Printable Drone Basic Exam Questions (Transport Canada)

50 practice questions for Transport Canada's Small Basic drone exam on one printable page, with a separate answer key and the CARs section behind each answer. Free.

No sign-up
Every answer explained
Independent · not a government site

50 questions
Answer key included
Free, no sign-up

This page puts 50 practice questions for Transport Canada's Small Basic Exam on one sheet you can print or save as a PDF. They are spread across all 11 of our topics, so a single sheet covers the drone categories and certificates, registration, airspace classes, the 30 m and 3 NM distances, the operating rules, site surveys and emergencies, records and fines, human factors, weather, navigation and radio, and theory of flight. The answer key, with a short explanation and the source of each answer, starts on a separate page after question 50.

The real exam has 35 questions and a 65% pass mark, which works out to about 33 out of 50 on this sheet; aim for 40 or more to be safe. Mark your answers, check them against the key, then reread the CARs section or TC AIM paragraph behind each one you missed. Every question is our own, written from Part IX of the Canadian Aviation Regulations, the TC AIM drone chapter and TP 15263, not copied from the confidential exam bank or a flight school course.

Jump to the answer key

1.In the NRC Drone Site Selection Tool, what does an area shaded red mean?
1. Drone flight is prohibited there
2. A NOTAM is active there for the current day
3. Permission from an authority is needed there
4. Extra caution is advised for other air traffic
2.On a map with a scale of 1:20,000, what does 1 cm represent on the ground?
1. 20 kilometres
2. 200 metres
3. 20 metres
4. 2 kilometres
3.Why is fatigue considered especially dangerous for drone pilots?
1. It can be cured right away with a coffee and a snack
2. Its effects can be present without the person noticing
3. It only affects pilots who have flown more than 8 hours
4. It only matters for flights that take place at night
4.When are wing-tip vortices from a large aircraft strongest?
1. When the aircraft is heavy, slow and in a clean setup
2. When the aircraft is light, fast and climbing gently
3. Only when the aircraft is parked with engines running
4. Only in heavy rain or thick fog at night
5.Which aid may you use to keep visual line-of-sight with your drone?
1. A pair of binoculars for distant moments
2. Your normal prescription glasses
3. A small spotting scope held by a friend
4. A camera with a zoom lens on a tripod
6.Icing conditions are forecast along your route. When may you fly?
1. Only with de-icing/anti-icing gear or icing detection
2. Any time, since small drones are too warm to collect ice
3. Only if the air temperature stays above minus 20 °C
4. Only if you keep the flight shorter than 10 minutes
7.A marathon has no fences. Where does Transport Canada consider its boundary to be?
1. 100 ft from the runners and from the course
2. 30 ft from the runners and from the course
3. Wherever the race organizer chooses to say
4. 500 ft from the start and finish lines only
8.Which of these breaks the rules for the online drone exam?
1. Taking the exam at home on your own laptop
2. Having a friend help you choose answers
3. Using a pencil and paper to sketch a diagram
4. Writing the exam in French instead of English
9.Which drone event will the Transportation Safety Board of Canada investigate?
1. A pilot climbing 10 m above the 400 ft altitude limit
2. A microdrone crashing on a deserted beach at dawn
3. A 2 kg drone lost in a lake with nobody hurt at all
4. A collision between any drone and a manned aircraft
10.When should the most thorough inspection of the drone be done?
1. After the very last flight of each working week
2. Only after the drone has flown its first 100 hours
3. Only when the manufacturer sends a service reminder
4. Before the first flight of each day of operations
11.Where must the registration number appear?
1. On the controller or the phone used to fly
2. On the case or bag the drone is carried in
3. Clearly visible on the drone itself
4. Only on the certificate kept in your pocket
12.For drone operations, which classes count as controlled airspace?
1. Only Class F restricted areas
2. Classes C, D, F and G
3. Classes A, B, C, D and E
4. Classes A, B and C only
13.How long is one nautical mile?
1. 1,000 metres
2. 5,280 metres
3. 1,609 metres
4. 1,852 metres
14.You can see both the red and the green wing-tip lights of an aircraft at night. What does that tell you?
1. It is on the ground, parked
