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100+ Free RPAS Advanced Practice Questions

Pass your Transport Canada RPAS Advanced Operations Exam (Pilot Certificate - Advanced Operations) exam on the first try — instant access, no signup required.

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Key Facts: RPAS Advanced Exam

50 questions

Exam Length

Transport Canada

80%

Passing Score

Transport Canada

60 minutes

Time Limit

Transport Canada

CA$10

Exam Fee

Transport Canada fee schedule

5.6 km (3 NM)

Airport Standoff

CARs Part IX

25-150 kg

Medium Drones (from Nov 4, 2025)

Transport Canada 2025 rule changes

Age 16

Minimum Age

CARs Part IX

The RPAS Advanced Operations exam certifies Canadian drone pilots (minimum age 16) to fly in controlled airspace and near or over people. It is 50 multiple-choice questions, 60 minutes, 80% to pass, CA$10, taken online through Transport Canada's Drone Management Portal, plus a separate in-person flight review. Content follows TP 15263: CARs Part IX advanced rules; controlled-airspace access via a written RPAS Flight Authorization from NAV CANADA (NAV Drone); airspace classes A-G; aerodrome standoffs of 5.6 km (3 NM) from airports and 1.9 km (1 NM) from heliports; the 122 m (400 ft) altitude ceiling; meteorology (METAR/TAF, icing, stability, density altitude); RPAS systems and LiPo safety; human factors and CRM; and emergency procedures including lost link and flyaway reporting. From November 4, 2025, advanced holders may fly medium drones (25-150 kg) VLOS, and a separate Level 1 Complex certificate now covers lower-risk BVLOS.

Sample RPAS Advanced Practice Questions

Try these sample questions to test your RPAS Advanced exam readiness. Each question includes a detailed explanation. Start the interactive quiz above for the full 100+ question experience with AI tutoring.

1Under what authority do all advanced RPAS operating rules, including operations in controlled airspace and near people, fall in Canada?
A.Part IX of the Canadian Aviation Regulations
B.Part VII of the Canadian Aviation Regulations
C.The Aeronautics Act, Schedule 1
D.NAV CANADA Operating Directive 14
Explanation: Remotely piloted aircraft systems of 250 g up to and including 150 kg are regulated under Part IX of the Canadian Aviation Regulations (CARs), which sets out both basic and advanced operating rules.
2A pilot wants to operate a small RPA in Class D controlled airspace. What must they obtain before the flight, in addition to holding a Pilot Certificate - Advanced Operations?
A.A written RPAS Flight Authorization from NAV CANADA
B.A verbal clearance by phone from the nearest control tower
C.A Special Flight Operations Certificate from Transport Canada
D.Nothing further; the advanced certificate alone authorizes controlled airspace
Explanation: To operate in Class C, D or E controlled airspace, an advanced pilot must obtain a written RPAS Flight Authorization from NAV CANADA, submitted through the NAV Drone portal; this written process replaced earlier phone/email methods.
3As of November 4, 2025, what new privilege did pilots holding a Pilot Certificate - Advanced Operations gain regarding drone weight?
A.They may operate medium drones (over 25 kg up to 150 kg) within visual line-of-sight
B.They may operate drones over 150 kg without an SFOC
C.They may operate any micro-RPA at advertised events without restriction
D.They may operate small drones beyond visual line-of-sight without further training
Explanation: Effective November 4, 2025, advanced pilots may operate medium RPAs (more than 25 kg up to and including 150 kg) within visual line-of-sight, provided the drone is declared safe for the specific advanced operation.
4Which combination of certificate and authorization is required to conduct beyond visual line-of-sight (BVLOS) operations under the lower-risk framework introduced in November 2025?
A.A Pilot Certificate - Level 1 Complex Operations and an RPAS Operator Certificate
B.A Pilot Certificate - Advanced Operations only
C.A Pilot Certificate - Basic Operations plus a flight review
D.A Special Flight Operations Certificate alone
Explanation: Lower-risk BVLOS is authorized under the new Level 1 Complex framework, which requires passing the Level 1 Complex exam to hold a Pilot Certificate - Level 1 Complex Operations and obtaining an RPAS Operator Certificate (RPOC).
5An advanced pilot intends to fly a small RPA over a crowd of uninvolved bystanders at a community festival. What is the key compliance requirement that enables operations over people?
A.The RPA must have a manufacturer's RPAS safety assurance declaration covering operations over people
B.The pilot must simply notify the event organizer in writing
C.The RPA must weigh less than 250 g
D.A second visual observer must be physically holding the drone's tether
Explanation: Operations over or near uninvolved people require the RPA to have an appropriate manufacturer RPAS safety assurance declaration matching that operation type, as documented under CARs section 901.69.
6The Advanced Operations multiple-choice examination consists of how many questions, and what is the minimum passing mark?
A.50 questions, 80% pass mark
B.35 questions, 65% pass mark
C.100 questions, 75% pass mark
D.40 questions, 70% pass mark
Explanation: The Transport Canada Advanced Operations exam contains 50 multiple-choice questions with a 60-minute time limit and requires a minimum score of 80% to pass.
7After passing the Advanced exam, what additional step must a candidate complete before exercising advanced operations privileges?
A.An in-person flight review with a designated flight reviewer
B.A 20-hour ground school course
C.A medical examination by a Civil Aviation Medical Examiner
D.An English language proficiency interview
Explanation: Advanced certification requires both passing the online exam and successfully completing an in-person flight review conducted by a designated flight reviewer.
8What is the maximum altitude above ground level (AGL) permitted for standard RPAS operations under CARs Part IX without special authorization?
A.122 metres (400 feet)
B.60 metres (200 feet)
C.152 metres (500 feet)
D.305 metres (1000 feet)
Explanation: Standard RPAS operations are limited to a maximum altitude of 122 metres (400 feet) AGL, unless the RPA is within 200 feet horizontally of a building or structure and remains within 100 feet above it.
9A control zone surrounding a typical smaller controlled airport in Canada is normally what class of airspace?
A.Class D
B.Class A
C.Class F
D.Class G
Explanation: Class D airspace typically forms the control zone around smaller controlled airports, usually with a 5-nautical-mile radius up to 3,000 feet AGL; entry requires two-way radio communication with ATC.
10In which class of airspace do the majority of recreational and low-altitude RPAS operations take place?
A.Class B
B.Class C
C.Class E
D.Class G
Explanation: Class G is uncontrolled airspace where ATC clearance is not required, and most low-altitude RPAS operations occur there; controlled airspace is Classes A through F.

