Transport Canada’s written exams have a reputation for difficulty, and sometimes for oddly worded questions. For newer pilots, taking one may seem daunting. Therefore, all of us here at the Coastal Drone office pooled our know-how to give you 5 TC exam tips. Between us, we have taken at least 12 Transport Canada written exams across drones, helicopters, and fixed-wing aircraft. We hope this guide proves helpful for pilots preparing for any Transport Canada Exam
1. Read the Question & Answers Carefully
One of the most important tips is to read the questions carefully, and more than once. Indeed, there’s even a mnemonic for it; RTFQ2.
Read
The
*Ahem*
Question
Twice
Sometimes these questions look like they ask for one thing, when a second glance shows they ask for something else. Also, always take note if the question contains units.
Sometimes, Transport Canada exams have more than one correct answer. Of these, one will be the most right answer. For example, an option D might say all of the above. Alternatively, you may face a partly right answer alongside a clearly correct one. Therefore, don’t select the first correct answer you see, because another may hide in plain sight right below!
2. Make sure all units match
If the question includes numbers, check that the units in the answers match the units in the question. Sometimes answers mix altitudes AGL and ASL, or distances in nautical miles versus statute miles. Consequently, they can trip people up.
Furthermore, questions that rely on older Fixed-wing or Helicopter Pilot Operating Handbooks or Operations manuals may have all units in imperial.
In case of different units, make sure you know how to convert between unit types!
3. Eliminate wrong answers
Have a piece of paper handy, and for tough questions, write down A, B, C, and D. Then start eliminating options until you arrive at the correct one. Even if you don’t know the answer, you can often narrow it to 2 options. Consequently, you’ll have an easier time when you come back at the end.
Here is how that looks. Take this question from one of Coastal’s practice exams;
A
B
C
D
___________________________________________
A
B
C
D X → We do not use meters for measuring position
___________________________________________
A X → Degrees Latitude Measures North South
B
C
D X → We do not use meters for measuring position
___________________________________________
Even at this position, we have narrowed the answer enough to make a good attempt. Nevertheless, let’s take it to its conclusion
___________________________________________
A X → Degrees Latitude Measures North South
B
C X → The UTM grid is a map projection system
D X → We do not use meters for measuring position
A X → Degrees Latitude Measures North-South
B → Degrees longitude are for measuring east-west, this is the correct answer
C X → The UTM grid is a map projection system
D X → We do not use meters for measuring position
Let’s see how we did;
4. Skip Tricky Questions and come back to it at the end
The Advanced Exam is 50 questions, and you have 60 minutes. That means roughly a minute and ten seconds per question. Some questions are tricky and may require careful checks of notes, written material, or a map. Therefore, don’t waste time. If a question looks likely to take more than 20-30 seconds, skip it and come back. The Advanced exam interface shows which questions remain unanswered, so you can return to them at the end.
5. Use all available resources
In the case of open-book drone exams, that means using the AIM the CARS and all of your notes. For closed-book exams, a flight computer such as the ASA CX3 saves plenty of time. Moreover, it eliminates the errors an E6B introduces. It’s also a good idea to have a pencil and paper on hand for diagrams, particularly for questions about circuits and navigation
Still Having Trouble with the exams? Take a Practice Exam!
Coastal Drone’s Basic Pilot, Advanced Online, and Advanced Pilot course bundles contain practice exams. Specifically, they include hundreds of questions similar to the Online Basic and Advanced Drone Pilot Exams!