Canada Drone Pilot Basic Exam Preparation: The rules for basic operations

1. Question 1 of 19

   What is the heaviest drone you may fly in a basic operation?

   • A25 kg
   • B5 kg
   • C150 kg
   • D250 g
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   Answer: A. 25 kg

   Basic operations use small drones, with an operating weight of no more than 25 kg.

2. Question 2 of 19

   When you work out your drone's weight category, what do you include?

   • AOnly the frame and the motors, without the battery
   • BThe drone and its remote control, but not the camera
   • CThe drone plus anything attached, like a camera
   • DThe drone, its remote control and all spare batteries
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   Answer: C. The drone plus anything attached, like a camera

   Transport Canada counts the drone plus anything attached or carried, such as cameras or safety cages. The remote control is not counted.

3. Question 3 of 19

   Which weight range is a small drone?

   • AFrom 250 g up to 25 kg
   • BUnder 250 g
   • CFrom 1 kg up to 50 kg
   • DOver 25 kg up to 150 kg
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   Answer: A. From 250 g up to 25 kg

   Small drones weigh at least 250 g and up to 25 kg. Under 250 g is a microdrone, and over 25 kg up to 150 kg is a medium drone.

4. Question 4 of 19

   During a basic flight, what horizontal gap must you keep between the drone and bystanders who are not part of the operation?

   • AMore than 122 m (400 ft)
   • BMore than 10 m (33 ft)
   • CMore than 5 m (16 ft)
   • DMore than 30 m (100 ft)
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   Answer: D. More than 30 m (100 ft)

   Basic operations keep the drone more than 30 m (100 ft) horizontally from any person who is not part of the operation.

5. Question 5 of 19

   All four flights are far from any airport or heliport. Which one is a basic operation?

   • AA 2 kg drone, in sight, in uncontrolled airspace, 15 m from a person walking by
   • BA 30 kg drone, in sight, in uncontrolled airspace, 100 m from anyone
   • CA 2 kg drone, in sight, in controlled airspace, 200 m from anyone
   • DA 2 kg drone, in sight, in uncontrolled airspace, 50 m from the nearest person
   Show answer

   Answer: D. A 2 kg drone, in sight, in uncontrolled airspace, 50 m from the nearest person

   A basic operation meets every condition: 25 kg or less, in sight, more than 30 m from people, and in uncontrolled airspace. Each other choice breaks one condition.

6. Question 6 of 19

   Your flight in uncontrolled airspace will pass 15 m from people walking on a path. What kind of operation is it?

   • AA microdrone operation
   • BAn advanced operation
   • CAny operation, as long as you fly fast
   • DA basic operation
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   Answer: B. An advanced operation

   If a flight does not meet all basic conditions, it is advanced or complex. Flying within 30 m of a person in uncontrolled airspace is an example of an advanced operation.

7. Question 7 of 19

   You plan to fly 90 m high, directly above a person who is not part of your flight. Can this be a basic operation?

   • AYes, because 90 m is much more than 30 m away
   • BYes, if the person gives you permission first
   • CYes, as long as you stay below 122 m above ground
   • DNo, the 30 m rule applies at any altitude
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   Answer: D. No, the 30 m rule applies at any altitude

   Section 901.53 measures the 30 m distance horizontally and at any altitude. Flying high does not let you pass over people in a basic operation.

8. Question 8 of 19

   According to the TC AIM, how are people inside vehicles or buildings treated for the 30 m rule?

   • AThey count double, so you need to stay 60 m away
   • BThey count only when you fly at night
   • CThey count only if the windows or doors are open
   • DThey are not counted
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   Answer: D. They are not counted

   The TC AIM says people inside vehicles or buildings are not factored into the 30 m horizontal distance rule.

9. Question 9 of 19

   Without any special permission, how high above the ground may you fly a drone in Canada?

   • A1,000 ft (305 m) above ground level
   • B200 ft (61 m) above ground level
   • C400 ft (122 m) above ground level
   • D400 ft (122 m) above sea level
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   Answer: C. 400 ft (122 m) above ground level

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

10. Question 10 of 19

    You are inspecting a 150 m tall building and stay less than 61 m (200 ft) from it horizontally. What is the highest you may fly?

