VEdTS Advanced Drone Training

Advanced Drone Training

Transport Canada’s standard for professional drone operations. Advanced certification goes beyond Basic, authorizing pilots to fly in controlled airspace, near people, and in urban or industrial environments. It is the certification most commonly required for commercial and public-sector drone work in Canada, and serves as the foundation for Complex Level 1 training.

Advanced Drone Pilot Certification Overview

Who this is for

This certification is designed for pilots who want to expand their careers and take on professional drone operations. It is the entry point for those who plan to work in inspection, surveying, construction, mapping, media, emergency response, and other commercial or industrial applications.

While this course was originally designed with Canadian veterans in mind, it is equally open to and suitable for civilian students who want to pursue a career in drone operations.

Unlike the Basic certificate, which is limited to simple environments, the Advanced certificate is required for flying in urban areas, near people, and in controlled airspace — making it the standard most employers and clients expect.

What you’ll be able to do

With an Advanced Drone Pilot Certificate, you’ll be authorized to:

Fly in controlled airspace (with NAV CANADA authorization)
Conduct operations closer to people than Basic certification allows
Carry out missions in urban and industrial environments
Meet the certification requirements expected by most professional employers and organizations

What’s required to qualify

To earn your Drone Pilot Certificate – Advanced Operations, Transport Canada requires you to:

Pass the Advanced Operations online exam
Successfully complete an in-person flight review with a certified reviewer
Hold a valid Radio Operator Certificate – Aeronautical (ROC-A)

Prerequisites:

You do not need a Basic certificate to take the Advanced exam or flight review.
Pilots may begin directly with the Advanced certification if they plan to pursue professional drone work.

Certification Pathways

Complete Training Package

Our most comprehensive option. Includes 28 hours of online ground school, 32 hours of in-person flight training, and a flight review - plus a DJI Mini 5 Pro Fly More Combo. Ideal for new pilots or anyone who wants full instruction, hands-on practice, and the latest equipment bundled into their training.

Online Prep + Flight Review

A flexible option for pilots who already have flying experience but want structured study and official certification. Includes the 28-hour online ground school and a flight review. Optional add-ons include in-person flight training and a DJI Mini 5 Pro package.

Fast-Track Flight Review

For confident pilots who have already passed the Advanced Operations online exam. This option provides the required in-person flight review with a certified reviewer — the final step to becoming a Transport Canada Advanced Drone Pilot. Flexible scheduling is available.

Certification Pathways - In depth

1. Complete Training Package

Total program: 60 hours (28 hours of online study + 32 hours of in-person flight instruction)
Price: $4995 + tax

This exciting course comprises two important elements of study: 28 hours of online material to prepare you to take the Transport Canada Advanced Drone Pilot exam, and 32 hours of in-person flight training over the course of one week to prepare you for a flight review that, if passed, will make you a Certified Advanced Drone Pilot. (**Please note that exams and certificates are issued by Transport Canada, with payment directly payable to them - this amounts to about $35) Course Content 28-hour online Ground School covering the following areas as required by the Transport Canada TP15263E(1): a. Air Law, Air Traffic Rules and Procedures; b. RPAS airframes, power plants, propulsion and systems; c. Human Factors; d. Meteorology; e. Navigation; f. Flight Operations; g. Theory of Flight; and, h. Radiotelephony. ** Please note that the ground school is preparation for the Advanced Drone Pilot exam, which must be taken and passed prior to the in-person flight training. Familiarize yourself with the exams here: https://tc.canada.ca/en/aviation/drone-safety/drone-pilot-licensing/take-drone-pilot-online-exam-overview 32- hour In-person Flight Training which covers the following areas: a. Basic flight Maneuvers; b. Advanced flight Maneuvers; c. Mission Planning; d. Preparation and practice for Flight Review. e. ROC-A Training and examination services. f. Flight Review. g: Electronic documents included, sent by e-mail along with the course joining instructions: Mini5 Pro Checklist, Checklist including Emergency checklist; Pilot Logbook; and, Weather Decoders. The course includes a drone a. DJI MINI 5 PRO FLY MORE COMBO PLUS (DJI RC 2) 1 x DJI RC 2 Remote controller 3 X Intelligent flight battery Plus 1 x Two way Charging Hub and 1 x Shoulder bag *** Please note the Care Refresh warranty is an optional purchase made directly through DJI once the drone is activated. *Note 1 - TP15263E - Knowledge Requirements for the Pilots Remotely Piloted Aircraft Systems 250 g up to and including 25 kg Operating within Visual Line-of-Sight (VLOS) Award Passing students will receive a Drone Pilot Certificate - Advanced Operations, Radio Operating Certificate - Air (ROC-A), as well as a VEdTS Advanced Drone Pilot Certificate.

