How I Passed The Canadian Drone Pilot Basic Operations Exam

[@prairiecoyote7238]

I passed...65% lol with absolutely zero knowledge on aviation and haven't even flew a drone yet. I skimmed the material provided on a few internet sites and took the plunge expecting to fail. The questions are pretty difficult but you can pick apart the wrong ones and get them that way. Google helped with about 3 questions, and the CAR I could only find 3 answers on. It was much easier for me to pass my RPAL exam, which allows me to own handguns and AR15s then this....go figure.

[@RuudyL]

Really all this BS to fly your little drone?? I did less study to get my drivers licence, and cars kill hundreds of thousand's of people every year, how many people died because of a drone??? This is one good reason never to live in Canada. That you have to register your bigger drone, I am all for that, but a pilots licence to fly your Spark lol

[@picoultwedding3357]

Is it a good reason never to live in Canada? Decisions made with that criteria must really limit your options.

[@SteveCoutts]

Yeah, I don't disagree with the motor vehicle comparison but it is what it is and it really wasn't that difficult to become compliant. There is also the option of going sub-250g too. I suspect many countries will end up adopting similar laws over time so you may not have a choice. 😀

[@philcomo3366]

No one wants you in Canada anyways

[@DonJoyce]

Hey Steve! Congratulations on passing your exam, and thank you for the shout out and kind words! Happy droning!

[@SteveCoutts]

You bet Don, thanks!

[@MTFSL]

Don Joyce u related to joe joyce

[@MTFSL]

Thankyou

[@knowthyself1981]

@@SteveCoutts Steve with the basic liscenene can you do commercial and work for real estate, etc or you need advanced? Keep inspiring

[@SteveCoutts]

@@knowthyself1981 Thanks! Canadian laws don't distinguish between using the drone recreationally and commercially. The easiest way to stay within the law is to fly sub-250g. That's a frictionless as your going to get in Canada and you don't have to worry about keeping logs, etc. If you are going to start using it commercially, depending on the activity, you may want to consider liability insurance. I don't believe it would be a requirement if you're just doing Real Estate work but if you work on some industrial sites they may require it. Always good to do a bit of research before you dive in. Cheers!

[@jasonrolling9347]

Congratz, I passed my basics first try.i got 5 wrong. I got it yeturday. Utube helped me with where to look. Great video. Advanced is my next step

[@SteveCoutts]

Congratulations Jason and best of luck on your Advanced! Cheers!

[@Qubit_256]

Thank you for sharing your experience. I prepare it for one hour and my 1st attempt is 79% mark. Lost most of them in NAVIGATION and RADIOTELEPHONY.

[@SteveCoutts]

Congrats!!! There are definitely some tricky questions in there. Happy, safe flying!

[@canadianelementsautodetailing]

Congratulations Steve on passing your test, thank you for the video, I have a spark myself and I’m studying for the test. And this video help me organize my thoughts, and my studying process.

[@SteveCoutts]

Thanks! Good to hear and good luck on the test! 👍

[@anut5]

I managed to score 88% with minimal studying(I looked at the length of most of the sources and said 'Hell no.'). I think I was able to do this because of some existing knowledge I already had(probably boosted my grade by at least 20%) and a decent ability to Google things quickly. In terms of looking things up, the sources available only helped me with 2 or 3 questions. Everything else I just googled. That said, I took up the full 90 minutes. I think the average person could probably pass this test without any studying(apart from watching Don's 29 minute study guide(very helpful on it's own)), as long as they have a decent ability to find answers on Google quickly.

[@SteveCoutts]

Yeah, I don't disagree. I'm not a very good or quick Googler - haha!

[@reveal102]

I passed yesterday using the same method and also got 88%. Remember that the running theme is don’t fly in controlled airspace and keep your plane 30 meters horizontally from people, and have permission to fly from the property owner. It’s not rocket science and only as difficult as a drivers test.

[@QuantumNaut]

and if you buy the Mavic Mini you don't have to do any of this :D Just need to fly in proper areas.

[@SteveCoutts]

Exactly why I added a Mini to the team. 👍😀

[@herreraschannel8930]

@@SteveCoutts if you have a mavic mini you can fly without a certification? but you have to do it like basic drone flying rules right?

[@douglasmaclean5836]

​@@herreraschannel8930 very good question, my read of this, after looking at various documents, is that, if no registration or license is needed, you can basically do what you want as long as you don't interfere with people or aircraft operations. 250g is the line, below which you're in the realm of toys.. footballs, soccer balls, frisbees, balsa model rockets (not to be 'hazardous to aviation safety'), etc.. of course it says to stay below 400' (as good practice), and the Dji fly app enforces that ( & even tracks your flights w GPS data) and i believe it will stop you from flying in the flight-paths of airport runways (good!). however, w/o the need for a drone license or registration though, i'm not entirely convinced that national/provincial parks are necessarily off limits to drones under 250g, i know its implied they are, but i assume again, that only drones of 250g and above are effected... check out the micro-drone section here ... tc.canada.ca/en/aviation/drone-safety/find-your-category-drone-operation ... im checking www.canlii.org/. .. if i find something definitive, i'll hopefully come back here and post it.

