In Season 2, Episode 6 of Sky Commander Academy, we get into one of the most overlooked — and legally critical — parts of advanced drone operations: maintenance and system checks. Whether you're flying solo or managing a fleet, failing to document or perform proper maintenance can ground your drone, void your insurance, or lead to non-compliance with Transport Canada regulations.

This episode gives you a clear, practical framework for keeping your aircraft in top condition — and your operations audit-proof.

You’ll learn:

• What Transport Canada expects from RPAS pilots when it comes to maintenance and pre/post-flight checks

• The difference between routine checks, preventive maintenance, and corrective actions

• How to document your work in a maintenance logbook that meets compliance standards

• Tips for setting up a repeatable maintenance schedule across multiple drones

• What to check before every flight — and what NOT to ignore when something seems "off"

Whether you’re working toward your Advanced RPAS Certificate or already flying commercial missions, this episode helps you build the habits and systems of a true aviation professional.

🎧 Now streaming on Spotify, Apple, and all major platforms
🌐 SkyCommander.ca
#RPASCanada #SkyCommander #DroneMaintenance #DroneSafetyChecks #TransportCanada #AdvancedRPAS #RPASCompliance #PreFlightCheck #DronePilot #RPASExamPrep #MaintenanceLogbook

In Season 2, Episode 5 of Sky Commander Academy, we break down the essential first step to flying legally in Canada — registering and marking your drone. Whether you're flying recreationally or operating in advanced airspace, failing to register your RPAS correctly can lead to fines, grounding, or worse.

This episode walks you through the exact process of Transport Canada RPAS registration, and what markings are required to meet Part IX compliance — no confusion, no skipped steps.

You’ll learn:

• Which drones must be registered under Canadian law (spoiler: most of them)

• How to complete your Transport Canada drone registration and obtain your RPAS registration certificate

• What information must be marked on the aircraft, how large it must be, and where to put it

• The difference between owner vs. operator responsibilities when registering multiple drones

• How registration ties into insurance, flight logs, and compliance audits

Whether you're adding a new drone to your fleet or just making sure you're fully compliant, this episode ensures your drone is legal, visible, and ready for advanced operations.

🎧 Now streaming on Spotify, Apple, and all major platforms
🌐 SkyCommander.ca
#RPASCanada #SkyCommander #DroneRegistration #TransportCanada #DroneMarking #RPASCompliance #AdvancedRPAS #DronePilot #RPASExamPrep #BasicVsAdvanced #DroneRegulations

In Season 2, Episode 4 of Sky Commander Academy, we’re diving deep into the world of Special Flight Operations Certificates (SFOCs) — the golden key that unlocks the skies for complex and high-risk drone missions across Canada. Whether you're flying beyond visual line of sight, over people, or in sensitive airspace, chances are you'll need an SFOC to do it legally.

This episode is your complete guide to understanding, applying for, and successfully executing SFOC-authorized operations — without getting buried in bureaucracy.

You’ll learn:

• What an SFOC is, and when you need one for RPAS missions in Canada

• The difference between one-time, standing, and blanket SFOCs

• How to prepare a strong application that meets Transport Canada's requirements

• What to include in your site survey, risk assessment, flight procedures, and emergency protocols

• Common mistakes that lead to delays or rejections — and how to avoid them

If you're serious about Advanced RPAS operations, this episode gives you the edge to fly further, higher, and smarter — with Transport Canada’s full support.

🎧 Now streaming on Spotify, Apple, and all major platforms
🌐 SkyCommander.ca
#RPASCanada #SkyCommander #AdvancedRPAS #SFOC #SpecialFlightOperationsCertificate #TransportCanada #DronePilot #RPASExamPrep #BVLOS #DroneRegulations #DroneRiskAssessment

In Season 2, Episode 3 of Sky Commander Academy, we enter one of the most regulated — and misunderstood — environments in Canadian drone ops: controlled airspace. If you're moving into Advanced RPAS operations, understanding how to legally and safely fly in controlled airspace is non-negotiable.

This episode demystifies the requirements, clears up common confusion, and helps you avoid the paperwork and penalties that come with getting it wrong.

