The Price Tag Has Changed — But So Has the Experience

So, you fly drones in Canada? Great. Get ready for a few more digits on your receipts. Transport Canada has officially updated its drone rules, and yes, the fees are going up.

For instance, registration has doubled to $10. The new Level 1 Complex Exam (that becomes available from April 1) is set at $125.

What are you getting for those extra dollars? Or is it just bureaucracy? Turns out it’s better access, more freedom, and less paperwork.

What Are You Paying For?

These fees come with upgraded privileges, smarter processes, and a real push toward routine Beyond Visual Line of Sight (BVLOS) flights.

Old system: Slow, paper-heavy, and reliant on case-by-case Special Flight Operations Certificates (SFOCs).

New system: Clearer paths. More certainty. And finally, BVLOS without begging for exceptions.

Here’s the price list:

  • Drone registration: $10 (up from $5)
  • Pilot exams: $10 to $125 depending on complexity
  • SFOC (low complexity): $75
  • SFOC (high complexity): $475

BVLOS Is Officially a Thing

The long wait is almost over. Come November 4, 2025, routine BVLOS flights will be here. 

No more jumping through flaming hoops just to fly past the treeline. To fly BVLOS, you’ll need:

  • RPAS ground school
  • Online multiple-choice test
  • In-person flight review
  • A drone that meets new tech requirements

That’s your gateway to flying in uncontrolled airspace over rural areas (defined as fewer than 25 people per square kilometer). 

Use tools like the National Research Council Drone Site Selection Tool or Statistics Canada maps to check if your flying field qualifies.

New Toys, New Rules: The 150kg Limit

Until now, flying anything over 25kg was a hard stop.

But Canada’s opening the skies to medium drones weighing up to 150kg.

You can fly these systems:

  • Within VLOS (Visual Line of Sight)
  • In both controlled and uncontrolled airspace
  • Near or even over people (with added precautions)

Just be sure your weather checks are tight. Larger drones mean stricter flight planning.

Perks for Certified Pilots

Already have an Advanced Pilot Certificate? You’re in luck.

No extra certification needed to enjoy these new privileges:

  • VLOS flights with medium drones
  • Extended VLOS (with a visual observer)
  • Sheltered operations (flying near structures without visual observers)

Also: Visual Observers now only need Basic Certificates. That’s less training, less cost.

Microdrones: No More Free Pass at Events

Your trusty 249g drone won’t fly under the radar anymore.

If you’re planning to use it at advertised events (think: concerts, markets, festivals), you’ll need an SFOC.

Transport Canada says it’s a safety thing. Too many Mini drones causing stress at crowded public gatherings.

But at least the permit fee is just $75.

Manufacturer Report Changes

Drone makers have been reached as well. The new rules demand Pre-Validated Declarations (PVDs) if you want your drones to be used in these advanced operations.

No more casual self-declarations. You’ll now:

  • Submit a technical plan to meet Standard 922
  • Get it approved
  • Execute it
  • Submit ongoing annual safety reports

Oh, and every glitch or malfunction? That now needs to be reported to Transport Canada.

Fines Ramping Up

Break the rules and it’s going to sting. Hard. 

New fines for individuals: $3,000. For corporations: $15,000.

That includes:

  • Flying near aerodromes without permission
  • Operating at public events without clearance
  • Entering restricted airspace “accidentally”

So yeah. Don’t.

Are Canada Drone Fees Worth It? 

So is this a money grab? Not really. You’re not just paying more. You’re getting more.

You get predictable rules, national approval for bigger and longer flights, and fewer roadblocks from regulators. And the $125 exam is simply the price of admission to a BVLOS world that used to be locked behind endless red tape.

So yeah, it’s worth it.

FAQs About Canada’s New Drone Fees

  • Do I have to pay the $10 registration fee for every drone?

Yes, the $10 fee applies to each individual drone you register. So if you own three, that’s $30.

  • Is the $125 exam fee a one-time payment?

Yes, the $125 is a one-time fee for the Level 1 Complex Exam. Once you pass it, you’re good to go for BVLOS.

  • Can I still fly without taking the new exam?

Yes, if you’re not doing BVLOS or complex ops, no need to take it. Basic and Advanced flights remain under the older requirements.

  • Is the fee increase permanent?

Yes, these fees are part of Transport Canada’s modernized fee structure. There’s no sunset clause or discount window.

  • What if I fail the Level 1 exam?

You can retake it, but you’ll have to pay again. So, prep properly.

  • Do I need the exam if I just want to fly recreationally?

No, recreational flyers don’t need the Level 1 Complex Exam. Stick to the basic rules and you’re fine.

  • Are the new fines really being enforced?

Yes, Transport Canada is serious. Fines have tripled, and they’re already being issued.

  • Does my microdrone still need registration?

No, if it’s under 250g, you don’t need to register it. But flying it at public events still needs permission.

  • Will these rules expand to cities?

Not yet. BVLOS is limited to rural, low-population areas. Urban guidelines are still in the works.

  • Can non-Canadians take the exam?

Yes, but only Canadians or approved foreign reps can run commercial ops. Check trade agreements for eligibility.