Drone Advanced Exam (RPAS) study guide: key rules on all 11 topics

Free Drone Advanced Exam (RPAS) study guide: 226 key points from the TC AIM — Remotely Piloted Aircraft (RPA) chapter in plain words, organised by topic, each topic linked to its practice questions.

By the Canada Exam Prep Editorial Team · Updated October 17, 2026

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This study guide collects our notes on every topic of the Transport Canada Drone Pilot Exam – Advanced Operations on one page: 226 short points in our own words, grouped by topic and by handbook section. Read it from top to bottom before your first practice test, or jump to a topic from the list below.

Each topic ends with a link to its practice questions, so you can check what you just read straight away, and a link to the official chapter for the full wording. The notes summarise the TC AIM — Remotely Piloted Aircraft (RPA) chapter from the Transport Canada, Civil Aviation (Drone Safety); they do not replace it, and where our notes and the official source differ, the official source wins.

Study these notes as flashcards →

Advanced certificate, privileges and recency

What counts as an advanced operation, who may fly one, the age 16 certificate with exam and flight review, supervision of uncertified pilots, 24-month recency, exam and retake rules, and how Level 1 Complex differs.

Practise Advanced certificate, privileges and recency questions Flashcards Official chapter

Pilot Certificate – Advanced Operations

Applicant must be at least 16, pass the online Advanced exam (TP 15263) and pass a flight review within the 12 months before applying.
Steps: Advanced exam → flight review with a TC-approved flight reviewer → apply and pay in the Drone Management Portal.
An advanced certificate also allows all basic operations. It does not expire; recency rules apply.
Advanced exam: 50 multiple-choice questions, 60 minutes, 80% to pass, online, minimum age 16 (TP 15263; Standard 921.02).

Who may fly advanced operations

Holder of an advanced or Level 1 Complex certificate, at least 16.
Exception: someone without it (including under 16) flying under the direct supervision of an advanced (or Level 1 Complex) certificate holder.
A candidate flying during their own flight review is exempt from holding the advanced certificate.

What advanced operations are

Small drone VLOS: in controlled airspace; 30 m to 5 m from people not involved ("near people"); under 5 m or over people; within 3 NM of an airport or 1 NM of a heliport.
Small drone: EVLOS in uncontrolled airspace; sheltered operations.
Medium drone (over 25 kg to 150 kg) VLOS: at 500 ft or more from people; 500 ft to 100 ft; under 100 ft; in controlled airspace.

Recency and documents

Within the 24 months before flying: issued a certificate, passed any RPAS exam (basic, advanced, Level 1 Complex), passed a flight review, or completed recurrent training (TC seminar, school recurrent program covering human factors, environment, route planning, operations near aerodromes and regulations; or the TC self-paced program).
The flight reviewer exam does not count for recency (AIM 3.4.3.3).
Keep proof of recency 24 months; carry certificate + proof of recency.

Exam and flight review rules

Same exam conduct rules as basic (no help, copying or impersonation).
After failing the exam or the flight review, wait 24 hours before retaking; no limit on attempts.
Keep the exam reference number; flight schools ask for it when booking a flight review.

Level 1 Complex (for context)

Lower-risk BVLOS in uncontrolled airspace, under an RPAS Operator Certificate (RPOC), below 400 ft AGL, more than 5 NM from aerodromes in the CFS/CWAS, ground visibility at least 3 SM and clear of cloud, anti-collision lights on.
Pilot: age 18, Advanced exam, 20 hours of RPAS ground school (TP 15530), Level 1 Complex exam, flight review within 12 months before applying.
Populated area: more than 5 people/km²; sparsely populated: more than 5 up to 25 people/km² (CAR 900.01 wording). Small or medium drone at least 1 km from a populated area (SAD); small drone over sparsely populated areas or within 1 km of a populated area needs a pre-validated declaration.

Foreign pilots

Since April 1, 2025 a foreign pilot no longer needs an SFOC for a flight review if using a Canadian-registered drone; a foreign-owned drone still needs an SFOC.

