Transport Canada will be introducing a new category for drones weighing 25-150kg, which includes models such as the DJI Agras, Draganfly Heavy Lift Drone, and DJI Flycart.
Which will make the operations of these drones easier and more straightforward than the previous regulations that required an SFOC application.
With these updates to Transport Canada's RPAS Regulations on the horizon (April 1, 2025), it's essential to understand what defines a medium drone and the requirements for operating one.
What Are Medium Drones?
Medium drones are classified as remotely piloted aircraft systems (RPAS) weighing between 25 kg and 150 kg. These drones are ideal for tasks such as:
- Drone delivery
- Professional cinematography
- Agricultural operations like crop spraying
- Infrastructure inspection
- Environmental monitoring
The additional payload capacity of medium drones makes them highly versatile, but their operation requires adherence to stricter regulatory requirements compared to smaller drones.
What Are the Requirements for Operating Medium Drones?
Operating medium drones involves compliance with specific rules and certifications, ensuring safety and accountability. Here’s a breakdown of what’s needed:
1. Pilot Certification
- Advanced Pilot Certificate: Pilots must hold this certification, which involves passing an online exam, completing a flight review, and meeting minimum age requirements (16 years).
- Level 1 Complex Pilot Certificate (for certain operations): Required for lower-risk BVLOS (beyond visual line-of-sight) operations, this certification includes a NEW ground school, a NEW online exam, and a NEW flight review.
2. Registration and Marking
- Medium drones must meet the new manufacturer declaration standard from Transport Canada to be registered and flown in Canada.
- Medium drones must be registered with Transport Canada, and the registration number should be marked on the drone.
3. Flight Operations
- Operations must generally remain within visual line-of-sight (VLOS) unless specific provisions allow for extended or beyond visual line-of-sight flights.
- Uncontrolled Airspace Operations: Medium drones can operate in uncontrolled airspace away from populated areas with fewer regulatory hurdles.
- Controlled Airspace Operations: Authorization from air traffic control (NAV Canada or Department of National Defence) is required for operations in controlled airspace or near people.
4. Safety Measures
- Operators must maintain NEW specific standoff distances:
- 500+ feet from uninvolved people
-
100–500 feet are considered "near people"
*This information is based on the proposed rules and may change when they come into effect.
The Role of Medium Drones in BVLOS Operations
Medium drones play a significant role in lower-risk BVLOS operations, which include tasks like pipeline inspection, delivery, and precision agriculture. However, these operations demand stricter compliance, including:
- Enhanced site surveys and population density validation.
- Pilots will need to conduct a virtual site survey and, an in-person site survey, and perform operational monitoring during the operation.
- Collision avoidance systems and anti-collision lights.
- Adherence to altitude and airspace restrictions (below 400 feet above ground level in uncontrolled airspace).
For organizations and pilots, staying informed about requirements ensures compliance while unlocking the potential of this powerful category of drones. With proper certifications, adherence to safety protocols, and thoughtful planning, medium drones can revolutionize your operations.
Medium drones:
If you want to become a certified drone pilot in Canada click here to take our online pilot training course.
