RPAS 101 Basic (RPAS Multi-Rotor) Pilot Certificate Program

We're equipping commercial sRPAS pilots of the future with the best, updated, advanced training in studies which will promote safety and professionalism for all.

 VAP has developed  an optimal commercial RPAS pilot training certificate program & since 2013.

RPAS flight Instructor David Carlos is an expert RPAS multi-rotor pilot, as well business owner with over 2500 hours of logged Complex RPAS flight time (including student instruction) in Canada. Carlos is also a TC Advanced Pilot Flight Reviewer.

ROC-A: Carlos is also an approved "Radio Operators Certificate - Aeronautical"  ROC-A examiner. See VAP's ROC-A training course details here

Custom classes, dates, and training sessions are also offered to groups in Victoria, Lower Mainland, BC, Alberta and the Territories.

(RPAS 101)  (Multi-Rotor) Pilot Certificate Program.   More dates TBA. Note you can begin your first steps of the online section anytime after registration.

 Next scheduled RPAS 101 Course Dates. Simply Email to Register:

Jan 24-25.  2025     0900- 1500

Feb 21-22, 2025       0900-1500   Option RPAS 200 Feb 24-25 2025  

March 17-18,  2025    0900-1500 Option RPAS 200 March 19-20, 2025

April 25-26  2025    0900-1500

May 23-24  2025    0900-1500

Email VAP to Register

RPAS 101 (Multi-Rotor) Location:  Outdoor flight practice area in Saanichton, BC.

Basic Applicant Prerequisites

► At least 14 Years of age for Basic 16 for Advanced. ID required

►  Good overall health and fitness with satisfactory eyesight and hearing (or corrected as required)

► Command of English or French and Basic Math

► Study of Aviation Radio, free, "Pre study ROC-A for Aviation Radio License" (click here)

► Study of VFR Nav Chart: "TAC VFR (Terminal Area Chart, Vancouver)"

► RPAS 200 requires completion of RPAS 101* and have some logged RPAS flight time.

For information on RPAS 200 please see this page

More course Details: RPAS 101 will include 25 Hours of intense pilot ground school, handouts, online course sections, homework assignments, and flight theory training followed by an exam based on TP 15263 – Knowledge Requirements for Pilots of Unmanned Air Vehicle Systems (RPA) 25 kg or Less, Operating within Visual Line of Sight.

The course will prepare you for the Transport Canada online test for Basic or Advanced RPAS pilot Certificate as well as the Flight Review. The certificate will also qualify you for an SFOC.

The Radio Operator's Certificate ROC (Aeronautical) is included in the RPAS 101 study. Tests for students' ROC-A certificate in conjunction with the RPAS 101 course or higher. Please advise if you would like to take the ROC-A test (70% pass) and exam fee is $80.

Part of the in-person instruction will include practical flight training for each student on a field and/or an indoor controlled environment. Students get a chance to fly the DJI M300 under the coaching mode (dual mode) with the senior flight instructor. 

(Flight training can be done on the student's small, light-weight, rugged quad copter trainer. Students should have some flight practice on a light quad trainer prior to the course start date)

In-Person Flight School

In addition to reviewing RPAS 101 subject matter, during day 2 students will see actual demonstrations on how to safely control, navigate and land the drone/multi-rotor in a designated zone with no GPS or autopilot assistance.

Students will also be shown simulated emergency situations and be trained to provide the instructor with a proper checklist to deal with the scenario (IE RPA unresponsive, out of control, out of sight, lost link, battery failure, in a collision, etc.).

Participants will also be given the opportunity to demonstrate their own ability to fly manually in various situations as well. This will prepare students for the Advanced RPAS pilot Flight Review Test.

Note: Students who have little or no experience flying RC aircraft including multi-rotors should discuss with the instructor what the best option to begin flight training is. The instructor will likely recommend the Student RPAS Complete Ground School Kit, in order to prepare for class. Various flight simulators are also recommended to enhance hands on skills for flying RC and FPV.

After passing the RPAS 101 written exam (60% pass), students will be awarded the certificate of RPAS training from VAP. The ROC-A will be issued after passing the test (70%) and Industry Canada has processed the application.

The training program will also discuss your RPAS system and build you up to a level which will be suitable for your situation. If you have no experience flying manned aircraft or RC aircraft, you will need help. You will need guidance and training to avoid costly mistakes and potential serious injury, damage, lawsuits, fines or other issues with the law!

SFOC holders as well as Advanced Drone Pilot applicants are also required to be medically fit for the RPAS pilot duty. The Class 4 MED Declaration TC FORM HERE 

Some shots and video of a RPAS 101 class here!

Looking for a place to stay in Saanichton, BC?

Quality Inn at the Waddling Dog

This nice renovated hotel is strategically located next to our practice area meeting room for day 3 of RPAS 101. It has all amenities and is near to transportation. Ask about VAP student discounts for hotel stays and click here for Inn map and contact information.

Required Text

A majority of RPAS lights in built up areas will likely take place in some kind of "controlled" airspace. RPAS in these zones may pose a serious collision hazard to aircraft. These manned aircraft may include seaplanes, helicopters/rotary wing aircraft (Air Ambulance), ultra-lights/gliders, parachutes, and other fixed wing aircraft. All of these aircraft may fly below 400 feet AGL at times.

A RPAS/drone pilot, or even the recreational RC pilot must clearly understand how to mitigate and avoid these safety risks.