Safety assurance declarations (Standard 922)

Which advanced operations need a declaration, what 922.04 to 922.08 assure, safety assurance vs pre-validated declarations, what you can fly without a declaration, modifications and operating limits.

Practise Safety assurance declarations (Standard 922) questions Flashcards Official chapter

Declaration required before these advanced operations

Small drone VLOS in controlled airspace → Standard 922.04 (declaration).
Small drone near people (under 30 m, not under 5 m) → 922.05.
Small drone under 5 m / over people → 922.06.
Small drone sheltered operation in controlled airspace → 922.04.
Medium drone VLOS 500 ft or more from people → 922.08 (containment, low robustness).
Medium drone 500 ft to 100 ft, or under 100 ft from people → 922.07 pre-validated declaration (PVD).
Medium drone in controlled airspace → 922.04 + 922.08.
922.07 compliance also covers 922.05 and 922.06.

No declaration needed

A small drone without any Standard 922 declaration may still do these advanced operations in uncontrolled airspace: within 3 NM of an airport / 1 NM of a heliport (following the established procedure), sheltered operations and EVLOS — always more than 100 ft from people not involved.
A medium drone without a declaration cannot be flown in Canada at all; TC does not issue SFOCs to get around a missing declaration.

What each declaration assures

922.04 (controlled airspace): position accuracy of at least ±10 m laterally and ±16 m vertically, so position and altitude reports to ATC can be trusted.
922.05 (near people): probability that a single failure causes severe injury to a person on the ground is remote.
922.06 (over people): no single failure results in severe injury, and combinations of failures that could are remote.
922.07 (safety and reliability): designed to be as safe and reliable as practicable; requires TC acceptance letter before declaring (PVD).
922.08 (containment): drone reliably stays within its operational volume.
922.09 C2 link reliability and lost-link behaviour; 922.10 detect, alert and avoid; 922.11 control station design; 922.12 demonstrated environmental envelope (BVLOS/Level 1 Complex).

SAD vs PVD

Safety assurance declaration (SAD): the declarant (manufacturer or modifier) self-declares that the model meets the 922 requirements; test results are not submitted but must be provided if TC asks.
Pre-validated declaration (PVD): TC first reviews the applicant's ability and issues a letter of acceptance; the declarant must then run a service difficulty reporting system and file annual reports.
Declarant must notify TC within 30 days of a change of name, address or contact information.
The declaration is invalid if TC finds the model non-compliant, the declarant reports a deficiency, or the annual report is outstanding (for PVD operations).
Check the TC list of eligible drones; eligibility for some standards appears on the drone's registration certificate (922.04 eligibility is shown on the TC website, not on the certificate).

Modifications

A modified drone may do declared operations only if the pilot can show it still meets the applicable 922 requirements and the modification followed the part maker's instructions.
For medium-drone operations needing a PVD (901.69 f, g), the modification must follow the declarant's instructions.
If a modification may affect the declared capabilities, the declaration is invalidated and a small drone is limited to basic environments until a new declaration is made. Adding a tether or a non-standard flight termination system is a modification.

Operating limits

Flying outside the manufacturer's limits (wind, temperature, centre of gravity) puts the drone outside its declared capabilities.
Penalties: flying advanced operations without the certificate or the needed declaration — up to $1,000 individual / $5,000 corporation per violation.

Flying near and over people

The 30 m, 5 m and 500 ft distance bands, who counts as involved, medium-drone distances, parachute limits, site and crowd planning and the crew briefing.

Practise Flying near and over people questions Flashcards Official chapter

Distance bands (small drones)

30 m (100 ft) or more from people not involved: basic.
Under 30 m but at least 5 m (16.4 ft), measured horizontally at any altitude: "near people" — advanced certificate + 922.05 declaration.
Under 5 m, or directly over people: "over people" — advanced certificate + 922.06 declaration.
People involved (briefed, able to leave) and people in vehicles or buildings are not counted, but the flight must still be safe.

Medium drones

Basic-style distance for a medium drone is 500 ft (152.4 m); any medium drone flight is advanced.
500 ft or more: 922.08 declaration. 500 ft to 100 ft and under 100 ft: 922.07 PVD.

