Advanced Pilot or Complex Ops? The Ultimate Study Guide for Canadian Drone Pilots

By: Colonel (ret) Bernie Derbach, KR Droneworks, 19 Dec 2025

Your journey to becoming a professional drone pilot in Canada has likely led you to a confusing intersection of terminology: Advanced Operations vs. Level 1 Complex Operations.

While they sound similar, they are two distinct tiers of certification with different study paths, exam requirements, and Transport Canada (TC) publications (TPs).

This guide clears up the confusion, breaks down exactly what you need to study for each, and references the specific Transport Canada documents (TP 15530 vs. TP 15263) you need to know.

The "Big Two" Certifications Explained

Before you open a single book, you must know which exam you are actually sitting for.

1. Advanced Pilot Certificate (The "Standard" Pro License)

   • Goal: Fly in controlled airspace (near airports) and near people (down to 5m horizontal distance, or over people with specific drones).

   • Regulation: Part IX of the CARs (standard visual line-of-sight).

   • Reference: TP 15263.

   • Requirement: Online Exam + In-Person Flight Review.

     
     

2. Level 1 Complex Operations (The "BVLOS" License)

   • Goal: Fly Beyond Visual Line of Sight (BVLOS) in low-risk environments without needing a specific Special Flight Operations Certificate (SFOC) for every mission.

   • Regulation: A newer tier for "Lower Risk" BVLOS.

   • Reference: TP 15530.

   • Requirement: Advanced Certificate (Prerequisite) + 20 Hours Ground School + Online Exam + Flight Review.

     
     

1. Studying for the Advanced Pilot Certificate

Most pilots start here. This exam is notorious for being "open book" yet difficult because the questions are specific and often require you to interpret charts (VNCs) and regulations quickly.

What You Need to Know (The Syllabus)

Transport Canada outlines the knowledge requirements in TP 15263.

• Air Law & Procedures: The bulk of the exam. Know CARs Part IX inside out.

• Navigation: Reading VTA and VNC charts (know your symbology for control zones vs. aerodromes).

• Meteorology: Reading METARs, TAFs, and GFAs (Graphic Area Forecasts).

• Theory of Flight: Basic aerodynamics (lift, drag, weather effects on airframes).

Where to Study

• Official Source: Transport Canada TP 15263 (This is the curriculum, not a textbook).

• The "Bible": From the Ground Up (Standard aviation textbook). You don't need to read the whole thing, but use it to study the Weather and Navigation sections referenced in TP 15263.

• Online Ground Schools: Highly recommended for "Advanced" because they teach you how to read the charts. (Look for providers like Coastal Drone Co., AlteX, or similar TC-compliant schools).

• AIM (Aeronautical Information Manual): The TC AIM RPA chapter is essential reading.

Exam Tip: You have 60 minutes for 50 questions. You do not have time to "look up" every answer. You must know the Air Law cold; save your lookup time for the complex weather or chart questions.

2. Studying for Level 1 Complex Operations

This is the newer, higher-level certification. If you are reviewing TP 15530, you are preparing for Beyond Visual Line of Sight (BVLOS) operations. This is not self-study friendly in the same way; TC requires you to complete a 20-hour ground school course first.

What You Need to Know (The Syllabus)

Transport Canada outlines these requirements in TP 15530.

• BVLOS Specifics: Understanding the specific technical requirements for flying when you cannot see the drone.

• Detect and Avoid (DAA): Technologies and procedures for avoiding other aircraft without visual contact.

• Specific Operational Risk Assessment (SORA): While Level 1 is "low risk," understanding the risk assessment methodology (ground risk vs. air risk) is key.

• Command & Control (C2) Links: a deeper technical understanding of radio frequencies, latency, and link loss procedures than is required for standard Advanced ops.

Where to Study

• Mandatory Ground School: Unlike the Basic/Advanced exams, you generally cannot just book this exam. You usually must provide proof of completing a Level 1 Complex Ground School curriculum.

• Specialized Providers: Look for schools that specifically mention "Level 1 Complex" or "BVLOS Training." Schools like In-Flight Data or Volatus Academy are often leaders in this specific tier.

• TP 15530 Document: Download this and use it as a checklist. If there is a line item in TP 15530 you cannot explain to a layperson, you aren't ready.

### ⚠️ CRITICAL CAUTION: The "Paper Pilot" Trap

Passing the written exam proves you can read regulations; it does not prove you can fly or manage a mission.

Attempting your Flight Review immediately after passing the online exam—without practical flight training—is like a student pilot booking their Private Pilot flight test having only attended ground school. You will likely fail.

Why? The Flight Review does not just test your ability to steer the drone. It tests your procedures and decision-making. Reviewers commonly fail candidates who fly perfectly but:

• Fail to use checklists.

• Skip the site survey or emergency briefing.

• Freeze up during simulated emergencies (like a fly-away or aircraft intrusion).

The Fix: Treat the exam as "Ground School" and the Flight Review as your "Check Ride." Between the two, you need Flight Training. Whether you take a practical flight course or practice rigorously with a mentor, ensure your physical setup, emergency procedures, and checklists are muscle memory before you pay for a review.

Summary Checklist

Feature	Advanced Operations	Level 1 Complex Ops
Primary Document	TP 15263	TP 15530
Main Privilege	Fly in Controlled Airspace / Near People (VLOS)	Fly Beyond Visual Line of Sight (BVLOS)
Prerequisites	None (Basic recommended but not required)	Must hold Advanced Certificate first
Training	Self-study allowed (Ground school recommended)	20 Hours Ground School Required
Study Priority	Airspace Charts & CARs Part IX	DAA, C2 Links, & Risk Assessment

Final Advice

Don't mix up your TPs!

• If you just want to fly your Mavic 3 near a film set or in a city, stick to TP 15263.

• If you are building a career in pipeline inspection, agricultural mapping over vast areas, or drone delivery, you need to dive into TP 15530.

References:

• Transport Canada. (2024). TP 15263 - Knowledge Requirements for Pilots of Remotely Piloted Aircraft Systems.

• Transport Canada. (2025). TP 15530 - Knowledge Requirements for Pilots of Remotely Piloted Aircraft Systems – Level 1 Complex Operations.