Canada Drone Pilot Advanced Exam Preparation: Airspace, aerodromes and authorizations

1. Question 1 of 18

   What is the general maximum altitude for a drone under Part IX?

   • A300 ft (91 m) above ground level
   • B400 ft (122 m) above sea level
   • C400 ft (122 m) above ground level
   • D500 ft (152 m) above ground level
   Show answer

   Answer: C. 400 ft (122 m) above ground level

   Section 901.25 limits drones to 400 ft (122 m) AGL unless an exception applies.

2. Question 2 of 18

   You are flying less than 61 m (200 ft) horizontally from a tall building. What is the extra altitude limit?

   • ANo more than 30 m (100 ft) above the building
   • BNo more than 15 m (50 ft) above the building
   • CNo more than 61 m (200 ft) above the building
   • DNo extra limit, only 122 m AGL
   Show answer

   Answer: A. No more than 30 m (100 ft) above the building

   Within 200 ft horizontally of a building or structure, you may fly up to 100 ft (30 m) above it.

3. Question 3 of 18

   Which airspace class is always uncontrolled?

   • AClass D
   • BClass G
   • CClass C
   • DClass E
   Show answer

   Answer: B. Class G

   Under CAR 601.02, Classes A to E are controlled. Class G is uncontrolled. Class F can be either.

4. Question 4 of 18

   What describes Class F airspace?

   • AAirspace used only by IFR flights
   • BSpecial use airspace, restricted or advisory
   • CAirspace above 18,000 ft only
   • DAirspace for drones under 250 g
   Show answer

   Answer: B. Special use airspace, restricted or advisory

   Class F is Special Use Restricted or Special Use Advisory airspace. It can be inside controlled or uncontrolled airspace.

5. Question 5 of 18

   What is true of Class A airspace?

   • AIt is uncontrolled airspace near small airports
   • BIt is controlled airspace where VFR is common
   • CIt is controlled airspace for IFR flights only
   • DIt is special use airspace for military flights
   Show answer

   Answer: C. It is controlled airspace for IFR flights only

   Class A is controlled airspace where only IFR flights operate, with ATC clearances for all.

6. Question 6 of 18

   Why are control zones set up around certain aerodromes?

   • ATo mark areas where small drones may fly freely at any height
   • BTo keep birds away from runways
   • CTo keep IFR aircraft in controlled airspace on approach
   • DTo show where radio use is not allowed
   Show answer

   Answer: C. To keep IFR aircraft in controlled airspace on approach

   The TC AIM says control zones keep IFR aircraft within controlled airspace during approaches.

7. Question 7 of 18

   Which organization gives the authorization to fly a drone in airspace controlled by NAV CANADA?

   • AThe local police service
   • BTransport Canada, through the Drone Management Portal
   • CThe nearest drone flight school
   • DNAV CANADA, through an RPAS Flight Authorization
   Show answer

   Answer: D. NAV CANADA, through an RPAS Flight Authorization

   For NAV CANADA controlled airspace, you request an RPAS Flight Authorization, for example through the NAV Drone app.

8. Question 8 of 18

   Without an established procedure, how far from the centre of a certified airport must a drone stay?

   • A9.3 km (5 NM)
   • B5.6 km (3 NM)
   • C1.9 km (1 NM)
   • D3.7 km (2 NM)
   Show answer

   Answer: B. 5.6 km (3 NM)

   Basic operations must stay more than 5.6 km (3 NM) from the centre of a certified airport.

9. Question 9 of 18

   Without an established procedure, how far from the centre of a certified heliport must a drone stay?

   • A5.6 km (3 NM)
   • B0.9 km (0.5 NM)
   • C1.9 km (1 NM)
   • D3.7 km (2 NM)
   Show answer

   Answer: C. 1.9 km (1 NM)

   Stay at least 1.9 km (1 NM) from a certified heliport unless you follow an established Transport Canada procedure.

10. Question 10 of 18

    You want to fly within 5.6 km (3 NM) of a military aerodrome. Whose permission do you need?

