Alan - I’ve been following your comments with interest I used to have a commercial pilot license with an instructor endorsement. In fact, I instructed for seven years on a part-time basis. I own a Phantom 3 Pro and have enjoyed flying it for two years. As a professional educator by trade (now retired) I think the most appalling aspect of these new drone laws is the lack of proper study guides that could clearly differentiate between the Basis & Advanced programs and guide the student as to exactly what has to be studied for each of the certifications. Guidelines have to be captured in Courses of Study and then broken down into easy to understand lesson plans or specific units of study. At present we seem to have only the Guidelines. The drone certification program as it is now breaks every rule of professional teaching. Thank you for continuing to make people aware of this.
Basically they are saying, "you need to Google it" for your material. I have to research how other people had to do it to the best of their knowledge, just so I can study to the best of mine. Ridiculous. I just started flying this year But had to stop, do the the new regulations. I'll get my basic for now, should be all I need for now.
Great explanation, I just finished 20hr+ of intensive learning from Drone training course. I'm very confident in passing either exam. I thought about getting an Advanced Exam passed (only because the intensive learning I did) but not really going through flight review, that costs $200+. I guess I should not over complicate things, I will just start with basic. Thanks again.
Nice summary Alan. As far as records go. Most drones keep a digital flight log automatically. If the 'minister' happens to request your flight logs for the previous 12 months. I think you can just print these out and send them? Maybe I am wrong but no way I am taking a flight log binder with me everytime I fly.
Also those other details like the maintenance logs, crew that was part of the flight and so on that we are technically supposed to do and make available upon request. If you are the only one flying then I guess it won't be as tedious. Silly overall I think for non commercial related flights.
Generally speaking, it is as you say for the most part where for a less than 250g it’s “be safe”. Federally speaking, the main time you can’t fly it without permission is if there is a blanket ban on aircrafts in general as they consider all drones as aircraft. Basic common sense too in terms of no flying around prisons or military areas. If you want to be even more thorough, there are then the local laws in your area that may or may not restrict you from landing and taking off on their property. But in general again it is “be safe”.
Your video is amazing. Very informative. Now I have the idea on how to differentiate basic and advance. I just passed my advance and I am now planning to take flight review. Upon checking it cost roughly $200 to $400 just for the flight review and not available in my location. I have to drive to Calgary (4 hrs) or Vancouver (10 hrs). My purpose is to take advertised park event. Just to clarify am I allowed to take drone video at this event with my basic certificate?
Can you fly on a basic license at a golfcourse un restricted airspace- because i put on a wide angle lens and landing gear i need basic license?? But if i dont put that stuff on i can fly unregistered?? At 400 feet high 30 m away from bystanders??
Is the drone weight over 249 grams? If so then you need the basic license and have the drone registered. If it is at that weight or under then the only rule is just be safe.
You DONT need permission for anything in the yellow on that map, the basic works fine. You just need to not be an idiot . The difference is if the airport is certified by transport Canada you need the advanced. If not you can fly there with the basic. This is what I was told That makes a huge difference, and makes it easy to just get the basic. You should make sure this is clear in a video .
As mention we can get really technical but that defeats the purpose of this video. Example, you probably need a different video explaining this: Class A Controlled high-level airspace. IFR only. Class B Controlled low-level airspace (above 12,500 feet ASL, up to 18,000 feet ASL). IFR and CVFR only. Class C Controlled airspace. IFR and VFR permitted. ATC provides separation for IFR and VFR flights, when necessary. Class D Controlled airspace. IFR and VFR permitted. ATC provides separation for IFR aircraft only. Class E Controlled airspace. IFR and VFR permitted. ATC provides separation for IFR aircraft only. Class F Special-use airspace. May be controlled or uncontrolled. May be a restricted or advisory area. Class G Uncontrolled airspace. I wouldn't advise necessarily just fly and don't be an idiot as you say in the yellow ones as if it was full class G.
@@AlanYu well I brought it up because the highlighted parts of that map are almost 50% yellow. And basic operation allows you to fly there based on its description. The idea of the map is to not make things complicated, so you don't need to talk about the extra details. It's just easy to say yellow be cautious and aware, everything else you need an advanced certificate.
All those yellow parts are different throughout the country just like it indicates in the class F area definition that you should research personally for yourself to see if it is restricted or not if you want to get very technical and specific. Example, there is a yellow here that is literally like a helipad that does tours back and fourth between the city and mountains with and you are not allowed to fly there.
@@AlanYu Trust me, you are misinformed. If you click on any of the areas in yellow including near those airports or heli pads, you are actually permitted to fly even with a basic license. NAV Canada verified this directly to me. Now if they overlap with something in red or orange, those areas are obviously control zones and you need authorization and the advanced certificate. You should really look into this further.
