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Sample Practice Questions

Try these 10 sample questions from the Transport Canada RPAS Advanced Exam practice bank. Each includes the answer and explanation. Continue with the interactive practice above to review the full question set.

  1. 1Under the Aeronautics Act, who is the pilot-in-command of an aircraft?

    1. A.The pilot responsible for aircraft maintenance between flights
    2. B.The pilot assigned to monitor the airspace for conflicting traffic
    3. C.The pilot authorized to plan the flight before the aircraft departs
    4. D.The pilot responsible for and having authority over the operation and safety of the aircraft during flight timeCorrect answer: D

    Explanation: The Act defines the pilot-in-command as "the pilot having responsibility and authority for the operation and safety of the aircraft during flight time". Ownership, observation, or maintenance alone does not confer that responsibility and authority. Responsibility for maintenance, observation, or preflight planning alone does not establish responsibility and authority during flight.

    Reference: Aeronautics Act — Section 3(1), definition of pilot-in-command

  2. 2During a fixed-wing RPA preflight inspection, what should the pilot check about the wings?

    1. A.The wings are securely attached at their fuselage connectionsCorrect answer: A
    2. B.The wings are secure only at their forward fuselage connections
    3. C.The wings are secure only at their rear fuselage connections
    4. D.The wings can be repositioned at their fuselage connections during flight

    Explanation: TC AIM instructs the pilot to check the wings, "ensuring that they are securely attached to fuselage". Checking only one set of attachment points or accepting a movable attachment does not establish secure attachment.

    Reference: Transport Canada Aeronautical Information Manual, RPA — RPA, Airframe (All Types), fixed-wing preflight inspection, p. 449

  3. 3Which visual scanning method does TC AIM describe as effective?

    1. A.Focusing exclusively on the RPA and ignoring the surrounding sky
    2. B.Scanning the sky once before launch and not again during flight
    3. C.Short, regularly spaced eye movements bringing successive areas into the central visual fieldCorrect answer: C
    4. D.Sweeping a large area continuously without pausing to focus

    Explanation: The source states "achieved through short, regularly spaced eye movements that bring successive areas of the sky into the central visual field.". The guide describes short, spaced movements and continuous scanning; the other choices omit focusing, surrounding airspace or the flight period.

    Reference: Transport Canada Aeronautical Information Manual, RPA — RPA 3.2.6.2, Visual Scanning Technique

  4. 4How does atmospheric pressure generally change with increasing altitude?

    1. A.It decreasesCorrect answer: A
    2. B.It increases
    3. C.It remains constant
    4. D.It decreases only above the tropopause

    Explanation: The handbook states "As altitude increases, atmospheric pressure decreases.". The handbook identifies decreasing pressure with increasing altitude; the other choices reverse or add an unsupported limitation.

    Reference: Pilot’s Handbook of Aeronautical Knowledge, Chapter 12: Weather Theory — Chapter 12, Altitude and Atmospheric Pressure

  5. 5What do the parallels of latitude on an aeronautical chart measure?

    1. A.Magnetic deviation from compass north
    2. B.Degrees north or south of the equatorCorrect answer: B
    3. C.Degrees east or west of the prime meridian
    4. D.Distance above mean sea level

    Explanation: The source states "degrees of latitude north (N) or south (S) of the equator.". Latitude is measured north or south from the equator; longitude uses the prime meridian.

    Reference: Pilot’s Handbook of Aeronautical Knowledge, Chapter 16: Navigation — Chapter 16, Latitude and Longitude

  6. 6What effect on aircraft control may result from a centre of gravity outside approved limits?

    1. A.Difficulty controlling the aircraftCorrect answer: A
    2. B.Improved control authority at every speed
    3. C.Improved controllability at every weight
    4. D.Control authority independent of loading

    Explanation: Operating outside approved centre-of-gravity limits can result in control difficulty. The other choices assert benefits that are not supported by the handbook. The cited source states: "results in control difficulty.".