[@douglasmaclean5836]

my take is confirmed: kzbin.info/www/bejne/qYKUinaphbqbp80

[@fawadahmadi5685]

@@herreraschannel8930 anybdrone below 250grams no license no registration required

[@bezzie9]

Thankyou for the info. Im just getting into drones

[@SteveCoutts]

Thanks for watching! Flying drones is a lot of fun. Good luck with it.

[@paulrinop]

Thanks Steve

[@SteveCoutts]

Thanks for watching Paul!

[@theDRONEguytv]

Blimey Steve that's a lot of hoops to jump through. Wonder what the deal is if you have a licence from, say the UK, would it entitle you to the same flight privileges there? Good to see you back on my screen chum.

[@SteveCoutts]

Not as much as the Advanced but still a pretty hefty requirement. It's funny, I was thinking the same thing that perhaps one day your drone pilot's license from one country would permit you the same abilities in another. I don't think we are there yet though. Hopefully some day. 👍

[@TOURMANBOB]

No, you have to do FAR more than this for gun ownership in Canada. Two day formal course, background check, police permit and check from their end, sign off by your wife or live in girlfriend plus $80 fee and a couple of months wait. Drone licensing, while a bit overkill, is NOTHING like getting a gun legally in Canada. Just to keep things straight here....

[@SteveCoutts]

I wasn't complaining about the regulations, just laying down the facts to help folks wanting to write and pass the exam. I think tough(er) drone laws are a good thing.😀

[@TOURMANBOB]

@@SteveCoutts So do I basically; however, they have to reflect some reality as to how they are designed and not simply be based on false information and theoretical aircraft dangers, most of which are overblown. They have to SERVE those most affected(drone users) as well as the general public. Right now, the ones we have in Canada are absurdly restrictive and just begging to be disobeyed. Unfortunately, I am not surprised given the authoritarian and restrictive nature of many of our not so intelligent lawmakers and politicians. I wanted to buy a larger Mavic Pro Zoom drone and really get into the hobby but think I will stay with the Mavic Mini until the sh*t settles around hobby drones as it should over the next few years.

[@malekrcgaming2432]

I passed my exam today i'm officially certified. But nothing there for RC helicopters just drones

[@SteveCoutts]

Good for you! I believe RC helicopters fall under the RPAS umbrella - remotely piloted aircraft systems. Members of the Model Aeronautics Association of Canada (MAAC) may also be exempt from CARs part IX too. Worth checking out.

[@KardosoMedia]

Congrats Steve! I took mine back in January..glad to have done it early :) great video my friend

[@SteveCoutts]

Thanks and congrats to you! Yeah, I was just too busy to even look at it and I couldn't put it off any longer. Haha! 😀

[@CoasttoCoastDrones]

KENNY !! Steve is gonna come livestream with us on Sept 11 ... Soooooo I'm thinking it's about time we get you on TOOOOOOOO !! LOL

[@useryggfdcc]

Print out CARS 901 from TC website, studies about 2 hrs, wrote test, passed 82%.

[@rommario55]

same - 77%

[@carofiglioroberto6688]

Hi Mirage, can you put link for CARS 901 Thank you

[@WESDEANEMARTIN]

@@carofiglioroberto6688 laws-lois.justice.gc.ca/eng/regulations/SOR-96-433/page-164.html#h-1111565

[@foxc.42]

AlteX Academy has good classes! :)

[@donspringer8234]

Congrats!! Thanks for the info. Very informative. Should I take the exam if I visit Canada? Or should I leave my Spark at home:( Your videos are the best. You have taught me a ton of things. Thx.

[@SteveCoutts]

You have to be a Canadian citizen in order to take the exam. I believe for visitors to Canada, you need to get a special exemption from Transport Canada to fly. Of course, you can also fly a sub 250g drone and then the restrictions don't apply. Glad the videos have been helpful. 😀

[@donspringer8234]

@@SteveCoutts Thanks Steve. I've been studying the material you suggested and have learned a ton of stuff. It was while looking the material over I noticed the Canadian citizenship requirement and a link for permission. I sent an email to Transport Canada through the link provided. There was a phone number also. My wife and I will be visiting your wonderful country mid July. If you have any suggestions, please respond, if not I just want to thank you again for your time and effort you have given in order for Spark owners and other drone enthusiasts to have a better experience. Sincerely, Don

[@SteveCoutts]

@@donspringer8234 Here is the link to what you need to know to fly in Canada as a visitor - www.tc.gc.ca/en/services/aviation/drone-safety/get-permission-fly-drone-outside-rules.html. Good luck!

[@EduSG-edu1971]

Hi Steve! Congratulations! Do you know if this certificate is necessary for tourists too? If I travel to Canada I must have this certificate to fly my Soark?

[@SteveCoutts]

As a non-resident, you cannot register your drone or write the exam to become certified. Instead, you must apply for a Special Flight Operations Certificate (SFOC). The link to do that is here - www.tc.gc.ca/en/services/aviation/drone-safety/get-permission-fly-drone-outside-rules.html

[@connors1746]

We're getting laws like this in Australia. They're not in place yet but CASA (Civil Aviation Safety Authority) want us to register all of our drones over 250g, and businesses or freelancers have to pay over A$100 PER DRONE to fly commercially. Everyone who wants to fly a drone also has to do a small online quiz (every year I think) for less than A$20 to be registered. Luckily I have a Remote Pilot's License so I don't think I need to register my self, but I might need to register all my aircraft (I don't think you need to pay though).

