Watch me take the Advanced Canadian RPAS Pilot Exam...in real time, with paraphrased questions!

[@3dvisionservices364]

Thank you for your time doing it. Your reaction is all “we say» when passing the advanced exam!

[@cscd5]

Passed my Advanced today on my first try with a 86%. Not gonna lie, I had your videos rolling non-stop for the last 24 hours. Thanks!!!

[@DonJoyce]

Wow! Give your eyes a rest! LOL. Congratulations on passing your Advanced Exam on the first try!!! Best wishes for your flight review!

[@Aerosnapper]

First and foremost - well done on achieving a healthy pass. It must have been very challenging to avoid breaching the rules on disclosure, but you did it - and found the time to share reflections with your audience. This could be very helpful to many candidates - and to Transport Canada - who have proved to be open to constructive criticism, which is a welcome and refreshing fact.

[@JaypeaFoto]

Great video. Do you think at some point the test will reflect what you really need to fly a drone? I hope so. Crazy stuff.

[@carlosamat]

educational and fun video… once is enough for me 😁 always helping the community… thank you Don

[@malcolmtaylor111]

I just passed my advanced on my second try, first try was zero prep second was after watching some of your videos. Some of those questions are ridiculous! I love that a drone pilot has to know what the taxi indicators at an airport mean. I figure that you saved me some cash for a course, so I can justify the app. Thanks.

[@DonJoyce]

Congratulations on passing your advanced exam!! Note that Drone Pilot Canada includes a list of Flight Reviewers offering a discount for users of the app .

[@psylentpartner3012]

Thanks so much for all your content. Passed my Advanced exam last week. 😁

[@vortexca888]

I passed my advanced exam first try with a 84%. I wanted to get a bit higher of a score considering I took a course but there’s so much that you have to know it’s a bit intimidating. I’m still worried about the in flight review because i tend to forget some information about how to do all the pre flight checks/pre flight planning stuff from what I’ve been told on the course since I have done it before. I’m more of hands on learner. Often wonder if I could actually be smart enough to get into the drone industry as a job. Considering I did the test after work on week day on 5 tall cans of beers and smoked a joint lol, 84% isn’t too bad I guess. Your videos along with the course I took helped tremendously! Thank you for helping a lot of people out! I’ll be using your videos to gain some knowledge before taking a course again and going for the in flight review! I’ll definitely be checking out your app as well 😉

[@theleafsprungjeeper]

Passed the Advanced exam yesterday! 86 % score. What I can say is that TC can ask anything and everything.: Legislation related to protection of birds, questions on weather phenomena where you find multiple answers correct (and they actually are) and you have to choose the most likely factor causing that phenomenon. When you have questions on interference from unwanted radio waves, you have to choose the answer based on which feature of the RPAS is the most affected as well as most talked about in legislation. Because I have a background as a pilot, I was able to quickly answer some questions pertaining to my specific experience ( eg Rotorcraft/ Fixed wing) I cannot emphasize enough on the theory of flight. The AIM (both the full version as well as the extract pertaining to RPAS is available online as a pdf for free. The same goes for the Part IX extract of CARs from Transport Cabada. Btw, the Aeronautical Information Manual is full of acronyms so please write the full forms next to the relevant page. On the legislative part, underline the words such as "mandatory", "must"(also sometimes written as "shall), "required" . When you answer some of the questions, you will find almost identical answers. The aforementioned words will be the key tobthe answers. Please go through the Canada Flight Supplement and understand on what and where to look for. The same goes for the Designated Airspace Handbook. In Canada, several aeronautical documents are published to ensure the safe and efficient operation of aircraft. These include: 1. **Canadian Aviation Regulations (CARs)**: These regulations govern civil aviation in Canada and cover a wide range of topics, including aircraft maintenance, flight operations, and licensing. 2. **Transport Canada Aeronautical Information Manual (TC AIM)**: This manual provides information and guidance to personnel involved in aviation operations in Canada. 3. **Canada Flight Supplement (CFS)**: The CFS contains information on Canadian aerodromes and is used by pilots for flight planning and navigation. 4. **Designated Airspace Handbook (DAH)**: The DAH provides information on designated airspace in Canada, including controlled airspace, special use airspace, and advisory airspace. 5. **Canadian NOTAM Operating Procedures (CNOP)**: This document outlines the procedures for issuing and disseminating Notices to Airmen (NOTAMs) in Canada. 6. **Aeronautical Information Publication (AIP Canada)**: AIP Canada contains aeronautical information relevant to the Canadian airspace and is published in accordance with International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) standards. These documents are essential for pilots, air traffic controllers, and other aviation personnel to ensure safe and efficient operations in Canadian airspace. Disclaimer: Please do your own independent research and confirm the aforementioned. Don's videos are excellent and the best part is that he has shown how he overcame the problems that you and I have faced or might face in the future. Don does not claim to be perfect and he shows how he overcame his own imperfections. He has been honest enough to admit that he passed the Advanced exam on his second attempt and he even showed us that his score was not perfect. I also passed on my second attempt after realizing that there was a lot more studying to do than one would think. Important note: To understand the features of drones, I first searched on drones for sale online and read their features. Afterwards I went on the DJI drone website and downloaded the manuals. This will also help me for the next step: Find a business that trains for the Flight Review. And that is where all that I have read will come into focus when I actually fly a drone and subsequently get tested on it. I already have had a Restricted Operator Certificate (Aeronautical) for years but, trust me, even the phraseology questions that I thought I answered right turned out to be wrong as per Transport Canada. I wish everyone the best of luck. Expect anything. Be prepared for everything!

