Transport Canada has released regulatory changes that are introducing Extended Visual Line of Sight (EVLOS) operations for Advanced RPAS Pilots. This new capability comes into effect November 4, 2025 — and it’s a major milestone for drone operations in Canada.

If you fly missions over large areas — like mapping, agriculture, or infrastructure inspection — EVLOS is a game changer.

Let’s break down what EVLOS is, how it works, and what you’ll need to get ready.

▶️ Watch our EVLOS Overview

What is EVLOS? 🚁 

EVLOS allows drone pilots to fly beyond their unaided visual line of sight by working with a trained Visual Observer (VO). The VO maintains direct visual contact with the drone and communicates any situational updates to the pilot.

This expands your operational range without sacrificing safety — or needing a Special Flight Operations Certificate (SFOC).

Key Features of EVLOS Operations ✈️ 

• Fly Up to 2 Nautical Miles: Your drone can now operate within a 2 NM radius of the pilot — drastically extending flight coverage.

   

• A Certified Visual Observer is Mandatory: The VO must have an RPA Certificate and stay in constant communication with the pilot. They act as your “eyes” on the drone at all times.

   

• No SFOC Required: EVLOS removes the need for an SFOC for many long-range operations — reducing regulatory complexities that often slow down missions.

Requirements for EVLOS📋 

For the RPAS Pilot:

• Must be at least 16 years old

   

• Must hold an Advanced Pilot Certificate

   

For the RPAS:

• Must be a Small RPA (250g to 25kg)

   

• Must be registered and marked as required by Transport Canada

   

For the Operation:

• Only allowed in uncontrolled airspace

   

• Must stay 30 metres away from bystanders

   

• VO must hold an RPA Certificate

Why EVLOS Matters 🚀 

EVLOS is a stepping stone toward low-risk BVLOS operations — offering a streamlined way to increase mission range without needing a full SFOC.

EVLOS Benefits:

• Fewer takeoff/landing points for large-area missions
  
• Reduced logistics for agriculture and inspection ops
  
• Higher efficiency with Transport Canada-approved safety standards
• No need for an SFOC!

How to Prepare Before November 📅 

With EVLOS becoming available November 4, now is the time to get ready:

• Get Your Advanced Certificate – If you or your team still need certification, don’t wait — RPAS Centre offers a FREE Advanced Certificate Training Course.
• Train a VO – Make sure your Visual Observer is certified and understands their responsibilities.
• Review Your Equipment – Ensure your drone meets Transport Canada’s size and registration requirements. If you’re looking for a suitable drone, check out DJI’s offerings on AIM Robotics.
• Study the Regulations – Read through Transport Canada’s updates so you’re ready to incorporate EVLOS into your ops.

Final Thoughts

The countdown is on.
EVLOS officially launches November 4, 2025 — unlocking major new potential for Canadian drone pilots.

Whether you’re preparing for EVLOS or just looking to stay compliant, RPAS Wilco is built to make Transport Canada compliance effortless.

🚨 Worried about crashes? We’ve got you covered. 🚨

We’ve just launched RPAS Wilco Drone Insurance — Canada’s most affordable insurance built specifically for recreational pilots.
In partnership with MAAC, we’re offering up to $10 million in liability coverage for only $299 per calendar year — covering multiple drones with a single, flat fee.

RPAS Wilco — One Powerful Plan:

✅ RPAS Wilco Drone Insurance: $299/calendar year for $10M coverage (multiple drones, one simple price)

✅ MAAC Membership — from Canada’s most trusted aeromodelling organization

✅ Access to certified NAV CANADA aeronautical data (RPAS Wilco is the only drone app certified to distribute this data — see the official list here: list of distributors)

✅ Interactive airspace maps to plan and visualize your flight path

✅ Automated site surveys completed in under a minute

✅ Real-time METAR/TAF weather data for confident decision-making

✅ Pre & post flight checklists to streamline your operations

Built to meet the new Transport Canada standards, our platform gives you insurance, MAAC membership, certified NAV CANADA data, automated site surveys, and integrated compliance tools—so you can focus on flying, not paperwork.

Stay compliant and confidently unlock BVLOS operations.

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Thanks for reading!

For more regulatory updates and drone training resources, check out our Youtube: RPAS Centre.