VFR Charts for Drone Pilots

[@AdventureTravelandScuba]

Don, Your videos are best on KZbin they answer so many questions that I had when i was taking my test, nobody can deliver the content better and the way You talk I can listen for a long time. Well done again.

[@DonJoyce]

Thank you so much, Thomas! LOL...there's probably a limit to how long people can listen to me drone on!

[@Zbip57]

I learn something new every time I watch one of your videos. 11:05 I never knew there was a heliport in my home town of Beamsville.

[@DonJoyce]

Thanks! Yeah, CBE3 is in an industrial area just SE of the QEW interchange.

[@the1andonly]

Been watching a lot of your videos lately and have too ay that they're extremely well done. I also appreciate your honest input about how useful this stuff really is to us drone pilots. Thank you for all of this. It's a bit overwhelming, but much less tho Tham the Transport Canada documentation.

[@DonJoyce]

I'm very glad you are finding my videos helpful, Jorg! Thanks for watching!

[@jonbrierley504]

Excellent as usual, Don. I just wish TC would get their heads out of their a.. and make the requirements more relevant.

[@DonJoyce]

Thanks, Jon! And yes, I agree. Perhaps I should make a video on how to use a slide rule.

[@TraceyFougere]

Thank you Don for breaking this down to an understandable level.

[@CRPFilmsChristianRaymundPastor]

Thanks for the tips. I got the Mavic pro here.

[@DonJoyce]

Cool! Safe and happy flying!

[@FlySoul]

Hello. Very good vlog . Good work .Have a nice day mate

[@DonJoyce]

Thanks!

[@RODPIKERDRONESUK]

Great video and information Don as always great to learn from cheers 👍

[@DonJoyce]

Thanks, Rod! Always appreciate your support!

[@Doctor_Bong]

After nerding out on this, I think I now know why they're herding us towards learning this. -- Someone wants more pilots. Got an 82% on my first try of the basic test thanks to your Basic Exam Study video! Google helped more than I wish was necessary though.

[@DonJoyce]

You may be onto something, Dr. Evil!

[@abediny.abedin2739]

Hey Don, great videos and even better explanation of how to read the charts. One question though, what are the blue circles with tick marks inside pointing to the center? I can see two types of those circles. 1. Large circles with the tick marks and numbers on the outside and 2. small circles with just tick marks. You see them on your VNC chart video at about 14:00.

[@DonJoyce]

Some say blasting...so they are some sort of local hazard. The big ones with numbers may be a secondary display of magnetic north. I'm just guessing.

[@abediny.abedin2739]

@@DonJoyce Thank you so much for your help! Thanks to your videos, I just passed my Advanced RPAS exam. There had been some topics I struggled with but combining all that with your videos made things much clearer. Please do keep up with the great video tutorials!

[@Zbip57]

At 12:33 you mention pilot-controlled runway lighting, triggered by keying the microphone. I had a little scare once with that. I learned to fly in St.Catharines, with a night rating. In my first year of University I flew a few times out of Rockcliffe Airport in Ottawa, but only once at night. The last guy at the club, just heading home, asked me if I knew how the runway lights worked. Nope, it's pitch dark out there. So he told me the frequency to use and just click the mic. Cool. They're on a timer and go off automatically. Before starting your takeoff roll, click again just to ensure the lights stay on long enough. Hmmm, good idea. Well that all worked fine. But, when returning from my flight out over the Gatineau hills, I flew alongside the Ottawa River to where I figured the Rockcliffe airport "should" be and clicked the mic. Nothing. Oh-oh. Just empty pitch-black nothing. Ah, that's really not good, eh? Don't panic. Worst case, you fly to the Uplands club at YOW and land there. After clicking the mic a few dozen more times and scanning all around, I suddenly spotted the runway lights turning on waaay over there. Man, I wasn't even close to where I thought the airport was supposed to be. Phew!

[@DonJoyce]

Wow! That's quite a story...so scary to become disoriented. Good for you for not panicking!