    • AThe Department of National Defence
    • BNAV CANADA only
    • CParks Canada
    • DThe nearest civilian airport manager
    Show answer

    Answer: A. The Department of National Defence

    Flying within 5.6 km of a military aerodrome needs Department of National Defence authorization.

11. Question 11 of 18

    You plan a flight 4 km from a certified airport, outside controlled airspace. What do you need?

    • ANothing, because the airspace is uncontrolled
    • BAn advanced certificate, following an established procedure
    • COnly a basic certificate
    • DA Special Flight Operations Certificate from Transport Canada
    Show answer

    Answer: B. An advanced certificate, following an established procedure

    Within 3 NM (5.6 km) of a certified airport outside controlled airspace, you need a valid advanced certificate and must follow established procedures (TC AIM 3.4.1.3).

12. Question 12 of 18

    Which aircraft must a drone pilot give way to?

    • AAeroplanes, helicopters, gliders, airships and balloons
    • BOnly aircraft flying IFR
    • COnly aircraft that call on the radio
    • DOnly aircraft that are taking off or landing at an aerodrome
    Show answer

    Answer: A. Aeroplanes, helicopters, gliders, airships and balloons

    Section 901.17 says drones give way to power-driven heavier-than-air aircraft, airships, gliders and balloons at all times.

13. Question 13 of 18

    How far from a wildfire must you stay?

    • A3.7 km (2 NM)
    • B5.6 km (3 NM)
    • C9.3 km (5 NM)
    • D1.9 km (1 NM)
    Show answer

    Answer: C. 9.3 km (5 NM)

    Transport Canada says not to fly within 9.3 km (5 NM) of a wildfire.

14. Question 14 of 18

    Which flight is prohibited without authorization, even with a drone under 250 g?

    • AA flight 40 m from a hiking trail
    • BA flight at 90 m AGL over a farm
    • CA flight in Class F Special Use Restricted airspace
    • DA flight 10 km from a certified airport
    Show answer

    Answer: C. A flight in Class F Special Use Restricted airspace

    Class F restricted airspace, emergency sites and NOTAM-restricted zones are off limits without authorization, whatever the drone's weight.

15. Question 15 of 18

    When you request authorization in controlled airspace, which item may the air traffic services provider ask for?

    • AThe price you paid for the drone and its spare batteries
    • BYour Advanced Exam score
    • CYour procedures if the command and control link is lost
    • DThe brand of your camera
    Show answer

    Answer: C. Your procedures if the command and control link is lost

    Section 901.71 lists items such as times, boundaries, pilot details, lost-link procedures, emergency procedures and how to end the operation.

16. Question 16 of 18

    Your NAV CANADA authorization is for controlled airspace. May you fly above 122 m AGL?

    • AYes, if you stay under 152 m
    • BOnly if the authorization allows it
    • CYes, any authorization allows it
    • DNo, never under any authorization
    Show answer

    Answer: B. Only if the authorization allows it

    Section 901.71 lets you fly above the 901.25 altitudes only if the air traffic services provider authorizes it.

17. Question 17 of 18

    During a flight in controlled airspace, where should your authorization be?

    • APosted on the drone itself
    • BEasily accessible to the pilot
    • CFiled at home in case of an audit
    • DWith the drone's manufacturer
    Show answer

    Answer: B. Easily accessible to the pilot

    Section 901.71(3) says the authorization must be easily accessible to the pilot during the operation.

18. Question 18 of 18

    How should you treat the NRC Drone Site Selection Tool?

    • AAs a replacement for the site survey you must do
    • BAs a convenience, while still checking NOTAMs
    • CAs a legal authorization to fly
    • DAs a way to request NAV CANADA approval
    Show answer

    Answer: B. As a convenience, while still checking NOTAMs

    Transport Canada says the NRC tool is for convenience only. Check NOTAMs in the NAV CANADA portal or NAV Drone and do your site survey.

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