Level 1 Complex Drone Pilot Certificate (New for 2025)
The Complex Level 1 Drone Pilot Certificate is Canada’s newest Transport Canada certification, introduced under updated drone regulations coming into effect November 4, 2025. This certificate goes beyond Basic and Advanced operations, opening the door to professional-grade missions, including Beyond Visual Line of Sight (BVLOS) in certain low-risk or sheltered environments.
Level 1 Complex Certification Overview
Who this is for
This certification is designed for pilots who want to advance their careers and take on more demanding operations — whether in inspection, surveying, mapping, public safety, or other professional drone applications.
What you’ll be able to do
With a Level 1 Complex certificate, you’ll be authorized to:
-
Fly all Basic and Advanced operations
-
Conduct complex operations, including some BVLOS missions (when paired with a valid RPAS Operator Certificate – RPOC)
-
Operate in more challenging environments where higher levels of regulatory oversight and pilot skill are required
What’s required to qualify
To earn your Pilot Certificate – Level 1 Complex Operations, Transport Canada requires you to:
-
Hold or pass the Advanced Operations exam
-
Complete at least 20 hours of ground school from a recognized training provider
-
Pass the Complex Level 1 online exam
-
Successfully complete an in-person Complex Level 1 flight review
-
Apply for your certificate with Transport Canada (certificate fee: $125)
Pathways to L1C Certification
Our flagship program for professional drone pilots - from knowledge prep to BVLOS flight review.
2,499 Canadian dollars
1,999 Canadian dollars
Free 30-minute call to help you choose the right training option.
L1C Flight Training/
Flight Reviews
The aim of our Flight Review program is to bridge the critical gap between Ground School theory and Flight Operations. While you have successfully passed your Transport Canada online exam, our focus now is to put that book learning into practical application.
We are here to help you forge textbook regulations into mission-ready instinct. We offer three different Flight Review packages based on your aviation and drone flying experience. Choose the one that fits you best.
From 495 Canadian dollars
Which option is best for me? (FAQ)
I’m new to Level 1 Complex — where should I start?
👉 Choose Ultimate Training. This is our flagship program and the only option that takes you from start to finish with zero gaps. You’ll get the study resources, 20-hour ground school, BVLOS flight training, and your Flight Review — all structured to meet the new Transport Canada requirements. If you want the fastest, smoothest, and most supported path to certification, this is it.
I’ve already done the Ground School somewhere else. Do I need to repeat it?
👉 Not necessarily. If you’re confident in your knowledge and just need hands-on flight practice and the official review, the flight training and review option might be right for you. That said, many students find that our integrated Ultimate Training helps them catch gaps and avoid surprises during the Flight Review.
I feel fully prepared and just need the Flight Review.
👉 Then the Flight Review Only option is for you. It’s the quickest way to get certified.
What if I’m still not sure which option I need?
👉 That’s completely normal — these are new regulations and it can be confusing. Book a Discovery Call with us and we’ll walk you through your background, your goals, and recommend the best path.
Do I need to pay everything up front?
👉 When you request to book, we will issue an invoice that you can use in your VAC funding application. We may require a deposit depending on the program and timings.
Can I use my VAC (Veterans Affairs Canada) funding for these programs?
👉 Yes. Many of our students use VAC Education and Training Benefit (ETB) funding to cover their program fees. Here’s how it works:
-
You sign up for the course and we invoice you.
-
You apply to VAC for the short program course.
-
VAC pays you directly — once your funding is approved, VAC deposits the funds into your account, and you use that money to pay your balance with us.