraft Systems — Flight Reviewers” in accordance with the document entitled Knowledge Requirements for Pilots of Remotely Piloted Aircraft Systems, 250 g up to and including 150 kg, Basic and Advanced Operations , TP 15263, published by the Minister.

    SOR/2025-70, s. 94

    Visual summary (regulatory detail)

    Diagram or visual excerpt to support reading this section. The official text (links above) remains authoritative.

    Download (PNG)Open in new tab
  • 901.177
    Official text (FR)Official text (EN)

    No person shall commit an act referred to in paragraphs 901.58(a) to (c) in respect of an examination referred to in paragraph 901.176(d).

    SOR/2025-70, s. 94

    Visual summary (regulatory detail)

    Diagram or visual excerpt to support reading this section. The official text (links above) remains authoritative.

    Download (PNG)Open in new tab
  • 901.178
    Official text (FR)Official text (EN)

    No person who fails an examination referred to in paragraph 901.176(d) shall retake the examination for a period of 24 hours after the examination.

    SOR/2025-70, s. 94

    Visual summary (regulatory detail)

    Diagram or visual excerpt to support reading this section. The official text (links above) remains authoritative.

    Download (PNG)Open in new tab
  • 901.179
    Official text (FR)Official text (EN)

    A training provider is eligible to make a declaration to the Minister in accordance with the requirements of section 921.05 or 921.08 of Standard 921 — Remotely Piloted Aircraft if the training provider is Canadian.

    SOR/2025-70, s. 94

    Visual summary (regulatory detail)

    Diagram or visual excerpt to support reading this section. The official text (links above) remains authoritative.

    Download (PNG)Open in new tab
  • 901.180
    Official text (FR)Official text (EN)

    A training provider that has made a declaration referred to in paragraph 901.175(1)(b) or (2)(b) shall

    (a) submit to the Minister the name of any person who is affiliated with the provider and who intends to perform the duties of a flight reviewer;

    (b) ensure that the person referred to in paragraph (a) conducts flight reviews in accordance with section 901.181; and

    (c) if the person referred to in paragraph (a) ceases to be affiliated with the provider, notify the Minister of that fact within seven days after the day on which the affiliation ceases.

    SOR/2025-70, s. 94

    Visual summary (regulatory detail)

    Diagram or visual excerpt to support reading this section. The official text (links above) remains authoritative.

    Download (PNG)Open in new tab
  • 901.181
    Official text (FR)Official text (EN)

    No person shall conduct a flight review referred to in paragraph 901.64(c) or 901.90(e) unless the review is conducted in accordance with section 921.06 of Standard 921 — Remotely Piloted Aircraft .

    SOR/2025-70, s. 94

    Visual summary (regulatory detail)

    Diagram or visual excerpt to support reading this section. The official text (links above) remains authoritative.

    Download (PNG)Open in new tab
  • 901.182
    Official text (FR)Official text (EN)

    (1) No training provider shall deliver the RPAS ground school instruction referred to in paragraph 901.90(c) unless the training provider

    (a) has made a declaration to the Minister in accordance with the requirements of section 921.08 of Standard 921 — Remotely Piloted Aircraft ; and

    (b) has appointed a chief ground instructor responsible for the delivery of the RPAS ground school instruction.

    (2) A training provider shall inform the Minister within 30 days after any change in the appointment of a chief ground instructor.

    SOR/2025-70, s. 94

    Visual summary (regulatory detail)

    Diagram or visual excerpt to support reading this section. The official text (links above) remains authoritative.

    Download (PNG)Open in new tab
  • 901.183
    Official text (FR)Official text (EN)

    No person shall act as chief ground instructor unless the person holds a pilot certificate — remotely piloted aircraft — level 1 complex operations issued under section 901.90 and endorsed with a flight reviewer rating under section 901.176.

    SOR/2025-70, s. 94

    Visual summary (regulatory detail)

    Diagram or visual excerpt to support reading this section. The official text (links above) remains authoritative.

    Download (PNG)Open in new tab
  • 901.184
    Official text (FR)Official text (EN)

    A training provider shall provide written proof of completion to every person who completes the RPAS ground school instruction referred to in paragraph 901.90(c).