Flight safety near people

The risk of injuring a person is greater than the risk of hitting another aircraft; keep a good safety margin, especially within 30 m of the public.

Parachutes and limits

A parachute system declared for over-people operations only works within the maker's limits, e.g. a minimum safe altitude; the pilot must fly above that minimum and register the drone to reflect the parachute configuration.
Operating outside the manufacturer's or declarant's limits means the drone is outside its declared capabilities.

Site planning and public

Identify functional areas (launch, recovery, observer positions), alternate recovery areas and access routes; assess public access and crowd control; list emergency contacts.
Crew briefing: roles, plan, limitations, emergency procedures, escape manoeuvres, fly-aways, public interference, site manager, sterile control area.
Post-flight: download data, inspect for damage, remove batteries, log information.

Advertised events still need an SFOC

Near-people privileges do not replace the SFOC—RPAS needed to fly at or within 100 ft of an advertised event.

Operations in controlled airspace

The three conditions for controlled airspace, NAV Drone and DND authorizations, the information ATC may ask for, flying above 400 ft with authorization, ATC instructions, transponder airspace and restricted airspace.

Practise Operations in controlled airspace questions Flashcards Official chapter

Three conditions for controlled airspace

Advanced (or Level 1 Complex) certificate; a drone declared to Standard 922.04 (plus 922.08 for medium drones); an authorization from the air navigation service provider (ANSP).
ANSP = NAV CANADA for civil controlled airspace, Department of National Defence for military controlled airspace.
Controlled airspace for drones: Classes A, B, C, D, E. Class A and B need an SFOC—RPAS plus ANSP authorization. Classes C, D and E are the advanced environment.
Class C and D usually extend from the surface to 3,000 ft AGL around airports and become Class E when the tower is closed; still controlled.

RPAS flight authorization

Request it in advance through NAV Drone (NAV CANADA's drone flight planning tool) or from the DND aerodrome authority.
Information the ANSP may require: date, time and duration; category, registration number and physical characteristics of the drone; vertical and horizontal boundaries of the area; name, contact information and pilot certificate number of each pilot; lost-link procedures and flight profiles; emergency procedures; how long it takes to terminate the operation; anything else needed for air traffic management.
The written authorization must be easily accessible to the pilot during the flight.
Above 400 ft AGL in controlled airspace is possible with an ANSP authorization; no SFOC is needed for that (CAR 901.71(2)).
No authorization, or not accessible: up to $1,000 individual / $5,000 corporation per violation.

ATC instructions

In controlled airspace the pilot must comply with all ATC instructions directed at them.
Pilots must have a means to contact and be contacted by the airspace authority during the operation.

Transponder airspace

Transponder required in Class A, B, C and some D and E (listed in the DAH).
ATC may allow a drone without a transponder only if the request is made before entering and safety is not likely to be affected; ATC may not always be able to approve.

Class F and others

CYR restricted: contact the user agency listed in the DAH for access. CYA advisory: no permission, extra risk awareness.
Inadvertent entry by a drone out of control into controlled or restricted airspace: notify the ATC unit, FSS or user agency immediately.

Air traffic services knowledge (advanced)

Know who controls the airspace, the MF/ATF and en-route frequencies, typical traffic patterns of manned aircraft, and how to read the CFS for aerodrome airspace and contacts.
Traditional aircraft that lose two-way radio in Class C or D airspace follow set procedures (e.g. squawk transponder code 7600); be alert to unexpected traffic.
ESCAT plan: in a security emergency, the Emergency Security Control of Air Traffic plan can restrict flights.

Airports, heliports and aerodrome traffic

Established procedures within 3 NM of airports and 1 NM of heliports, TC's generic procedure, aerodrome operators' role, military aerodromes, traffic circuits, MF and ATF areas and runway numbering.

Practise Airports, heliports and aerodrome traffic questions Flashcards Official chapter

Within 3 NM of an airport or 1 NM of a heliport

Advanced pilots may fly there (small or medium drone) only by following the established procedure for that airport, heliport or water airport, and all other Part IX rules.
Where to find the procedure: the PRO section of the current CFS (or the CWAS for water airports), or an RPA Flight Authorization Notice from the ANSP.
If none is published, use TC's generic procedure.

