Flight Review Preparation Guide

Documentation and Certification

Required Documents

Basic Operations Certificate Proof of certification for basic drone operations.
Drone Registration Official registration document for the drone.
Pilot Identification Government-issued ID for pilot verification.
Insurance Documentation Proof of insurance coverage for drone operations.

Additional Forms and Paperwork

Flight Review Form Form used during the flight review to record performance.
Waivers and Authorizations Legal documents required for certain operations.

Drone and Equipment Preparation

Drone Condition and Maintenance

Pre-Flight Inspection Visual check for damage, loose parts, or other issues. Example: Inspect propellers for chips or cracks.
Firmware Updates Ensure the latest firmware is installed for optimal performance.
Sensor Calibration Calibrate sensors for accurate flight control. Example: Perform IMU calibration in a flat, stable environment.

Power Supply and Batteries

Battery Check Verify all batteries are fully charged and free from damage.
Battery Storage Store batteries properly to maintain longevity. Example: Keep in a fireproof container at room temperature.
Charger and Cables Ensure chargers and cables are in good condition and compatible with the batteries.

Controllers and Accessories

Remote Controller Ensure the remote is operational and paired with the drone.
Mobile Device Use a compatible device for live video feed and controls.
Extra Propellers Carry spare propellers in case of damage during the flight.

Emergency Equipment

Fire Extinguisher For dealing with battery fires. Example: Have a small, portable extinguisher suitable for electrical fires.
First Aid Kit Basic medical supplies for minor injuries.
Reflective Vests Increases visibility for the pilot and crew during operations.

Additional Tips

Drone Landing Pad Portable pad to protect the drone during takeoff and landing.
Instruction Manuals Keep manuals handy for troubleshooting and reference.

Knowledge Review

Airspace Regulations

Understand Airspace Classes Know the rules for Class A, B, C, D, E, and G airspace.
Know No-Fly Zones Areas where drone operations are prohibited.
Check NOTAMs Review Notices to Airmen for temporary flight restrictions. Example: Use NAV CANADA's website to check NOTAMs before flying.

Standard Operating Procedures

Pre-Flight Planning Outline mission objectives and safety checks.
In-Flight Procedures Standard practices during flight, including altitude and distance limits.
Post-Flight Procedures Tasks performed after landing, such as data logging and equipment inspection.

Emergency Procedures

Handle Lost Communication Procedure when the drone loses connection with the controller. Example: The drone should enter RTH mode automatically.
Manage Flyaways Steps to take if the drone flies away uncontrollably.
Emergency Landing Procedures How to safely land the drone in an emergency.

Meteorology

Understand Weather Impact Effects of weather conditions on drone flight. Example: High winds may reduce battery life and control.
Know Visibility Requirements Minimum visibility needed for safe operation.
Interpret Forecasts Read and understand weather forecasts relevant to flight safety.

Additional Resources

Advanced Operations Exam Prep Materials and resources to prepare for the advanced operations exam.
Transport Canada Documentation Official guidelines and regulations from Transport Canada.

Practical Skills

Flight Planning and Execution

Plan Flight Route Outline the intended flight path and key points. Example: Map out waypoints and check for obstacles along the route.
Set Altitude and Speed Determine appropriate altitude and speed settings for the mission.
Prepare Contingency Plans Backup plans for potential issues. Example: Identify alternate landing sites in case of an emergency.

Manual Flight Control

Takeoff and Landing Basic skills for manual control of the drone. Example: Use smooth joystick movements to maintain stability during takeoff.
Perform Maneuvers Ability to execute various flight maneuvers. Example: Practice figure-eight patterns to improve control precision.
Emergency Handling Managing the drone during unexpected situations.

Automated Functions

Waypoint Navigation Setting and following predefined GPS waypoints. Example: Program a flight path through the drone’s software for automated navigation.
Use Return-to-Home Activating the drone’s automatic return to a designated home point.
Activate Failsafe Protocols Emergency procedures for drone malfunction.

Communication Skills

Radiotelephony Procedures Standard communication protocols with air traffic control.
Team Communication Coordination with visual observers and other team members.
Public Interaction Engaging with the public during drone operations, if necessary.

Additional Tips

Practice Non-GPS Modes Flying without GPS assistance. Example: Practice in ATTI mode to improve manual control skills.
Estimate Distance and Altitude Accurately judge the drone’s distance and altitude.