2. It is heading toward you
3. It is flying away from you
4. It is a drone, not an aircraft
15.How does a quadcopter turn (yaw) left or right?
1. By tilting all four motors sideways at exactly the same angle
2. By slowing all four rotors down by exactly the same amount
3. By changing the speed of clockwise vs counter-clockwise rotors
4. By moving a small rudder fitted just behind the camera gimbal
16.Which rule applies when you use a visual observer?
1. One observer may watch up to five drones in a basic flight
2. The observer may also drive the vehicle you launch from
3. The observer must hold an advanced pilot certificate
4. You and the observer must keep reliable, timely communication
17.What is a microburst?
1. A small whirlwind that lifts dust on a hot, sunny day
2. A gentle sea breeze that starts in the late afternoon
3. A short burst of radio static caused by a lightning strike
4. A small, intense downdraft that spreads out at the ground
18.You want to film a public outdoor music festival with your drone. What do you need?
1. Nothing, if you stay at least 30 m away from every spectator
2. The organizer's written permission and a basic pilot certificate
3. An advanced certificate and a drone with a 922.05 declaration
4. A special flight operations certificate (SFOC—RPAS) for the event
19.You fly in uncontrolled airspace but pass 15 m from a jogger who is not part of your flight. What kind of operation is that?
1. A basic operation, as long as you stay above 100 ft
2. A basic operation, because the airspace is uncontrolled
3. A microdrone operation, with no distance rule at all
4. An advanced operation that needs an advanced certificate
20.Which event also requires you to stop operations and analyse the cause?
1. The drone went outside its planned altitude limit
2. The client asked for a different camera angle
3. A light rain shower started just after landing
4. A spare battery was left at home by mistake
21.Your controller shows a lost link but the drone is still in sight. What is an appropriate first action?
1. Turn the controller off and on repeatedly
2. Troubleshoot, e.g. by re-orienting the antennas
3. Call 911 and report a missing aircraft at once
4. Walk quickly toward the drone with the controller
22.Which place is the best choice for marking the registration number?
1. A detachable camera or payload mount
2. One of the propeller blades
3. The main body of the aircraft
4. The removable battery pack
23.An airport's Class D control zone has its tower closed for the night. What does the airspace become?
1. Class B controlled airspace
2. Class E controlled airspace
3. Class G uncontrolled airspace
4. Class F advisory airspace
24.Which unit does aviation use for altitudes and heights?
1. Metres
2. Yards
3. Feet
4. Kilometres
25.About how long do the eyes take to refocus from your controller screen to a distant aircraft?
1. 1 to 2 seconds
2. Less than a tenth of a second
3. About 10 to 15 seconds
4. About 30 seconds
26.Connecting two identical LiPo battery packs in series does what?
1. Halves both the voltage and the capacity
2. Leaves both the voltage and capacity the same
3. Doubles the capacity while voltage stays the same
4. Doubles the voltage while capacity stays the same
27.In basic operations, who must keep the drone in visual line-of-sight?
1. Nobody, as long as GPS return-to-home is turned on
2. The pilot or a visual observer, throughout the flight
3. The pilot, but only during the take-off and landing phases
4. Anyone nearby who is watching the live video feed
28.In which unit is wind speed normally given in aviation weather reports?
1. Miles per hour
2. Knots
3. Feet per minute
4. Metres per second
29.You want to fly 2 NM from a military aerodrome in uncontrolled airspace. What do you need?
1. Nothing, since the 3 NM rule covers civil airports only
2. Authorization from the Department of National Defence
3. A phone call to the closest civilian airport
4. Only a basic certificate and a check of the NOTAMs
30.What operating weight range defines a small drone?
1. From 1 kg up to and including 150 kg
2. From 250 g up to and including 25 kg
3. From 250 g up to and including 50 kg
4. From 100 g up to and including 10 kg
31.Your drone briefly touches a spectator's shoulder without injuring them. What must you do?
1. Stop for 24 hours, then resume without changes
2. Land, change the battery and carry on with care
3. Stop flying until the cause is analysed and fixed
4. Keep flying if the person says they are fine
32.Which item is a required part of the site survey?
1. The names of the owners of all the nearby buildings
