RPAS Advanced flashcards

32 cards. Read the term and the definition here. The deck at the top of this page is optional.

RPAS registration threshold

In Canada, remotely piloted aircraft systems with a takeoff weight from 250 grams up to 25 kilograms must be registered with Transport Canada before flight.

Basic pilot certificate age

The minimum age to hold a Basic RPAS pilot certificate in Canada is 14 years; the Advanced certificate minimum age is 16 years.

Advanced operation triggers

An Advanced RPAS pilot certificate is required to operate in controlled airspace, within 30 metres of bystanders, or over people not involved in the operation.

Safety assurance declaration

An RPAS used for Advanced operations must have a manufacturer's safety assurance declaration confirming it meets the applicable Transport Canada performance requirements.

SFOC purpose

A Special Flight Operations Certificate authorizes RPAS operations that cannot be conducted under CAR Part IX, such as aircraft above 25 kilograms or beyond standard limits.

Class G airspace

Class G is uncontrolled airspace. ATC clearance is not required, but pilots still must check NOTAMs, avoid restricted areas, and see and avoid other aircraft.

Class F airspace

Class F is special-use airspace. It may be advisory or restricted; restricted Class F requires permission from the controlling agency before entry.

NOTAM check

A NOTAM is a notice containing time-critical aeronautical information. Pilots must review current NOTAMs before flight because they can activate or close airspace.

Aerodrome distance rule

Basic RPAS operations must remain at least 3 nautical miles from an aerodrome. Advanced operations near an aerodrome require appropriate authorization or coordination.

Controlled airspace classes

Classes A through E are controlled airspace. An Advanced RPAS operation in controlled airspace requires authorization from the appropriate air navigation service provider.

VNC chart scale

A VFR Navigation Chart (VNC) is printed at 1:500,000 scale, so one centimetre on the chart represents five kilometres on the ground.

Latitude minute distance

One minute of latitude equals one nautical mile, approximately 1.852 kilometres. This relationship allows quick distance estimation from latitude differences.

GNSS altitude limitation

GNSS receivers report altitude relative to a model ellipsoid, not mean sea level. Chart elevations are above sea level, so GPS altitude needs correction before obstacle clearance use.

Lost-link failsafe

A lost-link failsafe is the programmed response when command and control is interrupted, such as hover, return-to-home, or land. It must be verified before flight.

METAR report

A METAR is an observed aviation weather report issued routinely, usually hourly, giving wind, visibility, clouds, temperature, dewpoint, and pressure at an aerodrome.

Density altitude effect

Density altitude is pressure altitude corrected for temperature. High elevation, high temperature, and low pressure increase density altitude and reduce lift and climb performance.

Icing condition

Airframe or propeller icing can occur when the outside air temperature is at or below 0°C and visible moisture is present, such as cloud or freezing rain.

Temperature dewpoint spread

A small temperature-dewpoint spread, often 2°C or less, indicates high relative humidity and an increased risk of fog or mist formation.

Unstable air signs

Unstable air commonly produces gusty surface winds, turbulence, showery precipitation, and good visibility between showers; stable air tends to be smoother with haze or fog.

Situational awareness

Situational awareness is knowing what is happening around the aircraft, including its position, traffic, weather, people, and system status, to anticipate unsafe events.

Fatigue effect

Fatigue reduces vigilance, reaction speed, and decision quality. It increases the chance of omission errors, so rest and duty limits are safety controls.

Workload management

High workload narrows attention and increases error. Distributing tasks, using a visual observer, and following checklists helps keep workload within safe limits.

IMSAFE checklist

IMSAFE stands for Illness, Medication, Stress, Alcohol, Fatigue, and Emotion. It is a personal fitness check used before acting as pilot or crew.

VLOS requirement

Visual line of sight requires continuous unaided visual contact with the RPAS and surrounding airspace sufficient to monitor the flight and see conflicting traffic.

Maximum altitude limit

Under CAR Part IX, the maximum permitted altitude for basic and advanced RPAS operations is 400 feet above ground level, unless authorized otherwise.

Site survey items

A site survey identifies obstacles, bystanders, emergency landing areas, airspace boundaries, NOTAMs, local weather, and takeoff and landing hazards before flight.

Weight and balance

Weight and balance ensures the RPAS remains within manufacturer weight and center-of-gravity limits. Payload shifts can reduce stability and endurance.

Lost-link procedure

If command and control link is lost, the pilot should let the programmed failsafe execute, monitor the aircraft, and notify authorities if the aircraft does not return or land as expected.

MAYDAY distress call

MAYDAY, repeated three times, announces a distress condition involving immediate danger and requires priority handling on the radio frequency.

PAN PAN urgency

PAN PAN, repeated three times, announces an urgency condition concerning safety but not immediate danger, such as uncertainty of position or minor mechanical trouble.

Emergency frequency

121.5 MHz is the international aeronautical emergency frequency. It is used for distress and urgency communications and should not be used for routine calls.

Readback requirement

A readback repeats an ATC clearance or instruction to the controller so errors are detected. Pilots must read back runway, altitude, heading, and frequency instructions.