Step-by-Step Guide for 2025: How to Complete a Drone Flight Review

Want to get your Advanced Operations RPAS Certificate in Canada? Completing a drone flight review is a required step! Don’t worry, this guide will walk you through every step, with pro tips and essential resources to help you succeed. Let’s dive right in!

(Check out our Youtube Video for visuals)

Step 1: Prepare for the Advanced Drone Exam

Take an Exam Preparation Course

There’s a lot to learn to pass the Advanced Exam. Prepare with a course that covers everything you’ll be tested on. We highly recommend RPAS Centre’s FREE training courses—Canada’s #1 drone training centre—where you’ll get all the study materials you need at no cost. This includes free comprehensive videos, workbooks, mock exams, quizzes, and expert support. You will learn about:

Canadian aviation regulations
Airspace classification and flight planning
Emergency procedures and drone maintenance
Meteorology
Radiotelephony
And more!

Access free courses and study materials here

Practice Makes Perfect

We suggest taking mock exams and quizzes to get comfortable with the test format and types of questions you’ll encounter. Practicing under test-like conditions helps build confidence, improve recall, and identify areas where you may need further study. By simulating the real exam experience, you’ll reduce test-day anxiety and enhance your chances of passing on your first attempt.

PRO TIP: RPAS Centre’s FREE training courses include a mock exam and quizzes. (Enroll here)

Step 2: Pass the Small Advanced Exam Online

After preparation and study, complete the Small Advanced Exam on the Transport Canada Drone Management Portal.

The exam consists of 50 multiple choice questions, with 60 minutes to complete the exam. A score of 80% or higher is considered a pass.

Start the exam here

Step 3: Prepare for the Flight Review

Once again, before performing your flight review, proper preparation can help you pass with confidence and ease on the first try!

Skill Building Training

Practice essential flight maneuvers such as:

Takeoffs and landings
Hovering and altitude changes
Emergency response

PRO TIP: Take a Flight Review Training Course for even more preparation. RPAS Centre also offers a FREE flight review prep course designed by expert RPAS instructors. Learn real-world scenarios, safety protocols, and operational skills. (Enroll here)

Step 4: Find and Schedule a Flight Review

Locate a Flight Reviewer

Use the RPAS WILCO Network to find a Transport Canada-approved flight reviewer in your area. Find a reviewer here

Discuss the location, timing, and fees (set by the reviewer)
Request screenshots or guides if needed

Step 5: Prepare Required Documents

Before your flight review, ensure you have all of the required documents:

✅ Proof of Exam Completion: A copy of your Small Advanced Exam results.
✅ Government-Issued ID: A valid ID showing your name and birthdate.
✅ Drone Registration Certificate: Register your drone on the Transport Canada portal.
Register here

Step 6: Prepare Your Drone and Equipment

Drone Compliance Requirements

Drone must weigh 250g – 25kg and have a visible registration number
For sub-250g drones, check out our guide: Using a Sub-250g Drone for a Flight Review

Equipment Checklist

✅ Drone & fully charged batteries

✅ Spare propellers

✅ Payloads (if applicable)

✅ Tools or accessories

Step 7: Right Before the Flight Review

Complete a pre-flight checklist and assess your flight area beforehand to ensure compliance with Transport Canada regulations.

Pre-Flight Checklist

Check weather conditions
Inspect your drone
Update firmware and calibrate sensors if needed

Assess the Flight Area

Map out obstacles
Avoid restricted zones
Establish safe takeoff and landing areas

PRO TIP: RPAS WILCO’s Interactive Airspace Map helps you quickly check airspace classification, set flight parameters, identify obstacles, and has comprehensive pre-flight and post-flight checklists. RPAS WILCO also provides NOTAMs and METAR data updates to ensure safe flights. Check it out

Step 8: Conduct the Flight Review

For Foreign Pilots

If you’re not a Canadian resident, apply for a Special Flight Operations Certificate for RPAS (SFOC-RPAS) before your flight review. This process may take up to 30 business days.

Location

Choose Class G airspace, avoiding restricted zones unless you have permission.

Demonstrate Your Hard-Earned Skills

✅ Safe takeoffs and landings

✅ Controlled flight within visual line of sight (VLOS)

✅ Maneuvers (figure-eights, altitude changes, hovering)

✅ Emergency procedures (lost link, fly away, etc)

Step 9: Post-Flight Procedures

Shutdown & Debriefing

Your flight reviewer will provide feedback and submit your results to Transport Canada within 24 hours.

Final Checks

Back up your flight data
Recharge your drone for future flights

PRO TIP: RPAS WILCO creates and manages detailed flights logs, manages RPAS inventory & maintenance, and supports Air Safety Reporting. Learn More

Step 10: After the Flight Review

If You Pass

Congratulations on successfully passing your flight review! Apply for your Pilot Certificate – Advanced Operations via the Transport Canada Drone Management Portal. A $25 fee applies. Apply here

If You Fail

No worries! You can retake the flight review as early as the next day. There is no limit to the number of attempts (but fees apply per attempt).

Recency Training Requirement

As set by Transport Canada, recency training is required every 2 years. Your certification may be invalidated if you don’t complete this requirement.

PRO TIP: We recommend using Transport Canada’s Self-Paced Study Program, as the easiest and fastest way to complete your recurrent training requirement. More info here

Our Key Tips for Success

✅ Study Drone Regulations: Review Transport Canada’s safety rules.
✅ Practice Maneuvers: Master flight skills before your review.
✅ Be Organized: Bring all required documents and equipment to avoid delays.
✅ Communicate Clearly: Discuss any unique aspects of your drone or operation with your reviewer.

By following these steps, you’ll be fully prepared to ace your flight review and earn your Advanced Operations Pilot Certificate in 2025! 🚀

Have Questions or Need Assistance?

We’re here to help! If you have any questions about your flight review or need guidance, feel free to email us or book a meeting with one of our experts.

Thanks For Reading 🙂