Drones under 250 g: New Rules and Impact on Quebec Pilots

🛸 Summary of the New Canadian Rules for Drones Under 250 g (Effective April 1, 2025)

As of April 1, 2025, Canada has updated its regulations concerning drones, including those weighing less than 250g. Although these micro-drones benefit from more flexible rules, certain restrictions still apply, particularly with regard to public events.

📌 Key points of the new rules

• Line-of-sight flight (VLOS): Pilots must keep their drone in direct view without visual aids.

• Maximum altitude: Fly at a height of less than 122 metres (400 feet).

• Minimum distance from people: Maintain a distance of at least 30 metres from people not involved in the operation.

• Prohibited areas: Avoid emergency zones, announced public events and restricted air zones.

• Airport proximity: Do not fly within 5.6 km of an airport or 1.9 km of a heliport. tc.canada.catc.canada.ca+1sUAS News+1

Although registration is not required for drones weighing less than 250 g, it is strongly recommended that you familiarize yourself with the principles of safe flight and use applications such as NAV Drone to check air restrictions.

⚠️ Important changes

From April 1, 2025, a Special Flight Certificate (SFOC) is now required to fly micro-UAVs at advertised public events, such as concerts, festivals or markets. This measure is designed to ensure safety in more restricted and crowded airspace.

💰 Associated costs

Fees for drone registration have been increased to $10 as of April 1, 2025. In addition, fees are now charged for certificates and attestations, such as .

• Level 1 complex operations exam: $50

• Pilot certificate – Level 1 complex operations: $125

• RPAS Operator Certificate (RPOC ): $125

📅 Application phases

The new rules will come into effect in two phases.tc.canada.ca

• April 1, 2025: Introduction of new requirements for micro-UAVs at announced public events.

• November 4, 2025: Allow Beyond Line of Sight (BVLOS), Extended Visual Line of Sight (EVLOS) and sheltered operations, subject to appropriate certification.tc.canada.ca+5tc.canada.ca+5www.gazette.gc.ca+5

This step-by-step approach enables operators to prepare adequately for new requirements.InDro Robotics

---

✅ Summary

Microdrones offer great freedom of use in Canada, but compliance with safety rules is essential to ensure responsible and legal flying. Keep up to date with regulatory developments, including BVLOS operations scheduled for November 2025.

For more information and to check authorized flight zones, consult Transport Canada‘s official resources.tc.canada.ca