Overview
The Diploma program is a fully registered 15 day ‘instructor led’ training course with daily drone skills practice in various complex environments. It aims to build an expert RPAS workforce that can find well-paying jobs in the drone service industry. We expect our successful students to be employed in the industry within six months of qualifying and will promote the diploma internationally. Successful students will be recognized as holding a valuable industry qualification.
The professional RPAS Diploma is fully registered and approved by the Department of Education and Lifelong Learning and is eligible for Government funding programs.
LOCATION
The Skygate Volatus Training Academy
50D Aerospace Boulevard, Slemon Park, PE, C0B 2A0
(Other locations available upon request)
Lee Dodson
Lead Instructor
- Must be 18 years or older
- A Transport Canada Advanced RPAS Pilot Certificate (or equivalent for your country of operation). We can provide online self study material for Transport Canada and FAA certification, please contact us for more information)
- Candidates must attest that they do not have a disability that would impair their ability to operate radio equipment
- Canadian Citizenship or Canadian Residency*
- English Speaking
*foreign applicants may have some limitations operating drones in Canada, contact us for more information
Upon successful completion of the Professional RPAS Operational Skills training, graduates will have the skills necessary to work in a variety of industries
- Advertising & Sales
- Agriculture
- Conservation & Wildlife
- Construction & Development
- Engineering & Geomatics
- TV & Film Industry
- Infrastructure & Utilities
- Insurance
- Natural Resources
- Public Safety
- Social Media & PR
- Surveillance
- Sustainable Energy
- Telecommunications
RPAS Advanced Piloting & Videography Skills
Complex environment training will build on the student’s skills to understand RPAS setup, control & function. Close proximity skills and complex piloting with photography & videography knowledge and techniques will develop safety and professional cinematic skills. Video editing, project management and using copyright to protect and sell media are also covered in this module. This section is based around the use of the DJI Mavic series RPAS equipment.
LESSON PLAN
- RPAS Setup Control & Function (DJI Mavic & Inspire)
- Flight Modes & Calibration Procedures
- RPAS Camera Systems, Lenses, Sensors & Exposure Settings
- Understanding Video Formats, CODEC’s, Log Files & LUT’s
- Advanced Close Proximity Piloting Skills (incl. NIST Obstacle Course Training)
- Aerial Photography & Videography techniques (Object Tracking & Compound Motions)
- Photo & Video Editing workflows (Photoshop, Final Cut Pro, Premiere Pro)
- Use of RPAS Accessories (Lens Filters, Payloads, Parachutes, Remote Monitors)
- RPAS Project Management, Selling Stock Media and copyright, Log Keeping & Maintenance
RPAS Inspection & Thermography
Drone inspection techniques and understanding RPAS payload systems are imperative for an RPAS professional. In addition to cementing these skills, students will be introduced to thermography and specialist sensor applications. This section is based around the use of the DJI Matrice 300 RTK and the H20T payload.
LESSON PLAN
- RPAS Setup Control & Function (DJI Matrice 300 RTK)
- Payload Systems (DJI H20 Series, IR, UV, Gas Detection etc.)
- Optimal Camera and Sensor Settings for Inspection Applications
- Introduction to Drone Thermography Techniques
- Advanced Piloting Inspection Skills (incl. NIST Obstacle Course Training)
- RPAS Inspection Techniques (Buildings, Structures, Bridges, Paved Surfaces)
- Inspecting Infrastructure (Solar Panels, Wind Turbines, Power Lines, Cell Towers)
- Dual Control RPAS Operational Skills (DJI Matrice 300 RTK)
- Use of RPAS Accessories (RTK Base Station, CSM Radar, Third Party Apps)
- Autonomous Flight Control, Data Collection & Project Management
RPAS Survey & Mapping
Many people fail in commercializing their RPAS skills because of poor data management and bad workflows. We will teach our students the fundamentals of data management and workflows to ensure their success. Additionally, students will learn: aerial photogrammetry, mapping, multispectral imaging & crop management, LIDAR principles, RTK & PPK GPS positioning methods, Orthomosaic stitching and 3D point cloud construction processes. This section is based around the use of the DJI Matrice 300 RTK, the L1 Lidar payload, the Micasense multispectral sensors, the D-RTK2 Base Station and DJI Terra.
LESSON PLAN
- Payload systems (DJI P1 & L1 LiDar, Multispectral, Magnetometry, Ground Penetrating Radar, Bathymetry etc.)
- Optimal Camera and Sensor Settings for Survey & Mapping Applications
- Introduction to Fixed Wing & VTOL RPAS Systems & Piloting Techniques
- 2D & 3D Mapping Photogrammetry Methods and Mission Planning
- Introduction to RTK & PPK GPS Positioning
- Orthomosaic Stitching & 3D Point Cloud Data Collection & Workflows
- Data Management & Analysis with AI and Live Data Processing
- Ag Crop Stress Analysis using IR & NIR NDVI Data
FUNDING & TUITION FEES
Government Funding Support with
SKILLSPEI
As the Diploma is certified and approved by the Department of Education & Lifelong Learning, there are various opportunities for government funding in support of new business and skills training for career development. Contact us for more information.
- The course runs for 15 days (9am to 5pm) over 3 weeks, starting Mondays
- Special rates are available at the Slemon Park Hotel, please contact us for more information
- All RPAS and safety equipment is provided
- Strict COVID protocols remain in place with each student having their own desk and RPAS equipment to use and maintain during the course
- A deposit of $1250 will secure a seat and will be applied to the final tuition fee (payable prior to start date)
- Tuition fees are exclusive of HST
