How to Find
and Book a Drone
Flight Reviewer

Last edited on April 1st 2023

Locating your local drone flight reviewer

If you want to fly your drone for advanced operations in Canada, such as flying near people or in controlled airspace, you need to get a drone pilot certificate from Transport Canada. To get this certificate, you need to pass an online exam and a flight review. A flight review is an in-person assessment of your drone piloting skills and knowledge by a certified flight reviewer. In this blog post, we will explain how to find and book a drone flight reviewer in your area and what to expect from the process.

There are several ways to find a flight reviewer near you. One of the easiest ways is to use the online directory of drone flight schools.

Why would I need to complete a flight review?

A drone flight review is required by Transport Canada to ensure that you can operate your drone safely and legally in complex situations. It is part of the process of getting a Pilot Certificate – Advanced Operations, which allows you to fly your drone for advanced operations. You can find out more about the different types of drone operations and certificates in (ADD LINK) our blog post about the difference between basic and advanced.

To be eligible for a drone flight review, you need to:

• Be at least 16 years old
• Have a drone that meets the requirements for advanced operations
• Pass the online exam for advanced operations

How to find a flight reviewer near you?

There are several ways to find a flight reviewer near you. One of the easiest ways is to use the online directory of drone flight schools provided by Transport Canada. You can filter the list by province, city, or postal code to find a flight school near you. You can then contact the flight school and ask if they offer flight reviews and how to book one.

Another way to find a flight reviewer is to ask for referrals from other drone pilots or organizations that use drones. You can join online forums, groups, or communities of drone enthusiasts and professionals and ask for recommendations. You can also check out reviews and testimonials from previous customers of flight reviewers.

Alternatively, you can use our website to book a flight review with one of our certified flight reviewers. We have flight reviewers in Vancouver, Calgary, Winnipeg, and Toronto who can help you prepare for and pass your flight review. You can book online or contact us for more information.

How to contact and schedule a drone flight review with a flight reviewer?

Once you have found a flight reviewer that suits your needs and preferences, you need to contact them and schedule your drone flight review. You should do this as soon as possible after passing your online exam, as your exam results are only valid for 12 months.

When contacting a flight reviewer they will ask for:

• Your name and contact information
• Your drone make and model
• Your preferred date and time for the flight review
• Your proof of passing the advanced exam

The flight reviewer will then confirm your booking and provide you with the details of the location, duration, fee, and payment method of the flight review. You should also ask them about their cancellation policy and what to do in case of bad weather or technical issues.

How to prepare for your drone flight review and what to bring with you?

To prepare for your drone flight review, you should review the knowledge and skills that you learned from your online exam and course. You should also practice flying your drone in different scenarios and conditions that may be similar to those of the flight review. You can use our online course on practical piloting skills to learn advanced flying techniques from industry experts.

On the day of your flight review, you should bring with you:

• your drone and its accessories (such as batteries, chargers, controllers, etc.),
• fully charged batteries, and
• a valid photo ID.

You should also dress appropriately for the weather and wear comfortable shoes. You should arrive at least 15 minutes before your scheduled time and follow the instructions of your flight reviewer.

Why even bother getting your advanced drone license?

Obtaining a Pilot Certificate – Advanced Operations in Canada has several benefits. With this certificate, a drone pilot can conduct both basic and advanced operations. This includes flying in controlled airspace (with permission) and uncontrolled airspace, flying within 30 meters (100 feet) of bystanders, and flying over bystanders. This certificate also provides enhanced safety through the initial and periodic evaluation of a pilot’s flight skills and can increase insulation from liability by demonstrating that the pilot has adopted a robust internal RPAS pilot credentialing mechanism in addition to that provided by Transport Canada.

Overall, obtaining a Pilot Certificate – Advanced Operations allows drone pilots to operate their drones safely and legally in more complex situations and provides greater flexibility in their operations.

What to do after your drone flight review and how to get your certificate?

After your drone flight review, your flight reviewer will give you feedback on your performance and tell you if you passed or failed. If you passed, your flight reviewer will submit your results to Transport Canada and you will receive an email confirmation. You can then log in to the Drone Management Portal and download your Pilot Certificate - Advanced Operations. You should print or save a copy of your certificate and carry it with you whenever you fly your drone.

If you failed, your flight reviewer will explain the reasons and suggest areas for improvement. You can retake the flight review after 24 hours, but you may need to pay another fee. You can also take additional training courses or practice sessions to prepare for your next attempt.

We hope this blog post has helped you understand how to find and book a drone flight reviewer in your area and what to expect from the process. If you have any questions or need any assistance, please feel free to contact us. We are here to help you achieve your drone pilot certification and fly your drone safely and legally in Canada. Happy flying!