Selkirk Innovates, Selkirk College’s applied research and innovation division, is pleased to offer the Drone Technologies training program. Selkirk Innovates will deliver a state-of-the-art applied drone training program using its highly specialized drone technologies.
The certificate training program is comprised of three stackable micro-courses, each providing between 35–45 hours of training over four weeks. Learners can expect to spend 7–8 hours a week engaging in self-paced learning and additional time building drone flying skills in the field. Bundled together, learners earn the Drone Technologies Certificate of Completion by completing 125 hours (90 hours instruction and 35 hours of field training) over three months.
The program will cover drone history and data products, drone applications and equipment considerations, safety guidelines and risk mitigation, field operations and mission planning, post-field data processing and will provide learners with hands-on experience flying drones. Upon successful program completion, learners will be prepared to attempt the Transport Canada Small Basic or Small Advanced RPAS Exam and Advanced Flight Review.
Please note: Students do not need their own drone for this course. During field exercises, drones will be provided by the program.
Program Format
Micro-Course 1: Drone Awareness (RPAS 100)
Remotely Piloted Aircraft Systems (RPAS) or drones are becoming increasingly utilized in various industries and for personal use. This course is designed to break down barriers between individuals and organizations getting involved in drone use and drone-based research. It will cover the history of drone technologies, drone components, various applications of drone use, regulatory framework, mission planning and getting hands-on with mini drones for flight experience. The course starts September 5 and 6 with 30 hours of pre-course work required through August.
- 30 hours self-paced instruction, plus two field days
Micro-Course 2: Drone Ground School (RPAS 200)
The Basic RPAS course provides students with a solid foundation in drone operations, augmented by experiential field-based opportunities, for aspiring drone pilots endeavoring to pass their Transport Canada Basic RPAS exam. Students will develop their knowledge of ground school concepts with a focus on regulations and procedures governing legal drone operations to empower competent, confident and safe operators.
- 30 hours self-paced instruction, plus 12 hours plus three field days
Micro-Course 3: Drone Applications (RPAS 300)
The Advanced RPAS course expands on Basic Small RPAS piloting concepts by preparing students with skills and knowledge necessary for operations conducted in more complex environments and scenarios, including controlled airspace, urban/suburban environments, challenging terrain and activities requiring special flight operating certificate authorizations.
Students will learn about industry-leading prosumer and enterprise-grade airframes and sensor technology data products, including lidar, multispectral, thermal and high-resolution aerial imagery. Opportunities to pilot mid-size DJI Mavic 2 Pro drones and serve as payload operators of enterprise series airframes will be provided. Concepts surrounding organizational drone operations management will be explored, including development of standard operating procedures, planning and conducting safe field operations, team deployment and monitoring.
Student-led simulated advanced operations planning followed by a practice assessment will provide prospective advanced drone operators an opportunity to hone their skills and build confidence prior to completing their Small Advanced RPAS exam and flight review.
- 30 hours self-paced instruction plus four field days
Full Package: Three Micro-Courses
Total program cost: $3,400
Intake: Fall 2024
Course dates: TBC
This course qualifies for the StrongerBC future skills grant. You could be eligible for up to $3,500 toward tuition. Find out more.