2. The battery serial numbers you plan to use that day
3. The location and height of wires, masts and towers
4. The make and model of every car parked near the site
33.During a flight, what must the pilot be able to reach easily?
1. A printed list of every previous flight with the drone
2. The receipt showing where and when the drone was bought
3. The drone's certificate of registration, paper or digital
4. The manufacturer's warranty card for the drone
34.Class E airspace that is not around an airport often starts at what height?
1. 700 ft AGL
2. 3,000 ft AGL
3. 400 ft AGL
4. 100 ft AGL
35.What time system is used in Canadian aviation?
1. Daylight time from March to November only
2. Coordinated Universal Time (UTC, or Zulu)
3. The local time of the nearest airport
4. Eastern Standard Time across all of Canada
36.How can you avoid 'empty field myopia' when scanning a clear blue sky?
1. Stare at one point in the sky for a long time
2. Close one eye and scan with the other one only
3. Wear polarized sunglasses for the whole flight
4. Focus first on a distant cloud edge or tree line
37.What does a drone's inertial measurement unit (IMU) do?
1. Records video and stores it on the memory card in flight
2. Calculates the remaining battery time from the motor speed
3. Senses motion and attitude with gyros and accelerometers
4. Measures the distance to the controller using radio signals
38.Does looking down at your screen for two seconds to change a camera setting break VLOS?
1. Yes, any glance away is a loss of VLOS by law
2. Yes, unless a visual observer has a second screen
3. No, brief glances for flight tasks are allowed
4. No, as long as the drone is set to hover mode
39.Frost has formed overnight on your drone's propellers. What must you do before take-off?
1. Fly, since frost on propellers is too thin to matter
2. Fly only in hover mode for the first five minutes
3. Remove it; no frost may stick to critical surfaces
4. Fly at full power so the frost blows off on its own
40.Can you take off and land your drone in a national park?
1. Yes, from any parking lot inside the park
2. Yes, but only outside the main summer season
3. Not without permission from the park superintendent
4. Yes, if you hold at least a basic pilot certificate
41.A 240 g drone is fitted with propeller guards that bring it to 262 g. What applies?
1. It is now a small drone that must be registered and flown by a certified pilot
2. It needs registration only if it is flown for paid work
3. It stays a microdrone as long as the guards are removed before landing
4. It stays a microdrone because guards are safety equipment and are not counted
42.What is the maximum individual fine for putting aircraft and people at risk with a drone?
1. $3,000
2. $25,000
3. $1,000
4. $500
43.A lithium polymer battery looks slightly swollen. What is the right decision?
1. Use it only in cold weather
2. Use it but land at 50% charge
3. Do not use it for the flight
4. Use it if the voltage reads normal
44.What is the maximum fine for an individual flying an unregistered or unmarked drone?
1. $1,000
2. $500
3. $25,000
4. $5,000
45.How many classes of airspace are used in Canadian Domestic Airspace?
1. Four, lettered A to D
2. Six, lettered A to F
3. Five, lettered A to E
4. Seven, lettered A to G
46.What do you need before transmitting on an aviation VHF radio?
1. A NOTAM published for the area of the planned flight
2. Written permission from the operator of the nearby aerodrome
3. A Restricted Operator Certificate – Aeronautical (ROC-A)
4. An advanced drone pilot certificate and a flight review
47.At night you see an aircraft's red light and white light, but no green. Which way is it going?
1. Crossing from left to right, toward you
2. Coming straight toward you
3. Crossing from right to left and moving away
4. Climbing directly above where you stand
48.Why must a drone's payload keep the centre of gravity within limits?
1. It changes the drone's registration category
2. The centre of gravity affects stability and control
3. The camera only works with a centred load
4. Transport Canada checks it at every registration
49.What does a basic pilot need to fly a drone at night?
1. A visual observer with binoculars at a second site
2. An SFOC from Transport Canada for each night flight
3. Lights on the drone that keep it visible, switched on
4. A special night rating added to the pilot certificate
50.A report gives the wind as 270 degrees. Which way is the wind blowing?
1. From the north toward the south
2. From the east toward the west
3. From the west toward the east
4. From the south toward the north

