Medium Drones in Canada (25–150 kg): Rules Explained

Since November 4, 2025, Canada allows medium drones weighing more than 25 kg and up to 150 kg to fly without a special flight operations certificate, as long as the pilot holds an Advanced certificate, the drone has the right safety assurance declaration and the flight stays within visual line of sight. Lower-risk beyond visual line of sight (BVLOS) flights with medium drones need a Level 1 Complex certificate and an operator certificate.

This guide explains the medium drone category, what pilots and operators need, and how it affects agriculture, inspection and other commercial work.

What Counts as a Medium Drone in Canada?

Transport Canada groups drones by take-off weight, including payload and batteries. The categories that matter most for pilots are:

Before the 2025 changes, flying anything over 25 kg generally required an SFOC. The new medium category brings many of these operations into the standard rules, which shortens planning time for businesses.

Weight is measured at take-off, so a spray drone with a full tank may be medium while the same aircraft with an empty tank is small. Plan around the heaviest configuration you will actually fly, because that is the one that determines which rules apply on the day.

Requirements to Fly a Medium Drone (VLOS)

According to Transport Canada, any medium drone operation is an advanced operation or beyond. To fly a medium drone within visual line of sight, you need:

1. A Pilot Certificate – Advanced Operations, carried with you and shown on request. You must be at least 16 to obtain it.
2. Drone registration, with proof of registration available when you fly.
3. A drone that meets safety assurance requirements for the intended operation, through the manufacturer’s declaration or a pre-validated declaration, depending on the operation.
4. Visual line of sight at all times.
5. Air traffic control permission if you fly in controlled airspace.
6. Recency: your skills must be kept current within the previous 24 months.

Existing Advanced certificate holders do not need to reapply for a new certificate to benefit from the 2025 changes, but Transport Canada expects them to learn the new rules. Our guide to the Advanced drone pilot certificate covers the exam and flight review.

Safety Assurance Declarations for Medium Drones

For advanced operations, the drone itself must be declared suitable by its manufacturer, or by whoever modified it, through a safety assurance declaration submitted to Transport Canada. Some operations require a pre-validated declaration, which Transport Canada reviews before it is accepted. The fee for a pre-validated declaration is $1,200, paid by the declarant, typically the manufacturer.

As a pilot or operator, your job is to confirm that the specific model and configuration you fly is listed for the operation you plan. Check the drone model list in Transport Canada’s Drone Management Portal and keep a record. Our explainer on drone safety assurance declarations goes deeper into how to read the list.

BVLOS With Medium Drones

Lower-risk BVLOS became possible without an SFOC on November 4, 2025, under the Level 1 Complex framework. For medium drones, Transport Canada’s conditions include:

• Flying in uncontrolled airspace, below 122 m (400 ft) and away from airports and aerodromes.
• Staying at least 1 km from a populated area (more than 5 people per km²).
• A pilot holding the Level 1 Complex certificate (minimum age 18, exam, at least 20 hours of ground school and a flight review).
• An RPAS Operator Certificate (RPOC) held by the operator, with procedures scaled to the operation.

Small drones get some extra flexibility, such as flying over sparsely populated areas, which medium drones do not. Read our guide to Level 1 Complex operations and the RPAS Operator Certificate for the full picture.

Who Uses Medium Drones?

Medium drones are mostly commercial tools. Common uses in Canada include:

• Agriculture: spraying and spreading, where tank size quickly pushes take-off weight past 25 kg. Pesticide application also involves federal and provincial pesticide rules, covered in our article on agricultural drones and crop spraying.
• Heavy-lift logistics: moving equipment to remote work sites.
• Inspection and survey: carrying large LiDAR or multi-sensor payloads.
• Emergency and public safety: specialised payloads, often under separate arrangements.

Practical Checklist for Medium Drone Operators

1. Weigh the drone at maximum take-off configuration, including full tanks, batteries and payload.
2. Confirm the category (small, medium or over 150 kg).
3. Verify the drone’s safety assurance declaration covers your operation.
4. Confirm each pilot holds the right certificate and is current.
5. Register the drone and mark it with the registration number.
6. Plan airspace: request ATC permission in controlled airspace and check NOTAMs.
7. Complete a site survey and keep emergency procedures ready.
8. For BVLOS, confirm population density limits and RPOC procedures.
9. Arrange liability insurance suited to heavier equipment.
10. Brief every crew member on roles and emergency procedures before each flight.
11. Keep logs, maintenance records and incident reports as required.

Penalties and Common Mistakes

Flying a medium drone without the right certificate, registration or declaration can lead to fines under the Canadian Aviation Regulations, and the stakes are higher with heavier aircraft. Common mistakes include forgetting that payload counts toward weight, assuming a declaration for one configuration covers another, and flying in controlled airspace without permission.

Another frequent error is treating an Advanced certificate earned years ago as enough on its own, without completing a recency activity in the last 24 months.

Heavier drones also carry greater risk to people and property. Treat every flight as a professional operation, with a written plan and a trained crew.

Crew roles become more important as aircraft get heavier. Many operators assign a dedicated visual observer or ground safety person to manage the take-off and landing area, keep bystanders back and handle communications with landowners. Clear roles, a pre-flight briefing and a written emergency plan for lost link, fly-away and forced landing scenarios go a long way toward preventing incidents.

FAQ: Medium Drones in Canada

Can I fly a 30 kg drone in Canada without an SFOC?

Yes, since November 4, 2025, if you hold an Advanced certificate, the drone has a suitable safety assurance declaration, it is registered and you fly within visual line of sight.

Do medium drones need to be registered?

Yes. Drones from 250 g up to 150 kg must be registered, and you must carry proof of registration when you fly.

Can medium drones fly BVLOS?

Yes, for lower-risk operations at least 1 km from populated areas, with a Level 1 Complex pilot and an RPOC holder. Other BVLOS operations may still need an SFOC.

What happens above 150 kg?

Drones over 150 kg fall outside the standard categories and require an SFOC-RPAS.

Is insurance mandatory for medium drones?

Requirements depend on the operation and your clients. Most commercial operators carry liability insurance. Speak with a broker and, for legal questions, a qualified professional.

Plan Your Heavy-Lift Operations

The medium drone category opens real opportunities for Canadian businesses, but it comes with professional-level responsibilities. Check the official Transport Canada summary of 2025 changes and contact Drone1 if you would like us to cover a specific use case.