What Is a Drone Flight Review? A Complete Guide for Canadian Pilots

What Is a Drone Flight Review?

A drone flight review is a competency assessment required by Transport Canada for pilots seeking or maintaining an Advanced RPAS pilot certificate. Conducted by a certified flight reviewer, it evaluates whether a pilot possesses the knowledge and practical skills necessary to operate safely in Canadian airspace under CARs Part IX.

The RPAS flight review is not an exam you pass or fail in the traditional sense — it is a professional evaluation where a qualified reviewer confirms your competency through structured observation and questioning. If the reviewer is satisfied that you meet the standard, they sign off on your flight review declaration, which you then submit as part of your Advanced certificate application or renewal.

Who Needs a Flight Review?

Not every drone pilot in Canada needs a flight review. Here is who does and who does not:

You need a flight review if you are:

• Applying for an Advanced RPAS pilot certificate for the first time
• Renewing your Advanced certificate (required every 24 months)
• Returning to advanced operations after a lapse in certification

You do not need a flight review if you:

• Hold only a Basic RPAS pilot certificate
• Fly exclusively under the Micro RPAS category (under 250 grams)
• Operate only in uncontrolled airspace with no advanced privileges

The distinction matters because the Advanced certificate unlocks capabilities that carry greater risk — flying near people, operating in controlled airspace, and conducting operations that require Transport Canada authorization. The flight review ensures pilots exercising those privileges are genuinely competent.

What Does the Flight Review Cover?

The drone flight review consists of two components: a knowledge assessment and a practical flight assessment. Both must be completed satisfactorily.

Knowledge Assessment

The reviewer will evaluate your understanding of:

• Canadian drone regulations under CARs Part IX
• Airspace classification, restrictions, and controlled zone procedures
• Weather interpretation and its effects on RPAS operations
• Emergency and contingency procedures
• NOTAMs and how to interpret them for drone operations
• Site survey requirements and risk assessment

This is not a written test — it is a conversation. The reviewer asks questions and evaluates whether your answers demonstrate practical understanding, not memorisation. They want to know you can apply the rules to real scenarios you will encounter in the field.

Practical Flight Assessment

The practical portion takes place outdoors with your drone. The reviewer will observe and assess:

• Preflight inspection and checklist procedures
• Takeoff, stable hover, and controlled landing
• Controlled flight manoeuvres (figure eights, orbits, straight-line tracking)
• Altitude and distance management
• Emergency procedure response (simulated failures)
• Situational awareness throughout the flight
• Post-flight procedures and documentation

The reviewer is evaluating your airmanship — your ability to operate safely, predictably, and with good judgement under real-world conditions.

How Long Does a Flight Review Take?

Most drone flight reviews take between 60 and 90 minutes in total. The knowledge portion typically runs 20 to 30 minutes, and the practical portion takes 30 to 45 minutes depending on conditions and the complexity of the manoeuvres assessed. Some reviewers may take longer if they want to explore specific knowledge areas or if weather conditions require pauses.

How Much Does a Flight Review Cost?

Flight review fees are set by individual reviewers and vary across the country. Typical rates range from $150 to $350, depending on the reviewer’s location, experience, and whether travel is involved. Some reviewers include the knowledge and practical portions in a single fee, while others charge separately. Always confirm the total cost and what is included before booking.

How to Find a Certified Flight Reviewer

RPAS WILCO Pilot Networks maintains Canada’s most comprehensive directory of certified flight reviewers. The interactive reviewer map lets you search by location, view reviewer profiles, and connect directly to book your review.

With over 500 registered reviewers across every province and territory, you can find a qualified assessor near your operating area — whether you are in downtown Toronto or northern British Columbia.

The Difference Between a Flight Review and a Written Exam

New pilots sometimes confuse the drone flight review with the Transport Canada written exam. They are separate requirements:

• The written exam (Basic or Advanced) tests your theoretical knowledge through a multiple-choice format administered at a Transport Canada approved testing centre
• The flight review is an in-person, hands-on assessment conducted by a certified reviewer in the field

You need to pass the written exam first, then complete a satisfactory flight review to obtain your Advanced certificate. For a detailed comparison, see our guide on drone flight review vs. written exam.

What Happens After Your Flight Review?

Once the reviewer is satisfied with your performance, they will complete a flight review declaration confirming your competency. This declaration is the document you need to submit to Transport Canada as part of your Advanced pilot certificate application or renewal.

Keep a copy of your flight review declaration with your pilot records. You will need it when your certificate comes up for renewal in 24 months, and having a clear record of your review history demonstrates professional diligence.

Your flight review is your proof of practical competency — the bridge between passing an exam and being trusted to operate in Canada’s most demanding airspace environments.