    SOR/2025-70, s. 94

    Visual summary (regulatory detail)

    Diagram or visual excerpt to support reading this section. The official text (links above) remains authoritative.

    Download (PNG)Open in new tab
  • 901.194
    Official text (FR)Official text (EN)

    (1) A person who makes a declaration to the Minister in respect of a model of remotely piloted aircraft system and in respect of any technical requirement set out in Standard 922 shall do so in accordance with subsection (2).

    (2) The declaration shall

    (a) specify the legal name, trade name, if any, address and contact information of the person making the declaration and, in respect of the remotely piloted aircraft system,

    (i) the name of the model,

    (ii) the configurable elements of the system,

    (iii) the operations described in section 901.69 or 901.87 that the model of system is intended to conduct, and

    (iv) the technical requirements set out in Standard 922 that are the subject of the declaration; and

    (b) indicate that the person making the declaration has verified that the model of system meets the technical requirements specified under subparagraph (a)(iv) and, in the case of a model for which an acceptance letter has been issued under section 901.196, has completed that verification using the means set out in the person’s application for an acceptance letter under subparagraph 901.196(2)(c)(ii).

    (3) In the case of a model of remotely piloted aircraft system that is intended to conduct any of the operations described in paragraph 901.69(f) or (g) or 901.87(b), no person shall provide the Minister with a declaration referred to in subsection (1) unless an acceptance letter has been issued in respect of that model of system under section 901.196 in the two years before the making of the declaration.

    (4) The declaration is invalid if

    (a) the Minister has determined that the model of remotely piloted aircraft system does not meet the technical requirements specified under subparagraph (2)(a)(iv);

    (b) the person who has made the declaration has provided a notification to the Minister under section 901.195; or

    (c) the person who has made the declaration has failed to submit their annual report in accordance with section 901.199.

    (5) In the case referred to in paragraph (4)(b) in respect of a notification referred to in paragraph 901.195(1)(b), the declaration is only invalid with respect to the operations described in paragraphs 901.69(f) and (g) and 901.87(b).

    (6) In the case referred to in paragraph (4)(c), the declaration is only invalid with respect to the operations described in paragraphs 901.69(f) and (g) and 901.87(b) and only for the period during which the annual report is outstanding.

    (7) A person who has made a declaration shall notify the Minister within 30 days after any change to the names, address or contact information referred to in paragraph (2)(a).

    SOR/2025-70, s. 94

  • 901.195
    Official text (FR)Official text (EN)

    (1) A person who has made a declaration referred to in section 901.194 shall notify the Minister of

    (a) any deficiency related to the model of remotely piloted aircraft system that causes the model to no longer meet the technical requirements specified under subparagraph 901.194(2)(a)(iv); and

    (b) the fact that they are no longer maintaining a service difficulty reporting system, if they are required to establish and maintain such a system under section 901.197.

    (2) The person shall notify the Minister, in the case referred to in paragraph (1)(a), as soon as feasible after the deficiency is identified and, in the case referred to in paragraph (1)(b), on the day on which the person ceases to maintain the service difficulty reporting system.

    SOR/2025-70, s. 94

  • 901.196
    Official text (FR)Official text (EN)

    (1) The Minister shall, on receipt of an application containing the information set out in subsection (2), issue an acceptance letter to the applicant in respect of a model of remotely piloted aircraft system that is the subject of the application, if the applicant demonstrates the ability to

    (a) verify that the model of system meets the technical requirements set out in Standard 922 for which the applicant proposes to make a declaration referred to in section 901.194;

    (b) establish and maintain a service difficulty reporting system that meets the requirements of section 901.197; and

    (c) in the case of an applicant who manufactures an element of the remotely piloted aircraft system, ensure production consistency or, in the case of an applicant who provides a service that is an element of the system, ensure consistent activation and delivery of the service.