    Reference: Pilot’s Handbook of Aeronautical Knowledge, Chapter 10 — Chapter 10, Introduction

  7. 7For a constant mass, how does Newton's second law relate force and acceleration?

    1. A.Force equals acceleration divided by mass
    2. B.Force is independent of acceleration
    3. C.Force equals mass multiplied by accelerationCorrect answer: C
    4. D.Force equals mass divided by acceleration

    Explanation: The handbook states "equals mass times acceleration.". For constant mass, the stated relation is F = ma. The other choices reverse or omit that dependence.

    Reference: Pilot’s Handbook of Aeronautical Knowledge, Chapter 4 — Chapter 4, Newton's Basic Laws of Motion

  8. 8An aircraft faces grave and imminent danger and requires immediate assistance. Which radiotelephony signal applies?

    1. A.MAYDAYCorrect answer: A
    2. B.PAN PAN
    3. C.MAYDAY RELAY
    4. D.SEELONCE MAYDAY

    Explanation: MAYDAY is the distress signal for grave and imminent danger requiring immediate assistance. PAN PAN denotes urgency without immediate assistance; MAYDAY RELAY relays another station's distress and SEELONCE MAYDAY imposes silence during distress traffic. The cited source states: "the spoken word for distress is "MAYDAY"".

    Reference: RIC-21 Study Guide for the Restricted Operator Certificate with Aeronautical Qualification — Section 6.4 Distress Signal

  9. 9For the purpose of the Aeronautics Act, what distinguishes an airport from an aerodrome generally?

    1. A.An aerodrome for which an operating manual has been filed with the operator
    2. B.An aerodrome that appears on an aeronautical chart
    3. C.An aerodrome for which an aviation document was issued, even if it is no longer in force
    4. D.An airport is an aerodrome for which a Canadian aviation document is in forceCorrect answer: D

    Explanation: The Act defines an airport as "an aerodrome in respect of which a Canadian aviation document is in force". The definition does not require a paved runway, continuous control service, or exclusive use by remotely piloted aircraft. A lapsed document is not in force, and an operating manual or chart entry does not establish the specified document.

    Reference: Aeronautics Act — Section 3(1), definition of airport

  10. 10What airframe condition should be checked on a rotary RPA before flight?

    1. A.Cracks only on the top of the arms
    2. B.Loose parts only on the landing gear
    3. C.Damage only on the propeller tips
    4. D.Cracks, loose parts or damage on the top and bottom of the armsCorrect answer: D

    Explanation: The guide says to "Inspect the top and bottom of the airframe arms for cracks," and "loose parts, or signs of damage;". Both sides of the arms are inspected; the other choices omit part of the check.

    Reference: Transport Canada Aeronautical Information Manual, RPA — RPA, Airframe (All Types), rotary-aircraft preflight inspection, p. 449

Exam Review

About Transport Canada RPAS Advanced Exam

Transport Canada RPAS Advanced Exam · CA

Key exam facts

Exam questions
Total questions: 50.