2. Online Prep + Flight Review

Total program: 28 hours of online study and an in-person flight review.
Price: $1200+ tax

This course is designed for pilots with some drone pilot experience, who want the flexibility of learning online, while still gaining the certification required for advanced drone operations in Canada. It combines a 28-hour online Ground School with a flight review, which, if passed, will make you a Transport Canada Certified Advanced Drone Pilot. Please note: Exams and certificates are issued by Transport Canada, with payment made directly to them (approximately $35). Prerequisites There are no formal prerequisites to enroll in the Advanced Drone Training course. If you would like an introduction to the material before beginning, you may choose to complete our Basic Drone Training first. This can be especially helpful for: Complete beginners with little or no prior drone experience. Hobbyist pilots who want to build confidence with core concepts before progressing. The Basic course prepares students for the Transport Canada Basic Pilot Exam, which leads to a Basic Drone Pilot Certificate. While not required, it can provide a useful foundation. Course Content 28-Hour Online ground school Delivered entirely online, this training prepares you for the Transport Canada Advanced Drone Pilot exam, covering the required knowledge areas under TP15263E(1): Air Law, Air Traffic Rules and Procedures RPAS Airframes, Power Plants, Propulsion and Systems Human Factors Meteorology Navigation Flight Operations Theory of Flight Radiotelephony 👉 You must complete and pass the Transport Canada Advanced Drone Pilot exam before booking your flight review. More about the exam here: Transport Canada – Online Drone Exams Flight Review Once you’ve passed the exam, you’ll complete a Flight Review with one of our certified reviewers. This ensures you can safely and confidently operate an RPAS in advanced conditions. Includes: Pre-review preparation materials (checklists, pilot logbook, weather decoders) Mission planning guidance Official Transport Canada flight review Equipment (Optional Add-On) Students may use their own Transport Canada-compliant drone for training and the flight review. For those who want to start with a reliable, high-quality drone, we offer an optional equipment package: DJI MINI 4 PRO FLY MORE COMBO PLUS (DJI RC 2) DJI RC 2 Remote Controller 3 Intelligent Flight Batteries Plus Two-way Charging Hub Shoulder Bag (DJI Care Refresh warranty available directly through DJI after activation) Certification Graduates who pass both the exam and the flight review will earn: Drone Pilot Certificate – Advanced Operations (Transport Canada) Radio Operator Certificate – Aeronautical (ROC-A) VEdTS Advanced Drone Pilot Certificate Why This Course? 100% online ground school – study at your own pace. Only in-person requirement is the flight review. Open to both civilians and veterans.

3. Fast-Track Flight Review

Price: $300 + tax

Already passed the Transport Canada Advanced Operations exam? The Fast-Track option is for you. This pathway provides the required in-person flight review with a certified reviewer — the final step to earning your Advanced Drone Pilot Certificate. Reviews are scheduled one-on-one, offering flexibility to fit your availability while ensuring you meet Transport Canada’s standards.

Apply for the Advanced Drone Pilot Pathway That Fits You

Complete the form to register your interest. We’ll confirm details and send you an invoice to secure your place.