Answer key with explanations

1. A — Drone flight is prohibited there
Red areas are prohibited, orange areas need permission from NAV CANADA, Parks Canada, DND or an airport operator, and yellow areas call for extra caution. The pilot must still verify the information.
Airspace classes and restricted airspace · Based on: TC drone rules: CARs Part IX and TC AIM RPA chapter (Oct 2026), Ch. 3 Airspace, AIM RPA 3.2.3.4 — Drone Site Selection Tool
2. B — 200 metres
At 1:20,000, 1 cm on the map is 20,000 cm on the ground, which is 200 m.
Navigation, charts, time and radio · Based on: TC drone rules: CARs Part IX and TC AIM RPA chapter (Oct 2026), Ch. 10 Navigation and radio, AIM RPA 3.2.14 — Map scale
3. B — Its effects can be present without the person noticing
Fatigue affects judgment, motor response and mental ability, and it can be present without the person realizing it. Sleep loss, stress, emotions and illness all contribute.
Human factors and fitness to fly · Based on: TC drone rules: CARs Part IX and TC AIM RPA chapter (Oct 2026), Ch. 8 Human factors, AIM RPA 3.2.7 — Fatigue
4. A — When the aircraft is heavy, slow and in a clean setup
Vortex strength depends mostly on weight; the strongest vortices come from heavy, slow aircraft in a clean configuration. Stay clear behind and below other aircraft and helicopters.
Theory of flight and drone systems · Based on: TC drone rules: CARs Part IX and TC AIM RPA chapter (Oct 2026), Ch. 11 Theory of flight and systems, AIM AIR 2.9 — Wake turbulence
5. B — Your normal prescription glasses
VLOS must be unaided, so binoculars, telescopes and zoom lenses are not allowed. Ordinary glasses and sunglasses are not considered aids.
General operating and flight rules · Based on: TC drone rules: CARs Part IX and TC AIM RPA chapter (Oct 2026), Ch. 5 Operating and flight rules, AIM RPA 3.2.1.1 — Unaided VLOS
6. A — Only with de-icing/anti-icing gear or icing detection
Section 901.35 bars flight in observed, reported or likely icing unless the drone has de-icing or anti-icing equipment or the pilot can detect icing. Supercooled droplets freeze on contact.
Weather for drone pilots · Based on: TC drone rules: CARs Part IX and TC AIM RPA chapter (Oct 2026), Ch. 9 Meteorology, CAR 901.35(1) / AIM RPA 3.2.23 — Icing
7. A — 100 ft from the runners and from the course
Where an advertised event has no perimeter fence, the boundary is expected to be at least 100 ft from participants and from the course.
Altitude, distances and where you can fly · Based on: TC drone rules: CARs Part IX and TC AIM RPA chapter (Oct 2026), Ch. 4 Distances and limits, AIM RPA 3.2.29.2 — Event boundaries
8. B — Having a friend help you choose answers
Giving or accepting help, copying exam content or writing for someone else is prohibited. The exam is online, offered in English or French, and TC suggests having paper and pencil handy.
Drone categories, certificates and recency · Based on: TC drone rules: CARs Part IX and TC AIM RPA chapter (Oct 2026), Ch. 1 Categories and pilot certificates, CAR 901.58 — Examination rules
9. D — A collision between any drone and a manned aircraft
The TSB investigates drone accidents involving a drone over 25 kg, a death or serious injury from contact with a small drone, or any collision between a drone and a traditional aircraft.
Records, incidents, penalties and other laws · Based on: TC drone rules: CARs Part IX and TC AIM RPA chapter (Oct 2026), Ch. 7 Records, incidents and enforcement, AIM RPA 3.2.37 — TSB
10. D — Before the first flight of each day of operations
The initial inspection before each new day of operations is the most complete. Brief checks follow each landing, and a full inspection is due after any crash, malfunction or change of location.
Site survey, pre-flight checks and emergencies · Based on: TC drone rules: CARs Part IX and TC AIM RPA chapter (Oct 2026), Ch. 6 Pre-flight and emergencies, AIM RPA 3.2.12.1 — Inspections
11. C — Clearly visible on the drone itself
The number issued with the certificate of registration must be clearly visible on the aircraft before it flies. Marking the controller or case does not meet the rule.