[@Zbip57]

My funny instructor told me another story about forced landings at night. When we practised this stuff during night flights, he'd surprise me by pulling back the throttle, your engine just quit, what do you do now? Then I'd have to go through all the necessary steps eventually picking a suitable landing spot and set up an approach. Often that would be a well lit stretch of the QEW highway. Once we got low enough for him to guess whether or not we would have survived such a landing, he'd hit the throttle and we're outta there. So I asked him, what if there's no well-lit section of roadway available, not to mention well-lit usually means lamp posts and invisible hydro wires and vehicular traffic to avoid etc. What if it's just empty black areas? So he explains... If there's any visible light source, that might be a farmhouse. They usually have farm fields around them. If you survive the landing, you won't need to walk as far for help. So pick an area that looks like a field near a light source. If your engine has quit, that means it's no longer charging the battery either. Don't turn on the landing lights too early, as that quickly drains the battery. Save that for the landing. Once you're all set up on your approach, only then turn on the landing light. If you don't like what you see, i.e. what you thought was an empty field turns out to be a dense forest, turn off the landing light...

[@DonJoyce]

@@Zbip57 Wow...quite the comedian! Good story.

[@OxfordEducationalHub5884]

Nice informative video upload like full view keep it up

[@DonJoyce]

Thank you! Glad you found it informative!

[@navidsarlak-o5h]

Thanks a lot .

[@DonJoyce]

You are very welcome!

[@WeeblerZ18]

Thanks again!

[@DonJoyce]

Glad you enjoyed, Jay!

[@soumyaskitchen8889]

Superb video my new Friend

[@DonJoyce]

Thank you!

[@overallvisiondrone]

Woul'd be fun to have the DRONE PILOT APP in french to

[@DonJoyce]

Good suggestion, Benoit, and thanks. Neither my development partner nor I are sufficiently fluent in French. It is also very difficult to prepare and maintain a French user interface for an app with such a small user base.

[@johnnyanthonysheridan8257]

Thanks for that excellent video. very helpful

[@DonJoyce]

Glad you found my video helpful, Johnny!

[@weird-history-and-odd-news]

Hi Don, your videos are great! I have a theory on why the licensing courses go into so much information that we will probably never use, and why there are discussions on possible licensing below the basic level..... in my experience, there are some very conscientious pilots around here, but I've seen some real idiots with drones, and I've seen other idiots with youtube channels who come right out and say the regulations are not for them. The area where I live on southern Vancouver Island is pretty much under a big red blanket - heliports, aerodromes, airports, military installations, two prisons, regional and provincial parks. So one has to drive to fly a +250g drone. Even so, there are some who will fly around looking in peoples' windows, buzz around neighbourhoods getting too close to folks out for a walk, and one night some guy was providing 'entertainment' at the cruise ship dock, despite there being a heliport within a couple hundred feet and the whole neighbourhood being a no-drone zone. (Actually the whole city is a no-drone zone.) I think another level below basic for anyone wanting to fly a drone is actually a good thing. Keep up the good work! :)

[@DonJoyce]

Certainly a much better education program is required, for all drone pilots. Unfortunately, the "idiots" often don't want to learn anyways...and one day they will cause an accident that impacts all of us.

[@farhanfouadacca]

Good refresher for me. Thanks

[@DonJoyce]

Thanks!

[@careyrobson5722]

I agree with you about a lot of useless info to know. Even worse, despite Canada and most of the world being metric, TC continues to mix degrees, minutes and seconds with nautical miles, knots, statute miles, and feet with wild abandon.

[@DonJoyce]

Wild abandon! Love it. Thanks, Carey!

[@jasmineluo9327]

Thank you so much! Don! Your videos are really helpful for preparing for the certification exams! May I ask a question? Since I am an international student in Canada, and I have to apply for SFOC. Do you know anything about this? I am a little bit confused about this.

[@DonJoyce]

Thanks! I don't have a video about SFOC preparation. If you google Transport Canada SFOC, you will find the application. Be aware that they are "temporarily" not processing SFOC applications for recreational purposes. If you apply, let me know how it goes! (Also, I presume you know that you do not need any level of certification or SFOC for a sub-250g drone...)

