S2E7 - Don’t Just Launch — Assess: The Site Survey Checklist That Could Save Your Drone (and Your License)

In Season 2, Episode 7 of Sky Commander Academy, we zero in on one of the most important — and legally required — skills for Advanced RPAS pilots: the site assessment. If you’re launching without thoroughly assessing your surroundings, you’re not just risking your drone — you’re risking compliance, safety, and your standing as a certified pilot.This episode walks you through the step-by-step process of performing a proper site assessment that meets Transport Canada’s Advanced RPAS expectations.You’ll learn:What a complete site assessment looks like under Part IX of the CARsHow to evaluate weather, terrain, airspace classifications, obstacles, and nearby activityThe importance of identifying emergency landing zones, line-of-sight limitations, and public safety concernsTools and templates to simplify your pre-flight process — and document it for future reference or auditsReal-world examples of what happens when assessments are rushed, skipped, or incompleteWhether you're preparing for a Special Flight Operations Certificate (SFOC) or just want to elevate your operational discipline, this episode helps you assess like an aviation pro — not just a hobbyist.🎧 Now streaming on Spotify, Apple, and all major platforms🌐 SkyCommander.ca#RPASCanada #SkyCommander #SiteAssessment #DroneSafety #AdvancedRPAS #TransportCanada #FlightPlanning #PreFlightChecklist #RPASCompliance #DronePilot #RPASExamPrep