Registration, marking and documents · Based on: TC drone rules: CARs Part IX and TC AIM RPA chapter (Oct 2026), Ch. 2 Registration and marking, CAR 900.14 — Registration number
12. C — Classes A, B, C, D and E
Classes A to E are controlled airspace for drone purposes. Class F can be controlled, uncontrolled or both, and Class G is uncontrolled.
Airspace classes and restricted airspace · Based on: TC drone rules: CARs Part IX and TC AIM RPA chapter (Oct 2026), Ch. 3 Airspace, AIM RPA 3.2.3.2 — Controlled airspace
13. D — 1,852 metres
A nautical mile is one minute of latitude: 1,852 m, 6,076 ft or about 1.15 statute miles. The statute mile is about 1,609 m (5,280 ft).
Navigation, charts, time and radio · Based on: TC drone rules: CARs Part IX and TC AIM RPA chapter (Oct 2026), Ch. 10 Navigation and radio, AIM RPA 3.2.14 — Nautical mile
14. B — It is heading toward you
Seeing both the red (left) and green (right) position lights at once means the aircraft is pointed at you. Take action to keep your drone clear.
Human factors and fitness to fly · Based on: TC drone rules: CARs Part IX and TC AIM RPA chapter (Oct 2026), Ch. 8 Human factors, AIM RPA 3.2.27.2 — Aircraft lighting
15. C — By changing the speed of clockwise vs counter-clockwise rotors
Yaw comes from torque: speeding up the rotors turning one way and slowing the others makes the drone rotate. Equal changes on all rotors only climb or descend.
Theory of flight and drone systems · Based on: TC drone rules: CARs Part IX and TC AIM RPA chapter (Oct 2026), Ch. 11 Theory of flight and systems, TP 15263 Section 7 — Multi-rotor dynamics
16. D — You and the observer must keep reliable, timely communication
Pilots and visual observers must stay in reliable and timely communication. An observer may not drive a moving vehicle, normally watches one drone at a time, and needs no certificate for basic VLOS flights.
General operating and flight rules · Based on: TC drone rules: CARs Part IX and TC AIM RPA chapter (Oct 2026), Ch. 5 Operating and flight rules, CAR 901.20 — Visual observers
17. D — A small, intense downdraft that spreads out at the ground
A microburst is a small-scale, intense downdraft that spreads outward on reaching the surface, causing strong wind shear. It is most dangerous within 1,000 ft of the ground.
Weather for drone pilots · Based on: TC drone rules: CARs Part IX and TC AIM RPA chapter (Oct 2026), Ch. 9 Meteorology, AIM AIR 2.8 — Microbursts
18. D — A special flight operations certificate (SFOC—RPAS) for the event
Flying at an advertised event, such as a concert, festival, market or sporting event, requires an SFOC—RPAS, even for microdrones. Organizer permission or an advanced certificate is not enough.
Altitude, distances and where you can fly · Based on: TC drone rules: CARs Part IX and TC AIM RPA chapter (Oct 2026), Ch. 4 Distances and limits, CAR 901.41 / AIM RPA 3.2.29.2 — Advertised events
19. D — An advanced operation that needs an advanced certificate
Failing any basic condition makes the flight advanced. Flying within 30 m of a person not involved is advanced even in uncontrolled airspace, and flying higher does not change that.
Drone categories, certificates and recency · Based on: TC drone rules: CARs Part IX and TC AIM RPA chapter (Oct 2026), Ch. 1 Categories and pilot certificates, TC Basic operations — what basic means
20. A — The drone went outside its planned altitude limit
Leaving the planned horizontal boundaries or altitude limits is a listed occurrence under 901.49, along with injuries, contact with people, damage, collisions, fly-aways and events with a police or CADORS report.
Records, incidents, penalties and other laws · Based on: TC drone rules: CARs Part IX and TC AIM RPA chapter (Oct 2026), Ch. 7 Records, incidents and enforcement, CAR 901.49(1)(d) — Boundaries
21. B — Troubleshoot, e.g. by re-orienting the antennas
Immediate lost-link actions include troubleshooting such as re-orienting antennas and checking cables, while monitoring the drone and airspace. If the link is not regained, follow fly-away procedures.
