EVLOS Operations: What Canadian Advanced Pilots Need to Know

What Is EVLOS?

Extended Visual Line of Sight (EVLOS) is a new category of drone operation introduced on November 4, 2025 as part of Transport Canada's Phase 2 regulatory framework. Unlike standard Visual Line of Sight (VLOS) operations where the pilot maintains direct visual contact with the drone at all times, EVLOS allows pilots to fly beyond their own direct sight by relying on one or more visual observers positioned along the flight path. This bridges the gap between VLOS and full Beyond Visual Line of Sight (BVLOS) operations, opening up significantly larger operational areas without the complexity of a BVLOS certification.

Who Qualifies for EVLOS?

EVLOS operations are available exclusively to holders of an Advanced Pilot Certificate issued by Transport Canada. As of December 2025, there are 20,138 Advanced Pilot Certificate holders across Canada — and every one of them now has the ability to conduct EVLOS flights without requiring a Special Flight Operations Certificate (SFOC). This represents a major expansion of operational capability for the advanced pilot community.

To qualify, pilots must hold a valid Advanced certificate with a current flight review (completed within the previous 24 months). There are no additional written exams or endorsements required specifically for EVLOS, though pilots are expected to be thoroughly familiar with the operational requirements and limitations outlined in the Canadian Aviation Regulations.

Operational Requirements

EVLOS operations come with specific requirements designed to maintain safety while extending your operational range. Understanding these is essential before planning your first extended mission.

• Visual Observers — At least one visual observer must be positioned to maintain continuous visual contact with the RPAS at all times during the extended portion of the flight. Observers must be briefed on emergency procedures and the flight plan.
• Communication Protocols — Reliable, real-time two-way communication must be maintained between the pilot-in-command and all visual observers throughout the entire operation. This typically means dedicated radio channels or equivalent.
• Observer Placement — Observers must be positioned so that there are no gaps in visual coverage. Each observer's area of responsibility must overlap with adjacent observers to ensure seamless handoff.
• Maximum Range — While EVLOS extends beyond the pilot's direct line of sight, the RPAS must remain within the visual range of at least one observer at all times. Practical range depends on the drone's size, visibility aids, and environmental conditions.
• Airspace Rules — All existing airspace restrictions and requirements for Advanced operations continue to apply, including controlled airspace authorizations where applicable.

EVLOS vs. BVLOS: Understanding the Difference

It is important to distinguish EVLOS from BVLOS. In EVLOS, the drone is always within someone's visual line of sight — the pilot extends their awareness through human observers on the ground. In BVLOS, the drone may fly entirely beyond any human's visual range, relying instead on electronic means of detection and avoidance. BVLOS operations require a Level 1 Complex (L1C) certification or an SFOC, while EVLOS is available to any Advanced pilot who meets the operational requirements. For many commercial applications, EVLOS provides the extended range needed without the regulatory overhead of full BVLOS.

Key Use Cases

EVLOS unlocks practical operational scenarios that were previously difficult or impossible under standard VLOS rules. The most common applications include:

• Infrastructure Inspection — Power lines, pipelines, and rail corridors that span kilometres can now be surveyed in longer continuous flights rather than requiring frequent repositioning.
• Search and Rescue — Emergency responders can cover larger search areas quickly by deploying observers at key positions while the pilot operates from a command post.
• Large Agricultural Surveys — Farms and forestry operations that span large areas benefit from extended flight paths for crop health monitoring, spraying, and inventory assessments.
• Linear Asset Mapping — Roads, shorelines, and utility corridors can be mapped efficiently with coordinated observer teams along the route.

How RPAS WILCO Supports EVLOS

RPAS WILCO v3.1 was updated specifically to support EVLOS mission planning. The platform now includes observer coordination tools that let you place visual observers on your mission map, define their coverage areas, and verify that there are no gaps in visual coverage along your planned route. The built-in compliance engine automatically checks your EVLOS mission plan against current regulations, flagging any issues before you leave the ground.

Combined with real-time airspace data from NAV CANADA and integrated weather briefings, RPAS WILCO gives Advanced pilots everything they need to plan, validate, and execute EVLOS missions with confidence. If you are one of the 20,138 Advanced certificate holders in Canada, extended operations are now within reach.