[@DonJoyce]

Thanks for the detailed comment.

[@theleafsprungjeeper]

@@DonJoyce You are most welcome. Thank you for uploading the videos. Now that I have passed the exam, I can watch them without any pressure. And I look forward to more videos!!

[@IreneB-su9fr]

Congratulations on the pass nine months ago. I am a newbie, consequently I am getting a lot of information from your videos. Thank you very much

[@DonJoyce]

Thanks, Irene! I'm glad to hear you are finding my videos helpful! If you haven't done so already, I recommend you download my free Training Roadmap, here: www.pocketwatchpurveyor.com/collections/drone-study-guides/products/dons-rpas-training-roadmap

[@kayakerca]

Congratulations Don! I have a ways to go before even thinking about the advanced certificate, but getting my Basic Certificate last week definitely put a smile on my face.

[@Xviperprime]

The look on your face and some of the comments when you saw a question is PRICELESS! Why do I need to know much of this crap when all I'm doing is flying a little RC aircraft in a small circuit and no more than 400' ceiling? -- Something I've been doing at the same club field for years before MAAC lost the exemption from TC last year. They've lumped us all in with those numbnuts who fly there multicopters trying to get a video of a passenger jet on its landing approach.

[@guilfordterminal]

When I did the Basic and Advanced exams I too was frustrated with all of the questions which were more appropriate for manned aircraft flying into and out of airports. Taking a ground school course really helped me to do well on the Advanced exam. It was brutal studying and memorizing things that seemed irrelevant to drone flying. Some questions cover loading and CG factors which are actually important to people who might be modifying their aircraft or building their own. I hadn't thought about that when I started the ground school course and was glad it was covered in detail since those areas still ended up on my exam.

[@dellefairclough5309]

Thank you for sharing - it was great entertainment - and interesting to see your reactions to the various questions, congratulations!

[@alexkristanas929]

Thank you for all your content. I just passed the Advanced exam with 90% on my second try. Couldn't have done it without your Channel.

[@DonJoyce]

Fantastic! Congratulations on passing your Advanced Exam! I'm glad my material contributed to your success! Safe and happy flying!

[@theleafsprungjeeper]

I got 74% on my first attempt. I found your videos after that. Thank you. Also, you seem to have had some of the questions that I had

[@gpsinstructor7799]

Awesome that you took the time to record your taking the test. I loved every part of it. Let’s my friends see the BS that Transport Canada expects the public to know to fly a drone in Canada!!! Very obvious they do not want to educate and assist the public but rather annoy and push people away from trying to be legal. Way to go TC.

[@DonJoyce]

It certainly annoyed ME!

[@wildgoobsid5]

Yah, I can see where ALL of this stuff is really really important for flying RC aircraft. Well done Transport Canada! I’m impressed.

[@PeteJ.M.]