TC generic established procedure

Give way to traditional aircraft and keep VLOS.
Hold an advanced certificate and stay within its privileges.
As part of the site survey, research the airport in the CFS, CWAS, VFR charts, Drone Site Selection Tool or NAV Drone.
Contact the aerodrome operator to tell them about the operation, whether the airspace is controlled or not.
Keep a listening watch on the aerodrome traffic frequency (CFS or VNC); transmitting requires a ROC-A.
If traditional aircraft are operating, land and reassess; if activity is regular, contact the operator to learn the local circuit procedures.
Aerodrome operators can control their land but cannot forbid or set conditions on the airspace; only the Minister can restrict airspace (Aeronautics Act s. 5.1). Operators do not see NAV Drone authorization details.

Other aerodrome rules

Never interfere with aircraft in the established traffic pattern of any aerodrome in the CFS or Water Aerodrome Supplement.
Within 3 NM of a DND (military) aerodrome: DND authorization; if it is in controlled airspace, it is also an advanced operation.
BVLOS within 5 NM of an aerodrome in the CFS/CWAS needs an SFOC.

Uncontrolled aerodrome traffic

Standard circuit is left-hand; propeller aeroplanes fly it at 1,000 ft above aerodrome elevation (AAE); large and turbine aeroplanes about 1,500 ft AAE; helicopters often at 500 ft AAE closer to the runway; ultralights no higher than 500 ft below the standard circuit.
Aircraft crossing the aerodrome do so at least 500 ft above the highest circuit height; descents are made on the non-active side.
Mandatory Frequency (MF) area: aircraft need a working two-way radio and must make reports; the CFS gives the frequency, radius (often 5 NM) and altitude.
Aerodrome Traffic Frequency (ATF): for less busy aerodromes; usually the UNICOM frequency or 123.2 MHz.
Gliders and balloons: powered aircraft give way to gliders; balloons have right of way over all other categories.

Runways

Runway numbers come from the runway's magnetic direction rounded to tens of degrees (runway 04 ≈ 040° magnetic; runway 27 ≈ 270°).
Aircraft take off and land into the wind where possible; know where departure and approach paths lie relative to your site.

Aerodrome property

Activities on an aerodrome or airport are subject to the approval of the operator (and ATC where applicable); fire prevention rules apply on the property.

EVLOS, sheltered operations, medium drones and SFOCs

Extended visual line-of-sight and visual observer rules, sheltered operations near structures, medium-drone limits, BVLOS basics and the operations that still need an SFOC—RPAS.

Practise EVLOS, sheltered operations, medium drones and SFOCs questions Flashcards Official chapter

Extended VLOS (EVLOS)

The drone is beyond the pilot's sight, but a visual observer keeps unaided watch of the airspace to detect and avoid traffic and hazards.
Small drones only, uncontrolled airspace only, at least 100 ft (30 m) from people not involved.
Drone always within 2 NM (about 3.7 km) of the pilot, the control station and the visual observer.
Pilot and control station must be at the take-off/landing site during launch and recovery.
The VO must hold at least a basic pilot certificate, keep unaided visual contact with the airspace, stay within 2 NM of the drone, have a means of communication with the pilot and ideally a quiet spot with an unobstructed view of the sky.
Concerns: extra stress on the C2 link and endurance planning.
Effective November 4, 2025; no 922 declaration needed for EVLOS with a small drone.

Sheltered operations

Small drone flown not in VLOS, within 200 ft (61 m) horizontally of a building or structure and no more than 100 ft (30 m) above it.
No visual observer required; allowed in uncontrolled and controlled airspace; controlled airspace needs ATC authorization and a 922.04 declaration.
Same 2 NM limit from pilot and control station; pilot at the site for launch and recovery; at least 100 ft from people not involved at all times.
Buildings degrade the C2 link; program lost-link behaviour and return-to-home altitude carefully.

