Saturday, March 11, 2023

Passed

Where Are We Today
Quartzsite Arizona


What did I pass? The Transport Canada Pilot Certificate for (RPAS) Small Remotely Piloted Aircraft Systems, Visual line-of-sight (VLOS) .

My Certificate
Why do I need this? In 2019 Transport Canada came out with new regulations for drones, (RPAS), whether they are quadcopter, helicopter or fixed wing aircraft, weighting more than 250 g and up to and including 25 kg.

The test for the Basic Certificate is 35 multiple choice answer questions that you get 90 minutes to do it in. It is done on-line at a cost of $10.00. you need a 65% grade to pass. If you fail, you have to wait 24 hours before you can take it again and you can take it as many times as it takes to get a passing grade. Most of these questions have nothing to do with RPA flying and more to do with flying full-scale aircraft.

Another Nice Landing
There is an advanced test that allows for more freedom to where you can fly, it is 50 questions, 60 minutes to do it and you must take a flight review with a certified reviewer.

As a member of MAAC, Model Aeronautics Association of Canada, I was exempted from those regulations if I was flying from an approved MAAC flying field. Due to an error in site approval of some fields, which MAAC was trying to correct, Transport Canada took away our exemption and suspended all out door flying until we obtained our pilot certificate. All sites have to be reapproved before we can fly at them.

There are restrictions that come with the Basic Pilot Certificate. To name a few, fly no higher than 400 feet above ground level, fly 100 feet away from spectators, no closer than 3 nautical miles from an airport and 1 nautical mile from a heliport. Also, every RPA has to be registered with Transport Canada, it will be assigned a registration number which must be affixed to that aircraft and every aircraft that you own, cost of $5.00 per.

I don’t disagree with some regulations, but their tests need to be more in line with the type of flying we are involved in.

 I do not mind telling you that after looking at all the study material, AIM  and the CAR, I was very nervous at whether this old dog was going to be able to pass this test, even taking it multiple times if necessary. I surprised myself and gave a huge sigh of relief when I passed it on the first attempt with a 74% grade.

Quartzsite Desert flyers Field
Hoping now that our field back home gets re-opened by the time I get back. I will now start registering my airplanes and set up the mandatory log books that I need for each airplane and transmitter.

We are three weeks away from leaving the park and starting our trek home. This past Wednesday, I conducted our last Quartzsite Desert Flyers meeting for this season, the next meeting will be in November.

Thanks for following along. I know this post may be boring to some, but interesting to others. Until the next time, take care.


23 comments:

  1. Congratulations, job well done.

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  3. Congratulations. Good job. Sometimes we surprise ourselves! Becky

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  4. You know how proud I am! And never once waivered in my belief that you would pass with no problem. ♥♥

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    1. Thank you sweetie for all your encouragement, support, help in research and unwavering belief in me even when I doubt myself.

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  5. Really well done Bill; had no idea how involved the regulation of drones had become although can understand the need.It does seem somewhat overdone as usual by government committee- so enjoy your hobby & hopefully your local airfield will be in compliance upon your return.All the best.

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    1. Thank you James, yes I couldn't believe it either. I can see the need for some of it. What we have now is way beyond the scope of what is needled. There is a group that is trying to bring the testing more inclined with the U.S., which I have done so that I can fly when down there in the winter.
      I am sure we will get our field back.

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  6. Wow ... who knew there were so many regulations. Is it the same in the U.S. as it is in Canada? I've never heard of anyone having to pass a test to fly a drone. Congratulations on passing ... love the picture of the field in Q. Did you get your engine back???

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    1. Yes to many regulations for the type of flying that I'm doing. No the reg's down here are much more in line with the flying we do. no, I haven't got my engine back yet.

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  7. Bill: You may already know about it, but there is a very useful YT channel called “Don Drones On” that deals with all things related to drone flying in Canada. His most recent episode deals with the MAAC issue.

    Congrats on passing the test!

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    1. Yes I have watched many of his videos, especially to prepare for taking the test.

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  8. Congratulations Bill, that's awesome!

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  9. Congratulations, Bill. I knew you would pass any test you put your mind to. Fly high!

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    1. Thank you Doug, appreciate the vote of confidence, self doubt is always in my mind when it comes to this stuff.

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  10. Congratulations Bill.
    You are very correct that most of the time our Government makes regulations that have little to do with what we are actually dealing with.
    Be Safe and Enjoy!

    It's about time.

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    1. Thanks Rick and Kathy, it makes no sense to the way they went about this. We can only hope that changes will be made as we go forward.

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  11. Congrats Bill, I knew you would pass with flying colours!

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  12. I don't know about you Bill, but the older I get, the more stupid mistakes I make. You just got to roll with it. I bet you don't do that one again. :O) Good to hear it all worked out and you guys are on your way.
    Bobseyes

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