This is bs. I have a commercial pilots license from Canada and can fly anywhere in the world. Never once been asked to show it. Maybe ICAO should be involved after all it is a world phenomenon
I'm not going to argue that it's not BS, but sadly they decide the benchmark and we have no choice but to meet it if we want the certification. I think you guys are in the same boat as we are which is simply put that lacking an effective representative body for the hobby we there for have no platform with which to lobby the government on our behalf.
As far as the exam goes, it seems that your advanced exam is almost lifted word for word from out RePL certification here. Without exception every single question you guys have posted an example of here is included in the RePL along with much more. There are however two levels of license below that, one that even gives limited scope for come light commercial activities (ERPA) and that one will only take about 30 minutes investment to pass. The basic RPA for hobbyists takes a total of 10 minutes and just covers basic safety, the Standard Operating Conditions and a little LiPo safety so I think it's pretty reasonable. Much better than what you are faced with.
The full RePL as I said has every question I have seen here and more, also includes a minimum of 5 hours practical instruction and an assessment of flight ability. You can pass the theory and still be denied to license.
It's an 80 question exam with a pass mark of 75% and are allowed 2 1/2 hours, and then you can add another 50 question exam with a passmark of 80% for the Aeronautical Radio Operators Certificate if you want to operate in controlled airspace.
I'm 54, I have a strong background in R/C flying and a strong radio background but I do not have a manned aviation background. I passed both exams in 26 minutes combined with 100% and 96.5% respecively (which the tell me is equal to the record pass). I'm not going to argue whether it's excessive or not, what I will say is this
The main difference between here and Canada is I knew EXACTLY what I was getting in for. They make it openly obvious that RPA are considered aircraft in every sense by C.A.S.A. and that the RePL is considered there for to be the lowest grade of pilots license. You are required to under go training courses at C.A.S.A. approved training organisations which for both of the above totals about $2000 (plus $160 per aiurcraft per year registration), you are given a full study guide, the option of class room style training is open to you, you're provided with Visual Terminal Charts and an A4 study booklet that is fully 2 inches thick and you are trained in every aspect from Aviation Law, through meteorology, NAvigation. flight mechanics, radio procedure, human factors and performance and formalised threat and error managment and risk mitigation and much much more. They don't hide any of this from you. It's considered to be a 3 month investment to prepare, I did it in less but I was retired so had all the time in the world at my disposal. I'm not the bluntest knife in the draw but I'm not young either and I'll admit I found it stressful. Still the passmark shows it's doable if you are properly prepared. In fact all six pilots in my course all passed.
As I said before however, it a well established totally open process, nothing hidden. No one holds a gun to your head. You are given the options of whether you want to go the lesser routes which require a much smaller time and financial cost and if you do choose to become a full commercial operator it's made clear well before you lay your money down what you are in for and what you'll need to be able to pass at the end. Without arguing over how suitable, relevant or justified the examination regime is, the area that is most unfair on Canadian operators is (currently) at least you are not prepared in any real way, your study requirements are nebulous and you're just told "You have to do these exams" and not much else. So as someone (I think it was Hendricks?) said, it's very hard to argue against the view that Canada Transport are using this as a barrier to keep the number of operators down rather than a genuine training regime.
Regards
Ari
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