Welcome to a journey of excellence in the world of RPAS pilot certification. In this comprehensive guide, we delve into the strategies and insights you need to confidently prepare for and conquer the RPAS pilot certificate exam.

 1. Preparation:

• Familiarize yourself with this guide and the RPAS section of TC AIM (Transport Canada Aeronautical Information Manual).
• Thoroughly read all topics covered in Section 1, as around half of the exam questions come from this section.
• Quickly skim through the other study materials mentioned below.

2. Passing the Exam:

• Remember that this is an open-book exam. Make sure you have all your study materials at hand and can easily search through them (use CTRL-F).
• Utilize Google Search to your advantage. Many answers can be found using online search.
• You’re allowed to navigate between questions. Start by answering what you’re confident about before moving on to the rest.

Study Materials:

• Canadian Aviation Regulations: PDF: Link (Searchable) | Web: Link
  • Extremely important! This document covers a significant portion of Section 1, which includes Air Law, Air Traffic Rules, and Procedures.
• Federal Aviation Administration’s Pilot’s Handbook of Aeronautical Knowledge
• Transport Canada Aeronautical Information Manual (TC AIM) (TP 14371)
• Remotely Piloted Aircraft System (RPAS) Directive by the Government of Alberta: This document covers essential flight operation topics (Section 5), as well as aspects of Air Law and Procedures (Section 1) and weather (Section 04).
• Google Search: A valuable tool for finding answers to many questions.

In your journey towards obtaining a small basic operation license, Section 1 holds the key to success. A substantial 40% of the exam’s questions stem from this section, which focuses on foundational aviation terminology and the regulations governing the operation of your remotely piloted aircraft system (RPAS, or drone) in Canada.

From the Aeronautics Act to the Canadian Aviation Regulations (CARS) and more, here’s a sneak peek at what Section 1 entails:

Understanding the Foundations

• Gain clarity on essential definitions, such as aerodrome, airport, and pilot-in-command.
• Get acquainted with the Interpretation section of the Canadian Aviation Regulations (CARS), including terms like day, night, and VFR.

Navigating the Regulatory Landscape

• Explore the Application section of CARS, and learn when the regulations don’t apply – like for indoor or underground operations.
• Delve into the Administration and Compliance realm, including who can inspect aviation documents and the use of computer-stored records.

Mastering General Operating and Flight Rules

• Grasp the intricacies of Airspace, Aircraft Operating Restrictions, and Hazards to Aviation Safety. This includes understanding operations near forest fire areas, LIDAR usage, and more.
• Decode the specifics of Miscellaneous regulations, like the prohibition against carrying weapons on your RPAS.

Unveiling the Basic RPAS Pilot Certificate regualtions

• Discover Part IX of the Canadian Aviation Regulations, which addresses Remotely Piloted Aircraft Systems (RPAS).
• Dive into Divisions I and II, uncovering terms like command and control link, payload, and visual observer.
• Understand the implications of General Prohibition, which prohibits reckless or negligent operation.

Navigating Subpart 1: Small RPAS

• Navigate through Divisions I, II, and III of Part IX, Subpart 1 of CARS, comprehending aspects such as registration, visual line-of-sight rules, and incident reporting.
• Gain insight into the requirements for Basic and Advanced Operations, including recency requirements and conditions for operating near airports and heliports.

Understanding Air Traffic Services

• Discover the role of Flight Service Stations and Flight Information Centers.
• Learn how to determine airspace coordination and aeronautical radio frequencies in use.

In Section 2 of your journey towards mastering the basic RPAS exam, you’ll uncover the inner workings of your drone’s airframe, power plants, propulsion, and vital systems. While this section contributes just 2 out of the 35 questions, it’s a pivotal aspect of understanding your drone’s core operations. A basic grasp, coupled with a quick online search, will see you through this segment.

Exploring the Airframe

• Understand the crucial nuances of handling, care, and securing your drone’s airframe.
• Learn to distinguish between repairs for operators and authorized repair facilities, and why identifying propeller/rotor damage and structural issues is paramount.
• Identify the key components that make up an airframe.

Demystifying Electrical Systems

• Get acquainted with typical electrical system components like motors, electronic speed controllers, and batteries.
• Delve into the mechanics of servo motors and recognize signs of servo failure.
• Grasp the significance of keeping your electrical components dry.

Embracing Redundancy and Critical Items

• Recognize the immense value of redundancy in various operational scenarios.
• Comprehend the risks associated with flying with inoperative systems.

Mastering Your Ground Control Station

• Acknowledge the importance of pilot and antenna orientations for your ground control station.
• Understand the role of software version control and its implications.
• Explore flight simulation as an essential tool.

