Sky Commander Academy

In S2E80 of Sky Commander Academy, we unlock Section 6.1.5: SFOC or RPAS Flight Authorization Documentation, showing you exactly how to secure the approvals that open up impossible missions.

In this episode:
📖 What a Special Flight Operations Certificate (SFOC) really is — and when you absolutely need one
🛡 The difference between RPAS Flight Authorizations and SFOCs (and which saves you time)
🧾 How to build an approval-r...

You can plan the perfect mission—but if you’re not cleared for the airspace, your drone isn’t leaving the ground.
In S2E79 of Sky Commander Academy, we break down Section 6.1.4: RPAS Airspace – Coordination and Approval Essentials, giving you the exact steps to stay legal, safe, and in good standing with NAV CANADA and other authorities.

In this episode:

• 🗺 Understanding airspace classifications and why some require extra coor...

Great drone pilots don’t just launch—they plan to succeed.
In S2E78 of Sky Commander Academy, we unpack Flight Planning and Checklist Use, showing you how a few extra minutes before takeoff can save your mission, your gear, and even your license.

In this episode:

• 🗺 Step-by-step flight planning that keeps you compliant and efficient

• ✅ The critical preflight checks that most pilots forget

• 📋 How to build a mission-specific checkl...

What you don’t know about NOTAMs can ground your drone, fast.
And skipping NAV CANADA coordination? That’s how you end up on an enforcement list.

In S2E77 of Sky Commander Academy, we dive deep into Section 6.1.2: NOTAMs and NAV CANADA Coordination — turning the intimidating world of airspace communication into something you’ll actually master.

In this episode:

• 🗺️ What exactly is a NOTAM, and why do they matter for RPAS pilots...

Before you launch, there’s one crucial question every professional RPAS pilot must answer:
“Is this site truly safe to fly?”

In S2E76 of Sky Commander Academy, we break down Section 6.1.1: Site Assessment, teaching you how to scan for the hidden risks that could compromise your drone, your data — or public safety.

This episode covers:

• ☁️ Why weather awareness starts hours before takeoff — and what changes to watch for

• ⛰️ How to ...

Ever wonder if that small circle on your chart is just an aerodrome… or a controlled zone that could ground your mission?

In S2E75 of Sky Commander Academy, we turn confusion into clarity with Chart Interpretation for Controlled Zones and Aerodromes — an essential for every RPAS pilot aiming to fly legally and confidently in Canada’s skies.

You’ll discover:

• 🔵 What those solid vs dashed blue lines around aerodromes really mean

• 📍 H...

You’re on the map… but are you inside legal airspace or crossing a line that could cost you your certificate? 🎯

In S2E74 of Sky Commander Academy, we unlock the power of Section 5.3.3: Determining Distances and Airspace Boundaries — one of the most underrated but critical skills for Advanced RPAS pilots.

You’ll learn:

• How to measure distances on VNCs using the scale bar (and avoid misreads!)

• How to calculate safe standoff distance...

Ever seen a symbol on a VNC and wondered, "Is that a danger zone or just a grain elevator?" 🎯 Don’t guess — know.

In S2E73 of Sky Commander Academy, we dive into Section 5.3.2: Reading Map Symbols — because a missed symbol on your chart could mean flying into restricted airspace, a NOTAM zone, or worse — a fine.

We cover:

• The most common VNC symbols every RPAS pilot must know

• Rare and obscure symbols that still show up o...

Ever stared at a VNC and thought, "What do all these lines, colors, and codes mean?" You’re not alone—and this episode is here to fix that.

In S2E72 of Sky Commander Academy, we break down Section 5.3.1 of the Advanced RPAS syllabus: VFR Navigation Charts (VNC) — your must-know airspace map for flying safely and legally in Canada.

You’ll learn:

• What VNCs are and why they matter to every advanced RPAS pilot

• How to read air...

