Victoria Air Photos and Survey (Training Division) Flight Reeviews

Students looking at getting Advanced Pilot Certification for RPAS will now have to take a Flight Review as per Transport Canada TP 15263E. This is a critical step to ensure safety of RPAS (drones) as then intergrate in Canada.

VAP's Flight Instructor David Carlos is now Transport Canada Certified and endorsed to conduct Flight Reviews for RPAS Advanced Pilot Candidates.

Guide to the Flight Review - Remotely Pilot Aircraft Systems  (RPAS) Under 25 KGs

Click this link to access the Flight Review preparation course now offered online by Flight Reviewer David Carlos. 

It is strongly recommended that you take this course before attempting the Flight Review. The online training course has downloads and documents which will help. It is designed for existing SFOC students and new RPAS pilots.

The skill requirements for the flight review : Candidates wishing to apply for a pilot certificate – small remotely piloted aircraft (VLOS) endorsed for Advanced Operations -RPAS. The goal of the Flight Review – RPAS is to ensure that the candidate has all the required skills to plan and execute an RPAS flight safely and efficiently.

The Flight Review – RPAS is conducted by Flight Reviewers as third party providers in accordance with the requirements set out in CARs Standard 921.02 and the TP document.

Scope of the flight review:

The flight review – RPAS consists of the planning, preparation, and completion of an RPAS flight.

Although aircraft performances and weight and balance are not tested as separate exercises, it is expected that the candidate will use all the applicable performance data as well as all the approved operating procedures required for a flight.

The flight review is an evaluation of the candidate’s knowledge and flight skills at the end of their training.

Prerequisites to the flight review

In order to be admitted to the flight review, the candidate shall have successfully....

1. 1.Completed and passed the Small Remotely Piloted Aircraft (VLOS) – Advanced Operations exam.
   
2. 2. Candidates will be issued a unique reference number directly linked to their Drone Management Portal account and additionally a second reference number for successfully passing their Small Remotely Piloted Aircraft (VLOS) – Advanced Operations exam.
   
3. 3. Provide the two numbers to the Flight Reviewer
   
4. 4. The Flight Reviewer will then enter these two numbers into the Drone Management Portal and verify the candidates identity based on the credentials provided.
5. 5. The candidate must provide a valid (not expired) piece of government-issued identification that provides your name and date of birth.
6. 6. The Candidate should be trained with experience in RPAS flight operations.
   

Ready to take your Flight Review? Follow these steps:

• 1. Make sure you are prepared to demonstrate the complete "Performance Criteria" section of your Review
• 2. Make an appointment and schedule and date and time for your Review with VAP at 250 507 6421
  
• 3. Double check you have all the skill sets for manual flight, have obtained the correct documentation and studied the Knowledge Requirements for RPAS pilots based on TP 15263E
• 4. Ensure you have taken the RPAS/UAS 101 training course or equivalent, and you may also take the Flight Reviews Course now offered by David Carlos 
  
• 5. Meet the Flight Reviewer at your site or ours
  
• 6. Obtain a flight briefing
• 7. Fee as of May 2019 is $250 plus GST per Flight Review candidate (travel time charges may apply if at another site)

Demonstrate the Following RPAS Procedures and Skill Sets:

• - Pre-Flight Planning/ Site Survey
  
• - Normal Operations 
• - Emergency Protocol 
• - Take-Off
• - Manual Flight and In- Flight Checks
  
• - Lost Link
• - Fly-Away
• - Landing
• - Airmanship and Safety Awareness
• - Answer Random Oral Questions by the Reviewer
  
• - Post Landing Checks
  
• - Communications and Crew  - Resource Management (CRM) Skills
  

Note: The failure of any one flight review item constitutes failure of the Flight Review - RPAS. The failure of one item will require a complete redo of the Flight Review (See TP 15395 E Appendix A 09/2018).

Note for students: The Flight Review WILL NOT emulate a training session. The candidate will have complete responsibility for the safety of themselves, the public, and their RPAS equipment. The Flight Reviewer will only intervene to give verbal advise if safety is a factor.

Candidates will be have special authorization by the Minister to act as Pilot in Command for the portion of the Flight Review. 

VAP Training now offers ground school and drone flight training sessions for RPAS pilots. These programs are for those looking at preparation drills for the Flight Review as well as the Advanced RPAS written exam.

Those who take the Advanced RPAS  online exam and Flight Review will need aviation/RPAS training.

RPAS pilots will also need ROC-A training which is offered in private or in our RPAS 101

Call VAP training to book a Flight Review or book a training session at 250 507 6421. 

Flight Reviewers understand candidates may be nervous, but we offer a calm, professional and friendly environment so you concentrate and perform your Flight Review with minimal pressures.

A failed Flight Review is not a negative! Completion of it  may be the opportunity for you to gauge your current skill set level and reflect on where exactly you went wrong.

Upon debriefing, the Flight Reviewer will note which areas you are strong in, as well as point out which specific areas you will need more practice/training.