    • A150 m above the ground, level with the roof
    • B122 m above the ground, the normal limit
    • C211 m above the ground, 61 m above the roof
    • D180 m above the ground
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    Answer: D. 180 m above the ground

    Within 61 m horizontally of a building, you may fly up to 30 m (100 ft) above it. 150 m + 30 m = 180 m above the ground.

11. Question 11 of 19

    How can a pilot legally fly higher than the altitude limits in section 901.25?

    • ABy keeping a trained visual observer on site
    • BOnly under an SFOC-RPAS
    • CBy getting a neighbour's written permission first
    • DBy flying a drone that weighs less than 1 kg
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    Answer: B. Only under an SFOC-RPAS

    Section 901.25 allows a higher altitude only when the flight follows a Special Flight Operations Certificate – RPAS.

12. Question 12 of 19

    Which of these may you use to keep your drone in visual line-of-sight (VLOS)?

    • AA camera's zoom lens
    • BYour prescription glasses
    • CA pair of binoculars
    • DThe live video on your screen
    Show answer

    Answer: B. Your prescription glasses

    VLOS means unaided visual contact. The TC AIM says binoculars, telescopes and zoom lenses are not allowed, but prescription glasses and sunglasses are.

13. Question 13 of 19

    Who may keep the drone in visual line-of-sight during a basic operation?

    • AThe drone's obstacle sensors
    • BOnly a person who holds an advanced certificate
    • CAnyone watching the video feed
    • DThe pilot or a visual observer
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    Answer: D. The pilot or a visual observer

    Section 901.11 requires the pilot or a visual observer to have the aircraft in visual line-of-sight.

14. Question 14 of 19

    What is a visual observer?

    • AA camera on the drone that watches for other traffic
    • BA Transport Canada inspector who visits the site
    • CA trained crew member who helps keep the flight safe
    • DAny bystander who agrees to watch the drone for you
    Show answer

    Answer: C. A trained crew member who helps keep the flight safe

    Part IX defines a visual observer as a crew member trained to help the pilot make sure the flight is safe. Under section 901.20, the pilot and each observer must keep reliable and timely communication.

15. Question 15 of 19

    A hot-air balloon drifts toward the area where you are flying. Who must give way?

    • AThe balloon pilot
    • BWhoever arrived in the area first
    • CWhoever is higher
    • DYou, the drone pilot
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    Answer: D. You, the drone pilot

    Section 901.17 says a drone pilot must give way to power-driven aircraft, airships, gliders and balloons at all times.

16. Question 16 of 19

    You want to fly your drone at night in a basic operation. What does section 901.39 require?

    • ALights that make the drone visible, turned on
    • BA special night certificate from Transport Canada
    • CWritten permission from the nearest police station
    • DA drone that weighs less than 1 kg in total
    Show answer

    Answer: A. Lights that make the drone visible, turned on

    At night, the drone must have lights that make it visible to the pilot or a visual observer, and the lights must be on.

17. Question 17 of 19

    You fly a 220 g microdrone. Which statement is true?

    • AYou need a Pilot Certificate – Basic Operations to fly it
    • BYou may fly above 400 ft because the drone is so light
    • CNo certificate is needed, but reckless flying is not allowed
    • DYou may fly over a public concert without any permission
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    Answer: C. No certificate is needed, but reckless flying is not allowed

    Microdrones need no certificate or registration, but Transport Canada says you must not fly in a reckless or negligent way. It also recommends keeping the drone in sight and below 400 ft.

18. Question 18 of 19

    A town is holding an advertised outdoor festival. What do you need to fly any drone there, even a microdrone?

    • AOnly the festival organizer's verbal permission
    • BOnly a Pilot Certificate – Basic Operations
    • CA Special Flight Operations Certificate – RPAS
    • DNothing, if you stay below 122 m
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    Answer: C. A Special Flight Operations Certificate – RPAS

    Flying at an advertised event, such as a concert, festival or sports event, needs an SFOC-RPAS, whatever the size of the drone.

19. Question 19 of 19

    Your 13-year-old cousin wants to fly your 600 g drone in a basic operation. When is this allowed?

    • AAny time, as long as the drone is registered and marked
    • BOnly after your cousin passes an online practice test
    • COnly under direct supervision of a qualified pilot
    • DNever, until your cousin turns 16 years old
    Show answer

    Answer: C. Only under direct supervision of a qualified pilot

    Section 901.54 sets a minimum age of 14, but a person without a certificate may fly under the direct supervision of someone who is permitted to conduct the operation.

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