Preparing for Your Flight Review: Tips from Canada's Top Reviewers
A comprehensive guide to preparing for your drone flight review in Canada — what reviewers assess, common mistakes to avoid, and how to book through RPAS WILCO Pilot Networks.
What Is a Flight Review?
A flight review is a required competency assessment conducted by a certified flight reviewer. It is the mechanism through which Transport Canada ensures that drone pilots possess both the knowledge and the practical skills necessary to operate safely in Canadian airspace. Flight reviews are required to obtain an Advanced Pilot Certificate and must be renewed every 24 months to maintain recency, as mandated by CARs Part IX. With 1,328 registered flight reviewers across Canada, there is a robust network of qualified assessors available to the drone community.
The review consists of two parts: a knowledge assessment and a practical flight assessment. Both must be completed satisfactorily for the reviewer to sign off on your competency. Think of it as a driving test for drone pilots — it confirms you know the rules of the air and can handle the aircraft safely under normal and abnormal conditions.
What Reviewers Assess
In the knowledge portion, reviewers evaluate your understanding of Canadian drone regulations, airspace classification and restrictions, weather interpretation and its effects on drone operations, emergency procedures, and the specific requirements of CARs Part IX. Expect questions on topics like minimum distance from people, controlled airspace authorization procedures, and the conditions under which you may or may not fly. Reviewers are looking for practical understanding, not rote memorisation — they want to know that you can apply the rules to real-world scenarios.
The practical portion takes place in the field with your drone. Reviewers will assess your preflight inspection procedures, takeoff and stable hover, controlled flight patterns (figure eights, orbits, and straight-line navigation), emergency procedures such as simulated motor failure response, and safe landing technique. You will also be evaluated on your situational awareness — how well you monitor your surroundings, manage your altitude and distance, and communicate your intentions throughout the flight.
Common Mistakes Candidates Make
Experienced reviewers see the same issues repeatedly. The most common mistake is not reviewing recent regulatory updates. The 2025 Phase 2 changes introduced new operation categories, weight classes, and certification requirements — if you studied from materials printed in 2023, you will have gaps. Reviewers are assessing your knowledge of the current regulations, not a historical snapshot.
Other frequent missteps include skipping the preflight checklist or rushing through it to appear confident, poor situational awareness during the practical flight (losing track of orientation, drifting beyond intended boundaries), and failing to check NOTAMs and weather before the review. Reviewers notice all of these, and they indicate habits that would be dangerous in real operations. The candidates who perform best are the ones who treat the flight review exactly like a real mission — methodical, thorough, and unhurried.
How to Prepare
Start by studying the current version of CARs Part IX and any associated Transport Canada advisory circulars. Pay particular attention to the Phase 2 changes that took effect in late 2025 — reviewers will expect you to be current. Review airspace classification charts for your region and practice reading sectional maps. Brush up on weather theory, especially how wind, temperature, and precipitation affect small RPAS platforms.
For the practical portion, practise your basic manoeuvres until they are second nature. Fly figure eights, orbits, and straight lines at consistent altitudes. Practise your emergency procedures — know exactly how your specific drone behaves when a motor fails or signal is lost, and rehearse your response. Most importantly, prepare your documentation: ensure your pilot certificate is valid, your drone registration is current, your liability insurance is in order, and your logbook is up to date.
What to Bring on Review Day
Arrive with your registered drone in good working condition — fully charged batteries, firmware updated, and a completed preflight inspection. Bring proof of your pilot certificate, government-issued ID, your drone registration document, proof of liability insurance, and your pilot logbook. Having these organised and readily accessible signals to the reviewer that you take your responsibilities seriously. Check the weather and active NOTAMs for your review location before you arrive — the reviewer may ask about them, and it demonstrates good airmanship even if they do not.
Finding and Booking a Reviewer
RPAS WILCO Pilot Networks connects drone pilots with over 500 certified flight reviewers across every province and territory in Canada. The platform lets you search by location, view reviewer profiles and availability, and book your review directly online. Reviews are available in-person at the reviewer's designated location or, for the knowledge portion, through hybrid arrangements where permitted.
From the reviewer's perspective, the best candidates are the ones who come prepared, ask thoughtful questions, and demonstrate a genuine commitment to safe operations — not just regulatory box-checking. A flight review is not an adversarial exam. It is a professional conversation between two members of the drone community about safe, competent flying. Approach it with that mindset, put in the preparation, and you will walk away confident and current.