[@SteveCoutts]

Cool, thanks for sharing that. Yeah, I expect many countries will end up adopting similar laws to Canada.

[@yl9154]

Good strategy to do "easy" questions first and make a last review to identify any "brain fart" answers at the end. As a student, I remember many colleagues burning the exam time on harder questions and not having time left for plenty of easy ones that came later in the test. I've also caught many silly mistake in my own exams by doing a final review. It is also good to start with easy questions to build-up confidence and get over the initial stress. Stumbling on a harder question in the beginning can increase stress and hinder your performance. On a timed test where all questions are worth the same amount of points, always go for the easiest first.

[@JeradLarkin]

Nice vid! I can't wait to get my mavic pro in the air and film some shots of Denver (and Colorado). Thanks for sharing. 😀

[@SteveCoutts]

Thanks! I bet there are some gorgeous places to fly in Colorado. 😀

[@DeLoreansgarage]

I don't know what it will take or if I would ever fly my drone in Canada, but right now I am studying to get my Commercial drone license here in the USA. IT really makes your head hurt!

[@SteveCoutts]

Wow, good for you! Good luck! 👍

[@jacquelinek6432]

Congrats Steve! Don's study is very well done, and it helped me tremendously.

[@SteveCoutts]

Thanks! Yeah, Don's video was great!

[@TheExtremeElementz]

Keep up the great videos, I really dig that you still fly the Spark as I’m a new owner of a Spark as of three days ago! It’s nice to see a KZbinr supporting this product as I enter the hobby even years after its release.

[@SteveCoutts]

Thanks! Congrats on your Spark! Such a fun, capable little drone. I love mine and it's still got plenty of miles left to go. 😀

[@dianlaksmanaanindita9576]

say that i am a foreign tourist who want to visit canada, i also like to fly drone and capturing beautiful natural landscape in canada, so with this new regulation, i cant fly my drone?

[@picoultwedding3357]

As a non resident, you won't be able to fly in Canada without special permission from Transport Canada.

[@SteveCoutts]

A takeoff weight below 250g may exempt you but I would check with Transport Canada to be sure.

[@chipinfoos]

As a tourist with a drone, you will be turned away and not welcome in Canada due to drone ban effective in June 1st

[@Hughjanus720]

@@chipinfoos not true at all. Under 250grams you do not need to register. Over 250grams you can apply for a special operations licence if you are a tourist I am aware of this as I am going to canada next week as a tourist with my drone. Hopefully will soon be a resident

[@LouisLuzuka]

I'm wondering if I should take the test and get the air 2 or just get the mini 2 hmm, love from vancouver Canada

[@SteveCoutts]

Haha! Yeah, that's a tough decision. Both are great but is the Air 2 worth twice as much? Hard to say. Depends on your needs and your budget. Good luck! 😀

[@LouisLuzuka]

@@SteveCoutts hmm good point. well there's no budget, if I'm being honest, I want the air 2 but I don't want to bother with Canadian drone laws, so I'm trying to justify if the mini is good enough. or if the convenience is worth more than the image quality because to me it looks no better than an oversized sample of my spark I previously had because it still has grain beyond thankful for technology honestly so cool to see how much tech they pack into a little thing like this, the only thing I saw that was making my eyes dance was the mavic 2 pro files, those look incredible, so maybe I'll use the mini 2 until I can get the mavic 3? you made a good point that next year another one is going to be better so no need to feel bad about it

[@incadanman18]

@@LouisLuzuka I just got the Mavic Air 2 and its so worth it. The pictures it takes is incredible

[@LouisLuzuka]

@@incadanman18 how is it, are you loving it and did you get the fly more package?

[@incadanman18]

@@LouisLuzuka I got the fly more package! It is absolutely incredible and I highly recommend!

[@sysperia16]

Nicely done summary! For our Canadian citizens who fly RPAS (not just drones, this includes EVERYTHING that flies remotely), please mention that becoming a member of MAAC (Model Aeronautics Assoc of Canada) completely EXEMPTS all remote-control pilots from CAR section IX. No joke! This applies to non-sanctioned MAAC fields, contrary to popular belief. This was only just approved on May 19, 20019. Information found at www.maac.ca/en/transport_canada.php.

[@SteveCoutts]

Thanks very much for passing that along. I will definitely check it out!

[@SassePhoto]

It is easy to pass. Lots of time. I agree with your analysis

[@randylowden1902]

I feel like this video was a great place for me to start. Thanks!

[@SteveCoutts]

Awesome Randy! Good luck pursuing your pilot's certificate!

[@ajvandelay8318]

I'm currently studying for my Advanced license through Coastal Drone. They have a great program and I bought the "Everything Package" since I want to fly professionally. Thank you for taking the time to make this video, because it helped me focus on what will be on the exam!

[@SteveCoutts]

Glad the video was helpful. Best of luck with the Advanced Exam! 👍

[@RandomPickles]

You got scammed. These laws are all scans that jyst make it more dangerous. Not more safe. I am sorry you had to do that.

[@binitravels]

How was your exam?

[@Boydrone]

Hi Steve, great video, thanks ! If you do the advanced exam, does the passed test on your record expire if you don't do the in personal training?

