As drone technology continues advancing and operations grow more complex, Canada’s aviation regulations are constantly evolving to keep pace. Whether you’re an individual drone pilot or part of a large organization, the RPAS Operator Certificate (RPOC) is now a key requirement if you intend to conduct Beyond Visual Line of Sight (BVLOS) without needing an Special Flight Operations Certificate (SFOC).

In this blog, we’ll explain:

• What the RPOC is

   

• Why it’s required

   

• Who needs it (spoiler: probably you!)

   

• How to apply

   

• How it enables BVLOS flights in Canada

What Is an RPOC?

The RPAS Operator Certificate (RPOC) is a new certification being introduced by Transport Canada that formalizes how individuals and companies manage the safety, training, and risk associated with advanced drone operations. It’s modeled after the aviation frameworks:

• The Private Operator Certificate (CARs Part VI, Subpart 604)

   

• The Air Operator Certificate (CARs Part VII)
  

Unlike existing manned aviation certificates, the RPOC is specifically tailored to Remotely Piloted Aircraft Systems (RPAS) — meaning it’s flexible and scalable for both solo operators and larger commercial drone teams.

Bottom line: If you want to fly BVLOS in Canada, you must have an RPOC — whether you’re a single pilot or running a large fleet.

How to Get an RPOC in Canada

To obtain an RPOC, you need to show that you have the right internal systems, personnel, and procedures in place. This involves preparing several key elements and submitting a declaration through the Drone Management Portal (DMP).

Here’s what you’ll need in your declaration:

1. Appoint an Accountable Executive

This is the person responsible for ensuring regulatory compliance and overall safety. For individuals, this will likely be you. In organizations, it must be someone with the authority to allocate resources and make safety-critical decisions.

2. Designate a Person who is Responsible for Maintenance

Every operator must ensure their drones are airworthy. You must assign someone to oversee maintenance — which can be yourself if you’re a solo operator. 

3. Develop a Training Program

You must implement training appropriate to the scale and scope of your operations.

4. Create Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs)

SOPs should outline the following procedures:

• Flight planning

   

• Emergencies

   

• Crew responsibilities

   

• Communications

   

• Incident reporting

   

5. Establish a Risk Management Process

You’ll need a formal process to:

• Identify operational risks

   

• Assess likelihood and severity

   

• Mitigate hazards before flight

   

6. Submit Your Declaration via the Drone Management Portal

Once your documentation is complete and systems are set, submit your declaration to Transport Canada. If your declaration meets all criteria, you’ll be issued an RPOC.

Submit it here: Drone Management Portal

Bonus: The RPOC does not expire, as long as you remain compliant with the applicable Canadian Aviation Regulations (CARs).

How the RPOC Enables BVLOS Operations

Beyond Visual Line of Sight (BVLOS) drone operations are opening the door to transformative applications — including infrastructure inspection, pipeline patrol, agriculture, emergency response, and more.

However, these missions involve higher risks, as drones are operated beyond the pilot’s line of sight. This is why Transport Canada mandates an RPOC and a Level 1 Complex Certificate before granting approval for BVLOS flights.

To fly low-risk BVLOS legally, you must:

1. Obtain a RPOC

2. Have a Level 1 Complex Certificate

3. Fly within these requirements: 

   • Remain in uncontrolled airspace
   • Stay below 122m (400 ft)
   • Stay away from airports and aerodromes

Flying with the proper certification and within the requirements means you’ll be able to fly BVLOS operations without needing an SFOC, starting November 4, 2025.

Need Help Getting RPOC-Ready?

At AIM Robotics, we specialize in helping individuals and companies comply with Transport Canada’s rules and regulations. With our free drone compliance platform and comprehensive training courses, we offer full support to help you navigate the path to certification.

1. RPAS Centre’s Free Advanced Exam Prep Course

To ensure you’re fully prepared, RPAS Centre offers a FREE Advanced Exam Prep Course. This course includes:

• 8 expert-designed modules covering all exam topics in depth.
• A complete workbook with exercises to reinforce key concepts.
• A Transport Canada-style mock exam to simulate real exam conditions.
• In-depth explanations of METARs, airspace regulations, and radio procedures.

Register today: RPAS Centre’s Advanced Exam Prep Course

2. RPAS Wilco – Canada’s #1 Drone Compliance Platform

After passing the exam, staying compliant is key. RPAS Wilco streamlines compliance tasks, saving you time and reducing risks. 

RPAS Wilco’s Industry Leading Features:

• Airspace Awareness: Live, interactive airspace maps and real-time NOTAMs to help you avoid airspace violations.
• Pre-Flight Planning: Generate site surveys under a minute that check local regulations and flight conditions, including METARs and TAFs for weather updates.
• Regulatory Compliance & Flight Logging: Use pre-flight checklists and automated flight logs to ensure you meet all regulatory requirements.
• Access to Aeronautical Data: As the only drone company certified as a distributor of NAV CANADA aeronautical data (VFRs, CFSs, and more), we provide exclusive access to critical data worth over $1,000 annually. Check out the full list of certified distributors here.

Learn more: RPAS Wilco

Planning to operate BVLOS?
Get in touch with our experts to start building your BVLOS-compliant operation today.

👉 Contact us here!