In Episode 23 of Sky Commander Academy, we tune into one of the most intimidating — and important — parts of drone operations: radio communication. Whether you're monitoring ATC traffic or coordinating with other airspace users, knowing how to listen, speak, and report like a professional can set you apart — and keep you compliant with Transport Canada regulations.

Even if you're not using a radio daily, this knowledge is essential for your Basic RPAS Certificate and future advanced operations.

You’ll learn:

• How to effectively listen to Air Traffic Control (ATC) — and why that skill matters even in uncontrolled airspace

• The correct phraseology and pronunciation used in aviation — so you sound sharp and are clearly understood

• When and how to make position reports, plus the communication etiquette that keeps the skies safe

• Key radio procedures Transport Canada expects you to know for legal and professional RPAS operation

Whether you're on the airwaves or just preparing for more complex airspace, this episode helps you speak the language of the sky with confidence.

🎧 Now streaming on Spotify, Apple, and all major platforms
🌐 SkyCommander.ca
#RPASCanada #SkyCommander #DronePilot #RadioProcedures #AviationPhraseology #ATCListening #DronePositionReports #RPASExamPrep #BasicRPASCertificate #DroneCommunication

In Episode 22 of Sky Commander Academy, we break down the core flight dynamics that control every movement your drone makes — and the subtle mistakes that can lead to instability, drift, or disaster. Whether you're aiming to pass the Basic RPAS Certificate or fine-tune your flight skills, understanding how your drone reacts to input and force is critical.

This is where theory meets real-world piloting.

You’ll learn:

• How pitch, roll, and yaw affect drone control — and how to recognize each one in action

• Why your center of gravity matters for flight stability, camera control, and crash prevention

• How load factors and G-forces impact your drone during sharp turns, wind gusts, or emergency maneuvers

• What Transport Canada expects you to understand about drone movement and control for safe flight operations

Master these dynamics, and you’ll go from just flying to flying with precision and purpose.

🎧 Now streaming on Spotify, Apple, and all major platforms
🌐 SkyCommander.ca
#RPASCanada #SkyCommander #DronePilot #FlightDynamics #PitchRollYaw #CenterOfGravity #GForces #DroneControl #RPASExamPrep #BasicRPASCertificate

In Episode 21 of Sky Commander Academy, we dig into the invisible science that keeps your drone in the air — or sends it spiraling out of control. Understanding the principles of lift, drag, thrust, and stability isn’t just for engineers — it’s essential knowledge for any RPAS pilot aiming to pass the Basic Certificate and fly like a pro.

If you’ve ever wondered how your drone stays up there, this is the episode for you.

You’ll learn:

• How the Bernoulli Principle explains lift — and what it means for your RPAS

• The role of propeller thrust and efficiency, and how it affects your flight time and stability

• Why aerodynamic stability matters more than you think — especially in wind or during sudden maneuvers

• How Transport Canada expects you to apply these concepts on the exam and in real operations

Whether you’re prepping for the test or upgrading your flight skills, this episode will help you understand the physics behind every takeoff and landing.

🎧 Now streaming on Spotify, Apple, and all major platforms
🌐 SkyCommander.ca
#RPASCanada #SkyCommander #DronePilot #LiftAndDrag #BernoulliPrinciple #PropellerThrust #DroneStability #RPASExamPrep #BasicRPASCertificate #DroneAerodynamics

In Episode 20 of Sky Commander Academy, we focus on what smart pilots do after the mission ends — and why your post-flight routine is just as important as your launch. From proper logging to battery care and safe storage, this episode covers the essential post-flight practices that keep your drone airworthy and your operations Transport Canada-compliant.

You’ll learn:

• How to properly log flight time and maintenance data for audits, insurance, and performance tracking

• What to check during battery recovery and inspection — and why it can save you from mid-air failure

• Best practices for equipment storage that extend lifespan and reduce wear-and-tear

• What Transport Canada looks for when it comes to responsible post-flight procedures

Whether you're aiming for clean records or a longer drone lifespan, this episode gives you the knowledge to shut down like a professional.

🎧 Now streaming on Spotify, Apple, and all major platforms
🌐 SkyCommander.ca
#RPASCanada #SkyCommander #DronePilot #PostFlightChecklist #BatteryCare #DroneMaintenance #FlightLogging #EquipmentStorage #RPASExamPrep #BasicRPASCertificate

In Episode 19 of Sky Commander Academy, we cover the high-stress moments every drone pilot dreads — and how to handle them like a trained pro. From sudden signal loss to total flyaways, this episode breaks down the emergency procedures that can make the difference between a crash and a controlled recovery.

These are must-know actions for your Basic RPAS Certificate, but even more critical when things go wrong mid-flight.

You’ll learn:

• What to do when you lose your control link — and how to stay calm under pressure

• How to respond to a flyaway or system malfunction before it escalates

• The proper way to execute emergency landings safely and legally

• Transport Canada's expectations for RPAS pilots when emergencies happen

This episode is your emergency playbook — don’t wait for a real crisis to learn it.

🎧 Now streaming on Spotify, Apple, and all major platforms
🌐 SkyCommander.ca
#RPASCanada #SkyCommander #DronePilot #DroneEmergencies #FlyawayResponse #ControlLinkLoss #EmergencyLanding #RPASExamPrep #BasicRPASCertificate #DroneMalfunction

In Episode 17 of Sky Commander Academy, we break down the pre-flight steps that every smart drone pilot follows — and that careless pilots ignore at their own risk. From site assessments to airspace coordination, this episode gives you the full rundown on how to plan like a pro and fly with confidence.

