Don's Study Guide for Canadian RPAS FLIGHT REVIEWS (revised June 2020)

Summary

In this informative video, Dawn from Dawn Drones guides viewers on preparing for a Canadian Advanced Remote Pilot (ARP) flight review, a crucial step towards obtaining an advanced operations certification. The video covers essential preparation tips, what to bring to the test, and what to expect during the review. It emphasizes safety, procedural compliance with Transport Canada, and the importance of having written procedures and checklists. Dawn also recommends using the Drone Pilot Canada app for a streamlined review process and provides general tips for success, including arriving on time, behaving professionally, and not showing off during the test.

Takeaways

• 📘 The video is a guide on preparing for and succeeding at a Canadian Advanced Remote Pilot (ARP) as, flight review.
• 💻 Presentation materials and a mobile app for drone pilots are available for purchase to assist with flight reviews.
• 📝 The flight review is the final step to obtain an ARP as advanced operations certification and involves a personal test of knowledge and skill in an actual flight situation.
• 💰 There are associated costs with the flight review, including a fee for the flight reviewer and a $25 fee for the advanced operations certificate from Transport Canada.
• 🔍 Finding an official flight reviewer involves checking lists on the Transport Canada website, using the drone pilot Canada app, or Googling local reviewers.
• 📚 Preparation for the flight review includes familiarizing oneself with terminology, reading Transport Canada documents, and ensuring written procedures for takeoff, landing, and emergencies are in place.
• 📋 Having a pre-flight checklist and being prepared to demonstrate a simple mission during the flight review are crucial steps in preparation.
• 📍 Conducting a site survey beforehand and being aware of nearby aerodromes, airspace restrictions, and ground hazards is important.
• 🚀 Knowing how to handle emergencies and being prepared to fly without GPS assistance are part of the skills that may be tested.
• 🔢 Practicing estimating distances for both altitude and horizontal positioning can be beneficial during the flight review.
• 📑 On the day of the flight review, bring personal identification, Transport Canada documents, written procedures, and the drone's instruction manual.

Q & A

What is the purpose of a Canadian Advanced Operations Pilot (ARP) as, flight review?

The purpose of a Canadian ARP as, flight review is to demonstrate a pilot's ability to fly safely in an actual flight situation as the final step towards achieving the Advanced Operations certification.

What is the cost range for a flight review with an official flight reviewer in Canada?

The cost for a flight review with an official flight reviewer in Canada ranges between 200 and 400 dollars, depending on the flight school and location.

How can one find an official flight reviewer in Canada?

An official flight reviewer can be found by checking the Transport Canada drone safety website, using the drone pilot Canada app, or by Googling 'Canadian flight reviewer' along with the specific area.

What is the Drone Pilot Canada mobile phone app and how can it assist during a flight review?

The Drone Pilot Canada mobile phone app is a tool that helps drone pilots identify nearby airports and meet the requirements for procedures and checklists. It has been positively received by flight reviewers and is available on both Apple App Store and Google Play Store.

What are the steps towards obtaining an Advanced Operations Pilot's Certificate in Canada?

The steps include passing the Advanced Operations Pilot exam, completing a flight review with an official flight reviewer, and applying to Transport Canada for the Advanced Operations certificate, which involves a fee.

What should a candidate prepare before attending a flight review?

Candidates should prepare by familiarizing themselves with advanced operations terminology, reviewing Transport Canada's Appendix A of the flight reviewers guide, ensuring they have written procedures for takeoff, landing, and emergencies, and having a pre-flight checklist and mission plan in mind.

What are the expectations for the flight review mission plan?

The candidate should have a simple mission plan in mind, such as taking a photo of a specific object, and be prepared to describe the takeoff, flight path, picture-taking, and landing procedure to the flight reviewer.

Why is it important to do a site survey before the flight review?

A site survey is important to understand the location of the flight review, including nearby aerodromes, airspace restrictions, and ground hazards, which helps in planning the mission and ensures safety during the flight.

What should a candidate bring to the flight review?

A candidate should bring personal identification, hard copies of Transport Canada documents including drone registration, pilot certification, and proof of passing the advanced operations exam, written procedures and checklists, the drone instruction manual, and maps or the drone pilot Canada app.

What are some optional items that might be beneficial to bring to a flight review?

Optional items include the drone pilot Canada app, a drone landing pad, a safety vest, a fire extinguisher suitable for LiPo batteries, and a first-aid kit.

What is the general structure and duration of a flight review?

A flight review is about an hour long, with 10 to 15 minutes dedicated to actual flying time. The rest of the time is spent on preparation, questions, and debriefing.

What are some tips for success during a flight review?

Tips for success include mental preparation, arriving on time, behaving professionally and courteously, thinking positively, not showing off or cutting corners during the checklist, and listening carefully to feedback if the review is not passed.