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At the forefront of these advancements is NAV CANADA's NAV Drone app, which will be updated to support the new operational categories, making it easier for pilots to plan and execute flights in compliance with the updated regulations.

What’s Changing on November 4

The updated NAV Drone app will enable drone operators to safely and legally perform new types of operations, including:

• Lower-risk beyond visual line-of-sight (BVLOS) operations in uncontrolled airspace at low levels, away from airports, aerodromes, and, depending on drone size, populated areas.
• Sheltered operations, where a small drone can fly close to a building or structure in controlled airspace.
• Extended visual line-of-sight (EVLOS), supported by a certified visual observer in uncontrolled airspace.
• Visual line-of-sight (VLOS) with a medium drone in controlled airspace.

Industry Perspectives

For professionals already utilizing drone technology, these regulatory changes represent a significant shift in operational capabilities. Josh Dusang, who works at First Class Drones as a Pilot, Camera Operator & Drone Safety Supervisor,, highlights the practical benefits of the changes. “With these new rules, we can fly our larger aircraft—like the Freefly Alta X—without needing a special flight operations certificate (SFOC). For downtown real estate projects, the sheltered operations rule will let us capture an entire building without constantly moving positions. In film and TV, EVLOS will give us the ability to push the drone to greater distances safely, while still keeping full control,” says Dusang.

Having captured drone footage for events, movies and television shows like The Boys, Twisted Metal, Red Bull, Oasis, and Maple Leaf Sports and Entertainment with his colleagues at First Class Drones, Dusang adds, “when it comes to events, having clear rules about who can fly helps protect professional operators like us from interference. With rising SFOC fees and fines, it makes sense that only qualified, professional pilots should be handling these more complex operations.”

Alan Chapman, Director of RPAS Traffic Management at NAV CANADA, emphasizes the importance of this update in supporting innovation while maintaining safety. “These regulatory changes are about enabling new possibilities for drone operators while maintaining high safety standards,” says Chapman. “By integrating these new operation types into NAV Drone, we’re helping operators expand their businesses and explore new applications, all while keeping Canada’s skies safe.”