[@SteveCoutts]

Thanks! I'm not completely familiar with all the rules for the advanced operations certificate. I know you have to write the exam and do an in person flight review. Just like the basic certificate you also have to meet "recency" requirements to show you are keeping your knowledge current or you may lose your status. Best information is here - tc.canada.ca/en/aviation/drone-safety/find-your-category-drone-operation. You can also contact TC directly. Cheers!

[@n1tmtu37]

This is terrific, Steve. Was having a devil of a time finding the correct study material. This eases my kind considerably. I'll just study this stuff at my own pace and should be ready for Summer. Were you able to cut and paste questions and ask google, during the test?

[@SteveCoutts]

Thanks. If I recall correctly, I tried copy/paste in Google but usually that just came back with other folks asking the same question. It is in violation of the rules to reveal or post any of the questions/answers online so it's likely you won't find direct matches. I believe if you put in a decent amount of time so you know the base materials well, you should have no trouble. There wasn't more than a handful of questions I really didn't know and had to search for answers. Good luck!

[@stanleyclowes8140]

All the dam studying you did you should be able to ly a jet.i just want to fly my plane a drown.63 years old dont have much evacuation see cant even spell right.im doomed.😞😞

[@SteveCoutts]

Haha! Well, I definitely over prepared. Honestly, it's not that bad. I enjoyed reading and learning some new stuff. If you take your time with it, you'll get it. 👍

[@tglass0000]

Congrats! It's an amazing thing that the little Spark has opened up so many learning paths, be they photography, editing, drone laws, gear, researching legal places to fly... as well as all of the topics covered in becoming certified. It's truly a journey and it goes far beyond what I originally saw in the Spark marketing material! I do think that anyone who invests the time to take and pass the test will have no regrets! Great post!

[@SteveCoutts]

Thanks. I never really considered that but you're right the little drone that could has "sparked" a whole new adventure. 😀

[@jeremyfleming6419]

My employer now wants to get a drone for our videos and I need to get certified. Thanks for this concise breakdown of what to expect. BTW, who are the communists who downvoted this???

[@SteveCoutts]

LOL! Glad the video was helpful. Good luck on the exam Jeremy! Cheers!

[@yuyo57]

I’m a cheap and lazy Canadian so I just bought a Mavic mini drone under 250 grams.

[@SteveCoutts]

LOL!! That works too! Happy flying! 👍😀

[@Glenners]

only 30 questions and you only have o get 65% to pass lol. Might as well just get your references open and take the test and search whatever ones you're not sure about.

[@SteveCoutts]

Pay your $10 and give it a shot. 👍

[@ChiefGrizzlylive]

Doesn’t basic license limit you to “g” classified airspace which can only be found in very remote areas most likely 5-8 hour drive from any major city

[@SteveCoutts]

You can fly in any uncontrolled airspace, which for me living in Calgary is about 10km from the city centre. Of course, there are City bylaws which specify other restrictions. If you get a sub-250g drone, basically none of the rules apply. This is a good tool for knowing where you can fly in Canada - nrc.canada.ca/en/drone-tool/

[@trinitybaker591]

Need 10hrs total it says. No matter what I can't get past 5.5 hrs???

[@MTFSL]

I have 6 licences is 8 countries. Thankyou guys

[@directedxlarock]

wow

[@ADVENTURECAMPitelli]

Great video! You are now one of the small few who has this. I will be joining you soon.

[@SteveCoutts]

Thanks! I think there's more people certified than you think. Good luck with it!

[@reggio565]

I wish I was up there brother but love all your videos! Cheers

[@SteveCoutts]

Thanks!

[@ibookje]

What about tourists carrying a drone visiting Canada?

[@picoultwedding3357]

As a non resident, you won't be able to fly in Canada without special permission from Transport Canada.

[@chipinfoos]

Yea basically tourists not welcome in Canada when you enter customs with a drone and would be confiscated for Liberalistic peoples "SAFETY"

[@AlanHunt73]

Well done steve on passing. Keep them videos coming pal 👍

[@SteveCoutts]

Thanks! You bet, more on the way... 😀

[@youandiryan]

I have a DJI mavic Pro. And I think the Drone laws are stupid in Canada. But I am okay now because I am a registered drone pilot and my drone is registered with the government. So I can basically fly it anywhere just not close to an airport.

[@SteveCoutts]

Happy, safe flying! 👍

[@MansoorAzeem]

Congratulations Steve, thanks for the info, will definitely be going for the exams soon, summer is passing by I and cant fly my drone without it

[@SteveCoutts]

Thanks! Yeah, absolutely! If you put in some good preparation it will be a piece of cake. Good luck if and when you write it! 👍

[@PalmettoMoon]

Nice work Steve 👍 Glad you're grounded, no pun intended.

[@SteveCoutts]

Haha! Thanks!

[@MrLew1965]

That Exam is a Canadian Government Money Grab that just ruined the Hobby of RC Drone Flying !!

[@SteveCoutts]

Fly a sub-250g drone like the Mini/SE/2 and you don't have to register or write an exam and fly almost completely without restrictions. Cheers!