Topics covered

  • Section 1: air law, air traffic rules and procedures

    • Aeronautics Act: Section 3 - Definitions
    • Canadian Aviation Regulations (CARs) Part IGeneral provisions 101Interpretation 101.01 Interpretation (definitions)
    • 102Application 102.01 Application
    • 103Administration and compliance 103.02 Inspection of aircraft, requests for production of documents and prohibitions 103.03 Return of Canadian Aviation Documents 103.04 Record keeping
    • Part IIIAerodromes and airports 301Aerodromes 301.01 Application 301.08 Prohibitions 301.09 Fire prevention 302Airports 302.10 Prohibitions 302.11 Fire prevention
    • Part VIGeneral operating and flight rules 601Airspace Airspace structure, classification and use 601.01 Airspace structure 601.02 Airspace classification 601.03 Transponder airspace 601.04 IFR or VFR flight in class F special use restricted airspace or class F special use advisory airspace 601.08 VFR flight in class C airspace 601.09 VFR flight in class D airspace
    • Aircraft operating restrictions and hazards to aviation safety 601.14 Interpretation 601.15 Forest fire aircraft operating restrictions 601.16 Issuance of NOTAM for forest fire 601.17 Exceptions 601.20 Projection of directed bright light source at an aircraft 601.21 Requirement for notification 601.22 Requirement for Pilot-In-Command (PIC)
    • 602 – Operating and flight rules - general Operation at or in the vicinity of an aerodrome 602.96 General 602.97 VFR and IFR aircraft operations at uncontrolled aerodromes within a Mandatory Frequency (MF) Area 602.98 General MF reporting requirements 602.99 MF reporting procedures before entering maneuvering area 602.100 MF reporting procedures on departure 602.101 MF reporting procedures on arrival 602.102 MF reporting procedures when flying continuous circuits 602.103 Reporting procedures when flying through an MF area
    • Radio communications 602.136 Continuous listening watch 602.138 Two-way radio communication failure in VFR flight 602.146 The Emergency Security Control of Air Traffic (ESCAT)Plan
    • 606Miscellaneous 606.01 Munitions of war
    • Part IX Remotely piloted aircraft systems Division I General provisions 900.01 Interpretation 900.02 Application
    • Division II General operating and flight rules for all RPAS 900.06 Reckless or negligent operation 900.07 Inadvertent Entry into Restricted Airspace 900.08 Prohibition — Emergency Security Perimeter 900.09 Prohibition — Commercial Air Service
    • Division III Registration of remotely piloted aircraft 900.13 Registration 900.14 Registration number 900.15 Qualifications to be registered owner of a remotely piloted aircraft 900.16 Registration requirements 900.17 Register of remotely piloted aircraft 900.18 Cancellation of certificate of registration 900.19 Change of name or address 900.20 Access to certificate of registration
    • Subpart 1 Small remotely piloted aircraft and medium remotely piloted aircraft Division I General provisions 901.01 Application
    • In VLOS 901.11 Visual line-of-sight 901.13 Prohibition—Canadian domestic airspace 901.14 Controlled airspace 901.15 Inadvertent entry into controlled airspace 901.16 Flight safety 901.17 Right of way 901.18 Avoidance of collision 901.19 Fitness of crew members 901.20 Visual observers 901.21 Compliance with instructions 901.22 Carriage of persons 901.23 Procedures 901.24 Pre-flight information 901.25 Maximum altitude 901.26 Horizontal distance 901.27 Site survey 901.28 Other pre-flight requirements 901.29 Serviceability of the remotely piloted aircraft system 901.30 Availability of manuals 901.31 Instructions and manuals 901.32 Control of remotely piloted aircraft systems 901.33 Take-offs, launches, approaches, landings and recovery 901.34 Minimum weather conditions 901.35 Icing 901.36 Formation flight 901.37 Prohibition—operation of moving vehicles, vessels and traditional aircraft 901.38 Use of first-person view devices 901.39 Night flight requirements 901.40 Multiple remotely piloted aircraft 901.41 Special aviation events and advertised events 901.42 Handovers 901.43 Payloads 901.44 Flight termination system 901.45 ELT 901.46 Transponder and automatic pressure-altitude reporting equipment 901.47 Operations at or in the vicinity of an aerodrome, airport or heliport 901.48 Records 901.49 Incidents and accidents—associated measures 901.50 Dropping of Objects
    • Division IV Basic operations 901.53 Application 901.54 Pilot requirements 901.55 Issuance of pilot certificate—small remotely piloted aircraft (VLOS)—basic operations 901.56 Recency requirements 901.57 Access to certificate and proof of recency 901.58 Examination rules 901.59 Retaking of an examination or a flight review
    • Division V Advanced operations 901.62 Application 901.63 Pilot requirements 901.64 Issuance of pilot certificate—remotely piloted aircraft—advanced operations 901.65 Recency requirements 901.66 Access to certificate and proof of recency 901.67 Examination rules 901.68 Retaking of an examination or a flight review 901.69 Declaration—permitted operations 901.70 Operation of a modified remotely piloted aircraft system 901.71 Operations in controlled airspace 901.72 Compliance with air traffic control instructions 901.73 Operations at or in the vicinity of an airport or a heliport–established procedure 901.74 Extended VLOS Operations and Sheltered Operations 901.75 Visual Observers
    • Division X Training and Flight Review 901.175 Prohibition—flight reviewer 901.176 Flight reviewer rating 901.177 Examination rules 901.178 Retaking of an examination 901.179 Eligibility to Make Declaration 901.180 Training provider requirements – Flight Reviews 901.181 Conduct of flight reviews
    • Subpart 3 Special flight operations—remotely piloted aircraft systems 903.01 Prohibition 903.02 Application for special flight operations certificate— RPAS 903.03 Issuance [or Amendment] of special flight operations certificate—RPAS
    • Transportation Safety Board of Canada (TSB)(refer to TC AIM-GEN 3.0)
    • Air traffic services and procedures Air traffic and advisory services Flight service stations, flight information centres Communication procedures ATC clearances/instructions/mandatory read back procedures Aerodrome operations  controlled Aerodrome operations  uncontrolled Mandatory frequency (MF) and aerodrome traffic frequency (ATF)

