Sky Commander Academy

In Season 2, Episode 29 of  Sky Commander Academy , we go beyond charging to explore the full lifecycle of drone battery care: Battery Management.  For Advanced RPAS pilots, mastering battery management means more than protecting equipment — it’s about maximizing flight performance, staying compliant, and preventing failures that can lead to serious incidents (and serious fines). This episode give...

In Season 2, Episode 28 of  Sky Commander Academy , we tackle a topic that’s often underestimated — until disaster strikes: Drone Battery Charging Safety.  For Advanced RPAS pilots, proper charging isn’t just about protecting your gear — it’s about meeting Transport Canada’s operational expectations and keeping your team, clients, and property safe. In this episode, we unpack the  real risks  behi...

In Season 2, Episode 27 of  Sky Commander Academy , we tackle a topic every Advanced RPAS pilot must understand: Battery Types — and their risks.  Not all batteries are created equal — and using the wrong one (or managing it poorly) can lead to degraded performance, shortened flights, mid-air failures, or worse… fire. This episode gives you a deep dive into the pros, cons, and best practices for m...

In Season 2, Episode 26 of  Sky Commander Academy , we explore one of the most important principles behind safe, professional, and legally defensible Advanced RPAS operations — redundancy.  Whether you’re flying BVLOS, over people, or in controlled airspace, having  backup systems  in place is key to managing risk, meeting Transport Canada expectations, and protecting both your drone and the publi...

In Season 2, Episode 25 of  Sky Commander Academy , we explore one of the fastest-evolving — and legally critical — areas of Advanced RPAS operations: Detect-and-Avoid (DAA) Technologies.  As drones fly longer distances, in more complex environments, and beyond visual line of sight (BVLOS), your ability to detect and avoid hazards is no longer optional — it’s mission-critical. This episode gives y...

In Season 2, Episode 24 of  Sky Commander Academy , we dive into one of the most mission-critical aspects of Advanced RPAS operations — your Communication and Control Systems.  These systems form the digital tether between you and your drone — and when they fail, things go downhill fast. This episode teaches you how your  control links  really work, what can interfere with them, and how to ensure...

In Season 2, Episode 23 of  Sky Commander Academy , we dive into the heart and nervous system of your drone: the Flight Controller and GPS system.  Whether you’re flying autonomous missions or managing complex operations in controlled airspace, understanding how these components work is essential for passing your Advanced RPAS exam — and for flying like a true professional. This episode gives you...

In Season 2, Episode 22 of  Sky Commander Academy , we break down one of the first — and most important — choices every professional RPAS operator faces: Multirotor vs. Fixed-Wing.  As an Advanced RPAS pilot, choosing the right platform isn’t about preference — it’s about matching aircraft capabilities to mission requirements, terrain, and client expectations. This episode helps you understand the...

In Season 2, Episode 21 of  Sky Commander Academy , we help you lock in one of the most challenging and heavily weighted parts of the Advanced RPAS Certificate Exam: Air Law, Procedures, and Responsibilities.  If you want to pass on your first attempt — and operate legally and professionally in Canada — this is the section you can’t afford to miss. This  Advanced Exam Review  episode gives you the...

In Season 2, Episode 20 of  Sky Commander Academy , we take on one of the most high-risk — and highly restricted — drone operations in Canada: flying near wildfires.  Every year, well-meaning drone pilots — and some reckless ones — fly near wildfires and put lives, aircraft, and missions at risk. Don’t be one of them. This episode gives you the  legal, safety, and operational guidance  to understa...

In Season 2, Episode 19 of  Sky Commander Academy , we cover a habit that separates pros from hobbyists — and protects your license, your company, and your clients: documentation and recordkeeping.  In Advanced RPAS operations, paperwork isn’t just red tape — it’s your first line of defence if something goes wrong or if Transport Canada comes calling. This episode walks you through the  essential...

In Season 2, Episode 18 of  Sky Commander Academy , we shine a light on the other side of your drone operations — Transport Canada’s oversight role.  If you’re flying Advanced missions or building a professional RPAS program, understanding how Transport Canada monitors, inspects, and enforces RPAS compliance is essential. This episode helps you prepare for that oversight — so when (not if) Transpo...