    (2) The applicant shall provide the following information:

    (a) the applicant’s legal name, trade name, if any, address and contact information;

    (b) a concept of operations that includes

    (i) a description of the principal design features and specifications of the remotely piloted aircraft system, including a technical description of

    (A) the remotely piloted aircraft, including the category of aircraft, such as a fixed-wing aircraft, rotary-wing aircraft, hybrid aircraft or lighter-than-air aircraft, and

    (B) all other elements of the system that are required for it to meet the technical requirements identified under subparagraph (c)(i),

    (ii) an indication of the operations described in section 901.69 or 901.87 that the model of system is intended to conduct,

    (iii) a description of any operating limitations of the system, including personnel or environmental limitations, that must be adhered to in order for the system to meet the technical requirements identified under subparagraph (c)(i),

    (iv) any procedures for operating the system, instructions for integrating and testing the elements of the system and instructions related to the servicing and maintenance of the system, and

    (v) any mandatory actions that must be completed in order for the system to meet the technical requirements identified under subparagraph (c)(i);

    (c) a declaration plan that identifies

    (i) the technical requirements set out in Standard 922 for which the applicant proposes to make a declaration referred to in section 901.194,

    (ii) the means to be used to demonstrate that the model system meets the technical requirements referred to in subparagraph (i), including any industry standards that will be followed and any proposed deviations from those standards, and how those means will demonstrate that the system meets those technical requirements,

    (iii) the resources necessary for carrying out the demonstration referred to in subparagraph (ii), and

    (iv) the schedule for carrying out the demonstration referred to in subparagraph (ii);

    (d) copies in English or French, or both, of all standards the applicant intends to follow to demonstrate that the system meets the technical requirements identified under subparagraph (c)(i);

    (e) documentation that demonstrates that the applicant has, or has access to, the technical capability to

    (i) conduct the design analyses and tests required to demonstrate that the system meets the technical requirements identified under subparagraph (c)(i),

    (ii) manufacture any elements of the remotely piloted aircraft system for which the applicant is the manufacturer, and

    (iii) support the operation of the remotely piloted aircraft system in service;

    (f) in the case of an applicant who manufactures an element of the system, a manufacturing plan that includes a description of the

    (i) manufacturing processes, including how the applicant will ensure production consistency,

    (ii) quality control procedures, including with respect to work performed by a supplier contracted by the applicant, and

    (iii) configuration management processes for all aspects of production;

    (g) in the case of an applicant who provides a service that is an element of the system, a commissioning plan that includes a description of the

    (i) procedures and tests for the service’s activation, and

    (ii) procedures for verifying that the service is functioning as intended; and

    (h) a product support plan that describes how the applicant will support the operation of the system in service, including

    (i) a description of the service difficulty reporting system that the applicant will establish under section 901.197,

    (ii) a description of the modifications that can be performed on the system by a person other than the applicant and any instructions with respect to those modifications,

    (iii) a description of the required system maintenance and how the system, or elements of it, can be returned for maintenance, and

    (iv) a description of how any mandatory actions will be made available to each user of the model of system.

    SOR/2025-70, s. 94

  • 901.197
    Official text (FR)Official text (EN)

    (1) If a declaration referred to in section 901.194 is made in respect of a model of remotely piloted aircraft system for which an acceptance letter has been issued under section 901.196, the person who has made the declaration shall establish and maintain a service difficulty reporting system for the purpose of receiving, recording, analyzing and investigating reports and information concerning any reportable service difficulty related to that model.

    (2) The service difficulty reporting system shall include

    (a) a means for receiving reports and information concerning any reportable service difficulty; and

    (b) instructions regarding what information must be submitted to the person who has made the declaration.

    SOR/2025-70, s. 94

  • 901.198
    Official text (FR)Official text (EN)

    If a person receives a service difficulty report in respect of a model of remotely piloted aircraft system for which they have made a declaration referred to in section 901.194 and for which an acceptance letter has been issued under section 901.196, that person shall investigate the service difficulty and, if it results from a deficiency in the model that causes the system to no longer meet the technical requirements specified under subparagraph 901.194(2)(a)(iv), develop a mandatory action to rectify the deficiency.

    SOR/2025-70, s. 94

  • 901.199
    Official text (FR)Official text (EN)

    (1) A person who has made a declaration referred to in section 901.194 in respect of a model of remotely piloted aircraft system for which an acceptance letter has been issued under section 901.196 shall submit to the Minister an annual report in respect of that model.

