Level 1 Complex · BVLOS Training
BVLOS TRAINING FOR
ORGANIZATIONS THAT
NEED TO GET IT RIGHT.
Since November 4, 2025, lower-risk BVLOS flights in Canada are done under a Level 1 Complex pilot certificate, with the operator holding an RPOC. 2026 is the first full year the whole industry flies under this framework. Clarion has flown BVLOS internationally since 2018, before Canada had rules for it. We train your pilots and build your program to the standard Transport Canada expects.
Certification Pathway
THE PATH TO
LEVEL 1 COMPLEX
01
Pass the Advanced Operations exam
This is Transport Canada’s prerequisite. Our Advanced In-Class Program has students write it on Day 5.
02
Complete at least 20 hours of ground school at a flight school
Our program is 23 hours 20 minutes: 40 instructor-led sessions over 5 days.
03
Pass the Transport Canada L1C exam
It’s 50 questions in 90 minutes, and you need 80% to pass. Our students write it in class on Day 4.
04
Complete a flight review
This is a practical assessment under Division X. You can add it to Day 5 of our ground school at our training site. Every student is assessed as both pilot and Visual Observer.
05
Obtain your RPOC
Your organization needs an RPAS Operator Certificate to fly complex operations. We can build the documentation with you.
Flagship Program
BVLOS LEVEL 1 COMPLEX
GROUND SCHOOL
From $2,499
The course covers all 8 knowledge areas in TP 15530E, taught on the DJI Matrice 350 RTK. It isn’t a lecture series.
Day 1
Regulations, SORA & Command-and-Control Links
- CARs Part IX Divisions VI, X and XII
- RPOC requirements
- JARUS SORA v2.5: operational volumes, GRC, ARC, SAIL and OSOs
- C2 link architecture and RF propagation
- Link budgets and Fresnel zones
- Antennas and GNSS integrity
Day 2
Weather & Human Factors
- BVLOS weather minimums
- METAR, TAF and GFA decoding
- Density altitude, icing and turbulence
- Wind effects, Critical Point and Point of No Return
- Decision-making, CRM and Threat & Error Management
- Automation complacency
- An integrated weather and human factors scenario
Day 3
Navigation & Flight Operations
- Waypoint planning, route design and geofencing
- Google Earth reconnaissance
- Airspace and NOTAMs
- Radio procedures
- Pre-mission to post-flight planning
- Emergency procedures
- Visual Observer operations and detect-and-avoid
- A 20 km integrated flight planning exercise
Day 4
Aircraft Systems, Radio Certification & Exams
- Propulsion, batteries and dangerous goods transport rules
- Autopilots and flight modes
- Payloads, weight and balance, and maintenance
- RIC-21 radio operator training and exam (ROC-A)
- Final review, then the Transport Canada L1C exam
Day 5
SORA Workshop, Capstone & Flight Reviews
- A full SORA built on a 30 km power line inspection scenario
- Wildfire mapping capstone mission plan and crew briefing
- Division X flight reviews (optional add-on)
- The RPOC application pathway
What Students Leave With
- TC L1C exam written
- ROC-A radio certificate
- A complete SORA document
- A 377-term course glossary
- FlightOps Pro
- Flight review completed (with the add-on)
Level 1 Complex Flight Review
Add it to Day 5 of the ground school, or book it on its own once you’ve passed the L1C exam. Your review is conducted by a Clarion flight reviewer who holds both the Level 1 Complex certificate and the Flight Review rating. Only 709 L1C certificates had been issued in Canada as of August 2026.
From $499
Why Clarion
EXPERIENCE THAT
PREDATES THE RULES
2018
BVLOS since 2018
Operations in Latin America and Africa before Canada’s framework existed.
L1C + FR
Top-level credentials
Level 1 Complex + Flight Review rating on staff.
104
Acres of training terrain
Open fields, forest and elevation changes in Northern Ontario.
5000+
Trained
Including 50+ government, military and law enforcement clients.
After Certification
PASSING THE EXAM IS NOT THE SAME
AS BEING READY TO FLY.
We also offer:
FAQ
FREQUENTLY ASKED
QUESTIONS
Do I need an SFOC for BVLOS?
Not for operations that fit Level 1 Complex. An SFOC is still required for anything beyond it.
What’s the prerequisite?
Passing the Transport Canada Advanced Operations exam.
Is the ground school required?
Yes. Transport Canada requires at least 20 hours of ground school at a flight school. Ours is 23 hours 20 minutes.
Can you train on-site at our location?
Yes. Group and on-site delivery is available.
Does my organization need an RPOC?
Yes, for commercial BVLOS operations.
Do Visual Observers need a certificate?
Yes, a Basic certificate at minimum.
Ready to build your program
PLANNING A
BVLOS PROGRAM?
We’ll tell you exactly what you need and what it takes to get there.
Book a Consultation →