Hello, Don. I previously thanked you for all of your wonderful videos and how it was essential to my passing the basic drone exam. You cautioned me that the advanced course would be much harder, and you were so right. I’m not the smartest fella and it took 5 weeks of review and two attempts to pass, thanks to you. I am highly appreciative. I am now preparing for my flight review. I have purchased your drone pilot app which is AMAZING and will be highly beneficial when I take my flight review in late August. I’ve also joined DPAC!! Hoping your DPAC shirts are available for purchase. My thanks for everything you do for the drone community and I look forward to joining this community in a safe and thoughtful manner upon the passing (hopefully) of my flight review.

[@DonJoyce]

Great work, Pete! Congratulations on passing the Advanced exam! The Flight Review will be a breeze by comparison. And you're in luck: I have exactly one DPAC T-Shirt left. It's size XL: www.pocketwatchpurveyor.com/collections/dpac-shirts-vests

[@FlyL0w]

Just wanted to say thanks for all the videos and the Drone Pilot Canada app. Passed my flight review with ease using your advice on how to respond to questions (ie: offering to consult the AIM which I did once or twice to answer questions which were already covered in the advanced exam and were not really relevant to the site I was flying at), I then relied on the app generated site survey and checklists. Keep up the good work!

[@DonJoyce]

Congratulations, Marc!

[@jacquescote8469]

Congratulations. I am preparing to pass the test in a few weeks from now. Thank you for your advice.

[@billmcdonald4335]

Bonus Question: What is the airspeed of an unladen Sparrow?

[@DonJoyce]

African or European?

[@Zbip57]

What a great video. Watched the whole thing. It's interesting how few questions got a thumbs up from you, "That's actually a GOOD question", versus how many made you laugh. I could never make a video like this because I'd waste too much time going off on a long rant over every dumb question.

[@DonJoyce]

LOL....sadly, you are right. There were several 'ok' questions, and one surprisingly good one. I provided very specific feedback directly to TC on a question by question basis. 2 questions had errors in them; there were 11 questions that I felt were inappropriate for RPAS pilots, and 3 that were confusingly constructed. I was pleased that there were no hypoxia questions on my exam. TC thanked me for my feedback and said they have already made changes in some of the questions. Since I did not need (more) therapy after taking the exam, I think I'll take it again soon!

[@DavePianist]

I can't thank you enough for doing this for all of us Canadian drone pilots. I just passed the basic exam with a score of 82% using your guidelines and summaries. I got so excited I wonder what's next so I decided to watch this video. Man.....even experts like you got 84% and barely passed. I guess it'll be months or maybe even years before I attempt this exam......

[@DonJoyce]

Hey, congratulations on passing your exam, Dave! Sure, leave the Advanced for a future goal after you get more experience. You can do it!

[@brianluck5974]

Congratulations Don on your Advanced Exam .👋👍

[@jasonpratt6037]

Control f, big time saver .thanks.

[@DonJoyce]

Ctrl-F is useful for everything in life, including peeling carrots. (sorry...losing my mind)

[@theleafsprungjeeper]

This is a great video! It gives you an idea of how complex the questions can be that too all over the spectrum!

[@DonJoyce]

Exactly... thanks for watching!

[@jimsdroneing]

good stuff Don guess by time i answer these questions i should be able to fly fighter jet am planning to do this exam just have basic right now looks like i need to do study

[@timtheplaneman]

Oh yes! Great concept, great video. Thanks for this Don! BTW - re "not a drone question" - remember RC fixed wing pilots have to take this test too - and may have no idea about the "drone" (i.e. multi rotor) questions.

[@DonJoyce]

Thanks, Tim! Surprisingly, the only 'drone specific' question on this edition of the exam was related to brushless motor speeds...which is pretty irrelevant to any kind of RPAS pilot. There were several 'RC aircraft specific' questions. The one where I said it was not a 'drone question' actually was about manned/crewed aircraft! I'm planning on repeating this exercise in the near future and will try to remember to take note of this kind of issue!

[@northwoodmediaworks]

Thanks for this Don

[@YTFPV]

i did my basic and yes some questions have no sense for a drone let see for my advance one

[@DonJoyce]

Congratulations on passing your basic. The Advanced is a lot tougher because of having less time, higher passing grade, and tougher questions!

[@barbarajoyce6865]

Well done Don!

[@nichollsNdimes]

Isn't that a crazy test for a drone pilot?! Wish there was more content relating to actually flying drones:)

[@DonJoyce]

I agree, but they ARE trying to improve the exam. I JUST got off the phone after a discussion about a few specific questions.

[@nichollsNdimes]

@@DonJoyce That's great! Keep on them Don! Cheers

[@rreiter]

Congratulations!

