TP 15530 - section overview
Verified from official sourcesTP 15530Version 1Effective -Verified 23 August 2026
In plain language
This section outlines the knowledge requirements for RPA pilots operating within Level 1 complex operations in Canada, covering fuel systems, autopilots, propulsion, payloads, launch and recovery systems, and maintenance.
Requirement as structured
This section outlines the knowledge requirements for RPA pilots operating within Level 1 complex operations in Canada, covering fuel systems, autopilots, propulsion, payloads, launch and recovery systems, and maintenance.
Original regulatory text
- Describe fuel systems. - Describe hazards of different fuel types. - Describe methods to assess fuel quantity and consumption under different flight conditions. - Describe safe fuel storage and handling techniques. - Describe proper grounding/bonding techniques. Autopilots The RPA pilot operating within level 1 complex operations must be able to: - State the purpose of automated flight management systems for RPA. - Describe the limitations of an automated flight management system. - Identify possible faults with automated flight management system. - Describe automated flight management system actions in abnormal and emergency situations (for example, loss of control, loss of thrust). - Identify precautions to take when programming an automated flight management system. - Describe the potential effects on an autopilot in the event of a system failure. - Describe the various levels of autopilot autonomy. - Describe how an autopilot initiates flight termination or how a return to home (RTH) procedure is initiated. Propulsion The RPA pilot operating within level 1 complex operations must be able to: - Describe the characteristics of different propulsion system types. - Describe 2-stroke and 4 stroke engines. - Explain aircraft behaviour following a propulsion system failure. Payloads The RPA pilot operating within level 1 complex operations must be able to: - Define what comprises the payload vs. the rest of the system. - Describe considerations regarding payloads that are just transported, vs those that form part of the RPA for operational purposes. - Describe effects of integrated payloads on the RPA system, in respect to performance and fuel/power consumption. - Describe payloads that may be changed during flight. - Determine what is considered OEM payload vs operator added payload. - Explain the requirement to be properly trained and follow manufacturer instructions on carriage of payloads and proper operation of sensors. - Explain any limitations or operational impacts associated with carriage of payloads. Launch and recovery systems The RPA pilot operating within level 1 complex operations must be able to: - Identify the different danger areas associated with launch and recovery operations. - Describe different methods of launching and recovering an RPA, including mobile launch platforms. - Describe critical actions and priorities in the event of a failure or emergency during launch and recovery. Maintenance and record keeping The RPA pilot operating within level 1 complex operations must be able to: - Follow manufacturer’s instructions with respect to maintenance requirements including the need for independent verification, if applicable.
Applies when
- country
- Canada
- operation
- level_1_complex_operations
- regulatory category
- Specific