Navigating Data Links and Communication

• Learn about frequency bands, line-of-sight communication, and the significance of proper antenna placement.
• Uncover how to assess your radio frequency (RF) environment and tackle interference.
• Discover strategies to overcome lost link situations and ensure effective recovery.

Empowering Your Batteries

• Understand the different battery types and their potential hazards.
• Explore battery parameters, configurations, and maintenance requirements.
• Gain insight into handling battery discharge curves and adhering to transportation regulations.

Guiding Your Autopilot

• Grasp the multifaceted role of an autopilot.
• Understand different levels of control and the significance of flight termination systems.
• Learn about software version control and the importance of updating verified firmware.

Unveiling Payloads and Propulsion

• Understand the varied sensor types used as payloads.
• Differentiate between payload components and the rest of the system.
• Explore different types of electric motors and their characteristics.

Meticulous Launch and Recovery Systems

• Identify the various types of launchers and recovery systems.
• Explore safety areas, templates for launch and recovery, and the importance of accurate system knowledge.

Maintenance and Records: Keeping Things Smooth

• Grasp the requirements for maintaining technical logs and record-keeping.
• Recognize the significance of independent verification for certain tasks.

Navigating Instruments: Compass, Altimeter, and Airspeed Indicator

• Understand the principles of operation for magnetic compasses, altimeters, and airspeed indicators.
• Uncover the factors affecting their operation and the importance of calibration.

Harnessing Inertial Measurement Units (IMUs)

• Dive into the components, errors, and malfunctions associated with IMUs.
• Discover the critical role IMUs play in your drone’s operations.

With a fundamental understanding of these topics, you’re well-equipped to tackle Section 2. As you journey through the intricate systems that power your drone, you’re not just building knowledge – you’re building the foundation for safe and effective drone operations.

In Section 3 of your RPAS pilot training journey, we delve into the intricate realm of human factors. This segment may encompass just 2 out of the 35 questions on the exam, but its significance is undeniable. By understanding how human factors influence drone operations, you’re better equipped to ensure safe and effective flights. A quick Google search can help you unveil the answers to these questions.

Unraveling Aviation Physiology

• Discover the nuances of effective vision and visual scanning techniques.
• Learn about ideal scanning techniques for visual observers, especially in the presence of conflicting aircraft.
• Explore the concept of “perspective illusion” when observing distant aircraft.
• Grasp the factors that impact alertness during operations.

The Pilot and the Operating Environment

• Understand how different factors such as hangovers, exposure to cold, and excessive heat can impact pilot performance.
• Recognize the symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning and its effects on pilot capabilities.

Unpacking Aviation Psychology

• Identify the factors that can hinder effective decision-making in operational scenarios.
• Grasp the elements that influence situational awareness during flight.
• Learn strategies for managing operational risks that may arise.

The Pilot-Equipment Relationship

• Grasp the significance of standard operating procedures and lessons learned in ensuring smooth operations.
• Learn how to effectively manage interruptions to a checklist, preserving your focus on critical tasks.

Navigating Interpersonal Relations

• Explore the art of peacefully resolving differences.
• Understand the importance of promoting open and effective communication among team members.
• Recognize the priority of placing safety requirements above organizational hierarchy, positions, or politics.

Incorporating these human factor principles into your training not only contributes to your RPAS pilot exam success but also nurtures a deeper understanding of the interconnectedness between drone technology and the people who operate it. By mastering these human-centered aspects, you’ll elevate your competence in managing real-world scenarios with professionalism and precision.

Welcome to Section 4 of your RPAS pilot training, where we delve into the fascinating realm of meteorology. While this segment contributes just 2 out of the 35 questions on the exam, its significance for safe drone operations cannot be overstated. Understanding meteorological factors is essential for ensuring successful and secure flights. Many of these concepts, such as clouds, fogs, wind patterns, and aircraft icing, can impact your drone operations in real-world scenarios.

The Earth’s Atmosphere: Unveiling Density and Pressure

• Dive into the chemical composition of the atmosphere.

Clouds: A Canvas of Sky Artistry

• Learn to identify various cloud types and their implications for flight operations.
• Discover the significance of observing vertical cloud development and its implications.

Surface-Based Layers: Navigating Through Fog and More

• Grasp the mechanisms behind fog formation and its dissipation.
• Understand the factors contributing to haze, smoke, and obstructions to visibility.

Turbulence: Navigating Choppy Skies

• Explore different sources of turbulence, including convection, mechanical, and orographic.
• Learn how turbulence forms around obstacles and mountain tops, along with micro-climate turbulence and wind shear.

