Flight Review FAQ

What are the different types of drone licenses in Canada?

There are two types of drone licenses: Basic and Advanced.

Basic license only requires the completion of an online basic written exam, and allows:

  • drone operations in uncontrolled airspace
  • outside of 3NM from airports and 1NM from heliports
  • at least 100 feet/30 meters distance from public

The type of flights in Basic category are usually outside of major cities and away from people.

Advanced license requires the completion of an online advanced written exam and an in-person flight review.  This will allow:

  • drone operations in controlled and un-controlled airspace
  • operation of drones closer to airports and heliports
  • flight with a minimum 16 feet/5 meters distance from public, or even over people with drones rated in that category.

Do I need an operator certificate for a drone classified as a “Micro Drone”?

Flying drones classifed as a “Micro Drone” (Under 250 grams Gross Takeoff Weight) has many less restrictions than flying a Small RPAS. They do not require you to register them with Transport Canada, or hold an operator certificate to fly. However there are still regulations that must be adhered to.  Check them out here.

Do I need to attend/take a course through a drone school to get my Advanced RPAS License?

While it is not necessary, it is highly recommended to take a ground school course from a recognized RPAS training facility. They will ensure you are well equipped and prepared for your Advanced Test and Flight Review. Volatus Aerospace has many different training courses available to help you along your journey.

I have passed my online Advanced test from Transport Canada and I am now ready for a flight review. How do I book and pay for my flight review?

You can book/pay your review by clicking below:

Where do you conduct the Flight Reviews?

On Prince Edward Island, flight reviews are done in Summerside at Slemon Park and just outside of Charlottetown in Cherry Valley or Strathgartney.

Summerside Cherry Valley Strathgartney

When can you do a Flight Review?

Once you pay for your Flight Review online, your Flight Reviewer will be in contact with you to book a time and date. Keep in mind that this will need to be flexible as the weather will be the ultimate determining factor. Horsepower RPAS Services is usually available at any time during the day, 7 days a week. There is no penalty for cancelling or changing your flight review date.

Can you give me any advice about my flight review preparation?

A Flight Review to obtain your Advanced Operator Certificate requires in-depth knowledge and understanding of the following information:

If I fail my flight review, what are the next steps?

If you unfortunately fail your flight review, you must re-book if you wish to attempt again.  (24 hours must have elapsed).

What are some things that will cause me to fail my Flight Review?

An inadequate site survey, lack of knowledge of the procedures to follow in the event of an incident including who to call, unsafe flying, failure to produce your pilots license, not having your drone clearly marked with your registration number or arriving for your Flight Review unfit to fly (intoxicated, sleepy, etc) will result in an immediate failure and require you to re-book your Flight Review.

What happens once I pass my Flight Review?

Once you have successfully completed your Flight Review, your Flight Reviewer will input the results of your review into the Transport Canada Drone Portal (within 24 hours). At that time, you will receive an email informing you of your successful review and upon paying an additional license fee to Transport Canada (via the drone portal), you will receive your Advanced RPAS Certificate.