Sky Commander Academy

SkyCommander.ca
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Welcome to Sky Commander Academy – the elite podcast for Canada’s drone pilots. Hosted by aerial aces Sky Tracer and Ace Talon, this high-octane series from SkyCommander.ca is your command center for mastering drone flight. Start with your Basic RPAS Certificate, crush Transport Canada regs, and rise through the ranks with expert tips, tactical Q&As, and real-world mission insights. We don’t just fly—we command the skies. SkyCommander.ca – See Above. Go Beyond. Get Ahead.

  1. -9 H

    S4E10 – Signal Locked: Mastering Drone Command Links, Frequencies & Fail-Safes

    When your control link drops, your mission can go from smooth to spiraling in seconds. Every FAA Remote Pilot must understand how command & control (C2) systems work—because the airwaves you fly on are regulated, shared, and vulnerable to interference. In S4E10 of Sky Commander Academy, we unpack the hidden backbone of every drone flight: the radio links that connect pilot and aircraft. From FCC frequency rules to interference mitigation and built-in fail-safes, this episode gives you the technical mastery to stay connected, compliant, and in control. In this episode:📡 How C2 links work – uplink, downlink, telemetry, and how your transmitter and receiver maintain control integrity📶 FCC frequency rules – the legal bands you can operate on (2.4 GHz / 5.8 GHz / 900 MHz) and what’s off-limits under U.S. law⚡ Interference hazards – how Wi-Fi congestion, power lines, radar, and other RF sources disrupt your signal🧭 Signal management – antenna orientation, channel hopping, and redundancy strategies that professional pilots use🛑 Fail-safe systems – Return-to-Home, hover, and land protocols when your link fails—and how to program them correctly🧰 Spectrum awareness – how to use signal-strength tools, telemetry data, and environmental scanning to avoid mid-mission dropouts💡 Pro tips – field-tested methods for maintaining C2 stability in complex environments and staying compliant with FAA & FCC regs Your drone is only as reliable as its signal. This episode arms you with the knowledge to keep that link strong, legal, and ready for anything the spectrum throws your way. 🌐 SkyCommander.ca🎧 Stream on Apple, Spotify, or wherever you power up before takeoff. #FAA107 #SkyCommanderAcademy #DroneTraining #RemotePilot #FCCCompliance #CommandAndControl #DroneSafety #SignalLoss #FlySmart #MissionReady

    50 min

  2. -1 J

    S4E9 – Anatomy of a Drone: Inside the Systems That Keep You Flying

    Every pilot should know their aircraft inside and out. Whether you’re flying a multirotor, fixed-wing, or hybrid UAS, understanding how each subsystem works—and how they work together—is the difference between flying confidently and flying blind. In S4E9 of Sky Commander Academy, we take you deep inside the core components of every Unmanned Aircraft System (UAS)—from airframes and flight controllers to radios and payloads—so you can truly understand what’s keeping your drone in the air. In this episode:🛩 Airframe fundamentals – fixed-wing vs. multirotor vs. VTOL; materials, structure, and aerodynamic trade-offs🎮 Command and control links – how radios, antennas, and frequencies keep your UAS connected (and what causes interference)🧠 Flight controllers – sensors, IMUs, gyros, and how onboard logic maintains stability, heading, and position🔋 Power systems overview – ESCs, batteries, and redundancy strategies for advanced flight📸 Payloads and sensors – from RGB and IR cameras to LiDAR and mapping systems; balancing weight, power, and mission goals🛠 Subsystem integration – how all components communicate via the data bus and what happens when one fails💡 Pro tips – maintenance insights and configuration checks to keep your system reliable under FAA operational limits Understanding your UAS at the subsystem level isn’t just about engineering—it’s about control. The more you know about your machine, the safer, smoother, and more professional every mission becomes. 🌐 SkyCommander.ca🎧 Stream on Apple, Spotify, or wherever you power up before takeoff. #FAA107 #SkyCommanderAcademy #DroneTraining #UASComponents #FlightController #DroneMaintenance #RemotePilot #DroneSafety #FlySmart #MissionReady