Medium drones (over 25 kg up to 150 kg)

Always VLOS; always advanced; need the matching declaration (922.08, 922.07 PVD, plus 922.04 in controlled airspace).
If ground visibility is 4 miles or less, a medium drone in VLOS may not fly farther than half the ground visibility (unless SFOC).
Medium drone without a declaration cannot be flown in Canada.

BVLOS (Level 1 Complex) basics

Anti-collision lights: white, flashing 40–100 times a minute, visible from at least 1 mile; may be switched off if safety requires.
BVLOS needs ground visibility of at least 3 SM and clear of cloud (unless declared or SFOC).

Still needs an SFOC—RPAS

More than 150 kg; above 400 ft AGL in uncontrolled airspace; more than 5 drones in VLOS or more than 1 BVLOS from one station; BVLOS in controlled airspace or within 5 NM of an aerodrome; persons on board; hazardous payloads; medium drones in adverse weather; advertised events (any drone); special aviation events (drone shows); foreign operators and foreign-owned drones; leaving Canadian Domestic Airspace.
Lead time: very-low and low complexity SFOC applications at least 30 working days before; medium and high complexity at least 60 working days, with an RPAS operational risk assessment (AC 903-001, SAIL).

The flight review

Standard 921.02 exercises, prerequisites and ID, the planning exercise, lost-link and fly-away items, how errors are graded, failure and retakes, results and the flight reviewer rating.

Practise The flight review questions Flashcards Official chapter

Advanced flight review exercises

Describe the site survey process.
Demonstrate the ability to plan an operation.
Describe emergency procedures, including lost link and fly-away, and who to contact.
Describe when and how to inform Transport Canada and the TSB of an incident or accident.
Perform pre-flight checks; perform a take-off or launch.
Navigate by visual reference (if the control station allows) and by control-station reference only.
Recognize distances; perform a landing.

Before the review

Prerequisite: pass the Advanced exam first. The candidate gets a Drone Management Portal reference number and an exam reference number to give the reviewer.
Bring valid, unexpired government-issued ID with name and date of birth (passport, driver's licence, PR card, etc.); reviewers do not copy ID documents.
Bring the certificate of registration for the drone used; the drone must be registered and marked (small or medium only).
Book directly with a drone flight school; every reviewer is affiliated with a self-declared training provider. Reviewers set their own fees.
The review is in person; location agreed in advance; it can be in controlled or uncontrolled airspace but must comply with Part IX (except holding the advanced certificate).
The candidate is the pilot-in-command and makes the final go/no-go decision; the reviewer may intervene only for safety and is not a visual observer.

Planning exercise

Plan a flight of at least 15 minutes with at least one take-off and one full-stop landing.
Assessed: site survey, crew briefing, current charts and publications, airspace and obstacles, take-off area and route, alternate landing site, weather and NOTAMs, altitude choice, go/no-go decision, weight and centre of gravity within limits, effect of unserviceable equipment.
If the review flight is not in an advanced environment, an extra planning exercise for an advanced area is required.

Lost link and fly-away items

Lost link: program return-to-home correctly, choose power and altitude for the situation, recognize the loss promptly, regain control if the link returns, contact the appropriate facility if needed.
Fly-away: record your position, the direction and altitude the drone was last seen, estimate remaining flight time, and contact the appropriate facility without delay.

Assessment

Failing any one item = failure; a complete redo is required. Also failure for no appropriate site survey, a pattern of poor visual scanning, unsafe flying, dangerous behaviour or lack of training.
Error levels: minor (inconsequential), major (reduced safety margin or measurably detracts from the aim), critical (mismanaged, compromises safety, non-compliance with the CARs) = failure.
Crew resource management is assessed in every task.
The reviewer enters results in the Drone Management Portal within 24 hours; the candidate gets an email and then applies and pays for the certificate.
Retake after 24 hours (CAR 901.68). Apply for the certificate within 12 months of the review (CAR 901.64(c)). Results may be invalidated if knowledge lapses more than 2 years.
A dissatisfied candidate may file a written complaint with the TC regional office; dissatisfaction with the result alone is not enough.

