Achieving Level 1 Complex RPAS Certification in Canada

What It Means for Safer, More Capable Drone Operations

The Level 1 Complex RPAS certification is one of the highest drone pilot qualifications issued by Transport Canada. It authorizes advanced drone operations, including routine lower-risk Beyond Visual Line of Sight (BVLOS) flights, and plays a critical role in ensuring safety, efficiency, and regulatory compliance across complex operating environments.

At In Flight Robotics, responsible and professional operations are the foundation of everything we do. Safety, compliance, and technical capability aren’t add-ons - they are the standard we hold ourselves to on every project.

This month marks an important milestone in that commitment. Martin and Seth have successfully earned their Transport Canada Level 1 Complex RPAS Pilot Certificates, further strengthening our ability to deliver advanced, compliant drone operations across Western Canada.

This certification represents more than a credential. It reflects a deeper level of training, accountability, and operational readiness — and directly benefits our clients.

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What Level 1 Complex RPAS Certification Means in Canada

The Level 1 Complex RPAS Pilot Certificate is designed for operators conducting advanced drone missions that go beyond the scope of Basic or Advanced certifications. It allows certified pilots to carry out more complex operations - including routine lower-risk BVLOS flights — without relying on case-by-case regulatory approvals.

Earning this certification required a comprehensive and demanding process, including:

• Transport Canada online knowledge examinations

• 20 hours of in-person classroom training with Advanced UAV in Calgary

• A formal flight review conducted by a Transport Canada–certified flight reviewer

The process strengthens not only technical flying skills, but also decision-making, airspace integration, risk assessment, and complex operational planning.

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What This Means for Our Clients

Expanded Operational Capability

With Level 1 Complex RPAS certification, In Flight Robotics is now authorized to conduct drone operations that were previously restricted or required special approvals. This includes:

• Routine BVLOS drone operations in lower-risk environments

• Operation of larger RPAS platforms up to 150 kg

These expanded permissions allow for longer-range missions, increased site coverage, and more efficient data collection - particularly valuable in remote, rugged, or large-scale operating environments common throughout British Columbia and Western Canada.

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Higher Confidence in Safety and Regulatory Compliance

Safety remains central to every operation we undertake. The Level 1 Complex certification strengthens our capabilities in:

• Airspace and traffic management

• Meteorology and environmental assessment

• Risk mitigation and contingency planning

• Complex operational decision-making

For our clients, this means higher safety margins, improved situational awareness, and consistent compliance with Transport Canada RPAS regulations - across every stage of a project.

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Greater Value with Reduced Administrative Overhead

Because many advanced RPAS operations can now be conducted under existing certifications, projects benefit from:

• Reduced regulatory friction

• Faster deployment timelines

• Fewer delays related to special flight authorizations

This results in more efficient project execution while maintaining the highest safety and compliance standards.

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Who This Certification Matters For

Level 1 Complex RPAS certification is especially valuable for organizations operating in technical, regulated, or remote environments, including:

• Mining and quarry operations

• Forestry and land management

• Infrastructure inspection and monitoring

• Public safety and emergency response

• Large-scale or remote survey environments

For these sectors, certification level directly impacts what can be flown, how efficiently data can be collected, and how safely operations can be executed.

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Moving Forward

At In Flight Robotics, we don’t aim to simply meet industry standards — we aim to exceed them.

Achieving Level 1 Complex RPAS certification in Canada reinforces our role as a trusted partner for advanced aerial operations, complex data collection, and forward-thinking drone solutions throughout Western Canada.

For project inquiries or flight planning support, please contact

📧 info@inflightrobotics.com

🔗 www.inflightrobotics.com

📍 Serving BC & Western Alberta