[@jasmineluo9327]

@@DonJoyce Thanks! Yeah, I knew that from your video! It is great that to allow to fly sub-250g drone! Actually, I don't have a drone now, but I am considering have one in the future. I just want to learn about drones so that I can avoid troubles as well as keep everyone safe while I am flying a drone. Also, I hope I can get the SFOC that is for a commercial which will be helpful for my career and future jobs :) I will do more research on SFOC, and I will let you know if I applied successfully! Thank you again!

[@theropeguy2226]

Hi Don, big fan of your channel. Keep up the great work. Question for these VFR maps, I was informed that there was a heliport CSU8 near Sudbury, Ontario however it is not shown on my Drone Pilot app or the VFR maps? You indicated that the VFR maps can be updated 1 to 10 years. Is there a way to confirm any newer aerodromes or heliports?

[@DonJoyce]

The official source of aerodrome information is the CFS. VFR charts are so randomly updated, I can't see any point in checking them. I update Drone Pilot Canada every 56 days based upon CFS updates. There is no CSU8 in Canada: you can search by aerodrome code from the Search function. There are two heliports near Sudbury and they are showing in Drone Pilot Canada. Who 'informed you'?

[@dennisp1989]

do i have to know this for my flight review?! dang this type of maps are intimidating

[@DonJoyce]

Depending upon your Flight Reviewer, they COULD ask you a VFR-chart-related question...they're allowed to do that. But a constructive, polite response like, "I understand VFR charts show the official information, but tools like the Drone Site Selection Tool, NAV Drone, or Drone Pilot Canada are much more appropriate sources of detailed information for drone pilots...."

[@FREEFROMITALL]

Awesome video

[@DonJoyce]

Thanks.

[@NoemieJacques-xm6pv]

what does the flag in the hexagon mean ? I got that question on the advanced test

[@DonJoyce]

Flags denote VFR way points, typically easily recognizable landmarks. The hexagon indicates they also have a radio navigation aid.

[@grohs775]

What better than any slide show

[@DonJoyce]

Thanks?

[@ryanbc924]

👍it’s good knowledge

[@DonJoyce]

Thanks, Ryan!

[@droningwithjamie]

How come when I fly my mavic pro in some places where its enhanced warning zone which is orange zone with poilt Canada app and other enhanced warning sign come up no fly zone and enhanced warning sign ask for my phone number and check off that I take full responsibility with my flight and its in enhanced zone fly with caution basic advance poilt

[@DonJoyce]

Hi Jamie. The DJI Fly Safe Geo System does not correspond to the Transport Canada regulations, unfortunately. In fact, only recently did they add the CYRxxx Class F Restricted Zones. Please refer to this video for a discussion of the problem and solution: kzbin.info/www/bejne/pmG0nZJ7gJx3oNk

[@DOM_4GOOD]

Got a question: when TC say basic certificated drone can fly outside the class C , i have a problem; i want to fly at around 11 NM from montreal airport ( over st laurent river ) . Do I have to calculate 5 NM from the middle of the airport or starting at the imaginary line of the outside of the "circle" (more like a ovale here in Cyul) ? if you have a look at skyvector of Yul airport you can see that his airspace seem to merge with the other airport ( st hubert RCO - a class C too) on south shore. so i would be in the middle there . thanks !

[@DonJoyce]

Hi Dominic. The 3NM keep-out zone for Basic pilots is measured from the centre of the aerodrome, and is independent of the usually-larger control zones. It's always best to consult a definitive source like the NRC Drone Site Selection Tool or the Drone Pilot Canada app, especially in a complicated airspace like the Montreal area.

[@sizzler360er]

Great job Don. Can you make a video with these charts for the flat earthers? Lol 😜

[@DonJoyce]

Fortunately, DJI drones issue a warning when you approach the edge...

[@KevinBacks]

Thanks Don! An excellent explanation of a useless topic. :)

[@DonJoyce]

LOL...thanks, Kevin! Yes, but wait for my two-parter on slide rules!

[@KevinBacks]

@@DonJoyce Still more useful than VFR charts for RPA flying. If I had mine with me, I could probably calculate how far the bird would go in a flyaway... I have (somewhere) a beautiful Hemmi slide rule.