    (2) The annual report shall include

    (a) the name of the person submitting the report;

    (b) the name of the model of remotely piloted aircraft system;

    (c) the actual, if available, or estimated total number of hours of operation in Canada of systems of that model during the year to which the annual report relates; and

    (d) the number of reportable service difficulty reports received during the year to which the annual report relates, a summary of the reports in respect of which mandatory actions were developed and a description of those mandatory actions.

    (3) The annual report shall be submitted to the Minister each year by not later than the anniversary of the day on which the declaration referred to in section 901.194 was made.

    SOR/2025-70, s. 94

  • 901.200
    Official text (FR)Official text (EN)

    A person who has made a declaration referred to in section 901.194 in respect of a model of remotely piloted aircraft system shall make available to each user of that model of system

    (a) a maintenance program that includes

    (i) instructions related to the servicing and maintenance of the system, and

    (ii) an inspection program to maintain system readiness;

    (b) any mandatory actions the person develops in respect of the system; and

    (c) an operating manual that includes

    (i) a description of the system,

    (ii) the ranges of weights and centres of gravity within which the system may be safely operated under normal and emergency conditions and, if a weight and centre of gravity combination is considered safe only within certain loading limits, those limits and the corresponding weight and centre of gravity combinations,

    (iii) with respect to each flight phase and mode of operation, the conditions required to maintain a stable command and control link and the minimum and maximum altitudes and velocities within which the remotely piloted aircraft can be operated safely under normal and emergency conditions,

    (iv) a description of the effects of foreseeable weather conditions and other environmental conditions on the performance of the system,

    (v) the characteristics of the system that could result in severe injury to crew members during operation,

    (vi) the design features of the system, and their associated operations, that are intended to protect against injury to persons not involved in the operations,

    (vii) the warning information provided to the pilot in the event of a degradation in system performance that may result in an unsafe operation condition,

    (viii) procedures for operating the system in normal and emergency conditions,

    (ix) assembly, adjustment and modification instructions for the system, and

    (x) instructions for integrating the elements of the system.

    SOR/2025-70, s. 94

  • 901.201
    Official text (FR)Official text (EN)

    (1) A person who has made a declaration referred to in section 901.194 in respect of a model of remotely piloted aircraft system shall keep, and make available to the Minister on request, a record of

    (a) any mandatory actions developed in respect of the system;

    (b) the results of, and the reports related to, the verifications that the person has undertaken to ensure that the model of system meets the technical requirements specified under subparagraph 901.194(2)(a)(iv); and

    (c) the results of any service difficulty investigations that the person has undertaken, if that person must establish and maintain a service difficulty reporting system under section 901.197.

    (2) The person shall keep the records referred to in subsection (1) for the later of

    (a) two years after the day on which manufacturing of the model of remotely piloted aircraft system permanently ceases; and

    (b) two years after the day on which the person provides a notification to the Minister under section 901.195.

    SOR/2025-70, s. 94

  • 901.213
    Official text (FR)Official text (EN)

    A person is eligible to hold an RPAS operator certificate if

    (a) with respect to a person who proposes to provide a commercial air service, the person is Canadian; or

    (b) in any other case, the person is

    (i) a Canadian citizen or a permanent resident of Canada,

    (ii) a government in Canada or an agent or mandatary of such a government, or

    (iii) a corporation or entity that is incorporated or formed under the laws of Canada or a province.

    SOR/2025-70, s. 94

    Visual summary (regulatory detail)

    Diagram or visual excerpt to support reading this section. The official text (links above) remains authoritative.

    Download (PNG)Open in new tab
  • 901.214
    Official text (FR)Official text (EN)

    The Minister shall, on receipt of an application containing the following information, issue an RPAS operator certificate:

    (a) the applicant’s legal name, trade name, if any, address and contact information;

    (b) the name of the accountable executive;

    (c) a declaration stating that the applicant has

    (i) an RPAS operations manual that meets the requirements of section 901.217,

    (ii) the processes set out in section 901.218, and

    (iii) a training program that meets the requirements of section 901.219; and

    (d) an indication of the type of operations the applicant intends to conduct and whether they intend to provide a commercial air service.