[@stevenarseneault1972]

This is setup for a lot of people to fail and keep paying to try again. Some people will need lessons online of from another person, in a way, it will divide people who use drones. The ones who passes on their own by research, the ones who take lessons and pass, the ones who don't want tomtake the test and buy a smaller drone to fly, the ones who don't care and simply don't register their drones and don't take the test. There will be many of those. I mean, a person with an untregistered gun walking down the street with his weapon will draw more attention about it than an unregistered drone being carried whike walking around. It will only matter if someone reports a drone which is unregistered and to be honest, that will not happen often. Drones are in flight most of the time. Good luck looking at a registered tag. Plus it's easy to lie and place a fake tag number on it. Especially if the drone is involved in an incident. A fake tag number written down will sii ply be denied. In other words if the drone creates an accident and has a fake tag number on it or none, the operatir will simply walk away and leave the drone with no way to trace it back to the owner.

[@SteveCoutts]

I believe most folks are honest and play by the rules and that is exactly what I did - paid my fee, studied and passed. I received many comments from others who passed on their first attempt too. Of course though, there will always be those folks that don't play by the rules, regardless of the activity. Such is life. I only take responsibility and worry about my actions, not the actions of others. Cheers!

[@markuyy]

Thanks for the heads up!! Great advice and thorough guide. Will definitely try to get my certification soon!!

[@SteveCoutts]

Thanks Mark. Good luck when you go to write the exam! Cheers!

[@krisk1547]

Not a chance I am doing any of this. I'll just sell my spark and buy mavic mini. Or keep spark for when I go out of the country

[@SteveCoutts]

The Mini certainly solves the "problem". I think you'll find travelling to be an issue too though. Many countries are adopting laws similar to Canada, some are worse and every country is different. Cheers!

[@donwooddr]

Thank you Steve. Informative and very important to know. I shall give it a go.

[@SteveCoutts]

Terrific! Good luck!

[@JoshuaHarkoos]

I just passed my basic drone test, what happens next? do i get a ID card? or only the certificate that I received ?

[@SteveCoutts]

Congrats! You only get the certificate you received.

[@zohahs5276]

Nice one Steve what are job prospects after passing this exam is there enough work out there ? thanksalot

[@SteveCoutts]

Thanks! I can't really comment too much on the job prospects because I am not actively looking for drone work however I have picked up some paid Real Estate photo/video jobs. I'm sure the work is out there. Cheers!

[@YujMovi]

Thanks for the very informative vlog

[@SteveCoutts]

Thanks for watching!

[@WORTHITORNOT]

Congratulations

[@SteveCoutts]

Thanks!

[@simonblunden2151]

Great video. Question. Having gone through all this hassle and bureaucracy has it made you a better and safer drone pilot?

[@SteveCoutts]

Haha! I can't say it made me a better pilot but I definitely have a better understanding and that isn't a bad thing. I actually enjoyed learning more about aviation in general and it sure made me appreciate the kind of knowledge required to become a *real* pilot. 😀

[@RandomPickles]

The answer is no, he became more dangeeous. The laws are horribly written and blatantly insulting.

[@binitravels]

Love the outro lol. Thanks for your input.

[@SteveCoutts]

The video is so old I had to go back and watch it to see what I did at the end - haha! Thanks for watching, especially all the way to the end. Cheers!

[@the1andonly]

I didn't even know about the requirement to get licensed. Tried out the drone and on the third flight it lost connection. It took off on its own and today is drone search day. My wife said it was a blessing, because a $ 1000 fine is worse...

[@SteveCoutts]

Oh no!!! Check your flight logs for position and trajectory information, it may help limit the search area. Good luck with the search! I have been there a few times myself.

[@ericwillis777]

Great, I don't think you actually learned all the material, otherwise it would have taken months of study, maybe you can make a video about how you became a doctor, or an accountant, or an astro physicist, or a cosmologist, using the same methodology ie just listing the study material, - or was it just down to your googling most of it ! You are just wasting peoples' time, and trying to make youtube money.

[@SteveCoutts]

The video is literally titled "How I Passed the Canadian Drone Pilot Operations Exam" and it is exactly that. The Basic Drone Operations exam is open book and I could have taken the easy path, not studied and Googled the material on the fly. I didn't do that. I spent a considerable amount of time preparing and learning the material, which is why I breezed through fairly easily, only consulting online materials for a few questions I didn't know. The video is useful and an honest representation of what I did to pass the exam. If you don't like it, give it a thumbs down and move on. There are plenty of other videos on KZbin. To attack my character is baffling and unnecessary.

[@ericwillis777]

@@SteveCoutts Exactly my point, you got the message. However even the least critical amongst us cannot ignore the idea that you would be conveying something a little more usefull than " follow the knowldge guidelines and use google" - which then invites the question, why are you posting something as useless as "how I put my socks on this morning". I am not attacking your character, except saying that your information is dull, uninteresting, unimaginative, and banal. Which then promotes the obvious question of why you went to the trouble of making the video, if it was purely alturistic then it attests to your persona, 'boring' springs to mind, if not, then it was for some sort of gain. I will leave it to the more compassionate and less critical viewers to decide.

[@JamieMcEwanOfficial]

Thanks for the great walkthrough! Nice work!

[@SteveCoutts]

Thanks and thanks for watching!