You’ll learn:

• What qualifies as controlled airspace in Canada — and how to identify it on charts

• The legal requirements for RPAS flights in controlled airspace under Part IX of the CARs

• How to obtain NAV CANADA authorization — and what tools to use to simplify the process

• What your responsibilities are as Pilot-in-Command before, during, and after the flight

• The differences between flying near airports, heliports, and Class C and D airspace — and how to plan accordingly

Whether you’re prepping for the Advanced RPAS Certificate, applying for your first SFOC, or just planning to operate near controlled zones, this episode gives you the clarity and confidence to fly where others fear to tread.

🎧 Now streaming on Spotify, Apple, and all major platforms
🌐 SkyCommander.ca
#RPASCanada #SkyCommander #AdvancedRPAS #ControlledAirspace #NAVCanada #DronePilot #RPASExamPrep #TransportCanada #AirspaceAuthorization #PilotInCommand #SFOC

In Episode 2 of Season 2 of Sky Commander Academy, we dive straight into the regulatory core of Advanced RPAS operations: the Canadian Aviation Regulations (CARs). This isn’t the dry legal stuff — this is the critical knowledge that can determine whether your flight is legal, your drone is safe, and your certificate stays valid.

Whether you're prepping for the Advanced RPAS Certificate or planning a mission in controlled airspace, understanding CARs isn't optional — it's essential.

You’ll learn:

• The drone-specific rules in Part IX of the CARs — and why they matter more at the advanced level

• How Part VI general operating rules apply to RPAS pilots (and the ones you might be breaking without knowing)

• A quick recap of Sections 901 and 903 from Basic ops — and where the legal expectations change

• How CARs regulate flights in controlled airspace, and what that means for advanced authorization

• A clear overview of SFOCs (Special Flight Operations Certificates) — when you need them and how to apply

This episode translates Transport Canada's most important drone laws into plain language — so you can fly smart, safe, and on the right side of the law.

🎧 Now streaming on Spotify, Apple, and all major platforms
🌐 SkyCommander.ca
#RPASCanada #SkyCommander #AdvancedDronePilot #CARsCanada #PartIXRPAS #SFOC #ControlledAirspace #DroneRegulations #TransportCanada #RPASExamPrep #AdvancedOperations

Welcome to Season 2 of Sky Commander Academy! We're kicking things off with a deep dive into the legal framework that governs advanced drone operations in Canada — because flying bigger, higher, or in controlled airspace means more rules, more risk, and way more responsibility.

In Episode 1, we break down the complex (and often misunderstood) Canadian drone laws that apply specifically to Advanced Operations — giving you the clarity you need to stay compliant and confident.

You’ll learn:

• The key legal differences between Basic vs. Advanced drone operations

• When you need special flight authorizations, SFOCs, or airspace access permissions

• What it means to fly in controlled airspace — and how to do it legally

• How Transport Canada, NAV CANADA, and other authorities factor into your flight plan

• Real-world examples of legal mistakes that could cost you your certificate — or worse

If you're moving into Advanced drone operations, this episode lays the legal foundation you must understand before you go airborne.

🎧 Now streaming on Spotify, Apple, and all major platforms
🌐 SkyCommander.ca
#RPASCanada #SkyCommander #AdvancedRPAS #DroneLawCanada #TransportCanada #DronePilot #DroneRegulations #ControlledAirspace #SFOC #AdvancedDroneCertification #RPASExamPrep

In Episode 38 of Sky Commander Academy, we decode one of the most confusing (and frequently skipped) topics in Canadian drone operations: Zulu Time. Whether you're filing a NOTAM, reviewing weather reports, or coordinating airspace with NAV CANADA, understanding Zulu Time isn’t just nice to know — it’s essential.

This episode makes time zones make sense, so you can fly in sync with the aviation world — and avoid costly mistakes in your logs, check-ins, or controlled airspace missions.

You’ll learn:

• What Zulu Time (UTC) is, why it’s used in aviation, and how to convert it

• How Zulu Time shows up in METARs, TAFs, NOTAMs, and drone flight planning tools

• How to adjust for Canadian time zones and Daylight Saving Time

• Easy conversion tricks to help you nail it during the Basic RPAS Certificate exam

• Why operating on Zulu Time builds credibility and professionalism — even in local flights

If you’ve ever wondered why the weather report says 1500Z and you’re still looking at your wristwatch — this is the episode that clears it all up.