Flight reviewer rating

Age 18+, advanced or Level 1 Complex certificate held for at least 6 months, recency met, pass the Flight Reviewer exam (30 questions, 1½ hours, 80%), good aviation record.
Must be affiliated with a TP 15263 or TP 15530 self-declared training provider (Canadian); L1C reviews need a TP 15530 provider.
Expected maximum of 8 complete flight reviews a day.

Aviation weather reports and meteorology

Decoding METARs and TAFs (wind, visibility, weather, cloud, ceiling, temperature, altimeter), change groups, pressure and density altitude, stability, fronts, thunderstorms and wind shear.

Practise Aviation weather reports and meteorology questions Flashcards Official chapter

METAR basics

METAR = routine aerodrome weather report, normally issued on the hour; SPECI = special report for significant changes between hours.
Canadian station identifiers have four letters starting with C, then W, Y or Z (e.g. CYXE).
Date/time group: day of the month + time in UTC (e.g. 292000Z = 29th at 2000 UTC).
AUTO = automated station (AWOS); CCA = first correction.

Decoding groups

Wind: three digits of direction in degrees TRUE (rounded to 10°) + speed in knots, e.g. 09015G25KT = from 090° true at 15 kt gusting 25 kt. 00000KT = calm. VRB = variable.
Visibility in statute miles (e.g. 3/4SM).
Weather: - light, no sign moderate, + heavy; RA rain, SN snow, DZ drizzle, BR mist (visibility 5/8 SM or more), FG fog (under 5/8 SM), TS thunderstorm, SH showers, FZ freezing, VC in the vicinity (within 5 SM).
Cloud amount in oktas: FEW up to 2/8, SCT 3–4/8, BKN 5 to less than 8/8, OVC 8/8; heights in hundreds of feet AGL (BKN008 = 800 ft). CB/TCU appended for convective cloud.
Ceiling = lowest BKN or OVC layer (or vertical visibility).
Temperature/dew point in °C, M = minus (21/19). A small spread means fog or low cloud is likely.
Altimeter: A2992 = 29.92 in. Hg. RMK remarks; SLP in hPa; density altitude given in remarks when 200 ft or more above field elevation.

TAF basics

TAF = aerodrome forecast, valid for about 5 NM around the runway complex; maximum validity 30 hours; issued about 20 minutes before validity starts.
Change groups: FM (from: a lasting change at a time), BECMG (becoming: gradual change over a period), TEMPO (temporary fluctuations), PROB30/PROB40 (probability %).
CAVOK is not used in Canadian TAFs; RMK gives the next issue time.
Wind shear group WS011/27050KT = shear from the surface to 1,100 ft with 270° at 50 kt.

Pressure and density altitude

Pressure decreases with height; high pressure usually means settled weather, low pressure cloud and precipitation.
Density altitude rises with high temperature, high elevation and humidity; high density altitude reduces lift, thrust and hover performance.
Standard atmosphere: 15 °C and 29.92 in. Hg at sea level; about 2 °C cooler per 1,000 ft.

Moisture, stability, fronts

When temperature and dew point meet, the air is saturated: cloud or fog forms. The smaller the spread, the lower the cloud base.
Stable air: smooth air, poor visibility, haze or smog layers, stratus. Unstable air: good visibility, turbulence, cumulus and showers.
A cold front often brings a band of showers or thunderstorms, gusty wind shifts and clearing behind it; a warm front brings widespread low cloud and steady precipitation ahead of it.

Thunderstorms and wind shear

Thunderstorm stages: cumulus (updrafts), mature (updrafts and downdrafts, heaviest rain, hail, lightning), dissipating (downdrafts).
Severe turbulence up to 20 NM from severe storms; do not take off or land as a storm approaches.
Microbursts: intense downdrafts about 1 NM across, rarely lasting more than 15 minutes; wind shear most dangerous within 1,000 ft AGL.

Radio communications

The ROC-A, aviation VHF frequencies including 121.5, 126.7 and 123.2 MHz, MF and ATF procedures, radio technique and phrasing, distress calls, transponder codes and crew radios.