[@davidferguson5500]

if you have a MAAC license for over 30yrs, do i still need the basic to fly my drone, phantom 4pro

[@SteveCoutts]

I believe MAAC members have an exemption to the drone rules but I would check the MAAC itself or TC to be sure. EDIT: There is actually a blurb on the MAAC exemption on this page - tc.canada.ca/en/aviation/drone-safety/flying-your-drone-safely-legally. Cheers!

[@PocketwatchPurveyor]

Great video! Lots of useful info.

[@SteveCoutts]

Thanks!

[@lockingpaul]

Also make a manual like every other license in Canada wtf!! Specified toward the test not a bunch of six million documents.

[@SteveCoutts]

It's an online, open book exam. If you're really adept at using Google you probably don't even have to study in advance. Otherwise get a sub-250g drone and you don't have to worry about it.

[@lockingpaul]

@@SteveCoutts hey man sorry bout my comment i studied pretty good i thought and stuff was worded weird and i was pissed i failed. omit first comment.

[@SteveCoutts]

@@lockingpaul No worries. Good luck if you go after it again. I did find the wording tricky on many questions.

[@97curtsdad]

Did you purchase your drone before you took the test or after you passed?

[@SteveCoutts]

I owned and flew my Spark for about a year I think before the rules came in to place. Cheers!

[@dybnfon7154]

How often do you have to get certified. Or is it just a one time thing

[@SteveCoutts]

One time certification but you have to meet "recency requirements" within two years and every subsequent two year period. Can be as simple as taking a Transport Canada safety course.

[@kohlfuerst]

The great thing - you are also allowed to fly a 747 now :-)

[@SteveCoutts]

Haha! Well, it sure made me appreciate everything a pilot needs to know. 😀

[@canadianelementsautodetailing]

Michael Kohlfürst 😂

[@AJ_Animations]

Great video! This will help me!

[@SteveCoutts]

Thanks! Glad it was helpful. Good luck should you write the test.

[@HeadlessChickenTO]

I tried doing the exam without studying, mostly to see what I would need to study up on. I didn't k lnow about Fon's page at the time, but looking at what I needed even for the basic...I'm having a hard time just finding the time to study. It's been a while since I last flew my Spark too so I'm debating if I should bother and sell it or keep it around and maybe if I stumble upon a couple days off to study and take the exam.

[@SteveCoutts]

Yeah, if you're a good "Googler" you could probably just read through the basic material and then Google the rest during the exam. I over prepared. I didn't think the test was too difficult. Don's study guide is a great resource too. Good luck.

[@softarno]

Great job and congratulations, well my question is if am not a Canadian but will be visiting to fly drones should i do the same exam as you guys or there is some other rules and regulations for visitors with temporary visa? thanks for sharing the great information it really helps . Cheers man

[@picoultwedding3357]

As a non resident, you won't be able to fly in Canada without special permission from Transport Canada.

[@SteveCoutts]

Thanks. Registering a drone and obtaining a certificate, which is required for flying in Canada, is only open to Canadians at the present time. There doesn't seem to be any provisions for tourists yet. You may be ok with a sub-250g drone but I would call Transport Canada to be sure.

[@softarno]

@@picoultwedding3357 Ohh i will have to check that out then

[@softarno]

@@SteveCoutts Thank you Steve, i wish it was open to anyone even from outside so when they come they can easily fly, but now i will have to check the transport Canada, but i guess i should do that when i come, or i wont even be allowed to carry my drone which is spark so far into the country?

[@softarno]

@@under60secondjourney19 I dont think DJI would block you, but its upon us to follow the regulations, tho at some point it feels Odd but however the case we should follow so we dont get fine for nothing

[@TankTopTed]

What is the price for basic and advanced licensing

[@SteveCoutts]

$10 to write the test.

[@sethgotell]

Hello From Prince Edward Island I am going to be Writing my Exam tomorrow as needed for the Mavic Air 2 is it hard as I have been out of school for quite some time

[@SteveCoutts]

Hi Seth. I fall in to the same category - "out of school for quite some time" - haha. I would not say it was difficult. My only complaint was that some of the questions had multiple answers that were close but of course only one will be correct. Intentionally designed to be confusing, I suppose, to make sure you know your stuff. There were not many of them, maybe 6 or so. If I wasn't 100% sure of my answer I just moved on to the next question and looped back. Don't waste too much time on one question. I think maybe I had to give my best guess on 2 or 3. If you've done some decent prep and can Google quickly (it's completely open book), you should be able to achieve a passing grade without too much trouble. Good luck on the exam! Cheers!

[@sethgotell]

@@SteveCoutts Thanks

[@sethgotell]

took the basic exam first time failed with 60% then today passed with flying colours!!! Thanks to your video as well as Don's videos

[@joligarcon2433]

anyone have an answer key?

[@alexgouthro3869]

You are a good cheerleader! Good tips!

[@SteveCoutts]

Thanks!

[@irvingfive7955]

So, I successfully obtained my basic rpas certificate. I need to upgrade. Any online resources that you can recommend?

[@SteveCoutts]

Congrats! Don Joyce on KZbin has a great study guide for the advanced exam. Good luck!

[@irvingfive7955]

@@SteveCoutts thanks. It's been almost two years since writing basic rpas, and my time is coming for upgrading. I subscribed to your channel, keep up the great videos!

