How Hard
are the Drone
Pilot Exams?

Last edited on January 25th 2023

Introduction

Are you wondering how hard the Canadian drone pilot exams are? As a drone pilot, it's important to understand the requirements set by Transport Canada and be knowledgeable in a variety of areas in order to safely and effectively operate your drone. In Canada, drone pilots are required to obtain a drone pilot certificate in order to legally operate their drones. There are two levels of certification: Basic and Advanced. Basic certification is suitable for most recreational operations, while Advanced certification is necessary to fly in controlled airspace and near the public. To obtain a Basic drone pilot certificate, you must be at least 14 years old and complete a basic drone pilot course before passing Transport Canada's basic online exam. To obtain an Advanced drone pilot certificate, you must be at least 16 years old, complete an advanced drone pilot course, pass Transport Canada's advanced online exam, and complete a Flight Review.

The exams may seem daunting at first but the benefits of obtaining a drone pilot certificate make the exams worth it in the end.

What to Expect on the Drone Pilot Exam

So, how hard is it to get a drone pilot license? The answer depends on your level of preparedness and familiarity with the material. Both the Basic and Advanced drone pilot exams cover a variety of topics, including air law, air traffic rules and procedures, RPAS airframes, power plants, propulsion and systems, human factors, meteorology, navigation, flight operations, theory of flight, and radiotelephony. Understanding air law, air traffic rules, and procedures is crucial for safe drone operation. These rules and regulations ensure that drones are operated in a way that doesn't pose a risk to other aircraft or people on the ground. The CARs outline the rules and regulations for drone operation in Canada, including requirements for obtaining a drone pilot certificate, operating in controlled airspace, and flying near the public.

How to Prepare for the Drone Pilot Exam

Preparing for the Canadian drone exams can seem overwhelming, but with the right approach and study habits, you can feel confident and well-prepared for your exam. At FlightPhoto, we offer online exam preparation courses to help you study effectively for the Canadian drone pilot exams. Our courses include a variety of study materials, including textbooks, online courses, and practice questions, to help you better understand and retain the material. Reviewing practice questions is a great way to test your knowledge and identify any areas that you need to review further. Don't wait until the last minute to start studying – try to review the material regularly.

What's the Drone Pilot Exam Like According to Those Who Have Taken it?

If you're considering becoming a drone pilot in Canada, you might be wondering what the exams are really like. While everyone's experience with the exams is different, we've gathered a few opinions from people who have taken the exams to give you an idea of what to expect.

One person who took the exams found that the questions and topics were not always the most practical. The exams are designed to test your knowledge and understanding of over a range of topics, however some people still feel that the material is not directly relevant for the large majority of drone operations.

Another person found the exams to be very difficult. They felt overwhelmed and stressed while trying to find the correct answers. This person also felt that many of the questions on the exams had nothing to do with flying a drone, which may be frustrating for some people.

It's important to keep in mind that these are subjective opinions and everyone's experience with the exams will be different. However, it's good to be aware that the exams may be challenging for some people and to be prepared to put in the time and effort to study and review the material. At FlightPhoto, we offer online exam preparation courses to help in order to prepare for the exams. Our courses include a variety of study materials, including written material, audio, photos, illustrations, and practice questions, to help you better understand and retain the material. Reviewing practice questions is a great way to test your knowledge and identify any areas that you need to review further. Don't wait until the last minute to start studying – review the material in advance.

So, are the Canadian drone pilot exams worth it? Absolutely. Obtaining a drone pilot certificate demonstrates your knowledge and understanding of the rules and regulations for drone operation in Canada, as well as your commitment to safety.

If you're feeling anxious about the exams, don't worry - it's natural to feel nervous before a test. Techniques such as deep breathing, positive self-talk, and visualization can all be helpful in managing test anxiety. It is important to review the material beforehand and it’s a good idea to give yourself plenty of time to relax and focus before the exam.

Finally, here are some frequently asked questions about the Canadian drone pilot exams:

Q: How long does it take to prepare for the Canadian drone pilot exams?

A: The amount of time it takes to prepare for the Canadian drone pilot exams will vary depending on your familiarity with the material and your study habits. At FlightPhoto, our online exam preparation courses are approximately 20 hours. They are designed to help you efficiently and effectively study for the exams. By setting aside dedicated study time and using a variety of study materials, you can feel confident and well-prepared for the exams.

Q: Can I take the Canadian drone pilot exams online?

A: Yes, the Canadian drone pilot exams are available online through Transport Canada's website.

Q: How long do I have to complete the Canadian drone pilot exams?

A: You have 1 hour and 30 minutes to complete the basic drone pilot exam and 1 hour to complete the advanced drone pilot exam.

Q: How many questions are on the Canadian drone pilot exams?

A: The advanced drone pilot exams consist of 50 multiple choice questions and the basic drone pilot exam consists of 35 multiple choice questions.

Q: What is the passing score for the Canadian drone pilot exams?

A: You must score at least 65% to pass the basic drone pilot exam and 80% to pass the advanced exam.

Q: Can I retake the Canadian drone pilot exams if I fail?

A: Yes, you can retake the Canadian drone pilot exams as many times as you need. However, you must wait 24 hours before attempting the exam again.

In conclusion, the Canadian drone pilot exams are comprehensive tests of your knowledge and understanding of the rules and regulations for drone operation in Canada, as well as your commitment to safety. At FlightPhoto, we offer online exam preparation courses to help you study effectively for the exams and feel confident on exam day. Understanding air law, air traffic rules, human factors, meteorology, navigation, flight operations, and theory of flight, is crucial for safe drone operation. And while the exams may seem daunting at first, the benefits of obtaining a drone pilot certificate – including new career opportunities in the growing drone industry – make the exams worth it in the end. If you're ready to take your drone pilot skills to the next level, sign up for one of our online exam preparation courses today.