Your Weekly Update Happy Friday, pilots! It’s been a wild week in the drone universe. From internet-killing delivery drones in the US to military detection trials buzzing over Ottawa, here is everything you need to know from the last 7 days. Here is your weekly briefing on the most important news from the drone universe. 🌎 International News U.S. MQ-9 Reaper crash off South Korea (routine mission — under investigation). Multiple outlets reported a U.S. Air Force MQ-9 crashed

The Rules Have Changed. Don’t Get Grounded by Inadequate Training. If you are looking to upgrade your drone operations in Canada, you have likely seen the new Transport Canada (TC) requirements for the Pilot Certificate – Level 1 Complex Operations . The requirement includes passing the exams and attending a 20-hour ground school . However, this new requirement has created a "Buyer Beware" situation. The old adage "You Get What You Pay For" is the reality. With the market fl

Becoming a skilled drone pilot in Canada requires more than just buying a drone. You need proper training to understand the rules, operate safely, and maximize your drone’s potential. This guide breaks down the essentials of Canadian drone training. It offers clear steps and useful tips to help you get started or improve your skills. Understanding Canadian Drone Training Requirements Canada has strict regulations for drone operations. These rules ensure safety for everyone in

Operating drones safely is critical for any commercial drone company or individual entrepreneur. You must follow clear, practical steps to protect your equipment, people, and airspace. This post outlines essential drone safety procedures that help you meet regulatory standards and run your operations smoothly. Key Drone Safety Procedures to Follow You need to start with a solid foundation of safety practices. These procedures reduce risks and ensure compliance with aviation a

For Level 1 Complex drone pilots operating under Canadian regulations effective as of November 2025, the E6-B flight computer is an essential tool for flight planning and risk management. While originally designed for manned aviation, the E6-B helps Level 1 Complex pilots tackle the unique challenges of Beyond Visual Line of Sight (BVLOS) operations. Unlike Visual Line of Sight (VLOS) flying, where you can visually assess if wind is pushing your drone off course, BVLOS requ

Your Weekly Update The world of unmanned aerial systems (UAS)—drones—rarely slows down. This past week saw major developments across the globe, from new defense security measures in Europe and Canada to tragic updates on drone warfare and critical regulatory shifts for commercial operators. Here is your weekly briefing on the most important news from the drone universe. International News This week's global headlines were dominated by counter-drone security efforts related to

Date: November 21, 2025 Author: Colonel (ret) Bernie Derbach Introduction: The Dust Has Settled, but the Race Has Just Begun As of November 4, 2025, the Canadian RPAS industry finally exhaled. The long-awaited "Phase 2" regulations are live, and the Level 1 Complex certificate is now the new gold standard for professional pilots. Routine low-risk Beyond Visual Line of Sight (BVLOS) flights in sparsely populated areas are no longer a regulatory tightrope walk involving Spec

Are you planning a RPAS (Remotely Piloted Aircraft System) mission using Google Earth's powerful measurement and path tools? If so, there's a critical detail you must be aware of to ensure your flight operations are safe and accurate: Google Earth provides headings in relation to True North, not Magnetic North. Failing to account for this difference—the magnetic declination —can lead to significant navigation errors, especially on longer missions or in areas with high decli

Calling all Canadian drone pilots! Whether you're a seasoned professional tackling complex operations or just starting with your first drone, navigating the skies safely and legally is paramount. The good news? There's a fantastic array of digital tools at your fingertips designed to make your life easier and your flights compliant. Forget sifting through endless regulations – we've scoured the internet to bring you an extensive list of the best applications for Canadian dr

Reference: Choosing the right drone for advanced and complex operations [LINK ] Transport Canada (TC) has significantly refined the path for professional drone operators with the introduction of Standard 922 – Remotely Piloted Aircraft Systems (RPAS) Safety Assurance . This standard is the backbone of Canada's approach to Advanced and Complex drone operations, moving the focus from broad permits to certifying the actual safety capabilities of the aircraft itself. For pilots a

Lithium Polymer (LiPo) batteries are the lifeblood of many modern devices, especially in remote operations where reliable power is paramount. However, their unique chemistry demands careful handling to ensure both longevity and, more critically, safety. This blog post will delve into best practices for managing LiPo batteries, covering everything from proper storage and charging to fire mitigation and compliance with air transport regulations. Why LiPo Battery Management Matt

Welcome to our weekly pulse check on the skies! This week (mid-November 2025) has been dominated by a mix of significant regulatory changes in North America, major product launches from DJI, and intensifying counter-drone security measures across Europe. Here’s your look at what has been buzzing in the drone universe. 🇪🇺 European Security: The 'Drone Wall' Takes Shape The ongoing threat of hybrid warfare and unauthorized airspace incursions has put European defense firmly i

Business & Risk Management: A crucial, often confusing topic. The Canadian drone industry is soaring, with professional pilots undertaking increasingly complex operations. While basic liability insurance is a good starting point, truly safeguarding your drone business in Canada requires a deeper understanding of available coverage options. This article will delve into essential insurance considerations for professional drone pilots, moving beyond the basics to cover hull cove

TC RPAS Advanced Pilot Study Guide The Advanced Operations Exam consists of 50 multiple-choice questions with a 60-minute time limit and an 80% (40/50) passing score. Your study should focus on understanding the context and application of the rules, not just memorizing the text. I. Knowledge Area Answers and Details 1. Air Law, Air Traffic Rules and Procedures 🇨🇦 Core Reference: CARs Part IX (Remotely Piloted Aircraft Systems) & TC AIM RPA Section . Requirement Deta

The skies are opening up for drone operations in Canada, and with new Transport Canada (TC) RPAS (Remotely Piloted Aircraft System) regulations, comes an exciting opportunity to enter the commercial drone industry as a Trained Visual Observer (VO) . Are you looking for a new way to leverage your observational skills in a high-tech field? Read on! The Evolving Role of the Visual Observer Under Transport Canada While there is no mandatory "Visual Observer Certification," TC's n

Why a RPAS Mission Flight Plan is important

Starting a commercial drone operation requires more than just buying equipment. You need the right training to meet regulations and operate safely. That is where professional drone training services come in. They help you build skills, understand rules, and prepare for real-world flying. If you want to launch or grow your drone business, choosing the right training partner is critical. Why Choose Drone Training Services Canada? Drone training services in Canada provide essent

☀️ Don't Let Space Weather Ground Your BVLOS Flight As a professional drone pilot, you constantly manage risks like wind, rain, and air traffic. But an invisible, silent factor originating 93 million miles away can suddenly turn a smooth operation into a disaster: space weather . This is where the Kp index becomes your critical pre-flight check. The Kp index (Planetary K-index) is an essential global measure of Earth's geomagnetic activity [1, 3]. It quantifies disturbanc

As a professional drone pilot in Canada, you're likely holding your Advanced Operations Pilot Certificate, giving you the flexibility to fly in controlled airspace and near people. But as of November 4, 2025, Transport Canada's regulatory framework introduces the ultimate professional credential: the Pilot Certificate – Level 1 Complex Operations (L1CO). The simple answer to whether you need it is: Only if you plan to conduct Level 1 Complex lower-risk Beyond Visual Line-of-S