[@SteveCoutts]

@@irvingfive7955 Well, good for you and thanks for watching and subscribing. Cheers!

[@dennisbean3203]

Excellent video, thank you so much. I own a DJI Mini, two Mini 2,s , and ended up getting a DJI FPV so I need to write for my Basic License. If I get a high mark, I will apply for the advanced License. You did a great job researching the Canadian requirements on how to get a Drone License and explaining it clearly within your Video.

[@SteveCoutts]

Thanks Dennis I appreciate the comment and kind words.. Oooh, I was very tempted with the DJI FPV, especially when they dropped the price a bit. Best of luck with the exams! I would also recommend checking out Don Joyce's channel for Canadian regulations and exams. Don does a very thorough job on more subjects than I cover. Cheers!

[@DroneJunkieRc]

Basic It’s so easy no worries 😉

[@SteveCoutts]

Reasonably easy. 😀

[@DroneJunkieRc]

Steve Coutts I passed the advanced too after 7 tries roughly. Then I couldn’t find a flight Reviewer. After a few weeks I realized I wasn’t gonna really need to fly in restricted airspace or over people,so Basic is fine for me.

[@SteveCoutts]

Oh boy! Good for you! Advanced is tough. I kind of felt the same. Do I really want the extra responsibility and hassle of flying in restricted airspace? For now, Basic is good for me too. 😀

[@benec5816]

congratulations well done stay safe see ya

[@SteveCoutts]

Thanks Bene.

[@elvan12581]

Are there any formal career opportunities being a licensed commercial drone operator in Ontario?

[@SteveCoutts]

I literally Googled "drone pilot job Ontario" and several opportunities came up so I am going to say YES! 😀👍

[@elvan12581]

@@SteveCoutts I checked too and there are! :) Don't pay as much but maybe in the future they would.

[@typxxilps]

You are from Canada ? I thought you were from the US and Rocky regions. Hasn't Canada forbidden to fly drones totaly in the past? Does everyone need such certificate or licence to fly from now on? What does this licence or examin in total cost to be back in air? Thanks ...

[@KardosoMedia]

Yes as of June 1st you must pass a basic or advanced exam in order to fly any drone over 250g in Canada. The exam is $10 and $5 to register your drone.

[@SteveCoutts]

Is it because I say "hey" more than "eh"? 😉 A fellow I saw on KZbin described Canadian drone laws pre-June 2019 as "almost anyone could fly nowhere" and post-June 2019 "almost no-one can fly anywhere". I think that about sums it up.

[@typxxilps]

@@SteveCoutts Didn't have to do with how you started. Just my fault assuming flying a drone has been strictly forbidden 2 or 3 years ago except rc model spots or rc plane airports. Just 2 years ago when Spark came out I heard an american that he can't go or fly anymore beyond "port huron canada border" due to new canadian restrictions. He was based port Huron and flew outwards on the sea or across that river or channel following the big ships. And from then on he stayed clearly away from canadian side of the channel ... cause each side of the channel was a different city + state. It felt like an iron curtain for me when he was talking about the other side which had been in the before Trump area. As a child of the Berlin Wall and an iron curtain era which was just ahead also the biggest potential tank battlefield his description came close to that iron curtain, really dangerous beyond that line. Therefore Canada was a none drone flyer zone on my map.... And due to mountains + snow I thought you would be from somewhere close to the rockies. Normaly yt start talking about gadgets or prices or use amazon ... product links and then you are closer to from where they supposed to be. But I guess you had not been talking much about prices or you simply went straight ahead by using $ and ebay.com or amazon.com links. And due to the fact that you stayed with the spark I assumed you were not a pro drone flyer ... what meant: you must be in the US, cause canada and drone came close to the udssr from 1986 .... Pro only. My memories about Port Huron drone flights and border description let me remember the dead zone on the border between the 2 german states with several lines of wire fences, then a mine field before a tall wall out of concrete came, the dog area or line and another minfield - a total length over 1500 km and 10 km depth, a no go area for all east germans, no villages, no farms and every foreigner in that region was seen as an enemy who wants to break through to the west. But luckily I can change my drone map and drones are allowed with such a licence. Unfirtunatelly the fucking EU is coming with something similiar due to airport incidents as gatwick even not a single proof or drone was found, just 1 whitness ...

[@SteveCoutts]

Haha! It's no big deal. Most of my audience is US so in the beginning mentioned things in pounds, miles, Fahrenheit and US dollars. Sometimes I would do both - metric and imperial. I'm mostly metric now. 😀 As far as drones go, I suspect over time many countries will develop similar laws to Canada. It is what it is. Getting compliant was not that difficult. 👍

[@Skpexable]

Very well explained. Bravo!

[@SteveCoutts]

Thanks! 👍

[@WindyTherapy]

Excellent video buddy ! Thanks for the comments and Don’s reference. I really appreciated

[@SteveCoutts]

Thank you. Good luck if you're writing it. Honestly, it's not too bad if you do some prep. Cheers!

[@SuperCharan555]

Dji mini 2 is 248grams so does this need license?

[@SteveCoutts]

No license or registration required on sub-250g drones in Canada. Cheers!

