Study Guide for RPAS Flight Reviews in 2025

Hello, drone enthusiasts! Today, we’re diving into one of the crucial steps in getting your Advanced RPAS Certificate—the Flight Review. 

Whether you’re preparing to take your test or simply curious about what’s involved, this guide will cover everything you need to know, from the structure of the review to essential skills and expert tips to pass with confidence. 

Watch our Youtube video if you’re a visual learner 🙂

Let’s get started!

Flight Review Overview

The RPAS Flight Review is a practical assessment that tests your ability to operate a drone safely in real-world scenarios. This review ensures you are prepared to handle different flight situations while adhering to safety protocols and regulations. Here’s what to expect:

• The review will be conducted by a Transport Canada-authorized Flight Reviewer.

• You must have passed the Advanced RPAS Exam before booking your flight review. (Learn about the advanced exam here.)

• The review includes a pre-flight briefing, in-flight operations, and post-flight procedures. There is no set time limit—the duration depends on your performance.

• To pass, you need to demonstrate proficiency in drone operations, regulatory knowledge, and safety procedures.

Key Skills You’ll Be Tested On

1. Pre-Flight Preparation & Briefing

• Flight Plan: Review airspace classifications, weather conditions, and assess any potential hazards.

• Site Survey: Conduct a thorough site survey to identify obstacles and risks.

• Regulatory Knowledge: Understand NAV CANADA airspace rules and NOTAMs (Notices to Airmen).

• Pre-Flight Checklist: Ensure all equipment is ready (battery levels, failsafe settings, etc.).

2. Takeoff & Hovering

• Controlled Takeoff: Demonstrate a smooth, controlled takeoff into a stable hover.

• Manual Control: Be able to maintain position using both GPS and manual flight controls.

• Environmental Adaptation: Show your ability to manage environmental factors like wind and turbulence.

3. Controlled Flight Maneuvers

• Straight-Line Flight: Exhibit forward, backward, and lateral movements.

• Figure-Eight Patterns: Demonstrate precise control by flying figure-eight patterns.

• Controlled Ascending & Descending: Safely and smoothly control altitude changes.

• Flight Path Adjustments: Adapt flight paths while maintaining situational awareness.

4. Emergency Procedures & Lost-Link Scenarios

• GPS Loss Simulation: Simulate a GPS loss and demonstrate manual control recovery.

• Radio Link Failure: Show how to manage a radio link failure.

• Safe Emergency Landing: Execute a safe, controlled emergency landing in case of failure.

5. Landing Procedures

• Smooth Descent: Descend smoothly, avoiding hazards and drift.

• Controlled Landing: Perform a landing within a designated area, adhering to safety measures.

• Post-Flight Shutdown: Follow proper post-flight shutdown procedures, including battery removal and system checks.

6. Radio Communications & Airspace Awareness

• Aviation Phraseology: Use standard phraseology when communicating with Air Traffic Control (ATC) if necessary.

• Airspace Classification: Identify controlled vs. uncontrolled airspace and explain relevant restrictions.

• NAV CANADA Approval: Demonstrate knowledge on obtaining NAV CANADA approval for controlled airspace flights.

Study Tips & Resources

1. RPAS Centre’s Free Flight Review Prep Course

RPAS Centre offers a FREE Drone Flight Review Training Course, designed by expert instructors and professional pilots. This course will ensure you’re fully prepared for your Transport Canada Flight Review. Here’s what it includes:

• Expert-designed modules covering all the review topics.

• Real-world flight scenarios to help you understand safety protocols, airspace navigation, and emergency handling.

• Comprehensive workbook with exercises that reinforce key concepts.

Start Your Free Training Here

2. RPAS Wilco – Canada’s #1 Drone Compliance Platform

Once you’re certified, staying compliant with Transport Canada’s rules and regulations is crucial. RPAS Wilco is a FREE platform that simplifies compliance tasks and helps you stay on top of key drone regulations. Here’s how it helps:

• Quick and Easy Site Surveys: Instantly check for local flight restrictions, NAV CANADA data, weather conditions, and generate your site survey (in under a minute).

• Live Airspace Awareness: As the only drone company certified as a NAV CANADA aeronautical data distributor, we offer real-time access to NOTAMs, VFR charts, and CFS data, helping you avoid violations.
  Check the full list of NAV CANADA distributors here

• Pre-Flight & Post-Flight Logs: Automatically document your flights for regulatory audits.

PRO TIP: We recommend booking your Flight Review through RPAS Wilco’s Advanced Flight Review Network. Our network connects flight review candidates with hundreds of Transport Canada-authorized reviewers nationwide, ensuring a smooth and efficient certification process.

Book Your Flight Review Now

Final Tips

That wraps up today’s RPAS Flight Review Study Guide! Here are a few final tips for success:

• Practice Makes Perfect: Make sure you practice all required maneuvers before your test.

• Stay Calm: Keep your composure and communicate clearly with your Flight Reviewer.

• Safety First: Prioritize safety and compliance over performance.

Good luck on your Flight Review and we hope this guide helped you prepare for your certification!

Safe flying!