    SOR/2025-70, s. 94

    Visual summary (regulatory detail)

    Diagram or visual excerpt to support reading this section. The official text (links above) remains authoritative.

    Download (PNG)Open in new tab
  • 901.215
    Official text (FR)Official text (EN)

    An RPAS operator certificate shall contain the following information:

    (a) the legal name, trade name, if any, address and contact information of the RPAS operator;

    (b) the number of the certificate; and

    (c) the date of issue of the certificate.

    SOR/2025-70, s. 94

    Visual summary (regulatory detail)

    Diagram or visual excerpt to support reading this section. The official text (links above) remains authoritative.

    Download (PNG)Open in new tab
  • 901.216
    Official text (FR)Official text (EN)

    The general conditions of an RPAS operator certificate are the following:

    (a) the RPAS operator shall maintain an adequate organizational structure;

    (b) the RPAS operator shall conduct training in accordance with section 901.219;

    (c) the RPAS operator shall have remotely piloted aircraft systems that are properly equipped for the type of operation to be conducted;

    (d) the RPAS operator shall conduct maintenance of remotely piloted aircraft systems in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions; and

    (e) the RPAS operator shall notify the Minister of any change in its legal name, trade name, address and contact information of the RPAS operator within seven days of the change.

    SOR/2025-70, s. 94

    Visual summary (regulatory detail)

    Diagram or visual excerpt to support reading this section. The official text (links above) remains authoritative.

    Download (PNG)Open in new tab
  • 901.217
    Official text (FR)Official text (EN)

    (1) Every RPAS operator shall establish and maintain an RPAS operations manual that consists of the following information:

    (a) a description of the roles and responsibilities of crew members before, during and after a flight;

    (b) a description of the roles and responsibilities of all operational and maintenance personnel and the hierarchy and chain of command within management;

    (c) the processes established under section 901.218;

    (d) the procedures established under section 901.23; and

    (e) a description of personnel training and qualifications, including a detailed syllabus of the RPAS operator’s training program established under section 901.219.

    (2) If there is a change in any aspect of an RPAS operator’s operations or the RPAS operations manual no longer meets the requirements of subsection (1), the RPAS operator shall amend its operations manual.

    (3) An RPAS operator shall provide a copy of its RPAS operations manual and a copy of every amendment to that manual to every person who is involved in the RPAS operator’s operations.

    (4) An RPAS operator shall provide a copy of its RPAS operations manual to the Minister on request.

    SOR/2025-70, s. 94

    Visual summary (regulatory detail)

    Diagram or visual excerpt to support reading this section. The official text (links above) remains authoritative.

    Download (PNG)Open in new tab
  • 901.218
    Official text (FR)Official text (EN)

    (1) An RPAS operator shall establish and maintain processes for

    (a) setting goals for the improvement of aviation safety, measuring the attainment of those goals and addressing instances when those goals are not met;

    (b) identifying and documenting hazards to aviation safety and evaluating, managing and documenting the associated risks;

    (c) evaluating the effectiveness of measures taken to mitigate or remove the hazards and associated risks;

    (d) internally reporting and analyzing hazards, incidents and accidents and taking corrective actions to prevent their recurrence; and

    (e) ensuring that maintenance is conducted in accordance with the RPAS operator’s maintenance control manual.

    (2) The processes required under subsection (1) shall be under the control of the accountable executive appointed by the RPAS operator under paragraph 106.02(1)(a).

    SOR/2025-70, s. 94

    Visual summary (regulatory detail)

    Diagram or visual excerpt to support reading this section. The official text (links above) remains authoritative.

    Download (PNG)Open in new tab
  • 901.219
    Official text (FR)Official text (EN)

    (1) Every RPAS operator shall establish and maintain a training program that is designed to ensure that each person who receives training acquires the competence to perform their assigned duties.

    (2) An RPAS operator’s training program shall include

    (a) indoctrination training;

    (b) initial and annual training, including training in respect of

    (i) the models of remotely piloted aircraft operated by the RPAS operator,

    (ii) remotely piloted aircraft servicing and ground handling, and

    (iii) the procedures set out in the RPAS operations manual; and

    (c) a process for assessing the competency of each person who receives training and for evaluating the effectiveness of the training program.

