I Passed My Advanced Flight Review

Well, that’s it. The box is ticked, the paperwork is filed, and the hi-viz vest has sweat stains to prove it: I officially passed my Transport Canada Advanced Flight Review.

For anyone who hasn’t been down this rabbit hole, the Advanced is what separates the “flying a toy in the park” crew from the people who can actually work in controlled airspace without Transport Canada knocking on the door. It’s the big kid license.

What did it take? A pile of prep. Site survey scripts memorized like bad karaoke lyrics (CARs 901.27, anyone?). Emergency procedures on loop in my head — lost link, fly-away, the whole “call Nav Canada before your heart rate hits 200” routine. And yes, cones, launch pad, fire extinguisher, first aid kit — the whole portable circus stuffed in the back of the car.

Then there’s the actual review: fifteen minutes of proving you can keep your drone in sight, call your own takeoff/landing like you’re hosting a morning radio show, and convince a flight reviewer you’re not about to fly into a 737 on final. Sounds simple. It isn’t.

But here’s the thing: I passed. Which means Vancouver Island Drones can now operate at the level I’ve been aiming for — advanced airspace, higher-stakes projects, and the kind of credibility you can’t fake.

Am I suddenly Captain Professional? No. I’m still the same Westshore dad with a drone addiction, only now I’ve got Transport Canada saying, “Alright, you know your stuff, go play in the big leagues.”

What’s next? Logging some serious airtime on the DJI Air 3S — getting hours, honing skills, and putting that new license to work on construction, hospitality, and conservation flights right here on the Island.

For today though? I’m just celebrating. Advanced in the bag. Lord of the Wings (the Air 3S) still humming. Vancouver Island Drones moving up a rung.

We get up early in the Westshore… so you don’t have to.

— Ryan, Vancouver Island Drones