  • Section 2: RPA airframes, power plants, propulsion and systems

    • Airframes 1. Handling/care/securing
    • Electrical systems 1. Typical electrical system components (motors, electronic speed controllers, batteries, etc.) 2. Servo motors 3. Importance of component integrity/maintenance
    • Redundancies & critical items 1. Risks of flying with inoperative systems
    • Control station 1. Orientation 2. Software version control 3. Flight simulation
    • Data links 1. Frequency bands (licensed and unlicensed) 2. Line-of-sight 3. Antenna and tracking systems 4. Interference 5. Gain, signal to noise ratio
    • Batteries 1. Types and hazards 2. Battery parameters such as Energy Capacity (measured in Ah and Wh), Voltage(V), charge and discharge rates (C-Rating) 3. Battery configurations (parallel, series) 4. Charge cycles, storage, and maintenance 5. Discharge curves 6. Transportation of batteries in accordance with the Transportation of Dangerous Goods Regulations (TDG) Regulations
    • Fuel systems 1. Fuel system types and hazards. 2. Fuel quantity measurement. 3. Fueling and storage techniques.
    • Autopilots 1. The role of an autopilot 2. Different levels of control (e.g., stabilization vs. waypoint) 3. Flight termination systems (internal and remote) 4. Software version control (control station and RPA)
    • Payloads 1. Sensor types (electro-optical, infra-red, radio frequency, atmospheric, etc.)
    • Propulsion 1. Types of electric motors (brush, brushless, inrunner, and outrunner) 2. Speed controllers 3. Types of internal combustion engines
    • Launch and recovery systems 1. Types of launchers 2. Types of recovery systems–parachute, deep stall, arresting system/hook, normal landing 3. Safety areas and templates for launch and recovery
    • Maintenance and record keeping 1. Technical log requirements 2. Servicing, elementary tasks, critical tasks 3. 2-person perform/verify practice
    • Magnetic compass 1. Principles of operation 2. Variation 3. Factors adversely affecting compass operation 4. Importance of calibration
    • Altimeter 1. Principles of operation 2. Errors and malfunctions
    • Airspeed indicator 1. Principles of operation 2. Errors and malfunctions
    • Inertial measurement unit (IMU) 1. Components 2. Errors & malfunctions