Wind: The Invisible Force Guiding Your Flight

• Understand the role of pressure gradients in the horizontal movement of air.
• Explore the influence of friction and surface heating on low-level wind variations.
• Define wind shear and its impact on turbulence.
• Unravel the dynamics behind land/sea breezes and anabatic/katabatic winds.

Aircraft Icing: Tackling the Frozen Challenge

• Learn about the formation of icing and the conditions that give rise to it.
• Recognize weather conditions that lead to surface contamination.
• Understand how frost and ice can affect launch and recovery systems.

Meteorological Services: Navigating Weather Resources

• Identify the sources for local weather information, from aviation weather websites to non-aviation sources.
• Grasp the differences in cloud base and wind forecasts provided by aviation and non-aviation sources.

Welcome to Section 5 of your RPAS pilot training, where the art and science of navigation come to life. In this segment, we’ll explore the intricacies of navigation that are paramount to ensuring your drone’s smooth and precise flight. While accounting for 4 out of the 35 questions on the exam, mastering navigation concepts, including longitude and latitude, NOTAMs, and radio theory, is essential to becoming a skilled and responsible drone operator.

Definitions: Plotting Your Course with Longitude and Latitude

• Gain a comprehensive understanding of longitude and latitude as the foundation of navigation.

Maps and Charts: Your Aeronautical Atlas

• Learn to decipher aeronautical charts such as VNC and VTA.
• Interpret topographical symbols, elevation contours, and other crucial map details.
• Locate your position on an aeronautical chart with confidence.
• Utilize the Canada Flight Supplement (CFS) to identify key information for safe flight operations.

Time and Longitude: Syncing the Skies with UTC and Local Time

• Master the art of converting Universal Coordinated Time (UTC) to local time and vice versa.
• Determine the local times of sunrise and sunset for optimal flight planning.

Pilot Navigation: Navigating with Precision

• Refine your navigation skills by describing locations and activities using aeronautical charts and reference points.

Flight Planning: Preparing for Successful Journeys

• Explore the factors influencing your choice of flying areas, from restricted airspace to property lines.
• Navigate the world of NOTAMs: where to obtain them and how to interpret their implications.
• Harness the power of the Canada Flight Supplement (CFS) for vital flight information.
• Ensure your flight readiness by considering fuel requirements, weight and balance, and aircraft serviceability.
• Familiarize yourself with essential documents and contacts for a seamless flight experience.
• Understand the impact of wind on range and endurance for better flight planning.

Radio Theory: Connecting Through the Airwaves

• Delve into radio wave characteristics, including frequency bands used in navigation and communication.
• Grasp the factors influencing radio reception range and potential sources of interference.
• Learn how to assess the RF environment and the role of an RF spectrum analyzer.

By mastering this section, you’ll not only excel in the exam but also elevate your capabilities as a drone pilot. Effective navigation is the cornerstone of safe, accurate, and successful RPAS operations. So, gear up to navigate the skies with precision, and let your knowledge be your guide to mastering this critical aspect of drone piloting.

Welcome to the heart of your RPAS pilot training, Section 6. This section, brimming with 5 out of 35 questions on the basic RPAS exam, dives deep into the art and science of flight operations. As one of the most critical aspects of drone piloting, understanding these concepts is paramount for your safety and the safety of those around you.

General: Taking Command of Your Flight

• Embrace your role as pilot-in-command, understanding your responsibilities.
• Learn to navigate challenges like winter operations, thunderstorms, and wildlife hazards.
• Discover how to minimize interference from radio waves and electronic devices.

Aircraft Performance: Calculating for Optimal Flight

• Uncover the effects of density altitude and humidity on your flight performance.
• Grasp the differences between bank/speed and rate/radius of turn for precise maneuvering.
• Harness the power of your aircraft flight manual to optimize your flight.

Performance Charts/Data: Fine-Tuning Your Flight

• Delve into the factors affecting launcher performance, such as temperature and ice.
• Understand cross-wind limits and how they impact your flight.
• Master the art of considering battery, wind, speeds, and more to enhance your performance.

Weight and Balance: Finding the Right Equilibrium

• Learn to locate the center of gravity (C of G) for stable flight.
• Understand the implications of weight, both empty and gross, on your drone’s performance.
• Explore the effects of external loads on your flight’s stability.

Aircraft Critical Surface Contamination: Navigating the Impact of Contaminants

• Grasp the effects of surface contamination on your aircraft’s performance.
• Identify different types of contaminants and their implications on airfoils.

