Question 1

What is the difference between the course offered for industry and the course for freelancers?

Accepted Answer

The course for industry includes a flight training component specific to the industry and client needs.  For the freelance course the flight training component is offered as an optional element.

Question 2

Do I need to have my own drone to complete the flight training?

Accepted Answer

No. We provide some very small drones to help with the manual flying skills and then transition to a DJI Mavic Pro Platform to provide experience in working with a comon professional platform.

Question 3

What do I need to bring with me?

Accepted Answer

For the radio exam (ROC-A) you will require one piece of government issued photo identification containing your legal name and date of birth (i.e. Passport, birth certificate, driver's licence).
 
Please make sure that you have pens, paper, and/or laptop or tablet for taking notes.

Question 4

Transport Canada

Accepted Answer

The following regulatory links are for useful for RPAS operations:
 • Canadian Aviation Regulations(https://www.tc.gc.ca/eng/acts-regulations/regulations-sor96-433.htm)
 • Aeronautical Information Manual(https://tc.canada.ca/en/aviation/publications/transport-canada-aeronautical-information-manual-tc-aim-tp-14371)
 • Drone Portal Managment (DPM)(https://gart.tc.gc.ca/public-publique/su-us/lca-atl/lca-atl.aspx?ret=https%3a%2f%2fgart.tc.gc.ca%2fsecure%2fUASIMS-SGISASP%2feng%2fhome&title=&titre=&_gc_lang=)
 • RPAS Pilot Knowledge Requirements (3rd Edition - June 1st, 2019)(https://www.tc.gc.ca/en/services/aviation/publications/tp-15263.html)
 • RPAS Recency Requirements - Self-Paced Study Program (https://tc.canada.ca/en/aviation/drone-safety/getting-drone-pilot-certificate/remotely-piloted-aircraft-system-rpas-recency-requirements-self-paced-study-program)
 • Canada Gazette RPAS Publication(http://www.gazette.gc.ca/rp-pr/p2/2019/2019-01-09/html/sor-dors11-eng.html)
 • SFOC Application Information (https://tc.canada.ca/en/aviation/drone-safety/drone-pilot-licensing/get-permission-special-drone-operations)
 • SFOC Application Form(https://wwwapps.tc.gc.ca/Corp-Serv-Gen/5/forms-formulaires/download/26-0835_BO_PX)
 • Flight Reviewer's Guide(https://www.tc.gc.ca/en/services/aviation/publications/tp-15395.html)
 • Drone Incident Reporting form (https://tc.canada.ca/en/aviation/drone-safety/report-drone-incident)
 • Bird/Wildlife Strike Report(http://wwwapps.tc.gc.ca/Saf-Sec-Sur/2/bsis/s_r.aspx?lang=eng)

Question 5

NavCanada

Accepted Answer

If you plan to operate your RPAS in controlled airspace (Classes C, D or E) you must obtain a written RPAS Flight Authorization from NAV CANADA.
 
 • NavCanada RPAS(https://www.navcanada.ca/EN/products-and-services/RPAS/Pages/default.aspx)
 • RPAS Flight Authorization Request(https://www.navcanada.ca/EN/products-and-services/RPAS/Documents/RPASSubmit.html)

Question 6

Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada (Radio Requirements)"

Accepted Answer

Links pertaining to the radio requirements for drone operators in Canada:
 • ROC-A Study Guide(https://www.ic.gc.ca/eic/site/smt-gst.nsf/eng/sf01397.html)
 • ROC-A Examiner Search(https://apc-cap.ic.gc.ca/pls/apc_anon/query_ex_roca$.startup)

Question 7

Parks Canada

Accepted Answer

Information and requirements for operating your drone in the National Parks:
 
 • Use of Drones(https://www.pc.gc.ca/en/voyage-travel/securite-safety/drones)

Question 8

Other Resources

Accepted Answer

The following links will provide you more information should you intend on travelling with your drone:
 
 • Drone use in the USA(https://www.faa.gov/news/fact_sheets/news_story.cfm?newsId=22615)
 • International Civil Aviation Organization(https://www.icao.int/safety/UA/UASToolkit/Pages/default.aspx)

Question 9

I've heard that there are new rules in effect for drone operators in Canada.  Is this true?