@Alan Yu Hey man! Great stuff in here....can I ask if it is all still relevant? Has anything changed since you did this? I just started, got my basic pretty easily, then took a course that cost $1000 to learn for the advanced, and even after all that, I still can't pass the advanced, it is just ridiculously stupid and irrelevant to actually flying a drone!! And now I'm thinking I wasted my money on a course when it seems I only truly need the basic anyway.
As of writing this things are pretty much the same law wise so everything is still relevant. For the advanced exam I'm guessing with what you wrote things haven't changed much in terms of the irrelevant questions. If that's the case then chances are things haven't changed where drone schools and expensive courses can't fully prepare you because they don't even really know exactly what's in the test to the point where many even just say "just keep taking the test until you pass." If you are interested though I made a video with way back along with all the resources in the description to help one pass. th-cam.com/video/U8HUgnVoYEo/w-d-xo.html
@@AlanYu Hey Alan, thanks for responding right away! Yeah you are correct, the test is full of irrelevant questions that have nothing to do with drones. Where I kept failing (7 times now) is questions with autopilot, how to put a plane in autopilot and when etc...plus the weather questions, and parts of helicopters and so on...I'd say 80% of the questions had nothing to do with drones...it's so ridiculous, and I get angry and frustrated, and that probably adds to not getting the right answers. You're also right, the course I took was a three day online teaching with a guy in Winnipeg, and he just goes through all the information in the Canadian sites, and then puts you through practice tests, which I thought was good, but I kept getting different questions than what we went through, and it was just a 1in4 guess! A lot couldn't be googled either. It's all very frustrating...and as I asked, it seems I really don't need the advanced anyway, I won't ever fly in restricted space, and as long as I let people know I'm flying that might be near me, and they're ok with it, then that solves that...I hadn't known you could sidestep the word "bystander" like that. Getting the advanced seems to need so much more pain in the ass prep before you go fly, that just isn't worth the time to me...if I'm flying today, I'll look outside, if it seems nice, I fly, if I see rain or clouds or it's really windy, then it's my own risk..I don't need to consult weather maps, and motars and reports and all that to decide to fly...it's just way too much...
If you mean literally flying over busy streets and all then you still have to factor things in such as you can't fly over bystanders unless they are part of the operation. Or, if you use specialized drones that they deem to be worthy to fly over people in general. As well, you need to factor in if it is in a controlled airspace where you need to get approval.
I won't be flying in controlled airspace, I was thinking of getting the advanced license to do operations freely as if I had a sub-250g drone, flying freely in my neighbourhood, etc. Can I fly near people and over people in that sense? (I have a Mavic Mini and wanted to add accessory to it)
There honestly isn't really one in my opinion other than you having to read through things like the Canadian Aviation Regulations and all. Most of the stuff I have seen charges you money in some way where no one seems to be able to guarantee that you will be taught everything that you need for those tests as even schools don't have all the answers to how random and unrelated it can be. It's like the luck of the draw in terms of the questions you get.
Alan Yu I found that there is a course offered at Fanshawe college in my city this fall but that seems like it would take you forever to learn it all and then go for the test. It’s also like almost 400$ for the course. Might be a sketchy drone shoot in my near future. Ah. How much time would you say you studied?
Probably a good 50 hours or so. Though I went with ground school route because in the future I may need to get things like an SFOC and apparently having that certification helps you with the application with the way things are at the moment. So it comes down to what you really need it for. If you are going to a ground school route I think you should find out if they will actually give you say in-detailed lessons on what the flight review will be like, additional things such as the radio license and so fourth. If it is simply to get you to "pass" the test I don't think it is worth it as again the luck factor in the questions play a prominent role.
Alan - I’ve been following your comments with interest I used to have a commercial pilot license with an instructor endorsement. In fact, I instructed for seven years on a part-time basis. I own a Phantom 3 Pro and have enjoyed flying it for two years. As a professional educator by trade (now retired) I think the most appalling aspect of these new drone laws is the lack of proper study guides that could clearly differentiate between the Basis & Advanced programs and guide the student as to exactly what has to be studied for each of the certifications. Guidelines have to be captured in Courses of Study and then broken down into easy to understand lesson plans or specific units of study. At present we seem to have only the Guidelines. The drone certification program as it is now breaks every rule of professional teaching. Thank you for continuing to make people aware of this.
Basically they are saying, "you need to Google it" for your material. I have to research how other people had to do it to the best of their knowledge, just so I can study to the best of mine. Ridiculous. I just started flying this year But had to stop, do the the new regulations. I'll get my basic for now, should be all I need for now.
@@sierraalpha1630 Good luck o the exam! Cheers..