It’s not just best practice — it’s what Transport Canada expects for safe, legal RPAS operations.

You’ll learn:

• How to conduct a proper site assessment, including weather, terrain, and obstacle checks

• What to do with NOTAMs and when to coordinate with NAV CANADA before a flight

• How to build and follow a flight plan and pre-flight checklist that keeps you compliant and crash-free

• Key elements you’ll see on the Basic RPAS Certificate exam — and in real-world ops

If you’ve ever rushed a launch or skipped a checklist, this episode is your wake-up call.

🎧 Now streaming on Spotify, Apple, and all major platforms
🌐 SkyCommander.ca
#RPASCanada #SkyCommander #DronePilot #PreFlightChecklist #SiteAssessment #NAVCANADA #DroneFlightPlanning #RPASExamPrep #BasicRPASCertificate #NOTAMs

In Episode 18 of Sky Commander Academy, we focus on what happens after takeoff — and why mastering in-flight procedures is key to staying legal, safe, and in control. From proper launch technique to avoiding manned aircraft, this episode breaks down the real-world responsibilities of a drone pilot in Canadian airspace.

Whether you're prepping for the Basic RPAS Certificate or refining your field habits, this is the flight training Transport Canada wants you to know.

You’ll learn:

• Best practices for safe and stable launch/recovery, no matter the conditions

• How to maintain VLOS (Visual Line of Sight) and strong situational awareness throughout your mission

• How to detect, avoid, and respond to manned aircraft in shared airspace

• What exam questions to expect and what real-world mistakes to avoid

If you think the hard part ends after launch — this episode will change the way you fly.

🎧 Now streaming on Spotify, Apple, and all major platforms
🌐 SkyCommander.ca
#RPASCanada #SkyCommander #DronePilot #VLOS #AvoidingAircraft #DroneSituationalAwareness #LaunchAndRecovery #RPASExamPrep #BasicRPASCertificate #DroneFlightOps

In Episode 16 of Sky Commander Academy, we dive into the navigation skills that separate safe, skilled drone pilots from crash-and-burn amateurs. Knowing how to choose your site, avoid compass errors, and trust (or question) your GPS can make the difference between a flawless flight and a flyaway disaster.

This episode is packed with practical advice and Transport Canada exam prep, so you’re ready for anything — on the test or in the field.

You’ll learn:

• How to perform a site survey that accounts for hazards, interference, and emergency planning

• What causes magnetic interference, how it affects your compass, and how to fix it fast

• How to get the most from your GPS/GNSS systems and mapping tools — without becoming over-reliant

• The key navigation concepts you must understand for your Basic RPAS Certificate

Whether you're flying commercially, recreationally, or training for your certification, this episode helps you navigate with confidence and control.

🎧 Now streaming on Spotify, Apple, and all major platforms
🌐 SkyCommander.ca
#RPASCanada #SkyCommander #DronePilot #RPASNavigation #DroneGPS #SiteSurvey #MagneticInterference #MappingTools #RPASExamPrep #BasicRPASCertificate #DroneCompass

In Episode 15 of Sky Commander Academy, we clear the air on one of the most confusing — and critical — topics for Canadian drone pilots: airspace classification. Whether you’re prepping for your Basic RPAS Certificate or just want to stay legal, this episode will teach you how to read the skies before you fly into restricted territory.

With real-world examples and simple breakdowns, we’ll help you navigate Canada’s airspace system like a pro.

You’ll learn:

• The differences between Airspace Classes A through G — and which ones apply to drone pilots

• How to tell the difference between Controlled and Uncontrolled Airspace (and where you're allowed to fly)

• What Special Use Airspace is — and how to avoid accidentally breaking federal rules

• What Transport Canada wants you to know to stay compliant and safe

Flying a drone isn’t just about line of sight — it’s about knowing what invisible boundaries are above your head. This episode gives you the clarity to fly confidently and legally.

🎧 Now streaming on Spotify, Apple, and all major platforms
🌐 SkyCommander.ca
#RPASCanada #SkyCommander #DronePilot #CanadianAirspace #AirspaceClasses #ControlledAirspace #SpecialUseAirspace #RPASExamPrep #BasicRPASCertificate #KnowBeforeYouFly

In Episode 14 of Sky Commander Academy, we reveal the hidden weather factors that silently sabotage drone performance — and how to stay ahead of them. From sudden gusts to battery-killing cold, environmental conditions can turn a routine flight into a disaster fast.

This episode is your go-to guide for understanding how real-world weather impacts your RPAS — knowledge Transport Canada expects you to have for the Basic RPAS Certificate.

You’ll learn:

• How wind gusts and updrafts affect drone control, and how to spot the warning signs

• Why temperature extremes drain your batteries faster — and what to do about it

• The impact of rain, snow, and low visibility on sensors, cameras, and flight stability

• How to plan missions with performance-impacting weather in mind

Whether you're flying for fun or prepping for the exam, this episode gives you the real-world insight to fly smarter, safer, and longer — no matter the forecast.

🎧 Now streaming on Spotify, Apple, and all major platforms
🌐 SkyCommander.ca
#RPASCanada #SkyCommander #DronePilot #DroneWeather #WindGusts #ColdWeatherFlying #DroneVisibility #BatteryPerformance #RPASExamPrep #BasicRPASCertificate