Accepted Answer

That is correct.  On June 1st, 2019, Transport Canada published new rules for flying drones in Canada. You can see those new rules in Part 9 of the Canadian Aviation Regulations here.(https://www.tc.gc.ca/en/transport-canada/corporate/acts-regulations/regulations/sor-96-433.html)

Question 10

I've heard there are two types of licences available for drone pilots in Canada.  Is that correct?

Accepted Answer

Yes.  Transport Canada has developed a Basic Pilot Certificate and an Advanced Pilot Certificate.
 
If you meet all three conditions below, you will only need a basic licence:
 • You fly it in uncontrolled airspace
 • You fly it more than 30 metres (100 feet) horizontally from bystanders
 • You never fly it over bystanders
If you don't meet all three conditions then you must operate with the Advanced Pilot Certificate.

Question 11

Is Flytbox approved by Transport Canada to deliver drone training?

Accepted Answer

Flytbox is a self declared training organization with Transport Canada. You will find us listed on their 'Find a Drone Flight School' web page here.(https://www.tc.gc.ca/en/services/aviation/drone-safety/get-drone-pilot-certificate/find-drone-flight-school.html)
 
Our curriculum has been designed to meet and exceed Transport Canada's 'Knowledge Requirements for Pilots of Remotely Piloted Aircraft Systems'.(https://www.tc.gc.ca/en/services/aviation/publications/tp-15263.html)

Question 12

I only fly recreationally so do I need to get a licence?

Accepted Answer

If your drone weighs over 250g - Yes.  The new rules coming into effect in June 1st, 2019, unlike our existing rules, don't make a distinction between recreational and commercial operations.

Question 13

Do I really need to take a course?

Accepted Answer

No. Unlike manned aviation, there are no requirements for you to take a ground school course to write the exam. 
 
The knowledge requirments document (https://www.tc.gc.ca/en/services/aviation/publications/tp-15263.html)published by Transport Canada is essentially a study guide for the exam.  If you are comfortable with the subject matter in that document you shouldn't have a problem with the knowledge exam.
 
Remember though, for those of you intending on getting your Advanced Certificate, you will also need to pass an in-person flight review.  As part of that review you will be tested on the depth of your knowledge, and your flying skills.
 
While not required there are several reasons why you might want to join us in one of our classes: 
 • Develop policies and procedures
 • Network with other RPAS operators
 • Insurance companies often require ground school training or at the very least will provide you with a more competetive rate
 • Client contract and site policies may require training
 • Prospective drone employers want to see training and experience on your resume

Question 14

APPS

Accepted Answer

Just a few APPS we couldn't do without:
 • Foreflight(https://www.foreflight.com/)
 • Aeroweather(https://www.lakehorn.com/products/aeroweather-pro/)
 • E6B(https://www.aviationmobileapps.com/e6b-aviation-calculator/)
 • UAV Forecast(https://www.uavforecast.com/#/)

Question 15

Radio

Accepted Answer

A great reference guide to phraseology for all pilots flying within Canadian airspace:
 • VFR Phraseology(http://www.navcanada.ca/EN/media/Publications/VFR%20Phraseology.pdf)
Get comfortable with the flow of communications over the radio by listening to live atc frequencies:
 • Live ATC(http://liveatc.net)
See what's intefering with your frequency:
 • Radio Spectrum Allocations in Canada(https://www.ic.gc.ca/eic/site/smt-gst.nsf/vwapj/2014_Canadian_Radio_Spectrum_Chart.pdf/$file/2014_Canadian_Radio_Spectrum_Chart.pdf)

Question 16

Retailers

Accepted Answer

Check with your local flying club or airport first, and if they don't have what you need check out these on-line retailers specializing in aviation goods:
 • Calgary Pilot Supply(http://pilotshop.ca/)
 • Avworld(https://www.avworld.ca/)
 • NavCanada (Charts, CFS, etc.)(http://products.navcanada.ca/)

