RPAS Flight Review Canada: Proven Steps to Pass in 2026
RPAS Flight Review Canada: Proven Steps to Pass in 2026
Preparing for your drone flight review in Canada? A successful RPAS flight review is the final hands-on step to earning your Advanced Operations Pilot Certificate. This complete guide walks you through every stage of the drone flight review process, from exam prep to booking your flight review and getting certified.
What Is a Drone Flight Review?
A drone flight review is a practical assessment conducted by a Transport Canada-approved flight reviewer. During your RPAS flight review, you’ll demonstrate real-world piloting skills including takeoffs, landings, hovering, emergency procedures, and controlled maneuvers — all within visual line of sight (VLOS). Passing your flight review is mandatory to obtain your Advanced Operations RPAS Certificate in Canada.
Prepare for the Advanced Drone Exam
Take an Exam Preparation Course
Before you can book your drone flight review, you must pass the Transport Canada Small Advanced Exam.
We recommend taking our FREE advanced course which helps you prepare for the exam. Learn about:
- Canadian aviation regulations
- Airspace classification and flight planning
- Emergency procedures and drone maintenance
- Meteorology
- Radiotelephony
- And more
Practice Makes Perfect
Use mock exams and quizzes to get comfortable with the format before test day. Practicing under real exam conditions reduces anxiety and improves your first-attempt pass rate.
PRO TIP: RPAS Centre’s advanced course includes a mock exam and quizzes. (Enroll here)
Pass the Small Advanced Exam Online
After studying, complete the Small Advanced Exam on the Transport Canada Drone Management Portal. You’ll need your exam results to book your drone flight review.
- Questions: 50 multiple choice
- Time limit: 60 minutes
- Passing score: 80% or higher
Prepare for Your Drone Flight Review
Proper flight review preparation is the difference between passing on your first attempt and paying for a retake.
Flight Review Skill Building
Practice the maneuvers you’ll be assessed on during your RPAS flight review:
- Takeoffs and landings
- Hovering and altitude changes
- Emergency response procedures
PRO TIP: RPAS Centre offers a FREE flight review prep course built by experts. Learn the exact scenarios, safety protocols, and operational skills tested in a real drone flight review. (Enroll here)
Book Your Drone Flight Review
Book Your Flight Review with RPAS Centre
Ready to schedule your RPAS flight review? RPAS Centre connects you with Transport Canada-certified flight reviewers, making it simple to find, book, and prepare for your drone flight review all in one place.
👉 Book your drone flight review at RPAS Centre
Don’t leave your flight review to chance — book with Canada’s #1 drone training centre.
Prepare Your Flight Review Documents
Have these ready before your drone flight review or it may be postponed:
✅ Proof of Exam Completion: Your Small Advanced Exam results
✅ Government-Issued ID: Valid ID with your name and birthdate
✅ Drone Registration Certificate: Must be registered on the Transport Canada portal
Prepare Your Drone and Equipment for the Flight Review
Drone Compliance for Your RPAS Flight Review
Your drone must weigh between 250g and 25kg and display a visible registration number.
Equipment Checklist
✅ Drone & fully charged batteries
✅ Spare propellers
✅ Payloads (if applicable)
✅ Tools or accessories
Right Before Your Flight Review
Arriving prepared to your drone flight review site sets you up for a smooth assessment.
Pre-Flight Checklist
- Check weather conditions
- Inspect your drone thoroughly
- Update firmware and calibrate sensors if needed
Assess Your Flight Review Area
- Map out obstacles
- Confirm you’re outside restricted zones
- Establish safe takeoff and landing areas
PRO TIP: Use an interactive airspace map to verify airspace classification, check NOTAMs, and review METAR data before your drone flight review. We recommend trying RPAS Wilco.
What Happens During Your RPAS Flight Review
For Foreign Pilots
Non-Canadian residents must apply for a Special Flight Operations Certificate for RPAS (SFOC-RPAS) before completing a flight review. Allow up to 30 business days for processing.
Flight Review Location
Your drone flight review must take place in Class G airspace unless you have written permission to operate in restricted zones.
Skills Assessed in Your Drone Flight Review
✅ Safe takeoffs and landings
✅ Controlled flight within visual line of sight (VLOS)
✅ Maneuvers: figure-eights, altitude changes, hovering
✅ Emergency procedures: lost link, fly-away scenarios
After Your Flight Review
Debrief and Results
Your flight reviewer will provide feedback immediately after your RPAS flight review and submit results to Transport Canada within 24 hours.
Post-Flight Review Checklist
- Back up your flight data
- Recharge your drone for future flights
Getting Your Certificate After the Flight Review
If You Pass Your Drone Flight Review
Congratulations! Apply for your Pilot Certificate – Advanced Operations via the Transport Canada Drone Management Portal. A $25 fee applies.
If You Fail Your Flight Review
You can retake your drone flight review as early as the next day. There is no limit on the number of attempts, though reviewer fees apply per attempt
PRO TIP: RPAS Centre’s flight review readiness packages have one flight-review reattempt included.
Flight Review Recency Requirement
Transport Canada requires a recency flight review every 2 years to keep your Advanced certification valid.
Top Tips for Passing Your Drone Flight Review in 2026
✅ Study Current Regulations: Transport Canada rules can change — review the latest before your flight review
✅ Practice Your Maneuvers: Don’t show up to your RPAS flight review underprepared
✅ Organize Your Documents: Missing paperwork can delay or cancel your flight review appointment
✅ Communicate with Your Reviewer: Discuss any unique aspects of your drone or operation ahead of the flight review
Ready to Book Your Drone Flight Review?
RPAS Centre is Canada’s #1 drone training centre and your trusted partner for every step of the flight review process — from prep courses to booking your assessment.
👉 Book your drone flight review today
Have questions? Email us or book a meeting with one of our flight review experts.
👉 Contact Us or Book a Meeting
Thanks for reading!