You are a legend my friend, this video is a big help! I was un clear if i needed the advanced license to start a business. Thanks man!
Right on Alan! Your most informative so far! Don’t forget to log your flights! 👍
Alan: Thanks for the info, very informative!
Great explanation, I just finished 20hr+ of intensive learning from Drone training course. I'm very confident in passing either exam. I thought about getting an Advanced Exam passed (only because the intensive learning I did) but not really going through flight review, that costs $200+. I guess I should not over complicate things, I will just start with basic. Thanks again.
Great examples, thanks Alan!
Thanks..I really wanted to know those informations.
Thank you very much Alan. you really solved my confusion.
Good info needed that refresher.
Well Done Sir!!! Very informative!!!
Cheers Alan
This was super helpful! Thank you!!
If your in a class C but more than 13 km from airport up to 700’ it is class G. TP 6010.
Nice summary Alan. As far as records go. Most drones keep a digital flight log automatically. If the 'minister' happens to request your flight logs for the previous 12 months. I think you can just print these out and send them? Maybe I am wrong but no way I am taking a flight log binder with me everytime I fly.
Also those other details like the maintenance logs, crew that was part of the flight and so on that we are technically supposed to do and make available upon request. If you are the only one flying then I guess it won't be as tedious. Silly overall I think for non commercial related flights.
You forget the 3rd choise flying a sub-250 and avoid all that control
He described that one first
How are you logging your flights? manually or via an APP?
Are controlled airspaces a thing for sub 250g drones? I have been trying to find this out for a while but the drone law is really unclear for
Generally speaking, it is as you say for the most part where for a less than 250g it’s “be safe”. Federally speaking, the main time you can’t fly it without permission is if there is a blanket ban on aircrafts in general as they consider all drones as aircraft. Basic common sense too in terms of no flying around prisons or military areas.
If you want to be even more thorough, there are then the local laws in your area that may or may not restrict you from landing and taking off on their property. But in general again it is “be safe”.
@@AlanYu Thanks, that makes a lot of sense. I'll keep an eye out for these local laws or bans!
Your video is amazing. Very informative. Now I have the idea on how to differentiate basic and advance. I just passed my advance and I am now planning to take flight review. Upon checking it cost roughly $200 to $400 just for the flight review and not available in my location. I have to drive to Calgary (4 hrs) or Vancouver (10 hrs). My purpose is to take advertised park event. Just to clarify am I allowed to take drone video at this event with my basic certificate?
If it is an advertised event then technically you need to apply for an SFOC according to the regulations.
Can you fly on a basic license at a golfcourse un restricted airspace- because i put on a wide angle lens and landing gear i need basic license?? But if i dont put that stuff on i can fly unregistered?? At 400 feet high 30 m away from bystanders??
Is the drone weight over 249 grams? If so then you need the basic license and have the drone registered. If it is at that weight or under then the only rule is just be safe.
Great video, thanks for the information! One question, can you get approval to fly in restricted areas with just a basic license?
You will need the advanced license to make approval requests currently.
Thanks man>>
You DONT need permission for anything in the yellow on that map, the basic works fine. You just need to not be an idiot .
The difference is if the airport is certified by transport Canada you need the advanced. If not you can fly there with the basic. This is what I was told
That makes a huge difference, and makes it easy to just get the basic. You should make sure this is clear in a video .
As mention we can get really technical but that defeats the purpose of this video. Example, you probably need a different video explaining this:
Class A Controlled high-level airspace. IFR only.
Class B Controlled low-level airspace (above 12,500 feet ASL, up to 18,000 feet ASL). IFR and CVFR only.
Class C Controlled airspace. IFR and VFR permitted. ATC provides separation for IFR and VFR flights, when necessary.
Class D Controlled airspace. IFR and VFR permitted. ATC provides separation for IFR aircraft only.
Class E Controlled airspace. IFR and VFR permitted. ATC provides separation for IFR aircraft only.
Class F Special-use airspace. May be controlled or uncontrolled. May be a restricted or advisory area.
Class G Uncontrolled airspace.
I wouldn't advise necessarily just fly and don't be an idiot as you say in the yellow ones as if it was full class G.
@@AlanYu well I brought it up because the highlighted parts of that map are almost 50% yellow. And basic operation allows you to fly there based on its description.
The idea of the map is to not make things complicated, so you don't need to talk about the extra details.
It's just easy to say yellow be cautious and aware, everything else you need an advanced certificate.
All those yellow parts are different throughout the country just like it indicates in the class F area definition that you should research personally for yourself to see if it is restricted or not if you want to get very technical and specific. Example, there is a yellow here that is literally like a helipad that does tours back and fourth between the city and mountains with and you are not allowed to fly there.