    (3) An RPAS operator shall ensure that any training provided to meet the requirements of this section is based on the content of the RPAS operator’s training program.

    (4) No RPAS operator shall permit a person to act, and no person shall act, as an instructor unless

    (a) the person has demonstrated to the RPAS operator knowledge of the content of the RPAS operations manual; and

    (b) in the case of a flight training instructor, the person holds the pilot certificate required by this Part in respect of the operations to be conducted.

    (5) No RPAS operator shall permit a person to act, and no person shall act, as an instructor unless the person has received, before the day on which the person begins to act as an instructor, training that includes the following elements:

    (a) the teaching and learning processes;

    (b) instructional techniques; and

    (c) the student-instructor relationship.

    SOR/2025-70, s. 94

    Visual summary (regulatory detail)

    Diagram or visual excerpt to support reading this section. The official text (links above) remains authoritative.

    Download (PNG)Open in new tab
  • 901.220
    Official text (FR)Official text (EN)

    (1) An RPAS operator shall appoint a person responsible for RPAS maintenance.

    (2) The person responsible for RPAS maintenance shall plan and oversee the maintenance of the RPAS operator’s remotely piloted aircraft systems, including coordinating maintenance arrangements with third-party maintenance providers.

    SOR/2025-70, s. 94

    Visual summary (regulatory detail)

    Diagram or visual excerpt to support reading this section. The official text (links above) remains authoritative.

    Download (PNG)Open in new tab
  • 901.221
    Official text (FR)Official text (EN)

    (1) An RPAS operator shall establish and maintain a maintenance control manual that includes

    (a) the name of every person authorized by the RPAS operator to perform maintenance actions;

    (b) any records referred to in paragraph 901.223(1)(e); and

    (c) procedures for servicing, maintenance and pre-flight and post-flight inspections of the RPAS operator’s remotely piloted aircraft systems that are consistent with any instructions from the manufacturer.

    (2) The RPAS operator shall ensure that the maintenance control manual is made available to the Minister on request.

    SOR/2025-70, s. 94

    Visual summary (regulatory detail)

    Diagram or visual excerpt to support reading this section. The official text (links above) remains authoritative.

    Download (PNG)Open in new tab
  • 901.222
    Official text (FR)Official text (EN)

    An RPAS operator shall designate a pilot-in-command for each operation conducted under Division VI.

    SOR/2025-70, s. 94

    Visual summary (regulatory detail)

    Diagram or visual excerpt to support reading this section. The official text (links above) remains authoritative.

    Download (PNG)Open in new tab
  • 901.223
    Official text (FR)Official text (EN)

    (1) Every RPAS operator shall keep the following records:

    (a) a record containing the names of the pilots, pilots-in-command and other crew members who are involved in each flight and, in respect of a remotely piloted aircraft system, the time of each flight or series of flights;

    (b) a record containing the names of the employees, the agents or mandataries and the representatives of the operator;

    (c) a record containing the names of every person who has received training provided by the operator and the nature of that training;

    (d) a record containing the registration numbers of all remotely piloted aircraft it operates; and

    (e) a record containing the particulars of any mandatory action and any other maintenance action, modification or repair performed on a remotely piloted aircraft system, including

    (i) the names of the persons who performed them,

    (ii) the dates on which they were undertaken,

    (iii) in the case of a modification, the manufacturer, model and a description of the part or equipment installed to modify the system, and

    (iv) if applicable, any instructions provided to complete the work.

    (2) Every RPAS operator shall ensure that the records are made available to the Minister on request and are retained for a period of

    (a) in the case of the records referred to in paragraphs (1)(a), (b) and (c), 12 months after the day on which they are created; and

    (b) in the case of the records referred to in paragraphs (1)(d) and (e), 24 months after the day on which they are created.

    SOR/2025-70, s. 94

    Visual summary (regulatory detail)

    Diagram or visual excerpt to support reading this section. The official text (links above) remains authoritative.

    Download (PNG)Open in new tab

FAQ

Need training or an operational structure?

HighCloud trains pilots (TP-15263, etc.) and helps organizations run documented, CAR-compliant operations.

View CESATP training