Study Guide for the Basic RPAS Exam in 2025

Preparing for the Basic RPAS Exam but not sure where to begin?

We’ve got you covered! In this guide, we’ll go over the crucial information you need to pass the exam, including key concepts, regulations, and study strategies. 

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

Let’s dive in!

Exam Overview

First, let’s explore what you can expect from the Basic RPAS Exam:

• Exam Format: 35 multiple-choice questions

• Time Limit: 90 minutes

• Passing Score: 65%

Here are the key topics that will be covered in the exam:

• Basic air law & regulations.

• Aerodynamics & flight mechanics.

• Meteorology & airspace operations.

• Radio procedures & human factors.

Key Study Topics

Lets dive deeper into the key concepts you will be tested on:

1. Air Law & Regulations

• Controlled vs. Uncontrolled Airspace:

Image is from NAV CANADA: https://www.navcanada.ca/en/air-traffic/drone-new-entrants.aspx.

Uncontrolled airspace (Class G) is where most basic operations take place. As this is the only airspace that pilots with a basic certificate are allowed to fly in. 

Controlled airspace includes Classes A, B, C, D, E, and F. In order to fly within these airspaces, an advanced license and NAV CANADA approval is required. (Check out our advanced exam guide here.)

Each airspace class has its own specific rules and restrictions, so make sure to check these before you fly.

• Minimum Distances from People:

With a basic license, you must maintain a 30-meter distance from people. Whereas with an advanced license, you can fly within this 30-meter range as well as over-top of people.

2. Aerodynamics & Flight Mechanics

• Forces Acting on a Drone:

  • Lift vs. Weight: Lift keeps the drone in the air, while weight and gravity pulls it down.

  • Thrust vs. Drag: Thrust propels the drone forward, while drag works to slow this motion down.

• Basic Flight Maneuvers:
  Learn the fundamentals of flying a drone. This includes takeoffs, landings, and basic flight patterns to ensure safe and controlled operations.

3. Meteorology & Weather Effects

• Basic Weather Concepts:
  Understanding how weather affects your flight is critical. Learn to recognize different cloud types, such as cumulus and stratus, and understand how they impact flying.

• Wind and Weather Data:
  Learn how wind speed and direction can affect drone flight. You’ll also need to become familiar with reading METARs, which provide current weather information at airports.

4. Radio Procedures & Communications

• Standard Phraseology for Aviation Communications:
  Get comfortable with common aviation communication terms, like replacing “yes” and “no” with “affirmative” and “negative” to simplify communication.

• How to Communicate with Other Pilots:
  Always announce your intentions when flying near other aircraft or in public spaces to maintain safety.

5. Human Factors & Risk Management

• Situational Awareness:
  Always be aware of your surroundings, including other aircraft, obstacles, and changing weather conditions.

• Pre-Flight Planning:
  Proper planning is key! Always plan your flight route and assess any potential risks through completing site surveys and pre-flight checklists.

Study Tips & Resources

Maximize your exam prep with these essential resources:

1. RPAS Centre’s Free Basic Exam Course

To help you prepare, RPAS Centre offers a FREE Basic Exam Prep Course designed by experts to ensure you’re fully prepared for the exam.

The course includes:

• 8 expert-designed modules covering all exam topics.

• A comprehensive workbook with exercises.

• Mock exams and quizzes to test your knowledge and boost your confidence.

Start studying today by registering here: RPAS Centre Basic Exam Prep

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

After passing the exam, RPAS Wilco can help you stay compliant with your drone operations. As Canada’s leading drone platform, RPAS Wilco simplifies your compliance process and helps you ensure your flying safely.

RPAS Wilco’s Industry Leading Features:

• Quick Site Surveys: Create site surveys in under a minute! Check local regulations and requirements in your flying area.

• Airspace Awareness: Access advanced airspace maps to know where you can safely and legally fly.

• Flight Logging Tools: Easily track your flights and ensure you meet regulatory requirements with detailed flight logs and checklists. 

• Access to Aeronautical Data: As the only drone company who is a certified distributor of NAV CANADA aeronautical data (VFRs, CFSs, etc.), we provide exclusive access to data worth over $1000 annually (all in one place). Check out the full list of distributors here.

Learn more at RPAS Wilco.

Final Tips

Here are a few final tips to help you succeed on the exam:

• Eliminate Clearly Wrong Answers: If you’re unsure, eliminate the options that are obviously wrong to improve your chances.

• Read Questions Carefully: Always take a moment to read each question and think about the safest option before answering.

• Review Your Answers: Use the full 90 minutes to review your answers before submitting the exam.

Good luck with your exam and we hope this guide has helped you!

Happy studying, and fly safely!