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Built around real operations
Work through airspace, weather, site surveys, crew coordination, emergencies and decision-making in realistic mission scenarios—not isolated facts.
Build aviation judgement, practical flight skill and a clear pathway from first certification to eligible Level 1 Complex operations—with qualified instructors and in-house flight reviewers.
CPA combines aviation-led ground instruction with hands-on field training and applicable flight reviews, so each stage prepares you for what comes next.
Work through airspace, weather, site surveys, crew coordination, emergencies and decision-making in realistic mission scenarios—not isolated facts.
Prepare with clear performance standards, practical coaching and access to CPA’s qualified flight reviewers for applicable Advanced and Level 1 Complex reviews.
Whether you are brand new, upgrading privileges or preparing for more complex work, we will map the shortest responsible route.
Ground school + exam preparationStructured instruction translates Canadian aviation rules into planning decisions pilots make before, during and after every flight.
Available with in-house reviewersBuild repeatable cockpit discipline and demonstrate a complete operation—from documents and site assessment to crew briefing, flight execution and contingencies.
Aviation training is in our DNA. Get a feel for the people, environment and professional standards behind your RPAS training.
Start with certification preparation, then add the aircraft, payload and mission skills that match your goals.
$750 + applicable tax
Clear, structured preparation for Transport Canada’s Small Basic Exam and responsible operations in eligible environments.
$1,500 + applicable tax
Deeper regulatory, operational and practical preparation for pilots pursuing eligible Advanced operations.
$2,000 + applicable tax
Instructor-led preparation for pilots progressing toward eligible complex and BVLOS operating privileges.
$500 + applicable tax
Candidate preparation and applicable reviews with CPA’s qualified in-house flight reviewers.
Mission planning, repeatable data capture and foundational workflows for commercial deliverables.
Develop professional radio communication and standardized Visual Observer coordination.
Ground school is instructor-led. Basic includes ground school and Small Basic Examination preparation only. Advanced and Level 1 Complex each include five shared, instructor-led practical hours—not five individual hours per student—at a CPA-approved location selected for the programme, weather, airspace, equipment and operational requirements.
For insurance, safety, standardization and quality assurance, all practical training uses RPAS equipment supplied by CPA. Personally owned drones cannot be used during the practical component.
Transport Canada examination, certificate and government fees are not included. Advanced and Level 1 Complex flight reviews are each available separately for $500 plus applicable taxes. Course completion does not itself authorize operations or guarantee examination or flight-review success.
No prior drone experience is needed for Basic. Advanced students should know Basic material; the Advanced certificate requires Transport Canada eligibility, examination and a successful flight review. CPA requires Level 1 Complex students to hold a valid Advanced Operations pilot certificate. Transport Canada ground-school, examination, flight-review and other requirements also apply. Course completion alone does not issue a certificate or authorize operations.
Dates depend on instructor, equipment, facility and approved-site availability. Submit cancellation or rescheduling requests in writing as early as possible. With at least seven calendar days’ notice, one rescheduling is complimentary; between 72 hours and seven days, an administrative fee may apply. With less than 72 hours’ notice or a no-show, the session may be forfeited and further training charged separately. Exceptions require CPA approval. When CPA postpones practical training for weather, airspace, equipment condition or safety or operational reasons, it will reschedule the affected training without a rescheduling fee.
Train in a professional airport environment with a team that understands both piloting discipline and the realities of Canadian RPAS operations.
Tell us your current certificate, experience and intended work.
We match the right ground, practical and review components.
Learn through instruction, scenarios and coached field work.
Complete the applicable exam and flight-review requirements.
It depends on your current certificate and the work you want to perform. CPA can recommend a pathway after a short readiness conversation.
Yes. CPA has qualified in-house flight reviewers for applicable Advanced and Level 1 Complex pathways. Scheduling and candidate prerequisites are confirmed before booking.
No. CPA provides training and applicable flight-review services. Transport Canada administers the written examinations and issues RPAS pilot certificates through its Drone Management Portal.
Yes. Cohort training can combine role-specific ground school, practical exercises, crew coordination and recurrent competency activities.
Tell us where you are now and what you want to be qualified to do. We will help map the next responsible step.
Canadian Pilot Academy does not offer programs for international students.
International applicants may search the Government of Canada Designated Learning Institutions list and the Ontario career-college registry for eligible institutions.
Canadian Pilot Academy’s current programs are not eligible for T2202 tuition tax certificates.