Flight Review Changes in 2026: What Canadian Drone Pilots Should Know

The Flight Review Landscape in 2026

The Canadian drone flight review process continues to mature as the industry grows and regulations evolve. Following the significant Phase 2 regulatory changes that took effect in late 2025, flight reviewers and pilots alike are adapting to an updated assessment landscape. Understanding what has changed — and what pilots should expect going forward — is essential for anyone holding or pursuing an Advanced RPAS pilot certificate.

The core structure of the RPAS flight review remains the same: a knowledge assessment and a practical flight assessment conducted by a certified reviewer. What is changing is the scope and depth of what those assessments now cover, reflecting the expanded operational categories and updated requirements introduced by Phase 2.

Updated Knowledge Assessment Areas

The knowledge portion of the drone flight review now reflects the full scope of Phase 2 regulations. Reviewers are expected to assess pilots on:

New operation categories. Phase 2 introduced refined operation categories with specific requirements for each. Pilots must demonstrate they understand which category their intended operations fall under and the associated rules — including crew requirements, visual observer obligations, and operational limitations.

Updated weight classifications. The revised weight classes affect everything from registration requirements to operational restrictions. Reviewers will ask about the specific rules applicable to your drone’s weight class and how they differ from previous classifications.

Enhanced airspace procedures. With the ongoing development of Canada’s drone traffic management framework and the rFIMS system, pilots are expected to understand how airspace authorisation is evolving. This includes awareness of Remote ID requirements and how they may affect future operations.

BVLOS awareness. While Beyond Visual Line of Sight operations remain restricted to approved operators, the flight review knowledge assessment increasingly touches on BVLOS concepts as the regulatory framework develops. Pilots should be aware of the current state of BVLOS operations in Canada.

Practical Assessment Refinements

The practical flight portion of the review has also evolved. Reviewers are placing greater emphasis on:

Operational risk assessment. Demonstrating that you can assess a site and identify hazards before flying — not just following a checklist, but explaining your reasoning. The era of simply running through memorised steps is giving way to genuine risk-based thinking.

Emergency decision-making. Reviewers are introducing more nuanced emergency scenarios. Rather than a simple “what do you do if you lose signal” question, expect scenarios that require weighing options — such as managing a low-battery situation while operating near controlled airspace, or deciding whether to continue a flight when weather conditions are deteriorating.

Technology proficiency. As drone platforms become more sophisticated, reviewers are assessing whether pilots understand the systems they are flying — not just how to move the sticks, but how the flight controller, GPS, obstacle avoidance, and return-to-home systems work and when to trust or override them.

What This Means for Pilots Due for Renewal

If your RPAS flight review is due in 2026, here is how to prepare for the updated assessment:

Study the Phase 2 regulations. If your last review was completed before the 2025 changes, you need to update your knowledge. The 2025 regulation changes guide covers the key updates.

Review your aircraft systems. Be prepared to explain how your specific drone’s safety systems work — not in generic terms, but for your actual platform. Know your return-to-home behaviour, failsafe settings, and maximum wind resistance.

Practise risk-based decision-making. Before your review, practise conducting site surveys and articulating your risk assessment out loud. What are the hazards? What are your mitigations? What is your abort plan? Reviewers want to hear you think through these scenarios.

Check your documentation. The RPAS flight review checklist covers everything you need to bring on review day. Updated documentation requirements mean having your current registration, insurance, and any applicable operational authorisations ready.

Book early. Reviewer availability tightens in spring and summer as more pilots return to active flying. Use the RPAS WILCO Pilot Networks reviewer map to find availability in your area and book well in advance of your expiry date. Our guide on flight review recency requirements explains the ideal renewal timeline.

The Growing Reviewer Network

The demand for qualified flight reviewers continues to grow as the Canadian drone pilot population expands. RPAS WILCO’s Pilot Networks now connects pilots with over 500 certified reviewers across every province and territory — the largest network of its kind in Canada.

For experienced pilots considering becoming a reviewer themselves, the expanding community and increasing demand make 2026 an excellent time to pursue certification. Our guide on how to become a flight reviewer covers the requirements and process.

Looking Ahead

The flight review system is one of the most important safety mechanisms in Canadian drone operations. As the industry grows — more pilots, more complex operations, more integration with manned aviation — the role of the flight review will only become more important.

The pilots who treat the drone flight review as an opportunity to validate and sharpen their skills, rather than a regulatory hurdle, are the ones who will thrive as the operational environment becomes more demanding. Stay current, stay prepared, and use the resources available to you through RPAS WILCO Pilot Networks to keep your certification active and your skills sharp.