[@theleafsprungjeeper]

Distress Signal (ELT) is also $1000 for an individual and $5000 otherwise...and it seems to be the penalty figures for ALL infractions/ contraventions...studying for my Advanced exam right now

[@DonJoyce]

I was going to say "good to know"....but why do we need to know this?!

[@theleafsprungjeeper]

@@DonJoyce I hear you!

[@billr4677]

Love your content. I’m currently taking an actual course for advanced operations certifications. I’m scheduled to do my flight review in may. However have completed the online training and have taken the 3 practice exams two times. Also I’ve watched some of your videos. Thought I’d write the exam. Wow. So much BS questions. ( that weren’t covered anywhere) Really thought I’d pass. Nope!! 70%. Just a really dumb test. Some questions were straightforward. Most however were actually testing your ability to comprehend what they were trying to test. So glad we no longer have an astronaut as the minister. Maybe this POS testing will divide the advanced certification into commercial and non commercial or some other way to take the stupidity out. They need to get their heads out of the clouds. Damm clouds!! Errrr

[@DonJoyce]

"Damn clouds"! Lol. Don't worry...it sounds like you've done the work. You can master this exam! Try the tips from my Training Roadmap.

[@BrantAerials]

Am I ever glad this is behind me!

[@dougbones79]

I went through this this morning. Only one question wrong. I was surprised.

[@DonJoyce]

Wow! Congratulations on passing your Advanced Exam with only one miss!! Safe and happy flying!

[@ComingUpNextTime]

Thanks for what you do, you helped me pass. It’s a pain that you don’t get your final Score if you pass. It was happy to share my 78% but keeps the pass a secret. Must be 100% 😅

[@DonJoyce]

It's funny you mention that you couldn't find your mark when you passed: I had the same reaction when I filmed that video, but I did find my results eventually (I edited that part out when I'm looking around for the score). You can always go into the Drone Management Portal and download your exam results.

[@deanfordcreative]

When I came to a challenging question I wrote down the number. Then searched on Google for a key phrase that seems to be the topic of the question.

[@cutterhead13]

yankee quebec... lol id normally be a bit fluster by this , but youre my kind of funny :D im thinking of taking all the tests in english , not my native tongue but i know id be probably less confused by the terms in english than our french version of everything.

[@DonJoyce]

Thanks! Good luck with your exam!

[@cutterhead13]

trying to adjust old regulations with the new upcoming regulation , lots to take but not as much as doing annual bizness taxes report XD @@DonJoyce

[@theleafsprungjeeper]

I got your CFS question as well. Dang!

[@DonJoyce]

Lol

[@pencap29]

Hi Don. I will be studying for the advanced exam. Would you recommend just your advanced study guide or more than that? Is there a list of all of the suggested study sources in one place for easy reference that may be covered in the exam?

[@DonJoyce]

Here is a link to my free Training Roadmap download for training videos and optional downloads: www.pocketwatchpurveyor.com/collections/drone-study-guides/products/dons-rpas-training-roadmap

[@abdelabusheikh4947]

Hey Don, I was wondering what the timeline is like after taking the online exam. Is there a time limit that you have to do the flight review within or can it be done anytime after passing?

[@DonJoyce]

Anytime, as long as your pilot cert meets recency....which is two years.

[@dwgreenberg]

Interesting video. I think I will just stick with my basic license. Jeanette thinks you have Avery nice voice!

[@DonJoyce]

Thanks, David....and Jeanette!

[@reuterindustries8240]

Thanks Don, I’ve made a few attempts of the exam myself. I feel your frustration here. Will they ever make the exam related to the actual material needed to be understood?

[@bitlong4669]

I don’t get why everyone makes it sound like the rpas exams are difficult. They really are not.

[@ginoXcaron]

I have to renew my basic operation license or take the advanced one. I don't have time for the advance right now lol Do you still have the video you made to "refresh" basic operation license? Thanks

[@DonJoyce]

Thanks, Gino! Here's a link to my video on refreshing your license (called keeping recency): kzbin.info/www/bejne/a6jIdKmqjrtoaKs

[@ginoXcaron]

@@DonJoyce thabk you so much. I've been looking all weekend for that link

[@garycummings1706]

Hi Don, I am a US citizen currently visiting Canada by boat for three months. I am a part 107 licensed US pilot who would like to fly my drone recreationally. Legally of course. I have no problem with taking the tests. But my research shows that you have to be a Canadian to register the drone. Mine is already US registered. Is there a way for me to fly? Thanks in advance for your help.