  • Section 3: Human factors

    • Aviation physiology 1. Vision/visual scanning techniques 2. Hearing 3. Orientation/disorientation (including visual/perspective/parallax illusions) 4. Body rhythms/jet lag 5. Sleep/fatigue 6. Anaesthetics
    • The pilot and the operating environment 1. Medications (prescribed and over-the-counter) 2. Substance abuse (alcohol/drugs) 3. Heat/cold 4. Noise 5. Toxic hazards (including carbon monoxide – GCS vehicle)
    • Aviation psychology 1. Factors that influence decision-making 2. Situational awareness 3. Stress 4. Managing risk 5. Attitudes 6. Workload–attention and information processing
    • Pilot–equipment/materials relationship 1. Controls and displays–errors in interpretation and control 2. Standard operating procedures–rationale/benefits 3. Correct use of checklists and manuals 4. Automation and complacency
    • Interpersonal relations 1. Communications with flight crew/air traffic services/customers/public/authorities 2. Operating pressures–family relationships/peer group 3. Operating pressures–employer

  • Section 4: Meteorology

    • The earth’s atmosphere 1. Composition and physical properties 2. Density and pressure
    • Atmospheric pressure 1. Pressure measurements 2. Station pressure 3. Sea level pressure 4. Pressure system and their variations 5. Effects of temperature
    • Meteorological aspects of altimetry 1. Pressure altitude 2. Density altitude 3. Altimeter settings
    • Moisture 1. Temperature variations with altitude 2. Relative humidity/dewpoint 3. Cloud formation 4. Precipitation
    • Stability and instability 1. Characteristics of stable/unstable air 2. Surface heating/cooling 3. Lifting processes
    • Clouds 1. Types applicable to low level flying and recognition 2. Associated precipitation and turbulence
    • Surface based layers 1. Fog formation 2. Haze/smoke 3. Blowing obstruction to vision
    • Turbulence 1. Convection 2. Mechanical 3. Orographic 4. Wind shear
    • Wind 1. Pressure gradient 2. Low level winds–variation in surface wind 3. Friction 4. Diurnal effects 5. Land/sea breezes 6. Katabatic/anabatic effects 7. Topographical effects
    • Fronts and frontal weather 1. Structure/frontal wave 2. Cold front 3. Warm front
    • Aircraft icing 1. Formation 2. In-flight–freezing rain 3. Hoar frost 4. Effect of frost and ice on launch and recovery systems
    • Thunderstorms 1. Requirements for development 2. Types–air mass/frontal 3. Hazards–updrafts/downdrafts/gust fronts/downbursts/microbursts/hail/lightning/antennas 4. Squall lines
    • Meteorological services available to pilots 1. Flight Information Centres (FIC) – telephone service 2. Aviation weather web site 3. Automatic Terminal Information Service (ATIS) 4. Non-aviation sources
    • Aviation weather reports 1. Aviation Routine Weather Report (METAR), Automated Weather Observation Station (AWOS), Basic Weather Information System (LWIS)
    • Aviation forecasts 1. Times issued and validity periods 2. Aerodrome Forecasts (TAF)

  • Section 5: Navigation

    • Definitions 1. Longitude 2. Latitude 3. Variation 4. Track 5. Heading 6. Airspeed 7. Bearing 8. Wind velocity 9. Drift
    • Maps and charts 1. Aeronautical charts: VNC, VTA 2. Topographical symbols 3. Elevation and contours (relief) 4. Aeronautical information 5. Scale and units of measurement 6. Locating position by latitude and longitude 7. Canada Flight Supplement (CFS)
    • Time and longitude 1. 24 Hour system 2. Conversion of Universal Coordinated Time (UTC) to local and vice versa 3. Sunrise and sunset
    • Pilot navigation 1. Use of aeronautical charts 2. Measurement of bearing and distance 3. Variation 4. True track/magnetic track 5. True/magnetic/headings 6. Airspeed vs groundspeed
    • Flight planning 1. Factors affecting choice of flying area 2. NOTAM 3. Use of Canada Flight Supplement (CFS) 4. Fuel/energy requirements 5. Weight and balance 6. Documents to be available to crew members 7. Aircraft serviceability, configuration 8. Effect of wind on range and endurance
    • Radio theory 1. Characteristics of low/high and very & ultra-high frequency radio waves 2. Frequency bands used in navigation and communication 3. Operational limitations, propagation, causes of interference
    • Global navigation satellite system (GNSS/GPS) 1. Principles of operation 2. Causes of signal loss and interference
    • Other radio and radar aids–basic principles and use 1. Air traffic control (ATC) transponder 2. Locator devices