Practise Radio communications questions Flashcards Official chapter

Licences

Operating aeronautical radio requires a Restricted Operator Certificate with Aeronautical Qualification (ROC-A) from Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada (ISED). Study guide: RIC-21.
Radio equipment used in aeronautical services follows ISED radio licensing policy.
Phraseology references: NAV CANADA VFR Phraseology Guide, TC AIM COM, AC 100-001 glossary.

Frequencies

Aeronautical voice communications: VHF-AM from 118 to 137 MHz; 25 kHz channel spacing.
121.5 MHz: emergency frequency (monitored by towers and flight service stations during their hours).
126.7 MHz: en-route frequency in uncontrolled airspace, also used for broadcasts.
123.2 MHz: ATF at uncontrolled aerodromes with no UNICOM.
MF/ATF frequencies, radius and altitude are published in the CFS (e.g. "MF 122.2 5 NM 3100 ASL").

MF procedures (manned aircraft)

Aircraft in an MF area need a working two-way radio and must report before entering, on departure, on arrival, in continuous circuits and when passing through.
Reports go to the ground station if one is operating; otherwise they are broadcast.
Listening tells a drone pilot where traffic is: position, phase of flight, intentions.

Radio technique

Distinguish height (above ground) from altitude (above sea level) when reporting; aviation altitudes are normally ASL.
A routine call to ATC states who you are calling, who you are, where you are and what you want.
A blind broadcast is a transmission made without expecting a reply, e.g. on an ATF to announce an operation.
Emergency (fly-away) calls give the drone's last position, altitude and direction; distress messages start with MAYDAY repeated three times.
Radio etiquette: listen before transmitting, keep messages short, do not interrupt other communications, read back ATC clearances and instructions.

Communication failure

A traditional aircraft that loses two-way radio squawks transponder code 7600 and follows set procedures; 7700 is the emergency code.
If out of VHF range, a pilot may use a phone to reach ATS (numbers in the CFS).

Crew radios

Radio range depends on line-of-sight, antenna position, power and interference.
A transfer of control or a "visual following" between crew must be stated and acknowledged clearly.

SFOC applications, payloads, records and occurrences

When and how to apply for an SFOC—RPAS, lead times and risk assessment, events, payloads and lasers, records, occurrence analysis, TSB investigations, tethered drones and site safety.

Practise SFOC applications, payloads, records and occurrences questions Flashcards Official chapter

When an SFOC—RPAS is required

Drone over 150 kg; above 400 ft AGL in uncontrolled airspace; more than 5 drones from one station in VLOS, or more than 1 in BVLOS; BVLOS outside the EVLOS/sheltered/Level 1 Complex rules; BVLOS in controlled airspace or within 5 NM of an aerodrome; persons on board; restricted payloads (weapons, hazardous goods); medium drone in adverse weather; advertised events (including microdrones); performing at a special aviation event (drone show); foreign operators or foreign-owned drones; leaving Canadian Domestic Airspace.

Applying

Form 24-0109E with the relevant compliance checklist; guidance in AC 903-002.
Very-low and low complexity: submit at least 30 working days before the operation. Medium and high complexity: at least 60 working days, with an operational risk assessment (AC 903-001) and its SAIL.
Applications with an end date less than 30 working days away are not accepted; processing starts only when the application is complete.
If several operations are in one application, the highest complexity applies; two or more medium-complexity operations count as high complexity.
Incidents under an SFOC are reported to TC with the RPAS Aviation Occurrence Reporting Form.

Events

Special aviation event: an SFOC is needed when the drone performs (airshow, drone show). Filming or security at the event is processed like an advertised event SFOC.
Advertised event: SFOC needed within 100 ft of the event boundary; amusement parks count.

Payloads and lasers

Weapons, war equipment, explosive, corrosive, flammable or biohazardous payloads need an SFOC; the Transportation of Dangerous Goods Act and Air Transportation Regulations may also apply.
Class 1/1M lasers (or under 1 mW / invisible beam) need no notice; other lasers need a Notice of Proposal to Conduct Outdoor Laser Operation(s) to TC (CAR 601.21), at least 30 days.