[@DonJoyce]

Hi Gary! If your drone is over 250g, you need to get an SFOC (Special Flight Operations Certificate) from Transport Canada. They are not fast, but your credentials will help. If your drone is under 250g, you can fly without any registration or pilot certificate...just be careful.

[@deanfordcreative]

So there you have it. Your recency requirement has been achieved! See you in two years.

[@JBrierley02]

So I watched to 5 questions in before I got too frustrated to watch any more. Of the 5 questions, four of them were obviously completely irrelevant… and that’s why these tests are so stupid. Anything you NEED to know is buried in a whole bunch of noise that as far as I can tell, are just designed to make you fail.

[@FringeMinority]

It appears to me that there is very little relevance to most of the questions that has anything to do about responsibly and safely flying drones. Just my opinion 🤔

[@DonJoyce]

You're absolutely correct. I've done two other videos on this, including what we said directly to Transport Canada: kzbin.info/www/bejne/oXLLeWyZfcuNrtU and kzbin.info/www/bejne/Y56clo1mrMyJY9k

[@FringeMinority]

@@DonJoyce excellent and informative videos. Any headway in changes to the exam currently? Thank you, Don!

[@DonJoyce]

@@FringeMinority YES! Immediately after discussing this video with TC, they started pulling out some of the more outrageous questions, and correcting some others. A small step perhaps, but the atmosphere was positive and constructive.

[@FringeMinority]

@@DonJoyce that’s a step forward! I would like to get involved with whatever I can help with. I’d look forward to it.

[@billmcdonald4335]

All these tests 'n' regulations. Makes me consider selling all my crap and buying a long gun. Less intrusive regulations. Now, to figure out a non-destructive use for it. . .

[@RatanSingh-cq1rb]

I pass all examination , but i don't know how to get job in Canada as drone pilot

[@davidpyper8101]

NO THANKS....I will not be folding on my opposition to this over control of my sport. I have flown for many years using under MAAC Wings program. I have flown safely at our local club and now can not do so.... I have also, had a private pilot licence in the past and find the test more like that of the requirements for this level of expertize... This is ATC fixings a problem that realy does not exist...and who wrote this stupid test. Whoever did does not have any idea of what they are doing...who is addressing this issue ?

[@DonJoyce]

I would encourage you to insist that your organization strongly pursue re-instatement of the exemption.

[@davidpyper8101]

I noted you questioned the rule change regarding...the carring of hazardus materials... Not all RPAS's are powered by electric motors, Drones maybe, but some are aircraft with wings and are powered by engines using methenal... Someone may be catching up on this being outside the percieved DRONE setup...maybe someone is learning...

[@DonJoyce]

@@davidpyper8101 Actually, fuel is not considered payload, which this rule addresses.

[@skywatcherca]

