Ground School – Level 1 Complex Operations
(In-Person)

Our Level 1 Complex ground school is built directly against Transport Canada’s TP 15530 knowledge requirements, combined with real-world industrial and test-flight experience. 

Core subject areas include: 

Regulatory Framework & Air Law 

• Part IX – RPAS (Basic, Advanced, Level 1 Complex) 
• Division VI (Technical requirements & declarations), Division X (Training & Flight Review), Division XII (RPOC)
• When Level 1 Complex and SFOC are required 

SORA & Risk-Based Planning (Intro level) 

• Flight geography, operational volume, contingency volume, ground risk buffers 
• Air Risk Class (ARC) concepts and NAV Drone planning for complex ops

RPAS Systems, Performance & Technical Requirements 

• Drone classifications (small/medium), operating weights and complexity 
• RPAS Safety Assurance and manufacturer declarations for advanced/Level 1 Complex ops

Navigation & Airspace 

• Airspace classes, controlled vs uncontrolled 
• NOTAMs, aeronautical information sources, and planning for BVLOS 
• Site survey requirements and minimum distances from aerodromes/heliports

Meteorology & Weather for BVLOS 

• Visibility and ceiling requirements, environmental limitations 
• Weather risk and go/no-go decisions for complex ops

Human Factors & Crew Resource Management 

• Pilot performance, workload, fatigue, task-sharing with visual observers and ground crew 
• Decision-making in abnormal and emergency situations

Operational Planning, SOPs & SMS 

• SOP design for complex ops and BVLOS missions 
• Emergency procedures, lost link, contingency planning 
• Safety management system (SMS) basics: hazard identification, risk assessment, reporting

RPOC & Organizational Readiness (Awareness Level) 

• What an RPAS Operator Certificate (RPOC) is, and when it is required 
• Accountable executive, maintenance responsibility, training programs, SOPs, and risk management processes

Level 1 Complex Operations Flight Training  

This part of our program offers practical training sessions focused on: 

• Mission planning and briefings for complex/BVLOS-style scenarios 
• Crew roles: pilot-in-command, visual observers, payload/console operators 
• Normal procedures and emergency drills in complex environments 
• Practical navigation, contingency handling, and communication flows 

This makes the eventual Flight Review significantly smoother and more predictable for you and your organization. 

Level 1 Complex Operations Flight Review 

Once you have: 

• Completed Level 1 Complex ground school, and 
• Passed the Transport Canada Level 1 Complex exam, 

you will do your Level 1 Complex Operations Flight Review with our certified Flight Reviewers. 

During the review, you will demonstrate: 

• Pre-flight planning, site survey, and airspace analysis appropriate to complex ops 
• Knowledge of RPOC context, safety limits, and operating restrictions 
• Safe, stable control of the RPAS in normal and abnormal situations 
• Professional crew coordination and communication procedures 

At the end, your Flight Reviewer will debrief you, provide feedback, and, if successful, submit the result required for you to apply for your Pilot Certificate – Level 1 Complex Operations.