RPAS Operations (VLOS): Mastering Operational Excellence

• Navigate the intricacies of obtaining landowner authorizations.
• Coordinate with public safety entities for a smooth operation.
• Define roles, responsibilities, and communications within your operation.
• Discover emergency procedures and post-flight actions for optimal safety.

Occupational Safety and Health: Prioritizing Safety in Every Aspect

• Ensure you’re equipped with necessary safety equipment for every operation.
• Analyze weather threats in relation to ground station operations.
• Assess access routes and evaluate public access to ensure crowd control.
• Understand legal site access concerns and personal safety equipment requirements.

Welcome to the captivating realm of Section 7 – Theory of Flight. In this section, two out of 35 questions on the basic RPAS exam are dedicated to unraveling the fundamental principles that make flight possible. Let’s embark on a journey to understand the forces, mechanics, and intricacies that enable drones to soar through the skies.

Principles of Flight: Lifting the Veil on Bernoulli’s Magic

• Grasp the essence of Bernoulli’s principle and Newton’s laws as they relate to aviation.
• Delve into the concept of lift and its role in keeping your aircraft aloft.

Aircraft Parts and Components: Anatomy of Flight Machines

• Explore the functionalities of the vertical fin and other critical components.
• Dive into the world of fixed-wing, multi-rotor aircraft, and helicopters to understand their unique characteristics.

Forces Acting on an Aircraft: Balancing the Elements of Flight

• Discover the four foundational forces governing aircraft motion – lift, drag, thrust, and weight.
• Understand how these forces find equilibrium during maneuvers and steady flight.

Stability: Navigating the Skies with Confidence

• Master the three dimensions of stability – longitudinal, lateral, and directional.
• Grasp the concept of inherent stability and methods for achieving it.
• Learn how the center of gravity influences longitudinal stability.

Aerofoils: Sculpting the Air for Flight

• Uncover the role of relative airflow and angle of attack in aerodynamics.
• Understand the relationship between lift, drag, and the angle of attack.
• Gain insights into the phenomenon of aerodynamic stall.

Propellers and Rotors: Fine-Tuning Performance

• Explore the significance of propellers and rotors in aircraft operations.
• Learn how the condition of these components can impact performance.

Design of the Wing: Crafting the Perfect Lift

• Dive into the intricacies of wing design, encompassing planform, spoilers, and flaps.
• Grasp how these design elements influence aircraft performance.

Aeroplane and Helicopter Flight Controls: Mastering Control in the Sky

• Explore the nuances of aeroplane and helicopter controls.
• Learn about control surfaces, trim, and their functions in maintaining stability.

Multi-Rotor Aircraft Dynamics: Navigating the Skies with Rotor Power

• Understand the principles of flight and torque in multi-rotor aircraft.
• Grasp the dynamics of pilot flight controls, settling with power, recirculation, and more.

Load Factor: Balancing Performance and Safety

• Delve into the concept of load factor in flight.
• Explore how turns, gust loads, turbulence, and structural/power limitations influence load factor.

With this understanding of the intricacies of flight, you’re not just preparing for an exam; you’re becoming a steward of the skies. As you absorb the principles of aviation, you’ll gain the insight needed to make informed decisions and navigate your drone with precision. So, let’s continue our journey through the fascinating realm of flight theory, where science and engineering come together to make the seemingly impossible, possible.

By mastering this section, you’re not just preparing for an exam – you’re building a foundation for responsible and safe flight operations. Your understanding of flight intricacies, safety protocols, and efficient operations will not only contribute to your success in the RPAS pilot exam but also shape you into a skilled and conscientious drone pilot. So, let’s continue navigating the skies, armed with knowledge and a commitment to safety.

About AUAV:

AUAV, the company providing drone training services, is dedicated to helping aspiring RPAS pilots successfully pass their RPAS pilot license exams. AUAV offers comprehensive training materials and expert guidance to ensure that students are well-prepared for the challenging exam. With a focus on excellence and thorough understanding, AUAV aims to equip students with the knowledge and skills required to become skilled and responsible RPAS pilots.

Mock Exam System and Drone Simulator: In addition to its comprehensive training services, AUAV provides students with access to a sophisticated mock exam system and a cutting-edge drone simulator. These valuable tools allow students to practice their knowledge and test-taking skills in a simulated environment, mirroring the actual exam format. The mock exam system helps students assess their readiness and identify areas that need further improvement. The drone simulator enhances practical skills by offering a safe and realistic platform to practice various flight scenarios and maneuvers. This integrated approach ensures that students are thoroughly prepared for both the theoretical and practical aspects of the RPAS pilot license exam.