About the RPAS Advanced Exam

The Transport Canada RPAS Advanced Operations exam is the written knowledge test for the Pilot Certificate - Advanced Operations, which authorizes drone flights in controlled airspace and near or over people. It is a 50-question online multiple-choice exam with a 60-minute limit and an 80% pass mark, taken through the Drone Management Portal. After passing, candidates must also complete an in-person flight review with a designated flight reviewer. The exam is based on Transport Canada's TP 15263 knowledge requirements and covers CARs Part IX, controlled airspace, meteorology, RPAS systems, human factors, navigation and emergency procedures.

Questions

50 scored questions

Time Limit

60 minutes

Passing Score

80% (40 of 50 questions)

Exam Fee

CA$10 (plus CA$25 flight-review certificate processing) (Transport Canada (Drone Management Portal))

RPAS Advanced Exam Content Outline

30%

Air Law and Advanced Operating Rules

CARs Part IX advanced rules, basic vs advanced privileges, registration and aircraft marking, manufacturer safety assurance declarations, operations near/over people (as close as 5 m with a declaration), medium drones 25-150 kg from Nov 4 2025, VLOS, minimum age 16, impairment prohibitions, document production, recency and the CA$10 exam fee

20%

Controlled Airspace, ATC and Authorization

Written RPAS Flight Authorization from NAV CANADA via the NAV Drone app, airspace classes A through G, Class C/D/E entry, Mode C transponder context, radio phraseology and the ICAO phonetic alphabet, position reports, deconfliction and the authorize-then-fly sequence

12%

Aerodromes and Airspace Proximity

The 5.6 km (3 NM) standoff from certified airports and 1.9 km (1 NM) from heliports, control zones (typically Class D), uncontrolled and water aerodromes generating low-level traffic, and Class F special-use restricted (CYR) airspace

15%

Meteorology

Decoding METARs and TAFs (BKN/SCT, TEMPO, wind groups with gusts), cloud types including cumulonimbus, cold and warm fronts, atmospheric stability and turbulence, structural icing, fog and small temperature/dew-point spread, density altitude, temperature inversions and visibility in statute miles