Safety and Risk Management

Risk Assessment

Identify Hazards Recognize potential risks in the operational area.
Mitigate Risks Take steps to reduce identified risks. Example: Avoid flying near high-traffic areas.
Communicate Risks Inform team members and other relevant parties of potential hazards.

Operational Limits

Know Drone Specifications Understand the capabilities and limits of your drone model.
Ensure Regulatory Compliance Operate within the legal framework set by authorities.
Consider Environmental Factors Account for weather, terrain, and other external conditions.

Contingency Planning

Identify Alternate Landing Sites Plan for emergency landing zones if the primary site is unsuitable.
Plan for Loss of Control Procedures if the drone loses control or communication.
Understand Incident Reporting Know how to report accidents or incidents to the appropriate authorities.

Emergency Preparedness

Set Return to Home Program the drone's RTH altitude and behavior in emergencies.
Know Flyaway Protocols Steps to take if the drone flies out of control range.

Pre-Flight and Post-Flight Checklists

Pre-Flight Checklist

Review Weather Conditions Check current and forecasted weather for safe flight conditions.
Verify Airspace Clearance Ensure that the flight area is within authorized airspace.
Inspect Equipment Conduct a thorough inspection of the drone and all accessories.
Conduct Test Flight Perform a short flight to confirm everything is functioning correctly.

Post-Flight Procedures

Log Flight Data Record flight details in a logbook or digital record.
Inspect Equipment Post-Flight Check for any damage or wear that occurred during the flight.
Manage Battery Storage Store batteries properly after use to ensure safety and longevity.
Conduct Debrief Review the flight with team members to discuss any issues or improvements.

Additional Guidelines

Have a Clear Mission Plan Outline objectives and ensure all team members understand their roles.
Ensure Documentation is Ready Verify all necessary documents are prepared and accessible.
Verbalize Actions Clearly state your actions and intentions during the flight for clarity and safety.

Glossary of Terms

Common Terms

RPA: Remotely Piloted Aircraft. A drone or unmanned aircraft piloted remotely.
VLOS: Visual Line Of Sight. The ability to see the drone with unaided vision at all times.
NOTAM: Notice to Airmen. Official notices providing information on potential hazards or changes in airspace use.
RTH: Return to Home. An automated feature that returns the drone to a pre-set home point.
Airspace Classes:
- Class A: High-level controlled airspace, typically above 18,000 feet. All operations must be under Instrument Flight Rules (IFR).
- Class B: Controlled airspace around major airports, from the surface to approximately 10,000 feet. Both IFR and Visual Flight Rules (VFR) operations are permitted, but VFR requires clearance.
- Class C: Controlled airspace around airports with a mix of IFR and VFR traffic. VFR traffic must establish two-way radio communication before entering.
- Class D: Controlled airspace around smaller airports, typically with less traffic. Two-way radio communication is required for VFR aircraft.
- Class E: Controlled airspace not classified as A, B, C, or D. It exists around controlled airports and can extend from the surface or a designated altitude to a specified height.
- Class G: Uncontrolled airspace, where air traffic control services are not provided. Pilots are responsible for their own separation and safety.
Flyaway: A situation where the drone moves away uncontrollably due to loss of control or communication.
GPS Mode: A flight mode where the drone uses GPS signals to maintain stability and position.
Atti Mode: Attitude mode. A flight mode where GPS is disabled, and the pilot must manually maintain stability.
SFOC: Special Flight Operations Certificate. Required for operations not covered under standard regulations.
UAV: Unmanned Aerial Vehicle. Another term for a drone or remotely piloted aircraft.
IMU: Inertial Measurement Unit. A device in the drone that measures acceleration and rotation for stabilization.
CFS: Canadian Flight Supplement. A publication providing information on airports and navigation aids in Canada.
RPAS: Remotely Piloted Aircraft System. The complete system comprising the drone, control station, and other necessary components.
Flight Reviewer: A certified individual authorized to conduct flight reviews for drone operators seeking certification.
Advanced Operations: Drone operations that may involve flying in controlled airspace, closer to people, or other complex situations requiring specific certification.

Emergency Numbers

Emergency Services: 911 For immediate assistance in emergencies such as accidents or injuries.
Local ATC: [Insert Local Contact Number] Contact for issues related to airspace and coordination with air traffic control.
Transport Canada: 1-800-305-2059 For reporting incidents or requesting guidance on regulatory compliance.
Drone Manufacturer Support: [Insert Manufacturer Contact] For technical support and troubleshooting with your drone.