@@AlanYu Trust me, you are misinformed. If you click on any of the areas in yellow including near those airports or heli pads, you are actually permitted to fly even with a basic license.
NAV Canada verified this directly to me.
Now if they overlap with something in red or orange, those areas are obviously control zones and you need authorization and the advanced certificate.
You should really look into this further.
Nav canada doesn't handle a Class F. Again you need to research the area specifically as opposed to treating it like a class G.
@Alan Yu Hey man! Great stuff in here....can I ask if it is all still relevant? Has anything changed since you did this? I just started, got my basic pretty easily, then took a course that cost $1000 to learn for the advanced, and even after all that, I still can't pass the advanced, it is just ridiculously stupid and irrelevant to actually flying a drone!! And now I'm thinking I wasted my money on a course when it seems I only truly need the basic anyway.
As of writing this things are pretty much the same law wise so everything is still relevant. For the advanced exam I'm guessing with what you wrote things haven't changed much in terms of the irrelevant questions. If that's the case then chances are things haven't changed where drone schools and expensive courses can't fully prepare you because they don't even really know exactly what's in the test to the point where many even just say "just keep taking the test until you pass." If you are interested though I made a video with way back along with all the resources in the description to help one pass. th-cam.com/video/U8HUgnVoYEo/w-d-xo.html
@@AlanYu Hey Alan, thanks for responding right away! Yeah you are correct, the test is full of irrelevant questions that have nothing to do with drones. Where I kept failing (7 times now) is questions with autopilot, how to put a plane in autopilot and when etc...plus the weather questions, and parts of helicopters and so on...I'd say 80% of the questions had nothing to do with drones...it's so ridiculous, and I get angry and frustrated, and that probably adds to not getting the right answers. You're also right, the course I took was a three day online teaching with a guy in Winnipeg, and he just goes through all the information in the Canadian sites, and then puts you through practice tests, which I thought was good, but I kept getting different questions than what we went through, and it was just a 1in4 guess! A lot couldn't be googled either. It's all very frustrating...and as I asked, it seems I really don't need the advanced anyway, I won't ever fly in restricted space, and as long as I let people know I'm flying that might be near me, and they're ok with it, then that solves that...I hadn't known you could sidestep the word "bystander" like that. Getting the advanced seems to need so much more pain in the ass prep before you go fly, that just isn't worth the time to me...if I'm flying today, I'll look outside, if it seems nice, I fly, if I see rain or clouds or it's really windy, then it's my own risk..I don't need to consult weather maps, and motars and reports and all that to decide to fly...it's just way too much...
Does VLOS apply to drones under 250g?
Not in terms of a legal requirement.
Allan do we still need insurance for flying..thanks for the explanation too..
Dereksdyna96 negative
Only highly suggested. So definitely not mandatory.
To be clear, if I become an advanced pilot user, I can fly over the city now?
If you mean literally flying over busy streets and all then you still have to factor things in such as you can't fly over bystanders unless they are part of the operation. Or, if you use specialized drones that they deem to be worthy to fly over people in general. As well, you need to factor in if it is in a controlled airspace where you need to get approval.
I won't be flying in controlled airspace, I was thinking of getting the advanced license to do operations freely as if I had a sub-250g drone, flying freely in my neighbourhood, etc. Can I fly near people and over people in that sense? (I have a Mavic Mini and wanted to add accessory to it)
Hey Alan, where is the best place to find the information to study for the advanced exam?
There honestly isn't really one in my opinion other than you having to read through things like the Canadian Aviation Regulations and all. Most of the stuff I have seen charges you money in some way where no one seems to be able to guarantee that you will be taught everything that you need for those tests as even schools don't have all the answers to how random and unrelated it can be. It's like the luck of the draw in terms of the questions you get.
Alan Yu I found that there is a course offered at Fanshawe college in my city this fall but that seems like it would take you forever to learn it all and then go for the test. It’s also like almost 400$ for the course. Might be a sketchy drone shoot in my near future. Ah. How much time would you say you studied?
Probably a good 50 hours or so. Though I went with ground school route because in the future I may need to get things like an SFOC and apparently having that certification helps you with the application with the way things are at the moment. So it comes down to what you really need it for. If you are going to a ground school route I think you should find out if they will actually give you say in-detailed lessons on what the flight review will be like, additional things such as the radio license and so fourth. If it is simply to get you to "pass" the test I don't think it is worth it as again the luck factor in the questions play a prominent role.
I have 249 gram drone. Can I fly it commercially without any special licenses?
Yes you can.
Unlike America there is no distinction
Yea I'll just fly without a license. I built my drone and know my capabilities. This is just a moneygrab. Don't be dumb.
Or fly under 249G