The training was really good… It was nice to have instructors that had a lot of knowledge and passion for what they are teaching…
RPAS/Drone Flight Training
Drone Flight Training & RPAS Flight Review by Ag Business & Crop
Knowledge requirements for the Basic Operation Certificate and the Advanced Operation Certificate tests are very similar.
After passing the Advanced Operation Certificate exam, you will receive a Basic certificate until the Flight Review is passed (within 12 months of the successfully completed online Advanced exam). The Basic Operation Certificate means you are limited to basic operations, whereas the Advanced Operation Certificate means more options for flight and you can apply for an SFOC. Essentially the difference is on how and where you can operate the drone.
What’s New
New terms Drone and Remotely Piloted Aircraft Systems (RPAS).
New RPAS regulations from Transport Canada come into effect June 1st, 2019 and will impact all drone operators, whether flying for work, research, or recreation. Canadians flying drones 250 g and 25 kg must pass an online exam with Transport Canada to obtain an RPAS pilot’s certificate. There are two options for the exams based on what you use the RPAS for (listed below). Also offered by ABC are the Update Program for current RPAS Pilots (who have previously trained with us) and a RPAS Flight Review – Field (Test Transport Canada Approved).
Until June 1st the current regulations are in force and an SFOC might be needed.
Basic RPAS / Drone Flight Operations
If you meet all 3 of these conditions, you’re conducting basic operations:- You fly it in uncontrolled airspace
- You fly it more than 30 metres (100 feet) horizontally from bystanders
- You never fly it over bystanders
For basic operations, here are some of the rules you must follow:
- Register your drone with Transport Canada before you fly it for the first time
- Mark your drone with its registration number
- Pass a Transport Canada exam. (see below)
- Be able to show your Pilot Certificate – Basic Operations and proof of registration when you fly
Advanced RPAS / Drone Flight Operations
If you do not meet any 1 of the previous 3 conditions for basic operations, you are conducting advanced operations. For advanced operations, here are some of the rules you must follow:
- Pass the Small Advanced Exam
- Pass a flight review with a flight reviewer
- Fly within the operational limits of your drone
Micro drones (under 250 grams) and drones that weigh more than 25 kilograms
Micro drones (under 250 grams) and drones that weigh more than 25 kilograms do not fall into the basic or advanced operations categories. If you have a micro drone, you must fly it away from aircraft and airports. Never put people, aircraft or property in danger. Only fly your drone where you can see it and avoid flying in clouds or fog. Always fly responsibly.
If your drone weighs over 25 kilograms or you want to fly outside the rules, you will need to get special permission from Transport Canada before you fly.
Training Options
Pilot Certificate - Basic Operations
-
- Training with Certified Flight Instructor (with RC experience)
- Knowledge Requirements Based On TP15263 – Basic Operations
- Up to Date Air Laws and Regulations coverage
- Hands-on training
- Preparation for RPAS small Basic Certification on line exam- time allotted for certification testing (if participant feels they would like to take the test. ($10 cost of testing not included).
- Total of 3 days
Note: Transport Canada’s online exam is 30 questions, with a time limit of 1.5 hours
Pilot Certificate - Advanced Operations
- Training with Certified Flight Instructor (with RC experience)
- Knowledge Requirements Based On TP15263 – Advance Operations
- Up to Date Air Laws and Regulations Coverage
- Practical Flight and In-Field Safety, Hands-on, Rotary/Fixed Wing Experience
- Preparation for RPAS small Advanced Certification online exam – allocated time for the online test at the end of the four-day training ($10 cost of testing not included)
- Candidates are welcome to take the online written test mentioned above to challenge the Flight Review the next day. (the flight review is subject to passing the online written test)
- Advanced In-Field Flight Review (with your own RPAS)
- Flight Review is allowed only after confirmation of online exam pass, and is weather dependent
- Total of 4 Days
Note: Transport Canada’s online exam is 50 questions to be answered in 1 hour
To complete the requirements for the Pilot Certificate Advanced Operation you are required to also pass the Flight Review – Field Test (Transport Canada Approved) listed below. This would be a separate time slot either immediately following training or at a time suitable to you.
Update Program for current RPAS/drone Pilots (who have previously trained with us)
- Knowledge Requirements Based On TP15263 – Advance Operations
- Up to date Air Laws and Regulations
- This gets you ready for the small advanced online exam.
- Candidates are welcome to take the test ($10) to be able to complete the Flight Review the next day. (subject to passing the online exam). 24hr wait time before you can rewrite the exam.
- 2 Day
Note: Transport Canada’s online exam is 50 questions to be answered in 1 hour
The $10 cost for testing not included.
To complete the requirements for the Pilot Certificate Advanced Operation you are required to also pass the Flight Review – Field Test (Transport Canada Approved) listed below. This would be a separate time slot either immediately following training or at a time suitable to you.
RPAS Flight Review - Field (Test Transport Canada Approved)
Advanced In-Field Flight Review (with your own drone or rent a drone from ABC).
- Before you conduct your flight review, you must pass the Small Advanced Exam.
- The flight reviewer will assess your ability to operate your drone safely.
- Appendix A lists the skills that your flight reviewer will ask you to demonstrate during your flight review.
- Flight Planning can be done prior to the flight review day.
- In-field test can be offered on your site for an additional cost.
- Allocate 2 hrs. max. (the test will talk less than 1 hr.)
- Flight Review Tips
There is a charge by Transport Canada ($25) after successful completion of the Flight Review to apply for the Advanced Certificate.
- ABC’s Flight Reviewers are certified by Transport Canada to perform the Flight Review
RPAS/Drone Flight Training is offered by:
Mark Agombar
Flight Instructor
Why Choose Us
- Proven, successful and experienced training since 2013
- As a full Drone Service Centre we see what can go wrong and teach you how to prevent it
- Commercial Flight Instructor experienced in manned aircraft and RC drone operation.
- Small Class size
- Qualified Drone – RPAS pilots providing practical infield flight practice and training.
- Successfully completed a wide variety SFOC’s for our own company operations as well as providing support to many clients to obtain their own SFOC’s since 2011
- Offer a packed but informative course to get you ready to operate a drone safely in all kinds of situations making you knowledgeable, confident and prepared.
- We train for your success and safety.
- Listed on Unmanned Canada’s webpage as trainers since Compliant training was available.
- From fighter jet pilots to new drone operators we have worked with a huge range of students including Transport Canada UAV specialists.
- Lunch included
What you can expect to study:
- http://www.tc.gc.ca/en/services/aviation/drone-safety.html
- Knowledge Requirements for Pilots of Remotely Piloted Aircraft Systems.
- https://www.tc.gc.ca/en/services/aviation/drone-safety/get-drone-pilot-certificate.html
Transport Canada’s Drone Flight School list web page states: “These schools have self-declared that they provide training in line with Transport Canada standards.”
Our training may be longer than some as we believe in a thorough, experienced, and proven program that is designed for professional RPAS/drone pilots. As one of the first providers of drone training in Canada we use client feed back and our professional staff to provide an effective program for you.
For more information and general inquires about training please contact AG Business & Crop Inc.
Download & Submit
Please fill out the “UAV Flight Training Registration” pdf and send the completed form to us.
Customer Testimonials
Roby
Roby
I received our SFOC application approval for the entire Province of NS up to 800 feet altitude, valid August 25, 2015 – February 26, 2016. Thanks for your help with the process. Time to get out and fly!