🎧 Now streaming on Spotify, Apple, and all major platforms
🌐 SkyCommander.ca
#RPASCanada #SkyCommander #DronePilot #ZuluTime #UTC #DroneFlightPlanning #DroneWeatherReports #METARs #NOTAMs #RPASExamPrep #BasicRPASCertificate #DroneOperations

In Episode 37 of Sky Commander Academy, we’re breaking down the full lineup of drone crew roles and responsibilities in Canadian airspace — because even solo pilots aren’t really flying alone. Whether you’re working with a visual observer or coordinating a full inspection team, knowing who does what (and why) is crucial for safety, efficiency, and compliance with Transport Canada regulations.

This episode is your guide to building trust, accountability, and airspace discipline — whether you're flying for fun or leading a mission.

You’ll learn:

• The defined roles in a Canadian RPAS operation: Pilot-in-Command, Visual Observer, Crew Member, and more

• What each role is responsible for — both legally and operationally

• When you must use a Visual Observer (and when it’s just smart)

• How clear communication and role clarity can prevent incidents and protect your certificate

• What Transport Canada expects in terms of crew coordination, checklists, and responsibilities

Whether you’re prepping for the Basic or Advanced RPAS Certificate, or stepping into leadership on drone projects, this episode ensures you know who’s got the controls — and who’s got your back.

🎧 Now streaming on Spotify, Apple, and all major platforms
🌐 SkyCommander.ca
#RPASCanada #SkyCommander #DronePilot #DroneCrew #VisualObserver #RPASCrewRoles #PilotInCommand #TransportCanada #DroneTeamwork #RPASExamPrep #BasicRPASCertificate #AdvancedRPAS

In Episode 36 of Sky Commander Academy, we deliver a high-impact review of three of the most underrated — but exam-critical — topics every Canadian drone pilot needs to understand: radiotelephony, human factors, and final exam prep. Whether you're days away from your test or just trying to reinforce the tougher content, this episode is your final checkpoint before takeoff.

You’ll learn:

• How to sound like a pro on the radio, avoid common phraseology mistakes, and communicate clearly in shared airspace

• The role of human factors like fatigue, stress, and situational awareness in drone performance (and how it shows up on the exam)

• Smart strategies for last-minute review — including how to prioritize what you study, spot trick questions, and avoid common exam traps

• Real-world examples of poor communication and human error — and how to do better under pressure

• How Transport Canada evaluates these areas on the Basic RPAS Certificate Exam

This isn’t a dry summary — it’s a focused, pilot-tested briefing designed to sharpen your mindset and reinforce mission-critical knowledge when it matters most.

🎧 Now streaming on Spotify, Apple, and all major platforms
🌐 SkyCommander.ca
#RPASCanada #SkyCommander #DronePilot #Radiotelephony #HumanFactors #DroneExamPrep #BasicRPASCertificate #TransportCanada #DroneTraining #DroneCommunication

In Episode 35 of Sky Commander Academy, we focus on one of the most overlooked — but absolutely critical — parts of passing the Transport Canada Basic RPAS Exam: understanding the definitions. These terms aren’t just filler — they’re foundational. Get them wrong, and you could miss easy points on the test or misinterpret rules in the field.

This episode drills into the core terminology Transport Canada uses — giving you clear, plain-English explanations to lock in your understanding fast.

You’ll learn:

• The most frequently tested definitions from the TP 15263 Knowledge Requirements Guide

• Key terms like VLOS, Visual Observer, SFOC, Controlled Airspace, and more — decoded and simplified

• Real-world examples of how these terms show up in exam questions and operational decisions

• Study tips and mnemonic tricks to help you retain them for test day (and beyond)

• Why mastering definitions gives you a massive advantage on the rest of the exam content

If you're studying for your Basic RPAS Certificate, this episode is your glossary, tutor, and cheat sheet — all in one.

🎧 Now streaming on Spotify, Apple, and all major platforms
🌐 SkyCommander.ca
#RPASCanada #SkyCommander #DronePilot #RPASDefinitions #BasicRPASCertificate #RPASExamPrep #TransportCanada #DroneRegulations #DroneTrainingCanada #KnowBeforeYouFly