What's on
the Canadian
Drone Exams?

Last edited on January 25th 2023

Inside the Candian Drone Exams

Welcome to our blog post covering what is on the Canadian drone exams! 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 this post, we'll provide an overview of Transport Canada's requirements, a breakdown of the sections covered in the Canadian drone exams, tips and strategies for studying, and information on how to prepare for the Exams.

It's important to thoroughly study the material covered in a Transport Canada approved training course.

An overview of Transport Canada's requirements for drone pilots:

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:

• Be at least 14 years old
• Complete a basic drone pilot course
• Pass Transport Canada's basic online exam

To obtain an Advanced drone pilot certificate:

• Be at least 16 years old
• Complete an advanced drone pilot course
• Pass Transport Canada's advanced online exam
• Complete a Flight Review

Sections Covered in the Canadian Drone Exams

The Canadian drone exams covers a variety of topics, including:

• Air Law, Air Traffic Rules and Procedures: This section covers the legal and regulatory framework for drone operations in Canada, including the Canadian Aviation Regulations (CARs) and other relevant regulations.
• RPAS Airframes, Power Plants, Propulsion and Systems: This section covers the principles of aircraft design and construction, as well as the systems and components that make up a drone.
• Human Factors: This section covers the role of human factors in aviation safety and how to mitigate risks associated with human error.
• Meteorology: This section covers the principles of meteorology and how weather conditions can impact drone operations.
• Navigation: This section covers the principles of navigation and how to safely navigate airspace with a drone.
• Flight Operations: This section covers the principles of flight and how they apply to drone operations, including takeoff, landing, and emergency procedures.
• Theory of Flight: This section covers the principles of lift, drag, thrust, and weight, and how they impact the performance and stability of a drone.
• Radiotelephony: This section covers the use of radio communication in aviation, including procedures and phraseology

Tips and Strategies for Studying for the Exams

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. Here are some tips to help you study effectively:

• Set aside dedicated study time: It's important to set aside dedicated time to study for your exam. This could be a few hours each day or a full day each week. Consistency is key when it comes to studying.
• Use a variety of study materials: There are many resources available to help you study for your exam, including textbooks, online courses, and practice questions. Using a variety of materials can help you better understand and retain the material.
• Review practice questions: Practice questions are a great way to test your knowledge and identify any areas that you need to review further. Our online courses offer practice questions, or you can create your own using study materials and resources.
• Review regularly: Don't wait until the last minute to start studying. Instead, try to review the material regularly.

The Importance of Understanding Air Law, Air Traffic Rules and Procedures for Drone Pilots

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.

In Canada, the CARs outline the rules and regulations for drone operations, including requirements for obtaining a drone pilot certificate, operating in different types of airspace, and maintaining the safety of your drone. It's important for drone pilots to be familiar with these regulations and to follow them at all times when operating their drones.

The Role of Human Factors in Drone Operations and How to Mitigate Risks

Human factors play a significant role in aviation safety, and this is no different for drone operations. Human error is a leading cause of accidents and incidents in aviation, and it's important for drone pilots to understand how to mitigate these risks.

Some common human factors that can impact drone safety include fatigue, stress, workload, and complacency. To mitigate these risks, it's important for drone pilots to:

• Get sufficient rest before flying
• Stay focused and avoid distractions
• Manage workload effectively
• Stay up-to-date on best practices and procedures
• Understand and follow proper procedures at all times

The importance of meteorology knowledge for drone pilots:

Meteorology, or the study of weather, is an important area of knowledge for drone pilots. Weather conditions can significantly impact the performance and safety of a drone, and it's important for pilots to be aware of how weather conditions can affect their operations.

For example, strong winds or heavy rain can make it difficult for a drone to stay stable and maintain altitude. Fog or low visibility can make it difficult for a pilot to see their drone, which can increase the risk of collision. Understanding meteorology can help drone pilots make informed decisions about when and where it is safe to fly their drones.

Navigating Airspace and Understanding Flight Operations for Drones

Navigating airspace and understanding flight operations is crucial for safe and effective drone operations. Drone pilots must be aware of the different types of airspace and the rules and regulations that apply to each type.

In Canada, there are three main types of airspace: uncontrolled, controlled, and special use. Uncontrolled airspace is typically found away from airports and is open to all aircraft, including drones. Controlled airspace is typically found around airports and requires permission from air traffic control to enter. Special use airspace includes areas like military training areas and restricted airspace, which are off limits to drones unless special permission is obtained.

Understanding flight operations is also important for drone pilots. This includes understanding takeoff and landing procedures, as well as emergency procedures in case of malfunction or other issues.

The Basics of Theory of Flight and How it Applies to Drones

Understanding the basics of theory of flight is crucial for drone pilots. Theory of flight refers to the principles of lift, drag, thrust, and weight, and how they impact the performance and stability of an aircraft.

For drones, understanding these principles can help pilots make informed decisions about things like takeoff and landing, as well as how to adjust the drone's controls to maintain stability in different conditions.

How to Prepare for and take the Advanced Exam, Including Details on the Format, Cost, and Retake Policy

Obtaining a drone pilot certificate in Canada is an important step towards becoming a responsible and proficient drone operator. There are two exams available through Transport Canada: the Basic operator exam and the Advanced operator exam. At FlightPhoto, we offer online exam preparation courses for both the Basic and Advanced operations to help you succeed on the exam and obtain your certification.

The Basic operator exam is limited to 1 hour and 30 minutes and consists of 35 multiple-choice questions. To pass the Basic exam, you must achieve a score of at least 65% on the multiple-choice questions. The cost of the Basic exam is $10 and you may retake the exam after 24 hours if needed.

The Advanced operator exam is limited to 1 hour and consists of 50 multiple choice questions. To pass the Advanced exam, you must achieve a score of at least 80%. The cost of the Advanced exam is also $10, and you may retake the exam after 24 hours if needed.

To prepare for either the Basic or Advanced exam, it's important to thoroughly study the material covered in a Transport Canada approved training course and use a variety of resources, which can include textbooks, online courses, and practice questions. At FlightPhoto, our online exam preparation courses offer written material, illustrations, audio, and quizzes to help you study at your own pace and fully understand the material.

Obtaining a drone pilot certificate in Canada is crucial for ensuring the safety and legitimacy of your drone operations. The Canadian drone exams covers a variety of topics, including air law, air traffic rules, human factors, meteorology, navigation, flight operations, and theory of flight. By thoroughly preparing for the exam and utilizing resources like our online exam preparation courses at FlightPhoto, you can feel confident and well-prepared to pass and obtain your drone pilot certificate.