[@fredwilsenack8634]

Very nice explanation. My biggest problem coming to grasp with VFR maps when studying for my Basic exam was the lack of a proper Legend to determine what all the symbols meant. I couldn't figure out how to get a paper copy without purchasing one. Online resources were mainly US based and it seemed to me that there are some differences in the VFR maps between our two countries (for example, Class E airspace in the USA looks to be designated by a faded magenta line whereas here in we use a dashed line). Thanks again.

[@DonJoyce]

Thanks, Fred. Yes, the Canadian and US symbols are slightly different, and it's tough to find the legend. There is a VNC legend online as an image...but it's not very crisp. I have included it in my Advanced RPAS Pilot Certification Study Guide PDF, along with other material from this video.

[@JoshuaYoung2]

I got a 76% 'cause of the damn NOTAMS and VFR charts. But hopefully this video will help. I really wish we could push them to take out the unnecessary stuff.

[@AdrianMateoDrones]

Very informative as usual brother Joyce. Man i couldn’t stop watching Sir. Great Job. Full watch. God bless and stay safe. Thanks for all you do and please keep flying.

[@DonJoyce]

Thanks, Adrian! It means a lot!

[@samlee7279]

My 1st advanced test, there were 2 of these maps and identify what class airspace they were. I had no idea. Just guessed and I think got them right anyway …I guess I got lucky. But still failed to pass. Need to take another try tomorrow….At least this time I know how to read these maps finally…it is still necessary for the TEST…

[@DonJoyce]

Glad you found it helpful, Sam! Terrible that TC doesn't tell us if we were right or wrong. Good luck on attempt 2!

[@LordBagdanoff]

Thank god for this video. What is that peak on 9:56 at 403ft. I don’t understand that part.

[@DonJoyce]

The 403 point is just the top of a hill (in feet above sea level). These are meant to guide and/warn manned aircraft.

[@stewshore5508]

Thx for the great summary...I agree that TC seems to have missed the boat on this one for Drone Pilots, especially Hobbyists like myself. Keep up the great work. Love your channel.

[@DonJoyce]

Thank you, Stew! Much appreciated.

[@sergebelair7577]

Hello Don Thank you again for your excellent work and your clear and precise information. I must admit and it will make you happy I always fly using drone pilot. But I believe and it is my humble opinion that a Drone Pilot tool is missing. Would it be possible to have a tool that would tell us about drone maintenance as it does: AIRDATA for drone. Of course this application is paid either per month or annually with AIRDATA. With your Drone Pilot application there is an initial fee, but you could add the maintenance tools as a paid option. So the one who is only having fun with his drone will be happy to buy Drone Pilot, but the one for whom the drone is a business will add this option which would be paying. But the big advantage will be having a complete tool in one place rather than having multiple applications. It was only an opinion. Serge from Québec

[@DonJoyce]

Thank you, Serge and glad to hear you are using Drone Pilot Canada! Interesting suggestion. So far at least, we are establishing ourselves as a unique application and not attempting to replicate others...but who knows what the future will hold?!

[@thedronemediacomvancouver4976]

How would we get by without you? Thanks

[@DonJoyce]

Lol...

[@andrepaquet946]

Very well explained and just like you I don't understand TC's requirements for drone pilots. A nod to Quebec and particularly surprised to see the place where I took my airplane pilot course in eastern Quebec Pointe-Lebel. Très bien expliqué et tout comme toi je ne comprends pas les exigences de TC pour les pilotes de drone. Un clin d’œil au Québec et particulièrement surpris de voir l'endroit ou j'ai suivi mon cours de pilote d'avion dans l'est du Québec Pointe-Lebel.

[@DonJoyce]

Thank you so much, Andre! I'm just waiting for someone to say that VFR charts are necessary for drone pilots 'just in case'...in which case I'm prepared to whip out my slide rule. I do try to move my examples around the country as much as possible, and glad to see it was noticed! Cool that you spotted Pointe-Lebel; I noted St Hubert where my family stayed for Expo 67...showing my age!!!!!!