Always with respect: I wish to add, to ask - who is going to enforce/police all of these insane, stupid, ridiculous new drone laws, and the required licensing? Are we going to put out legislation that neighbors (anyone) who sees a drone, should be calling the cops, the RCMP, and CSIS as all drones are illegal and being flown by neighbors who are NOT licensed? Realistically now, let's keep the conversation a little bit real - most drone operators are NOT licensed - they fly for fun. The cops generally will not respond to alarm calls now; they are so overwhelmed with domestic calls, and traffic-related calls, they are entrenched with HTA and speeding which generate additional funds for the department, so who is going to enforce all of this stupid overkill on drone licensing. As it stands today, if I see a drone, any drone, I think that everyone should be calling the cops, call the local airports, call the MOT, call TC - assuredly MOST drones are being flown without licensing. I have acquaintances who fly drones and they laugh at licensing. They are flying drones from the beach in Innisfil (ON.) to the island - far out of the line of sight, and they fly over folks on the beach - they don't care. The cops issue UTT (Uniform Traffic Tickets) to violators of the HTA: what are they going to issue to drone violations? Drones are not covered under the HTA (Highway Traffic Act), I have doubts that this drone crap is covered under the CC (Criminal Code) or CCC, so how do the cops charge unlicensed operators and those who violate drone flight requirements? How? The cops can fly drones into aircraft and cause thousands of dollars of damage - who charges them? Are their drone activities suspended or are they even licensed? I think that the DOT should enter into an advertising campaign focusing on the general public, asking neighbors to call the cops on neighbors who may be flying drones: turn life into a neighbor vs. neighbor fight. George Orwell, 1984 and big brother. I guess that another alternative would be that everyone flying a drone, call the cops, ask the cops to attend, to inspect drone licenses, to examine drone operators for competency and airworthiness - perhaps the cops could stay on-site during the entire drone flight. I like this: it makes as much sense as the drone licensing exams. I still ask the question relating to insurance: if a drone were to hit me, or hit any of my buildings, I'll be suing - deepest pockets: why not? The DOT (since they want to be involved in this drone mess) should mandate that appropriate insurance is required on all drone operators - would you fly a drone without insurance? I'm confident that the Insurance companies would be glad to issue new insurance for drones: these bloodsuckers want insurance payments and then when there is a problem, they look for every avenue to avoid payment. God bless the insurance companies. Is it a regulation that drone operators have sufficient insurance or any insurance? We are being moved to the standard cop's lingo: provide your DL, Ownership, and insurance - is this what it's coming to - drone operator provide your drone License, proof of proper government registration, and insurance? Are the cops going to be out there assessing flight conditions, weather, the altimeter, location of the drone flight in relation to heliports, and controlled airspace - are they going to inspect log books, are they going to determine if a drone is flying too high or unsafely - maybe: probably not? If you don't see this done licensing thing as an utterly miserable mess - well I do. It's come to the point whereby folks are flying drones without licenses, without any knowledge or consideration of ATC or airports: the licensing is such (so goofy) that many licensed pilots may not be able to pass. I'm not a lawyer, but I can pretty much guarantee that as this mess continues to unfold, as accidents occur, as people are injured, as property is compromised, there will be lawsuits and there is going to be H to be paid. It's fine to create new legislation, new rules, and new licensing, but what about enforcement, and are the penalties appropriate to the offense? If the DOT and government are licensing drone operators, if there are accidents that I can guarantee will occur - if there is no insurance requirement - who is liable? Someone is liable and I suggest that liability would extend beyond the drone operator? I hope that I have been polite and respectful enough, but I wish to add a final comment. I have seen, and read that some examiners for the advanced drone license or for the special advanced permit drone license/activity may want to see the individual who is in control of the drone, in possession of a portable aviation radio which is able to transmit to ATC. (on the aircraft bands) As a fully licensed pilot, I expect that ATC, the control tower(s), and operating, in-flight aircraft that would also be able to receive these drone-licensed activities, are not going to be happy campers. Imagine a licensed drone operator with a handheld radio, is able to transmit, and this clown is calling ATC for some nonsensical reason, attempting to comply with the insane drone licensing, calling ATC? Potentially, interrupting passenger airline operations - it makes no sense! The DOT, the MOT, the government have turned what could be a fun family activity, into a nightmarish MESS! With respect.

Wait a minute.... Are you saying that RCMPs can't hand out a ticket or seize a drone of an unlicensed drone operator because drones aren't part of the HTA or CC, CCC? I was camping at a provincial park last weekend, someone was flying a drone. BC provincial park employee showed up and friendly asked the guy if he had obtained the authorization to fly. Then asked him to land his drone since it wasn't authorized to fly and the fine would be 1000. In this specific scenario I suppose the park employee has the power to hand-out a ticket since you're doing something that's outlined as illegal without a permit from the park. It actually pisses me off when I see people flying drone for fun and going around campground and clearly checking out other people's spot but this is just like driving on the roads, there will always be clowns and idiots. Other than that I agree with your concerns and pointing out the flaws and non sense. At the end of the day I still haven't bought a drone because of all the rules that crippled down. I will probably attempt the basic exam although I would probably have to go for the advanced since the entire valley where I live is loaded with two airports + flight academy and all. The advanced exam review prices are ridiculous with drone "school" that charge you 600-900$ and I phoned the closest one, who's telling me the 500$ class + exam fee is highly recommended to pass the exam. I said I'd rather challenge the exam and was told I'd likely lose more trying to prepare on my own than paying for the course. At that price point for course and exam, I can see how some drone operators would just take a chance to be fined. My biggest concern about this isn't about making a regulation mistake but liabilities. I'd rather put the money towards insurance, even if they'll likely find a way to tell me I am at fault and nothing is covered.