Site survey, pre-flight checks and emergencies · Based on: TC drone rules: CARs Part IX and TC AIM RPA chapter (Oct 2026), Ch. 6 Pre-flight and emergencies, AIM RPA 3.2.11.2 — Lost link
22. C — The main body of the aircraft
Transport Canada advises marking the main body, not removable or breakable parts such as batteries, payloads or motor mounts, so the number stays with the aircraft.
Registration, marking and documents · Based on: TC drone rules: CARs Part IX and TC AIM RPA chapter (Oct 2026), Ch. 2 Registration and marking, AIM RPA 3.1 — Registration marking
23. B — Class E controlled airspace
When the control tower is not operating, Class C or D airspace becomes Class E. It stays controlled, so a basic pilot still may not fly there.
Airspace classes and restricted airspace · Based on: TC drone rules: CARs Part IX and TC AIM RPA chapter (Oct 2026), Ch. 3 Airspace, AIM RPA 3.2.3.2 — Class C and D
24. C — Feet
Altitudes, heights and elevations in aviation are given in feet, so a drone display set to metres must be converted when talking with other airspace users.
Navigation, charts, time and radio · Based on: TC drone rules: CARs Part IX and TC AIM RPA chapter (Oct 2026), Ch. 10 Navigation and radio, AIM GEN 1.4 — Units
25. A — 1 to 2 seconds
Accommodation, or refocusing between near and far, takes 1 to 2 seconds. Since spotting and avoiding traffic can take about 10 seconds, every second counts.
Human factors and fitness to fly · Based on: TC drone rules: CARs Part IX and TC AIM RPA chapter (Oct 2026), Ch. 8 Human factors, AIM RPA 3.2.6.2 — Refocusing
26. D — Doubles the voltage while capacity stays the same
Series connections add voltages; parallel connections add capacity. Battery parameters include voltage, capacity (Ah or Wh) and discharge rate (C rating).
Theory of flight and drone systems · Based on: TC drone rules: CARs Part IX and TC AIM RPA chapter (Oct 2026), Ch. 11 Theory of flight and systems, TP 15263 Section 2 — Batteries
27. B — The pilot or a visual observer, throughout the flight
Section 901.11 requires the pilot or a visual observer to keep the drone in VLOS at all times. A video feed or return-to-home function does not replace it.
General operating and flight rules · Based on: TC drone rules: CARs Part IX and TC AIM RPA chapter (Oct 2026), Ch. 5 Operating and flight rules, CAR 901.11 — Visual line-of-sight
28. B — Knots
Aviation reports and forecasts give wind speed in knots (nautical miles per hour). Feet per minute is used for vertical speed.
Weather for drone pilots · Based on: TC drone rules: CARs Part IX and TC AIM RPA chapter (Oct 2026), Ch. 9 Meteorology, AIM GEN 1.4 — Units
29. B — Authorization from the Department of National Defence
Flying within 3 NM of an aerodrome operated under the Minister of National Defence requires DND authorization, whatever certificate you hold.
Altitude, distances and where you can fly · Based on: TC drone rules: CARs Part IX and TC AIM RPA chapter (Oct 2026), Ch. 4 Distances and limits, CAR 901.47(4) — Military aerodromes
30. B — From 250 g up to and including 25 kg
Part IX defines a small RPA as 250 g to 25 kg. Over 25 kg up to 150 kg is a medium RPA, and anything heavier needs special permission.
Drone categories, certificates and recency · Based on: TC drone rules: CARs Part IX and TC AIM RPA chapter (Oct 2026), Ch. 1 Categories and pilot certificates, CAR 900.01 — small remotely piloted aircraft
31. C — Stop flying until the cause is analysed and fixed
Unintended contact between the drone and a person is one of the listed occurrences. Operations must stop until the cause is analysed and corrective action is taken.
Records, incidents, penalties and other laws · Based on: TC drone rules: CARs Part IX and TC AIM RPA chapter (Oct 2026), Ch. 7 Records, incidents and enforcement, CAR 901.49(1) — Associated measures
32. C — The location and height of wires, masts and towers
The site survey must cover the location and height of obstacles such as wires, masts, buildings, cell towers and wind turbines, along with airspace, aerodromes, weather and distance from people.