Question 17

Site Assessment

Accepted Answer

UAV Site Selection Tool:
 • National Research Council of Canada(https://www.nrc-cnrc.gc.ca/eng/solutions/collaborative/civuas/uav_site_selection_tool.html)
Geographic information (e.g. Terrain elevation, airport proximity, population centres, obstacles, etc.):
 • Google Earth(https://www.google.com/earth/)
Aeronautical charts and airspace information:
 • FltPlan.com(http://fltplan.com)
 • Skyvector(https://skyvector.com/)
 • NavCanada Designated Airspace Handbook (DAH)(http://www.navcanada.ca/EN/products-and-services/Pages/aeronautical-information-products-designated-airspace-handbook.aspx)
 • NavCanada VFR Chart Currency(https://www.navcanada.ca/EN/products-and-services/Documents/VFRchartlist_EN.pdf)
 • NavCanada Aeronautical Information Publication (AIP)(http://www.navcanada.ca/EN/products-and-services/Pages/AIP.aspx)
Live air traffic around the world:
 • Flightradar24(https://www.flightradar24.com/60,15/6)
 • FlightAware(https://flightaware.com/)

Question 18

Weather / NOTAM

Accepted Answer

Remember that you can always call 1-866-WX-BRIEF (1-866-992-7433) toll free from anywhere within Canada to obtain a weather briefing. 
 
Everything you need for indepth weather analysis prior to, and during, your drone operation.
 • NavCanada Aviation Weather Website (AWWS)(https://flightplanning.navcanada.ca/cgi-bin/CreePage.pl?Langue=anglais&NoSession=NS_Inconnu&Page=forecast-observation&TypeDoc=html)
 • NavCanada Collaborative Flight Planning Services (NOTAMs)(https://plan.navcanada.ca/account/login/?next=/)
Need help decoding all of that information?
 • Aviation Weather Service Guide(http://www.navcanada.ca/en/Media/Publications/AWS-Guide-EN.pdf)
 • Transport Canada Aeronautical Information Manual (AIM) - MET Section(https://www.tc.gc.ca/eng/civilaviation/publications/tp14371-menu-3092.htm)
 • NavCanada NOTAM Manual(http://www.navcanada.ca/EN/products-and-services/Pages/NOTAMProcedure.aspx)
Low level graphical wind information:
 • Windy(http://windy.com)

Question 19

What is the difference between the course offered for industry and the course for freelancers?

Accepted Answer

The course for industry includes a flight training component specific to the industry and client needs.  For the freelance course the flight training component is offered as an optional element.

Question 20

Do I need to have my own drone to complete the flight training?

Accepted Answer

No. We provide some very small drones to help with the manual flying skills and then transition to a DJI Mavic Pro Platform to provide experience in working with a comon professional platform.

Question 21

What do I need to bring with me?

Accepted Answer

For the radio exam (ROC-A) you will require one piece of government issued photo identification containing your legal name and date of birth (i.e. Passport, birth certificate, driver's licence).
 
Please make sure that you have pens, paper, and/or laptop or tablet for taking notes.

Question 22

What is the difference between the course offered for industry and the course for freelancers?

Accepted Answer

The course for industry includes a flight training component specific to the industry and client needs.  For the freelance course the flight training component is offered as an optional element.

Question 23

Do I need to have my own drone to complete the flight training?

Accepted Answer

No. We provide some very small drones to help with the manual flying skills and then transition to a DJI Mavic Pro Platform to provide experience in working with a comon professional platform.

Question 24

What do I need to bring with me?

Accepted Answer

For the radio exam (ROC-A) you will require one piece of government issued photo identification containing your legal name and date of birth (i.e. Passport, birth certificate, driver's licence).
 
Please make sure that you have pens, paper, and/or laptop or tablet for taking notes.

Question 25

Industry Associations

Accepted Answer

Get involved with these organizations that lobby on behalf of our industry. 
 • Unmanned Systems Canada(https://www.unmannedsystems.ca/)
 • Commercial Drone Alliance (USA)(https://www.commercialdronealliance.org/)

Question 26

News & Blogs

Accepted Answer

If you want to stay up to speed on all things 'drone' you'd be hard pressed to find better information than what's coming out of these sites:
 • UAV Coach(https://uavcoach.com/)
 • The Drone Girl(http://thedronegirl.com/)
 • Dronelife(https://dronelife.com/)
 • DroneDJ(https://dronedj.com/)

Question 27

Reports & White Papers

Accepted Answer

Will the proliferation of domestic drone use in Canada raise new concerns for privacy?(https://www.priv.gc.ca/en/opc-actions-and-decisions/research/explore-privacy-research/2013/drones_201303/#heading-005-2)

KNOWLEDGE

Thank you for reaching out.

We will touch base as soon as possible.