Navigating the Path to Your Advanced RPAS Certificate

Introduction:

For many RPAS pilots, obtaining an Advanced RPAS (Remotely Piloted Aircraft Systems) certificate is a significant milestone. The Small Advanced RPAS Certification allows pilots to advance their careers or hobby, allowing operations in more complex environments and controlled airspace. In this blog post, we'll guide you through the steps required to meet Transport Canada's requirements for obtaining this certification, with a spotlight on the last step of preparing for the flight review.

Understanding the Advanced RPAS Certificate:

The Advanced RPAS certificate, issued by Transport Canada, signifies a pilot's proficiency in operating drones within controlled airspace and under more challenging conditions. It requires a comprehensive understanding of aviation regulations, safety protocols, and operational procedures.

Steps to Obtain Your Advanced RPAS Certificate:

1. Preparation and Training: I recommend enrolling in a Transport Canada-approved Drone Flight School to gain the necessary knowledge required for the online exams. I highly recommend Coastal Drone pilot training school as they have comprehensive training programs tailored to meet Transport Canada's requirements, covering topics such as airspace classification, meteorology, and flight operations.
   

2. Small Basic Exam (Optional): You do not need to take the Small Basic Exam in order to take the Small Advanced Exam. However, some pilots may choose to start here if they are only flying drones between 250g and 25kg outside controlled airspace. You must be 14 years or older to take the Small Basic Exam. There are 35 multiple choice questions and you will be allowed 90 minutes to take the exam. A passing grade is 65% or higher and the initial exam fee is $10 as well as each additional attempt, if you fail the first time. As mentioned, this is an optional step, as you do not need the Small Basic RPAS Certificate to take the Small Advanced Exam. Some pilots may choose to take this exam if they don’t plan on flying in controlled airspace, or as a means of preparing for the Advanced Exam.

3. Small Advanced Exam: If operating in controlled airspace will be a requirement for your operations consider obtaining your Advanced RPAS certificate by taking the Small Advanced Exam. If you are 14 years old, you will need to wait until you are 16 years old at least before you can take the Small Advanced Exam. As I mentioned early, I highly recommend completing a drone flight school to adequately prepare yourself for the exam. The Small Advanced Exam is 50 multiple choice questions that you will need to complete in just 60 minutes. You will need a score of 80% or higher to pass the exam. Once you pass the exam, you still cannot fly 250g-25kg drone until you pass the Flight Review. Unless of course you have taken and passed the Small Basic Exam, then you are still limited to Basic Operations, until a Flight Review has been completed.

4. Flight Review: After passing the Small Advanced Exam, the next step is the flight review, where your RPAS knowledge, skills and operational proficiency are evaluated by a qualified flight reviewer. To schedule a flight review you will need some supporting documentation of passing grade and drone registration:

   1. a copy (digital or physical) of the results page of your passed small advanced exam

   2. a valid piece of government-issued (federal/provincial/territorial/state government authority or the equivalent body abroad) identification, that is not expired, and that provides their name and date of birth

   3. the Certificate of Registration for the drone used for the flight review

   Flight Reviewers are Transport Canada-approved RPAS pilots who conduct the flight review. If you are located in Ontario, Canada I highly recommend SkyLens Studios for your flight review. You can book a flight review directly with SkyLens Studios by emailing scott@skylensstudios.com. They even offer a flight review study guide that you can take to help prepare you for the flight review. Skylens Studios excels in conducting thorough and compliant flight reviews, ensuring that pilots meet Transport Canada's stringent standards for safe and proficient drone operations.

Conclusion:

Obtaining your Advanced RPAS certificate is a significant achievement for drone pilots to expand their operations into controlled airspace and complex conditions. From the initial steps of preparation and training at a Transport Canada-approved Drone Flight School, like Coastal Drone pilot training school, through navigating the exams—optional Small Basic Exam and the requisite Small Advanced Exam—the process is designed to build a solid foundation of knowledge and skills. The last step of this journey is the flight review, a critical evaluation that not only tests your RPAS knowledge and operational proficiency but also serves as the gateway to Small Advanced Drone Operations.

FAQ’s

1. What are some common RPAS basic exam questions?

RPAS basic exam questions typically cover topics such as:

1. air law, air traffic rules and procedures

2. RPAS airframes, power plants, propulsion and systems

3. Human factors

4. Meteorology

5. Navigation

6. Flight operations

7. Theory of flight

8. Radiotelephony

2. How can I prepare for drone basic exam questions?

Preparing for the drone basic exam questions involves studying Part IX - Remotely Piloted Aircraft Systems of the Canadian Aviation Regulations (CARs) and Standards. Additionally, enrolling in a drone pilot training course and taking practice tests can significantly help understand and apply the knowledge.

3. Are there any drone exam practice tests available?

Yes, there are several drone exam practice tests available online through educational platforms, drone flight schools, and regulatory bodies. These practice tests are designed to mimic the format of the actual exam and provide a good indication of the types of questions you can expect.

4. What are the RPAS recency requirements?

RPAS recency requirements (921.04)  901.65(1)(b)(iii) of the CARs state that pilots must stay up to date with their RPAS knowledge and skills every 24 months by completing various training activities . Acceptable training activities include:

(a) attendance at a safety seminar endorsed by Transport Canada Aviation;

(b) completion of an RPAS recurrent training program designed to update pilot knowledge, which includes, human factors, environmental factors, route planning, operations near aerodromes/airports, and applicable regulations, rules and procedures; or

(c) completion of a Transport Canada endorsed self-paced study program, which is designed to update pilot knowledge in the subjects specified in paragraph (b).