Site survey, pre-flight checks and emergencies · Based on: TC drone rules: CARs Part IX and TC AIM RPA chapter (Oct 2026), Ch. 6 Pre-flight and emergencies, CAR 901.27(e) — Obstacles
33. C — The drone's certificate of registration, paper or digital
Section 900.20 requires the certificate of registration to be easily accessible for the whole flight. It can be shown on paper or on a device.
Registration, marking and documents · Based on: TC drone rules: CARs Part IX and TC AIM RPA chapter (Oct 2026), Ch. 2 Registration and marking, CAR 900.20 — Access to certificate of registration
34. A — 700 ft AGL
Away from airports, Class E commonly starts at 700 ft AGL (or 2,200 ft in some extensions). That is above the 400 ft drone limit, but always check the chart for your site.
Airspace classes and restricted airspace · Based on: TC drone rules: CARs Part IX and TC AIM RPA chapter (Oct 2026), Ch. 3 Airspace, AIM RPA 3.2.3.2 — Class E
35. B — Coordinated Universal Time (UTC, or Zulu)
Canadian aviation uses UTC, also called Zulu, on a 24-hour clock from 0000 to 2359. Convert it to local time with the time-zone offset.
Navigation, charts, time and radio · Based on: TC drone rules: CARs Part IX and TC AIM RPA chapter (Oct 2026), Ch. 10 Navigation and radio, AIM GEN 1.5 — Time system
36. D — Focus first on a distant cloud edge or tree line
Looking at featureless sky leaves the eyes focused too close. Focusing on a cloud patch or tree line sets the eyes for distance before scanning.
Human factors and fitness to fly · Based on: TC drone rules: CARs Part IX and TC AIM RPA chapter (Oct 2026), Ch. 8 Human factors, AIM RPA 3.2.6.2 — Empty field myopia
37. C — Senses motion and attitude with gyros and accelerometers
The IMU uses gyroscopes and accelerometers to sense motion and attitude so the flight controller can keep the drone stable. Knocks, vibration or poor calibration can make it misbehave.
Theory of flight and drone systems · Based on: TC drone rules: CARs Part IX and TC AIM RPA chapter (Oct 2026), Ch. 11 Theory of flight and systems, TP 15263 Section 2 — IMU
38. C — No, brief glances for flight tasks are allowed
Pilots may look away briefly to operate the control station. If a task needs a long look away, use a visual observer or land first.
General operating and flight rules · Based on: TC drone rules: CARs Part IX and TC AIM RPA chapter (Oct 2026), Ch. 5 Operating and flight rules, AIM RPA 3.2.1.1 — Brief glances
39. C — Remove it; no frost may stick to critical surfaces
No drone may be flown with frost, ice or snow on critical surfaces such as propellers, rotors, wings and control surfaces. Even thin frost changes lift and adds weight.
Weather for drone pilots · Based on: TC drone rules: CARs Part IX and TC AIM RPA chapter (Oct 2026), Ch. 9 Meteorology, CAR 901.35(2) — Critical surfaces
40. C — Not without permission from the park superintendent
Drone take-offs and landings in national parks need the park superintendent's permission under the National Parks of Canada Aircraft Access Regulations; contact Parks Canada first.
Altitude, distances and where you can fly · Based on: TC drone rules: CARs Part IX and TC AIM RPA chapter (Oct 2026), Ch. 4 Distances and limits, AIM RPA 1.0 / TC Where to fly — National parks
41. A — It is now a small drone that must be registered and flown by a certified pilot
Operating weight includes anything attached, including propeller guards. At 250 g or more the drone falls under the small RPA rules: registration, marking and a pilot certificate.
Drone categories, certificates and recency · Based on: TC drone rules: CARs Part IX and TC AIM RPA chapter (Oct 2026), Ch. 1 Categories and pilot certificates, AIM RPA 2.0 — Micro RPA
42. A — $3,000
Putting aircraft and people at risk can lead to fines up to $3,000 for individuals and $15,000 for corporations, and several offences can bring several penalties.
Records, incidents, penalties and other laws · Based on: TC drone rules: CARs Part IX and TC AIM RPA chapter (Oct 2026), Ch. 7 Records, incidents and enforcement, TC Basic operations — Penalties