11%

RPAS Systems, Maintenance and Safety Assurance

Lithium-polymer battery safety and swelling, firmware and software updates, compass calibration, GPS loss and ATTI mode, geofencing, magnetic and RF interference, manufacturer safety assurance declarations, low-light lighting and operational record-keeping

6%

Human Factors and CRM

Crew resource management with pilot, visual observer and payload operator, situational awareness, channelized attention/fixation, fatigue and the IMSAFE checklist, the five hazardous attitudes, pre-flight briefings and conservative decision-making

6%

Navigation, Flight Planning and Emergencies

VFR Navigation Charts and the Canada Flight Supplement, NOTAMs and fire/flight restrictions, magnetic variation, UTC/Zulu time conversion, wind-component and battery-reserve planning, lost-link behaviour, flyaway reporting, emergency landing zones and see-and-avoid

How to Pass the RPAS Advanced Exam

What You Need to Know

  • Passing score: 80% (40 of 50 questions)
  • Exam length: 50 questions
  • Time limit: 60 minutes
  • Exam fee: CA$10 (plus CA$25 flight-review certificate processing)

Keys to Passing

  • Complete 500+ practice questions
  • Score 80%+ consistently before scheduling
  • Focus on highest-weighted sections
  • Use our AI tutor for tough concepts

RPAS Advanced Study Tips from Top Performers

1Memorize the key distances: 122 m (400 ft) altitude ceiling, 5.6 km (3 NM) from certified airports, and 1.9 km (1 NM) from heliports, plus the 30 m basic-people distance versus as close as 5 m for advanced near-people operations
2Practise decoding METARs and TAFs until automatic: read BKN/SCT/OVC cloud cover in hundreds of feet, wind groups with G for gusts, TEMPO windows in UTC, and recognize a small temperature/dew-point spread as a fog risk
3Know the controlled-airspace workflow cold: a written RPAS Flight Authorization from NAV CANADA via NAV Drone is required for Class C, D and E, and the phone/email method no longer applies
4Study the 2025 changes: from November 4, 2025 advanced holders may fly medium drones (25-150 kg over 152.4 m / 500 ft from uninvolved people when away from people), and Level 1 Complex is the separate BVLOS certificate
5Learn the airspace classes A-G and control zones (typically Class D with a 5 NM radius) and understand why Class C around major airports needs a Mode C transponder
6Drill emergency and human-factors items: lost-link behaviour (return-to-home/hover), flyaway reporting obligations, the IMSAFE checklist, the five hazardous attitudes, and the duty to give way to all crewed aircraft

Frequently Asked Questions

How many questions are on the RPAS Advanced Operations exam and what is the pass mark?

The Advanced exam has 50 multiple-choice questions with a 60-minute time limit, and you must score at least 80% (40 of 50) to pass. It is taken online through Transport Canada's Drone Management Portal.

Is the exam all I need for advanced operations?

No. After passing the 50-question exam you must also complete an in-person flight review with a designated flight reviewer before you can exercise advanced operations privileges and receive your Pilot Certificate - Advanced Operations.

What do I need to fly in controlled airspace?

You need a Pilot Certificate - Advanced Operations and a written RPAS Flight Authorization from NAV CANADA, submitted through the NAV Drone application. This written process replaced previous phone and email authorization methods for Class C, D and E airspace.

What changed for advanced pilots on November 4, 2025?

From November 4, 2025, advanced pilots may operate medium drones (over 25 kg up to 150 kg) within visual line-of-sight if the drone is declared safe, and may conduct EVLOS and sheltered operations. A separate Level 1 Complex certificate now covers lower-risk BVLOS.

How far must I stay from airports and heliports?

Without authorization you must remain at least 5.6 km (3 nautical miles) from the centre of a certified airport and at least 1.9 km (1 nautical mile) from a heliport, because of crewed-aircraft and air-ambulance traffic.

What is the cost and can I rewrite the exam if I fail?

The Advanced exam fee is CA$10, with a separate CA$25 flight-review certificate processing fee. If you fail, you may rewrite the exam after a 24-hour waiting period through the Drone Management Portal.

What is the minimum age and do I need a medical?

You must be at least 16 years old to hold a Pilot Certificate - Advanced Operations. RPAS pilots do not require an aviation medical certificate, but must not operate while impaired by alcohol or drugs.