    45 min

  3. -2 J

    S4E8 – When Things Go Wrong: FAA Incident Reporting & Enforcement Under Part 107

    Even the best pilots have bad days—but how you handle an incident can make the difference between a routine report and a federal investigation. Under 14 CFR 107.9, every Remote Pilot in Command has a legal duty to report accidents, cooperate with the FAA, and maintain transparency when the unexpected happens. In S4E8 of Sky Commander Academy, we take you behind the curtain of FAA incident reporting and enforcement, showing you exactly what happens after a crash, injury, or property damage—and how to stay compliant while protecting your certificate. In this episode:🚨 107.9 reporting requirements – when, how, and to whom you must report an accident within 10 days🧾 What qualifies as an “accident” – injury, property damage thresholds, and what doesn’t require a formal report📞 How to report – step-by-step through the FAA’s DroneZone and online reporting process⚖️ Enforcement actions explained – warning letters, certificate suspension, fines, and the FAA’s compliance philosophy🕵️ Investigation process – what to expect if the FAA follows up, and how to cooperate professionally💡 Pro tips – documenting incidents, writing factual reports, and managing communication with insurance and clients Mistakes happen. What defines a professional pilot is how you respond—and how prepared you are to handle it by the book. This episode gives you the clarity and confidence to manage an incident like a pro, safeguard your credentials, and keep your name out of enforcement headlines. 🌐 SkyCommander.ca🎧 Listen now on Apple, Spotify, or wherever you level up your pilot knowledge. #FAA107 #SkyCommanderAcademy #DroneTraining #RemotePilot #FAARegulations #DroneSafety #1079Reporting #DroneEnforcement #FlySmart #MissionReady

    37 min

  4. -3 J

    S4E7 – The Professional Pilot’s Code: FAA Documentation, Maintenance, and Community Responsibility

    Flying a drone under FAA Part 107 is more than a technical skill—it’s a professional commitment. Every flight, maintenance entry, and public interaction reflects your integrity as a Remote Pilot in Command. And while most new pilots obsess over gear, the best pilots focus on responsibility, documentation, and reputation. In S4E7 of Sky Commander Academy, we unpack what it truly means to be accountable in the eyes of the FAA—and the public. From logbooks and maintenance records to privacy awareness and community engagement, this episode defines what separates hobbyists from professionals. In this episode:📓 Flight log requirements – what the FAA expects you to record after every mission and why digital records matter🧰 Maintenance tracking – how to create a simple system for repairs, inspections, and battery cycle documentation🛡 Privacy & ethics – your obligations when collecting data and filming in public spaces under FAA guidance🏙 Community engagement – how to defuse public concerns, respond to questions, and represent drone pilots positively⚖️ Regulatory accountability – understanding your responsibility as PIC (Pilot in Command) in all operations💡 Pro tips – how to organize your flight records, maintenance logs, and insurance documents for quick audit-readiness Flying legally is one thing—flying professionally is another. This episode gives you the habits and mindset that make FAA inspectors trust you, clients respect you, and the public welcome your presence in the sky. 🌐 SkyCommander.ca🎧 Tune in on Spotify, Apple, or wherever you prep before flight. #FAA107 #SkyCommanderAcademy #DroneTraining #RemotePilot #DroneSafety #PilotInCommand #Documentation #DroneMaintenance #CommunityEngagement #FlySmart #MissionReady

    48 min

  5. -4 J

    S4E6 – After Dark & Over the Crowd: Mastering FAA Night Ops and Over-People Rules

    Flying at night or over people used to be strictly off-limits for drone pilots—but that all changed in 2021. The FAA’s updated Part 107 rules unlocked these advanced operations for Remote Pilots who know how to stay compliant with lighting, aircraft categories, and operational safety. In S4E6 of Sky Commander Academy, we decode the FAA’s Night Operations and Over-People authorizations, giving you the knowledge and confidence to fly where others can’t—legally, safely, and professionally. In this episode:🌙 2021 FAA updates explained – how Part 107 changed the game for night and over-people flights💡 Anti-collision lighting – FAA strobe visibility requirements, placement tips, and preflight checks for legal night operations👁 Night physiology – how human vision changes after dark and the practical limits of situational awareness🧍‍♂️ Over-people categories (1–4) – what defines each category, how to qualify your drone, and what operations are allowed⚖️ Operational risk factors – kinetic energy thresholds, shielded operations, and maintaining horizontal separation🚀 Applying for waivers & proving compliance – what documentation, markings, and performance data the FAA expects💡 Pro tips – lighting best practices, thermal payload considerations, and risk mitigation for night or urban flight Flying after sunset or over populated areas is no longer just for waivered pilots—it’s for those who know the rules and prove they can follow them. This episode gives you everything you need to command the night sky with confidence and precision. 🌐 SkyCommander.ca🎧 Stream now on Spotify, Apple, or wherever you power up before takeoff. #FAA107 #SkyCommanderAcademy #DroneTraining #RemotePilot #NightOps #OverPeople #DroneSafety #FAARegulations #FlySmart #MissionReady

    40 min

  6. -5 J

    S4E5 – Eyes on the Sky: Mastering FAA Drone Altitude & VLOS Rules (400-Ft Limit + Structure Exception)

