Level 1 Complex Operations (In-person)
TP 15530 Ground School Only
This advanced training program is tailored for commercial RPAS operators, pursuing certification under Transport Canada’s Level 1 Complex Operations framework. Delivered through insightful in-person lessons and structured knowledge assessments, the course provides in-depth regulatory guidance, operational best practices, and real-world application insights aligned with TP-15530. Participants will develop the competence and confidence required to conduct safe, compliant, and effective operations in environments classified as Level 1 Complex.
- Prerequisite: Advanced RPAS Pilot Certificate
- Length: 20 hours (3-day in person)
Skills You Will Gain
- Risk-based mission planning, including SORA concepts and operational volumes
- Airspace analysis, site surveys, and NAV Drone planning for complex ops
- RPAS systems knowledge and performance limitations
- Weather assessment and go/no-go decision-making
- Professional crew coordination and CRM in multi-crew environments
- Emergency and contingency procedures, including lost link scenarios
- RPOC awareness and organizational readiness
This Certificate Enables You To
- Conduct Basic and Advanced operations
- Perform eligible Level 1 Complex operations under an RPAS Operator Certificate (RPOC)
- Execute certain BVLOS missions
- Handle demanding commercial missions
- Complex missions require a compliant RPAS Operator Certificate (RPOC) with safety policies, SOPs, maintenance programs, and a drone that meets Level 1 Complex safety requirements.
Who This Program Is For ?
Advanced RPAS pilots
Chief Pilots & Operations Managers
Infrastructure Teams
Industrial Operations
Engineering & R&D Teams
RPOC Organizations
Looking for Corporate Training?
We provide on-site corporate training at your facility/test site.
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