In Season 2, Episode 17 of  Sky Commander Academy , we explore the uncomfortable truth behind drone operations in Canada: the fines, penalties, and enforcement actions that can hit pilots who ignore the rules — or simply make a mistake.  Whether you’re flying Advanced missions or managing a growing RPAS program, knowing what’s at stake is critical to protecting your career and your company. This e...

In Season 2, Episode 16 of  Sky Commander Academy , we tackle one of the most sensitive — and legally risky — parts of Advanced RPAS operations: privacy laws and data collection.  In Canada, even well-intentioned pilots can end up in violation of privacy legislation if they don’t understand the rules around what they’re recording and how that data is handled. This episode helps you fly legally and...

In Season 2, Episode 15 of  Sky Commander Academy , we pull back the curtain on the NAV CANADA Authorization Process — the gateway to flying legally in Canada’s controlled airspace.  If you’re an Advanced RPAS pilot (or about to become one), this is one process you need to get right the first time — because getting it wrong can ground your flight or delay your project. This episode walks you step-...

In Season 2, Episode 14 of  Sky Commander Academy , we take you inside the exact process for planning a compliant, professional RPAS flight in controlled airspace — one of the most regulated environments in Canadian drone operations.  If you're aiming for Advanced certification or planning missions near Class C or D airspace, this is the step-by-step guidance you’ve been looking for. This epis...

In Season 2, Episode 13 of  Sky Commander Academy , we break down the three most high-risk airspace categories every Advanced drone pilot must understand: Prohibited, Restricted, and Controlled airspace.  Flying in these zones without proper authorization can lead to serious enforcement actions, legal trouble, or even mid-air conflicts. This episode gives you the tools to identify, plan around, an...

In Season 2, Episode 12 of  Sky Commander Academy , we shine a light on one of the most deceptively simple rules in RPAS operations — the Daylight Operations requirement.  Whether you're launching at dawn or wrapping up a late-day mission, knowing exactly  when  you're allowed to fly is critical for staying compliant with  Transport Canada regulations. This episode breaks down the daylight...

In Season 2, Episode 11 of  Sky Commander Academy , we tackle one of the most fundamental — yet frequently misunderstood — rules in Canadian drone operations: Visual Line of Sight (VLOS).  Whether you're flying Basic or Advanced, maintaining VLOS isn’t just a guideline — it's a legal requirement that can make or break your mission (and your certification). This episode drills into the  Tra...

In Season 2, Episode 10 of  Sky Commander Academy , we dive into one of the most serious topics in Advanced RPAS operations — liability.  As soon as you start flying in controlled airspace, near people, or for commercial purposes, the legal stakes get higher — and one mistake could cost you more than your drone. This episode helps you understand the  legal responsibilities ,  insurance considerati...

In Season 2, Episode 9 of  Sky Commander Academy , we take you behind the clipboard and into the mindset of a Flight Reviewer to show you exactly what it takes to pass your Advanced RPAS Certificate Flight Review.  This isn’t just a formality — it’s a make-or-break moment in your drone pilot journey, and it’s where your knowledge becomes real-world performance. Whether you're feeling confident...

In Season 2, Episode 8 of  Sky Commander Academy , we unpack the critical roles and responsibilities that make up a compliant and high-performing RPAS crew.  In advanced drone operations, it’s not just about the drone — it’s about the people behind it. From Pilot-in-Command to Visual Observers, every crew member plays a part in mission success (or failure). This episode breaks down how  Transport...

In Season 2, Episode 7 of  Sky Commander Academy , we zero in on one of the most important — and legally required — skills for Advanced RPAS pilots: the site assessment.  If you’re launching without thoroughly assessing your surroundings, you’re not just risking your drone — you’re risking compliance, safety, and your standing as a certified pilot. This episode walks you through the step-by-step p...

In Season 2, Episode 6 of  Sky Commander Academy , we get into one of the most overlooked — and legally critical — parts of advanced drone operations: maintenance and system checks.  Whether you're flying solo or managing a fleet, failing to document or perform proper maintenance can ground your drone, void your insurance, or lead to non-compliance with  Transport Canada  regulations. This epi...

In Season 2, Episode 5 of  Sky Commander Academy , we break down the essential first step to flying legally in Canada — registering and marking your drone.  Whether you're flying recreationally or operating in advanced airspace, failing to register your RPAS correctly can lead to fines, grounding, or worse. This episode walks you through the exact process of  Transport Canada RPAS registration , a...