    Every drone pilot knows the “400-foot rule”—but few truly understand what it means in practice. The FAA’s operating limitations under Part 107 define exactly how high, how far, and how safely you can fly. And when it comes to visual line of sight (VLOS), the difference between legal and illegal flight can be just one ridge, tree line, or corner away. In S4E5 of Sky Commander Academy, we break down the real-world meaning of FAA operational limits, the structure exception, and what “maintaining VLOS” actually demands from Remote Pilots and visual observers. In this episode:📏 The 400-foot rule explained – how altitude is measured, what “above ground level (AGL)” really means, and where pilots get tripped up🏢 Structure exception unlocked – when and how you can legally exceed 400 feet when inspecting towers, cranes, or buildings👁 VLOS realities – what the FAA expects from “unaided visual observation,” and how technology can (and can’t) help🌤 Beyond line of sight (BVLOS) – what happens if you temporarily lose sight, and how to manage occlusions safely🚨 Enforcement examples – real FAA violations that prove why VLOS and altitude limits are taken seriously💡 Pro tips – operational habits and visual scanning techniques that keep your flight safe, compliant, and smooth under pressure Flying legally under Part 107 isn’t about memorizing numbers—it’s about understanding why those limits exist and how to apply them in real-world missions. This episode gives you the knowledge to fly higher (safely) and smarter every time you take off. 🌐 SkyCommander.ca🎧 Stream now on Apple, Spotify, or wherever you prep before takeoff. #FAA107 #SkyCommanderAcademy #DroneTraining #RemotePilot #DroneSafety #VLOS #400FootRule #FAARegulations #FlySmart #MissionReady

    39 min

  7. -6 J

    S4E4 – Stay Sharp or Get Grounded: Keeping Your FAA Part 107 Certificate Current

    Earning your FAA Remote Pilot Certificate is just the beginning—staying current is what keeps you legal to fly. Every 24 months, the FAA requires active pilots to complete recurrent training to stay sharp on airspace, regulations, and emerging drone operations. Skip it, and your privileges go dark fast. In S4E4 of Sky Commander Academy, we break down exactly what it takes to stay current under Part 107, how to complete your free FAA recurrent training online, and what’s changed since the FAA updated the rules in 2021. In this episode:📅 24-month rule explained – when your clock starts ticking and how to track your renewal cycle💻 Recurrent training vs. knowledge test – the difference between initial certification and currency maintenance🎓 Free FAA online training – where to find it, how to complete it, and what to expect from the interactive modules🧠 Topics you must review – airspace, night operations, operating over people, and new remote ID standards⚡ Proof of currency – how to download, print, and store your completion record in case of FAA inspection💡 Pro tips – reminders to set calendar alerts, keep your IACRA and FAA accounts synced, and stay ahead of upcoming rule changes Your FAA certificate doesn’t expire—it just goes inactive if you stop training. This episode gives you the exact plan to stay compliant, confident, and current—so your pilot status never misses a beat. 🌐 SkyCommander.ca🎧 Listen on Apple, Spotify, or wherever serious pilots keep their edge. #FAA107 #SkyCommanderAcademy #DroneTraining #RemotePilot #RecurrentTraining #FAACertification #DroneSafety #FlySmart #MissionReady

    42 min

  8. 10 OCT.

    S4E3 – Cleared for Takeoff: How to Get Your FAA Part 107 Remote Pilot Certificate (IACRA + TSA Process)

    Dreaming of becoming an FAA-certified drone pilot? Before you launch your career—or your drone—you need to navigate the Part 107 certification process. It’s not complicated once you know the steps, but miss one detail, and your approval could stall before takeoff. In S4E3 of Sky Commander Academy, we walk you through every stage of the Remote Pilot certification journey—from eligibility requirements and IACRA registration to the TSA security vetting that confirms your clearance to fly. In this episode:🧭 Who qualifies? – Age, language, and citizenship requirements for U.S. Remote Pilots📝 IACRA registration – how to create your FAA profile, link your FTN number, and track your certification process🧠 Knowledge test overview – what to expect on the FAA Part 107 exam and how to register at an approved testing center🛫 After you pass – step-by-step guide to submitting your test results and applying for your temporary certificate🕵️ TSA background check explained – what it looks for, how long it takes, and how to avoid common application delays💡 Pro tips – the fastest way to go from test day to official certification, plus key mistakes that hold pilots back Becoming an FAA-certified Remote Pilot isn’t just paperwork—it’s your launchpad to professional flight. This episode gives you the exact checklist to go from student to certified without missing a single step. 🌐 SkyCommander.ca🎧 Stream now on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you prep for your next certification flight. #FAA107 #SkyCommanderAcademy #RemotePilot #DroneTraining #IACRA #TSAVetting #DroneCertification #FlySmart #MissionReady

    43 min
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À propos

Welcome to Sky Commander Academy – the elite podcast for Canada’s drone pilots. Hosted by aerial aces Sky Tracer and Ace Talon, this high-octane series from SkyCommander.ca is your command center for mastering drone flight. Start with your Basic RPAS Certificate, crush Transport Canada regs, and rise through the ranks with expert tips, tactical Q&As, and real-world mission insights. We don’t just fly—we command the skies. SkyCommander.ca – See Above. Go Beyond. Get Ahead.

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  • Création
    SkyCommander.ca
  • Années d’activité
    2 k
  • Épisodes
    186
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    Tous publics
  • Copyright
    © SkyCommander.ca
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