Transport Canada RPAS Regulations 2026: What FPV Pilots Flying in Canada Must Know
Transport Canada’s Remotely Piloted Aircraft System (RPAS) regulations, established under Part IX of the Canadian Aviation Regulations (CARs), apply to all drone operations between 250 grams and 25 kilograms. For FPV pilots in Canada, understanding the full framework — pilot certification, drone registration, operational limits, and the evolving treatment of first-person-view flight — is mandatory before taking to the air.
Pilot Certification: Basic vs. Advanced Operations
Transport Canada divides drone operations into Basic and Advanced categories based on proximity to people and airspace. Basic operations require the drone to be flown more than 30 meters horizontally from bystanders (anyone not involved in the operation), more than 3 nautical miles (5.6km) from certified airports, and more than 1 nautical mile (1.9km) from certified heliports. Advanced operations permit flight within 30 meters of bystanders (down to 5 meters with a parachute or declaration) and within controlled airspace, subject to air traffic control authorization.
The Basic Pilot Certificate requires passing an online exam (Small Basic Exam, $10 CAD) consisting of 35 multiple-choice questions covering air law, navigation, human factors, and meteorology. The pass mark is 65% and the test takes approximately 90 minutes. This certificate is valid indefinitely but must be kept current with recurrent self-study every 24 months.
The Advanced Pilot Certificate adds a flight review with a Transport Canada-authorized reviewer. The review evaluates the pilot’s ability to plan a flight, conduct safe operations, and handle emergencies. The Advanced certificate is required for operations within controlled airspace or near people.
Drone Registration and Safety Requirements
All RPAS between 250g and 25kg must be registered with Transport Canada ($5 CAD per drone, valid indefinitely). The registration number must be clearly displayed on the drone and be legible from the ground. This requirement applies to home-built FPV quads exactly as it does to commercial off-the-shelf drones — every 5-inch FPV build must display its registration number. The registration process includes providing the drone’s make, model, serial number, weight, and type.
All pilots must carry their pilot certificate (digital or physical) and proof of drone registration while operating. Pilots must also maintain a personal log of all flights including date, time, location, and any incidents. Before each flight, a site survey must be conducted to identify hazards, check for NOTAMs (Notice to Airmen), and verify airspace classification using the NAV Drone app or equivalent tool.
FPV Operations and the Visual Observer
Transport Canada’s regulations require the pilot to maintain visual line of sight (VLOS) at all times — defined as unaided visual contact (corrective lenses permitted) sufficient to determine the drone’s orientation and attitude. FPV goggles, by their nature, prevent the pilot from maintaining VLOS. However, CAR 901.20 explicitly permits FPV flight when a “visual observer” is present. The visual observer must:
Maintain unaided visual contact with the drone, stand close enough to the pilot for immediate verbal communication (no radios or phones as the primary communication method), scan the airspace for hazards and conflicting traffic, and immediately alert the pilot to any danger. The visual observer must be competent in their role — they should understand what constitutes a hazard, be able to estimate distances, and remain focused on the aircraft without distractions. The visual observer does not need a pilot certificate, but Transport Canada recommends they complete the Basic exam for foundational knowledge.
This observer provision is the legal pathway for FPV flight in Canada. Solo FPV flying — without an observer — is not legal under Part IX regulations, regardless of the drone’s weight. Even sub-250g drones, while exempt from registration and pilot certification, remain subject to the VLOS rule: CAR 900.06 states that no person shall operate an RPAS in such a manner as to create a hazard, and flying FPV without an observer or other VLOS mitigation is likely to be considered hazardous by Transport Canada enforcement.
Sub-250g Micro Drones: The Fine Print
Drones under 250 grams (micro RPAS) are exempt from registration and pilot certification requirements. However, they are not exempt from all regulations. The critical rule — CAR 900.06 — requires all RPAS operators, regardless of weight, to not operate in a manner that could endanger aviation safety or people. This catch-all provision means that even a 249g FPV quad flown recklessly near people, aircraft, or emergency operations violates the regulations. Sub-250g pilots must also comply with privacy laws (federal PIPEDA and provincial privacy acts), cannot fly in restricted airspace (Class F), and should follow the same safety practices as heavier drone operators.
Enforcement and Penalties
Transport Canada enforces RPAS regulations through a tiered penalty system. Individuals face fines of $1,000 CAD for flying without a pilot certificate, $1,000 for flying an unregistered drone, $1,000 for flying where prohibited (e.g., near airports), and up to $3,000 for flying in a manner that endangers aircraft or people. Corporations face fines up to $15,000 for equivalent violations. Transport Canada has demonstrated willingness to enforce these penalties — several high-profile FPV incidents posted to social media have resulted in investigation and fines after transport safety inspectors identified the pilots from the footage.
For FPV pilots in Canada, the compliance path is clear: pass the Basic exam ($10), register your drone ($5), fly with a visual observer, stay outside controlled airspace and away from people, and carry your documentation. The regulations are structured to be accessible to hobby pilots while maintaining meaningful safety standards — a balance that serves both the aviation system and the FPV community.
Source: Transport Canada CAR Part IX (SOR/2019-11), Transport Canada Aeronautical Information Manual (TC AIM) TP 14371, Knowledge Requirements for Pilots of Remotely Piloted Aircraft Systems TP 15263, Transport Canada Advisory Circular AC 922-001, tc.canada.ca/drone-safety