  • Section 6: Flight operations

    • General 1. Pilot-in-command responsibilities 2. Aircraft defects 3. Winter operations 4. Thunderstorm avoidance 5. Wildlife hazards 6. Wildlife conservation 7. Collision avoidance–use of lights 8. Runway numbering 9. Aerodrome operations (Procedures for the prevention of runway incursions and conflicts) 10. Radio/electronic interference, portable electronic devices
    • Aircraft performance 1. Effects of density altitude and humidity 2. Bank/speed vs rate/radius of turn 3. Use of aircraft flight manual
    • Performance charts/data 1. Factors affecting launcher performance (e.g., ice, temperature) 2. Crosswind limits 3. Factors affecting performance (battery, wind, speeds, climb power, etc.) 4. Hover ceiling, maximum altitude
    • Weight and balance 1. Locating centre of gravity (C of G) 2. Weights–e.g., empty/gross 3. External loads–effect on performance and stability
    • Aircraft critical surface contamination 1. Effects of aircraft critical surface contamination on performance 2. Types of contaminants (e.g., water, frost, snow, condensation, tape, etc.)
    • RPAS operations (VLOS) 1. Landowner authorizations 2. Coordination with public safety (municipality) 3. Charging areas 4. Site control, safety perimeter 5. Launch points, recovery points 6. Obstacles 7. Emergency procedures 8. Defining roles and responsibilities 9. Communications 10. Post flight actions (download data, safety actions, etc.)
    • RPAS Operations (Extended VLOS - EVLOS) 1. Where EVLOS is permitted 2. Maximum range from pilot and visual observer (VO) 3. Proximity to people 4. Types of RPA appropriate for EVLOS
    • RPAS Operations (Sheltered Operations) 1. Where sheltered operations are permitted 2. Maximum range from pilot 3. Proximity to people 4. Concerns related to C2 links during sheltered operations 5. Concerns related to lost-link behavior when performing sheltered operations.
    • Occupational safety & health 1. Charging areas 2. Launch points, recovery points 3. Obstacles 4. Emergency procedures 5. Responsibilities 6. Communications 7. Post-flight actions

  • Section 7: Theory of flight

    • Principles of flight 1. Bernoulli's principle 2. Newton's laws
    • Aircraft parts and components 1. Fixed wing 2. Multi-rotor aircraft 3. Helicopter components
    • Forces acting on an aircraft 1. Lift 2. Drag–induced/parasite 3. Thrust 4. Weight 5. Equilibrium
    • Stability 1. Longitudinal, lateral, directional stability 2. Inherent stability 3. Methods of achieving stability, effect of C of G position
    • Aerofoils 1. Relative airflow and angle of attack 2. Relationship of lift and drag to angle of attack 3. Aerodynamic stall
    • Propellers & rotors 1. Handling and care
    • Design of the wing 1. Wing planform 2. Spoilers 3. Flaps
    • Aeroplane flight controls 1. Aeroplane axes and planes of movement 2. Control surfaces 3. Trim
    • Helicopter flight controls 1. Cyclic 2. Collective 3. Tail rotor
    • Multi-rotor aircraft dynamics 1. Principles of flight and torque 2. Pilot flight controls 3. Settling with power 4. Recirculation 5. Dynamic rollover
    • Load factor 1. Load factor–turns 2. Gust loads, turbulence 3. Structural/power limitations

  • Section 8: Radiotelephony

    • Communications 1. Operator’s certificate (aeronautical) - (Industry Canada Operator Certificate – with Aeronautical Qualification course) 2. Terminology 3. Common frequencies 4. Emergencies
    • Crew member radios 1. Terminology 2. Reception performance

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Frequently asked questions

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Total questions: 50.

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