Urban airspace is no place for guesswork. Skyscrapers, power lines, RF interference, and unpredictable wind tunnels make congested environments some of the most demanding places to fly a drone safely.

In this episode of Sky Commander Academy, we explore Section 5.2.4 of the Advanced RPAS knowledge base:
Navigation in Congested Environments.

You’ll learn:

• How to assess urban risks like signal interference, GNSS dropouts, and VLO...

Think GPS is just plug-and-play? Think again.
In this episode of Sky Commander Academy, we zoom into Section 5.2.3 of Transport Canada's Advanced RPAS knowledge requirements:
Using GPS, GNSS, and Mapping Tools — your guide to navigating the sky with precision and confidence.

You’ll learn:

🧭 The difference between GPS and GNSS — and why it matters in Canada
📡 How satellites communicate with your RPAS (and what messes th...

🎧 Ever wonder why your drone suddenly veered off course or spiraled out of control?
The culprit might be magnetic interference—and if you don’t understand it, your mission (and drone) could be toast.
In this episode of Sky Commander Academy, we dive into Section 5.2.2 of the Advanced RPAS curriculum:
Magnetic Interference and Compass Use.

Whether you're flying near powerlines, cars, steel rooftops, or natural mineral deposits, this is...

🎧 Before you take off, take a closer look at where you’re standing.
Choosing the wrong launch site isn’t just bad judgment—it can break the law, compromise your mission, or bring your drone down.

In this Sky Commander Academy episode, we break down Section 5.2.1 of the Advanced RPAS knowledge requirements:
Site Selection and Surveying — what it really means to pick a safe, compliant, and effective location for drone operation...

🎧 Think air traffic control is just for airline pilots? Think again.
If you plan to operate in controlled airspace, you need to speak the language of the skies.

In this crucial episode of Sky Commander Academy, we take you deep into Section 5.1.4 of the Advanced RPAS curriculum:
Advanced Airspace Coordination with ATC (Air Traffic Control).

Whether you're flying near a busy airport or through a control zone for inspection ...

🚨 Spoiler alert: Not all restricted airspace is labelled “No Fly Zone.”
If you're a drone pilot in Canada, failing to recognize Special Use Airspace (SUA) could land you in a heap of regulatory—or even military—trouble.

In this mission-critical episode of Sky Commander Academy, we break down the 3 major types of SUA every RPAS pilot needs to recognize before wheels up:

🟥 Restricted Airspace – Areas where drones are never all...

Not all skies are created equal. If you’re flying drones in Canada and don’t understand the difference between controlled and uncontrolled airspace, you're one airspace incursion away from penalties, investigations—or worse.

In this tactical episode of Sky Commander Academy, we decode the critical differences between controlled and uncontrolled airspace for RPAS operations and explain exactly how it affects your flight planning,...

Airspace isn’t just sky—it’s law. And if you don’t know your Class G from your Class C, you could lose your drone—or your license.

In this high-flying episode of Sky Commander Academy, we break down Canada’s seven airspace classes (A–G) in a way that actually sticks. Whether you're prepping for the Advanced RPAS Certificate Exam or just trying to avoid a no-fly violation, this lesson is mandatory airspace awareness.

You’ll learn:...

What you can’t see can crash your mission.
In this critical episode of Sky Commander Academy, we dive deep into the unpredictable world of rain, snow, and poor visibility—and how they can ground your drone or worse, destroy it mid-flight.

Whether you're preparing for your Advanced RPAS Certificate or planning commercial drone operations in tough Canadian weather, understanding how moisture and visibility affect flight safety ...

In Season 2 Episode 62 of Sky Commander Academy, we expose one of the silent killers of drone performance: temperature.Whether you're flying in -30°C Canadian winters or under the blazing summer sun, your battery life, sensor performance, and flight time are taking a hit — sometimes without warning.

And if you’re preparing for your Advanced RPAS Certificate, understanding how temperature affects your drone’s battery is not just ...