If you are planning on taking an exam to get a drone pilot certificate, we recommend this learning path and the following resources.
- Find the category of operations to determine the type of drone pilot certificate you need
- Prepare for the online exam
- Enroll in a drone flight school, and/or;
- Study using these resources
- Keep your skills up to date.
Enroll to study at a drone flight school.
Drone flight schools offer courses to help you prepare for online exams and flight reviews. We recommend taking a course before attempting an online exam.
Study from these publications
- RPAS 101 – A general knowledge guide for Canadian RPAS pilots
This guide has been developed in cooperating with Transport Canada (TC) and Aerial Evolution Association of Canada (AEAC) to provide a general knowledge guide to Canadian RPAS pilots. - Transport Canada Aeronautical Information Manual (TC AIM) (TP 14371)
The Transport Canada Aeronautical Information Manual (TC AIM) provides flight crews with a single source for information on rules and procedures for aircraft operation in Canadian airspace.
See section on Remotely Piloted Aircraft (RPA). - Knowledge Requirements for Pilots of Small Remotely Piloted Aircraft Systems (TP 15263)
This publication highlights the sections of the CARs that are required knowledge for flying drones safely and legally.
Additional resources for advanced operations
- Human Factors for Aviation - Basic Handbook (TP 12863), and Advanced Handbook (TP 12864)
- The Study Guide for the Radiotelephone Restricted Operator Certificate - Aeronautical (RIC) is available free of charge from district offices of Industry Canada - Examinations and Radio Licensing (http://www.strategis.gc.ca).
- Part IX of the Canadian Aviation Regulations (CARs)
NAV CANADA publications, including the following, may be purchased from retailers, or at the following web site:
https://www.navcanada.ca/en/aeronautical-information.aspx
- VFR Navigation Charts (VNC)/ VFR Terminal Area Charts (VTA)
- Canada Flight Supplement
The NAV CANADA VFR Phraseology guide is available for download at
https://www.navcanada.ca/en/vfr-phraseology.pdf (PDF Format)
Textbooks and other publications produced by commercial publishers can be obtained through local flying training organization, bookstores, and similar sources.