Regulatory Compliance

Pesticide application by drone is legal in Alberta, and operators must hold the appropriate certifications to perform this work. Requirements vary by province, but in Alberta, any pesticide applicator using a drone must obtain the Remotely Piloted Aircraft Systems (RPAS) Applicator Certificate through Lakeland College or another provincially recognized training institution. This certification ensures operators are properly trained in safe, compliant, and effective pesticide applications and management using drone technology. 

 At Cypress Drone Services, all operators conducting pesticide applications by drone hold an active Remotely Piloted Aircraft Systems (RPAS) Pesticide Applicator Certificate. Before any project begins, our team obtains all required permits and approvals specific to the work location, including permissions from Navigation Canada when operations occur within controlled airspace.

Our operators remain committed to staying current with all municipal, provincial, and federal regulatory changes. This ensures every application is performed safely, legally, and in full compliance with evolving industry standards.

 The Pest Management Regulatory Agency (PMRA), a branch of Health Canada, is responsible for regulating pest control products under the Pest Control Products Act (PCPA). While only a limited number of pesticides are currently approved for drone application—and none for agricultural land use—the PMRA has introduced a regulatory proposal that aims to significantly expand these permissions.

Regulatory proposal PRO2026‑01, released for consultation on February 23, 2026, proposes allowing pesticide application by Remotely Piloted Aircraft Systems (RPAS/drones) for any product already registered for conventional aerial applications. If adopted, this policy would open the door for widespread legal use of pesticides by drones in the agricultural industry.

With this regulatory shift, Cypress Drone Services will be positioned to offer efficient, safe, and environmentally responsible pesticide applications for agricultural producers, leveraging advanced drone technology to support crop protection and improved yields.

 All drone operations conducted in Canada fall under the authority of Transport Canada. Anyone operating a drone weighing 250 grams or more must hold either a Basic or Advanced RPAS Pilot Certificate. These certifications require passing an online exam, and in the case of the Advanced certificate, completing a flight review with a certified reviewer.

Depending on the location and nature of the work, additional authorization may be required. In certain situations—such as operations conducted Beyond Visual Line of Sight or in other higher‑risk or restricted environments, a Special Flight Operations Certificate would be required.

 In addition to licensing requirements, Transport Canada regulations mandate that all drones weighing over 250 grams must be registered through Transport Canada’s online registration system. Once registered, the drone’s unique registration number must be clearly affixed to the aircraft itself. This ensures traceability, accountability, and compliance with national aviation standards for all RPAS operations. 

 At Cypress Drone Services, all drones in our fleet weigh more than 250 grams and are fully registered with Transport Canada, with registration numbers clearly affixed as required. Our operators hold active Advanced Operations Certificates, enabling us to safely and legally conduct work in complex environments, including areas located within controlled airspace.

Our company goal is to conduct operations within Visual Line of Sight (VLOS) when possible and to maintain the highest safety standards. However, we are not limited to VLOS operations and we can obtain a Special Flight Operations Certificate for any operations requiring Beyond Visual Line of Site (BVLOS) prior to work commencing. This ensures every mission is performed in full compliance with Transport Canada regulations while maintaining the highest level of operational safety and professionalism.