How Often Do You Need a Flight Review in Canada?

The 24-Month Rule

Transport Canada requires Advanced RPAS pilot certificate holders to complete a flight review every 24 months to maintain recency. This requirement is mandated under CARs Part IX and applies to every pilot exercising advanced privileges in Canadian airspace.

The 24-month clock starts from the date your flight reviewer signs your flight review declaration — not from when Transport Canada processes your application or issues your certificate. Keep your declaration document with a clear date, because that is the reference point for your next renewal.

Why Transport Canada Requires Recency

The flight review recency requirement exists for the same reason recurrent training exists in manned aviation: skills and knowledge degrade over time, regulations evolve, and technology changes. A pilot who was competent two years ago may have gaps today — especially if they have not been flying regularly or have not kept up with regulatory updates.

The 2025 Phase 2 regulatory changes are a perfect example. Pilots who completed their last flight review in 2023 may not be current on the new operation categories, weight classifications, and certification requirements that took effect in late 2025. The recency requirement ensures these knowledge gaps are caught and corrected.

What Counts as a Valid Flight Review?

A valid drone flight review must be:

• Conducted by a certified flight reviewer registered with Transport Canada
• Completed in person — there is no fully remote option for the practical component
• Documented with a signed flight review declaration that includes the date, reviewer name, reviewer certificate number, and confirmation of satisfactory completion
• Completed within the 24-month window preceding your certificate renewal date

Reviews conducted by unregistered individuals, reviews without proper documentation, or reviews completed outside the required timeframe do not satisfy the recency requirement.

What Happens If Your Flight Review Lapses?

If your 24-month window passes without a completed flight review, your Advanced RPAS pilot certificate is no longer valid for advanced operations. This means you cannot:

• Fly in controlled airspace
• Operate near people under advanced rules
• Conduct operations that require the Advanced certificate

You do not lose your certificate permanently — but you cannot exercise its privileges until you complete a new flight review and submit the updated declaration to Transport Canada. There is no penalty or fine for a lapse, but any advanced operations you conduct without a current review are non-compliant.

Your Basic certificate, if you hold one, remains unaffected. You can continue flying under Basic rules while you arrange your renewal.

Planning Your Renewal Timeline

Do not wait until the last week of your 24-month window. Here is a practical timeline:

Three months before expiry: Start looking for a reviewer. Use the RPAS WILCO Pilot Networks map to find certified reviewers in your area and check their availability.

Six to eight weeks before expiry: Book your review. Popular reviewers fill up, especially in spring and summer when flying activity peaks. Booking early ensures you have options.

Two to four weeks before expiry: Complete your review. This gives you a buffer for weather cancellations, scheduling conflicts, or the need to address any deficiencies the reviewer identifies.

Immediately after your review: Submit your updated declaration to Transport Canada. Do not let the paperwork sit — process it while the review is fresh.

Can You Complete a Flight Review Early?

Yes. There is no minimum waiting period — you can complete a new flight review at any time during your 24-month window. However, your new 24-month period starts from the date of the new review, not from when the previous one was due to expire. This means completing a review very early effectively shortens your overall cycle.

Most pilots find the sweet spot is one to three months before expiry — early enough to avoid stress and scheduling issues, but close enough to maximise the validity period.

Tracking Your Flight Review Status

Keeping track of your flight review dates is your responsibility as the pilot in command. RPAS WILCO helps by maintaining your review history within Pilot Networks, so you always know when your next renewal is due.

Set a calendar reminder for 90 days before your flight review expires. This is the simplest way to ensure you never lapse — and it gives you enough lead time to book a reviewer without rushing.

Staying Current Between Reviews

A flight review every 24 months is the regulatory minimum, but staying current between reviews makes the renewal process smoother and keeps your skills sharp. Fly regularly, stay updated on regulatory changes through resources like the RPAS WILCO blog, and review your knowledge of airspace classifications and emergency procedures periodically.

Pilots who fly frequently and stay engaged with the community consistently perform better in their reviews — and more importantly, they operate more safely every time they put a drone in the air.