43. C — Do not use it for the flight
A LiPo battery should show no swelling, leaking or other defects. A swollen pack is unsafe whatever its voltage, so it should not be flown.
Site survey, pre-flight checks and emergencies · Based on: TC drone rules: CARs Part IX and TC AIM RPA chapter (Oct 2026), Ch. 6 Pre-flight and emergencies, AIM RPA 3.2.17.5 — LiPo battery
44. D — $5,000
Individuals face fines up to $5,000 for flying unregistered or unmarked drones; the $25,000 maximum applies to corporations.
Registration, marking and documents · Based on: TC drone rules: CARs Part IX and TC AIM RPA chapter (Oct 2026), Ch. 2 Registration and marking, TC Registering your drone — Penalties
45. D — Seven, lettered A to G
Canadian Domestic Airspace is divided into seven classes, A through G. Their limits are published in the Designated Airspace Handbook.
Airspace classes and restricted airspace · Based on: TC drone rules: CARs Part IX and TC AIM RPA chapter (Oct 2026), Ch. 3 Airspace, AIM RPA 3.2.3.1 — Canadian Domestic Airspace
46. C — A Restricted Operator Certificate – Aeronautical (ROC-A)
Under the Radiocommunication Regulations, operating aeronautical radio requires the ROC-A issued by Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada. Listening helps build a picture of traffic.
Navigation, charts, time and radio · Based on: TC drone rules: CARs Part IX and TC AIM RPA chapter (Oct 2026), Ch. 10 Navigation and radio, AIM RPA 3.2.6.3 — ROC-A
47. C — Crossing from right to left and moving away
The red light is on the left wing tip, green on the right and white on the tail. Red plus white means the aircraft is crossing from your right to left and moving away.
Human factors and fitness to fly · Based on: TC drone rules: CARs Part IX and TC AIM RPA chapter (Oct 2026), Ch. 8 Human factors, AIM RPA 3.2.27.2 — Aircraft lighting
48. B — The centre of gravity affects stability and control
The C of G position affects longitudinal stability and control. Keep weight and balance within the manufacturer's limits, especially when adding payloads.
Theory of flight and drone systems · Based on: TC drone rules: CARs Part IX and TC AIM RPA chapter (Oct 2026), Ch. 11 Theory of flight and systems, TP 15263 Section 7 — Stability and C of G
49. C — Lights on the drone that keep it visible, switched on
Night flight is allowed in basic operations if the drone has lights that let the pilot or VO see it, and they are turned on. No extra rating or SFOC is needed.
General operating and flight rules · Based on: TC drone rules: CARs Part IX and TC AIM RPA chapter (Oct 2026), Ch. 5 Operating and flight rules, CAR 901.39 / AIM RPA 3.2.27 — Night flight
50. C — From the west toward the east
Wind direction is the direction the wind comes from. 270° is west, so the air is moving from west to east.
Weather for drone pilots · Based on: TC drone rules: CARs Part IX and TC AIM RPA chapter (Oct 2026), Ch. 9 Meteorology, AIM GEN 1.4 / RPA 3.2.22.3 — Wind

Original practice questions by Canada Exam Prep, written from the official handbook. Not official test questions. Free to print for personal study.

FAQ

Drone basic exam questions (printable PDF): common questions

Is there an official Transport Canada practice exam?

Transport Canada does not publish sample exam questions. It points candidates to TP 15263, the TC AIM drone chapter and Part IX of the CARs, and recommends a course at a drone flight school. Practice question sets online, including this one, are written by third parties.

How do I save this page as a PDF?

Use your browser's Print command and choose Save as PDF as the printer. Menus, buttons and ads are left out, and the answer key begins on a new page.

Can I use notes during the real exam?

The exam is online and open to your own study, but help from another person, copying or removing exam content, or writing for someone else is prohibited under CARs 901.58. Transport Canada suggests having a pencil and paper for diagrams and calculations.

Printable Drone Basic Exam Questions (Transport Canada)