Records and occurrences

Owner keeps flight records 12 months and maintenance/modification records 24 months; analysis records after an occurrence 12 months.
Stop operations after a listed occurrence until the cause is analysed and corrected.
TSB investigates: drone over 25 kg accident; death or serious injury from contact with a small drone; any drone–aircraft collision. Purpose: prevent recurrence, not blame.

Tethered drones

A tethered drone that is not navigated horizontally is not an RPA under Part IX (obstruction rules apply instead); if it is manoeuvred on the tether, Part IX applies.
Adding a tether is a modification and can invalidate a safety declaration. Best practice: stay at least tether length + 5 m from people.

Occupational safety

Safety equipment on site: fire extinguisher, first aid kit; personal protective equipment.
Plan access routes, emergency contacts (police, EMS, ATS for fly-aways), charging areas, launch and recovery points, safety perimeter.
Legal site access: trespass, insurance, permissions.
Insurance is not required for standard categories but is recommended; proof may be required for an SFOC.

Crew resource management and human factors

The four CRM skill areas, threat and error management, visual observers and sterile communication, FPV and night-vision limits, disorientation and operating pressures.

Practise Crew resource management and human factors questions Flashcards Official chapter

Crew resource management (CRM)

CRM = using all available resources: other crew, maintenance staff, air traffic controllers, clients.
Four areas: problem solving and decision-making; situational awareness; communication; workload management.
Decision-making: anticipate problems early, use a structured process, seek information, prioritize, use all resources, consider downstream consequences.
Situational awareness: monitor weather, aircraft systems, indications and ATC; avoid tunnel vision (stress reduces vigilance); stay ahead of the aircraft; notice subtle changes.
Communication: thorough briefings, ask for information, state decisions clearly, give your location clearly.
Workload: organize resources, recognize overload in yourself, remove distractions in busy phases, stay adaptable.
Threat and error management (TEM): an error is an action or inaction that leads away from intentions; errors are classed minor, major or critical.

Factors affecting performance

Fatigue, emotions (work or personal problems), health (cold, flu), time of day and distractions all degrade performance and reliability.

Visual observers

VOs must be trained for their duties: scanning, aircraft identification, communications.
Agree on standard phrases before the flight; VOs report traffic, hazards, terrain, weather and structures with relative distance, altitude and path.
VOs help keep a sterile environment (no irrelevant conversation).
EVLOS VOs need at least a basic pilot certificate; other VOs need none.

FPV and night

FPV removes the pilot's awareness of the surroundings; use VOs and keep the area around the pilot safe.
Night: distance and depth are hard to judge; aircraft lights are easier to see but may seem closer than they are.
Night vision goggles may not show LED lights outside their spectrum, so crews need a way to detect all visible light; a VO with unaided vision is the simplest.
Some aircraft (police, military, medevac) may fly without lights; listen for them.

Disorientation

Vision is the strongest orienting sense; the inner ear can give false sensations. Pilots watching a screen or goggles can misjudge orientation; cross-check with instruments and the real drone.

Attitudes and pressures

Operating pressures from employers, clients, peers and family must not override safety; safety comes before hierarchy or politics.
Automation complacency: monitor automated flights actively. Interrupted checklists: restart from a known point.
Medications and substances can have lasting effects beyond the first impairment; carbon monoxide (e.g. a ground control station in a running vehicle) causes headache, drowsiness and confusion.

Written in our own words from: TC AIM — Remotely Piloted Aircraft (RPA) chapter

FAQ

Drone Advanced Exam (RPAS) study guide: common questions

What is the best way to use this Drone Advanced Exam (RPAS) study guide?

Read one topic, then answer that topic's practice questions while the rules are fresh. Note the questions you miss, re-read those notes, and finish with a full practice test across all 11 topics.

Is this the official Drone Advanced Exam (RPAS) handbook?

No. It is our own summary of the TC AIM — Remotely Piloted Aircraft (RPA) chapter. Use it to review, and use the official handbook when you need the exact wording of a rule.

Can I print the study guide?

Yes, with your browser's print command. For practice questions on paper with an answer key, use our printable questions and answers page instead.