[@kcho1200]

Thanks for the info. I need to take the exam too

[@SteveCoutts]

You bet! Good luck when you write. 👍

[@Rolweng]

I passed the exam doing it in my usual way of taking exam in IT License certificate. I know to much to study for this drone exam but my way (which I only reserve it to my self) is also a good way to pass the exam. Well nice sharing.

[@SteveCoutts]

Awesome! Congratulations on passing the exam! Happy, safe flying.

[@Rolweng]

@@SteveCoutts We can fly now.

[@xunminzou5807]

Have you regretted yet? Where fly your drone?

[@SteveCoutts]

No regrets. I mostly fly the sub-250g Mini and now the Mini 2, which do not fall under the Canadian regulations so I can fly almost without restrictions. Cheers!

[@rickb044]

Once the website says you pass what happens next? Does the government mail you something to carry around or what? Thanks for the video.

[@SteveCoutts]

No card gets mailed. You need to carry proof of license so you can print out your certificate. Make sure you carry physical flight log & maintenance books too unless you plan on doing that electronically. Happy flying!

[@Nomansland424]

Hi Steve , quick question . To make youtube videos with a mavic mini do we need a license in Canada?

[@Nomansland424]

i saw an article where a person is the US got contacted by the FAA , that he will have to get a license inorder to post his drone videos on youtube.

[@SteveCoutts]

Hi Paul, as far as I know Canadians do not. If you were flying >= 250g though you would need at least your Basic Operations license. I don't recall reading anything about that prepping for the exam either. I guess if in doubt you could contact Transport Canada directly. I have done so in the past and got a reasonably quick reply. Cheers!

[@SteveCoutts]

Haha! Yeah, I think I watched the same one. What a goofy law, especially for something like KZbin videos. Hope that never makes it across the border.

[@StellerJayFilms]

What area is an uncontrolled airspace in Canada?

[@SteveCoutts]

Basically it is where there is no Air Traffic Control (ATC) either because it is unnecessary or impractical. This is a great resource to see where you can fly in Canada - nrc.canada.ca/en/drone-tool/

[@SDMCanada]

Well I can justify everything, but is knowledge of Newton's law and the Bernoulli principle really essential for FLYING a drone? I guess it would matter when you build or develop one, but in flight?

[@SteveCoutts]

Honestly, I enjoyed reading and refresh my knowledge about the "theory of flight". Certainly not essential but TC is treating an RPAS licence like a watered down version of an actual pilots' license. Flight and maintenance logs to boot! 😀

[@luiskaj2434]

The RPAs exam/certificate also covers people flying RC aircraft, so yes, it is in a way pertinent information to be aware of...

[@43rocket]

alot of the stuff for exam youll never use, just flying a toy not real plane, wreckless drone pilots have really made a bad name for us plane pilots now we have to do this garbage!

[@SteveCoutts]

I don't disagree with you. Definitely a bit overkill for flying a drone but I actually enjoyed learning some new stuff. You are totally right about reckless drone pilots too! I just read another news story the other day on that subject that left me shaking my head. Happy, safe flying

[@43rocket]

@@SteveCoutts thanks Steve still have to take my test but have 3 planes that are under the non register mode! will fly them! hope I pass!

[@SteveCoutts]

@@43rocket Best of luck on the exam!

[@43rocket]

@@SteveCoutts hi Steve, when you pass, what do they give to show you can fly bigger stuff? do you print something out from them?

[@jameshardman7536]

Just got dji spark for christmas, now I can't fly it, because with my learning disability, I wont past this test. Time to sell my drone.

[@SteveCoutts]

Sorry to hear that. Assuming your flying in Canada if you buy a Mavic Mini you don't have to register the drone or pass an exam because the Mini is under 250g. Good luck!

[@EricWyld]

Link doesn't work for study

[@SteveCoutts]

I fixed the link. Cheers!

[@directedxlarock]

Congrats!

[@SteveCoutts]

Thanks Isaac! How's your Spark treating you?

[@directedxlarock]

@@SteveCoutts I love it! Absolutely no reason to buy a more expensive drone when you can buy the spark for way cheaper. Super stable in the wind. Love sport mode for when I'm not filming, and just overall a great product even still in 2019. 1080p isn't a problem either.

[@MuhammadRaza-tm5tk]

I saw your video last weekend and then as per your suggestion I followed the videos of Don Joyce and today I passed basic exam with 80% on first attempt. Thank you

[@SteveCoutts]

That is awesome! Good for you! Happy, safe flying! 👍

[@georgee3401]

Great advice. Thanks!

[@MTFSL]

George E boy george

[@SteveCoutts]

Thanks and thanks for watching! 😀

[@hammadnadeem5350]

Is this an open book exam? As in you can google?

[@SteveCoutts]

Yes. 😀

[@hammadnadeem5350]

@@SteveCoutts oh wow I didn't know. Thanks

[@dodomaestri2166]

Do i need to be 18/19 years old to have the license?

[@SteveCoutts]

14 years or older. 👍

[@dodomaestri2166]

Thank you, really helpful guide

[@OptimusPrime-ys5vp]

Congratulations

[@SteveCoutts]

Thanks!

[@MrNewcook]

Quite an encouraging video. Thanks man. Hope you are enjoying you Drone.

[@SteveCoutts]

Thanks and thanks for watching. Definitely enjoying my drone. Cheers!