[@LuBiBochum]

Hello Don, I´ve just done the test for the small european drone licence, the big one is coming soon. :-) During training I was wondering, why we don´t have to be able to read these chart. In our culture, a drone pilot is not much more than a toy guy. So stupid. Good video. Greetings from Germany.

[@DonJoyce]

Thanks LuBi!! And good luck on your Euro tests!!

[@EmilyTestAccount]

I keep alternating between "this is a lot I need to know to operate a flying camera" and "Ok, so 570g falling from 400 feet is... 670 joules is going to give someone a pretty bad day"

[@EmilyTestAccount]

Looks like Australia's CASA did some research on this. "Human injury model for small unmanned aircraft impacts". The figures for "severe injury or death" stack up pretty quick.

[@BayMienTay.]

xin chao . LiKe..

[@DonJoyce]

Thanks!

[@EliProductions]

thanks again don for a solid one

[@DonJoyce]

Thank you, Eli!

[@RonaldBrown59]

Great video Don, you really explained it well. I'm studying for my US Part 107 license and it helped me, even though there were slight differences.

[@DonJoyce]

Cool! Glad it was helpful! Good luck with your 107 exam!

[@lucassherry3126]

Thank you Don

[@DonJoyce]

Thanks for watching, Lucas!

[@PinetreeLine]

Some real in depth information Don. Appreciate the hard work and time you put into this my friend.

[@DonJoyce]

Thank you, Doug! Yes, it was a doozy time-wise...a lot of itzy graphics to fiddle with!

[@lilspanky712]

FINALLY!!!! Thank you for all of your in-depth drone rules in Canada. Best channel for drones hands down!! Thank you thank you thank you for answering all of my questions as a new drone operator!! 🙏🏻

[@DonJoyce]

Thank you for the kind words! Much appreciated. Good luck with all your exams.

[@Duffmedia]

Thanks Don, this was one of the questions I had no idea about on the adv exam!

[@DonJoyce]

Glad the video was helpful. My videos cover all the knowledge requirements for the Advanced exam. You may want to download my free Training Roadmap: www.pocketwatchpurveyor.com/collections/drone-study-guides

[@movinpics2529]

Don, thanks for the refresher. I fly confidently because of your course, app and updates. Happy 2021 to you and family.

[@DonJoyce]

Thank you! Safe and happy flying!

[@rossintx39]

Terrific video - thank you. I'm studying for my advanced RPAS operator's license, and this really helps me.

[@DonJoyce]

Thanks, Ross! Be sure to download my free Training Roadmap! Good luck on your exam!

[@avicohen2852]

Excellent presentation. Well done. Thanks....:-)

[@DonJoyce]

Thank you, Avi! Safe and happy flying!

[@asadlesani2000]

Your videos are great Don, I started watching them recently to take the Advanced exam after basing the Basic Certificate exam thanks to your video. Do you have any suggestions (locations) around Toronto that we can fly our drones? Seems that everywhere is almost restricted by Parks and the City of Toronto's by-laws. Same story with National/Provinsioal Parks.

[@DonJoyce]

Thank you, Asad! Congrats on passing your exam! Sorry, I don't live near Toronto so can't recommend any places off hand.

[@franciscoherrera5154]

Great info Don. Thanks

[@DonJoyce]

You are very welcome!

[@paragl1der]

Great video even for private pilots to recap, tnx

[@DonJoyce]

Thanks!

[@overallvisiondrone]

you shoul'd do one in french version

[@DonJoyce]

Good suggestion, Benoit, and thanks. I can barely speak French.

[@jamessoutar4354]

Great information!

[@DonJoyce]

Glad it was helpful!

[@coopw101]

Awesome

[@DonJoyce]

Thanks, Coop!

[@pato_bravofs]

Hey Don After a few unsuccessful attempts to basic and advanced I finally passed thanks to you really appreciate it keep up the good work love you videos by the way

[@DonJoyce]

Congratulations on passing your exam, Pato! And thanks!

[@pato_bravofs]

@@DonJoyce Thank You For all the great content For beginners and experience flyers alike 👍

[@pato_bravofs]

@@DonJoyce next step is to buy your App to simplify my flight and experience