COVID-19 Info:Fanshawe's vaccination policy and clinics.
Read More

Program delivery note

Program delivery note: Fanshawe will temporarily deliver this program as listed under "locations" to the right of your screen or in the "+ more details" menu on mobile.

Become a qualified drone pilot and take to the skies! - 2022/2023

Location: London - Airport.

The Remotely Piloted Aerial Systems Commercial Operations graduate certificate will provide students with the knowledge and skills they need to design, support, operate, market and maintain RPAS or UAV commercial operations and related RPAS systems and software in entrepreneurial and research contexts.

This program will cover all aspects of RPAS/UAV systems including electrical and electronics systems such as communication, navigation, and data systems and will focus on the design and maintenance of these systems.

Additionally, this program will provide graduates with entrepreneurial, research, and market analysis skills aimed at bridging the gap between the technical and business aspects of the growing and innovative RPAS/UAV industry.

 

 

Admission Requirements - 2022/2023

Admission Requirements

One of:
A Two-or-Three Year Ontario College Diploma, or Degree
OR
An equivalent qualification from another institution as judged by the College
OR
Acceptable combination of related work experience and post secondary education as judged by the College to be equivalent*

Note:
* Applicants may be required to submit a resume and cover letter that includes details of work experience

English Language Requirements

Applicants whose first language is not English will be required to demonstrate proficiency in English by one of the following methods:

  • A Grade 12 College Stream or University Stream English credit from an Ontario Secondary School, or equivalent, depending on the program's Admission Requirements 
  • Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) test with a minimum score of 88 for the Internet-based test (iBT), with test results within the last two years
  • International English Language Testing System (IELTS) Academic test with an overall score of 6.5 with no score less than 6.0 in any of the four bands, with test results within the last two years.  SDS Program Requirements.  
  • Canadian Academic English Language (CAEL) test with an overall score of 70 with no score less than 60 in any of the four bands, with test results within the last two years
  • Pearson Test of English Academic (PTE) with a minimum score of 59, with test results within the last two years
  • A Cambridge English Test (FCE/CAE/CPE) with an overall score on the Cambridge English Scale of 176 with no language skill less than 169, with test results within the last two years
  • An English Language Evaluation (ELE) at Fanshawe College with a minimum score of 75% in all sections of the test, with test results within the last two years
  • Fanshawe College ESL4/GAP5 students: Minimum grade of 80% in ESL4/GAP5 Level 9 or 75% in ESL4/GAP5 Level 10

Recommended Personal Preparation

Familiarity with Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAV) and associated systems would be an asset.

Applicant Selection Criteria

Where the number of eligible applicants exceeds the available spaces in the program, the Applicant Selection Criteria will be:
  1. Preference for Permanent Residents of Ontario
  2. Receipt of Application by February 1st (After this date, Fanshawe College will consider applicants on a first-come, first-served basis until the program is full)
  3. Achievement in the Admission Requirements

Post-Admission Requirements

1. In accordance with Transport Canada's overall requirements, the pilot operating a UAV must:

  • Not suffer from any condition which would render them unfit to perform their duties,
  • Have a visual acuity of 20/20 or 20/20 corrected ( ie: use of corrective lenses), and
  • Have sufficient English language ability so to be understood by local Air Traffic Control when using VHF radio

2. Evidence of Good Health

Courses

Remotely Piloted Aerial Systems Commercial Operations-2022/2023

Level 1
Take all of the following Mandatory Courses:
AVIA-6008Ground School3
The Remotely Piloted Aerial System (RPAS) Ground School course enables students to develop the foundational aviation knowledge required for commercial or research RPAS operations. The course is compliant with Transport Canada's regulations regarding Basic and Advanced RPAS Pilot training and is required for certification.
AVIA-6014Flight Operations4
The Remotely Piloted Aerial System (RPAS) Flight Operations course enables students to develop the foundational knowledge required for commercial or research RPAS operations. The students will become familiar with operational elements, have an opportunity to earn their Aviation Radio Operator's License, as well as learn how to work with NAV Canada and Transport Canada. The course is compliant with Transport Canada's regulations regarding Advanced RPAS Pilot training and is required for certification.
MANF-6002Fabrication & Maintenance 12.5
The Remotely Piloted Aerial System (RPAS) Fabrication and Maintenance (Part I) course develops introductory technical knowledge and skills through hands-on project-based learning. Students will acquire fabrication and manufacturing problem-solving skills while using tools and equipment to fabricate a quad-multirotor racing UAV.
MGMT-6149Data Analysis & Payload Management 12.5
The Remotely Piloted Aerial System (RPAS) Data Analysis and Payload Management (Part I) course develops basic to intermediate knowledge and competency in collecting and converting the data collected by RPAS sensor payloads into useful information that can be analyzed and used. Students develop competency by collecting sensor data and converting it into visual information through PIX4D.
AVIA-6015Flight Training-Basic3.5
The Remotely Piloted Aerial System (RPAS) Basic Flight Training course develops introductory student knowledge and competency in flying RPAS for commercial applications. The students develop initial piloting skills using a computer based RPAS flight simulator and a small multi-rotor RPAS. The course is compliant with Transport Canada's regulations regarding Advanced RPAS Pilot training and is required for certification.

Level 2
Take all of the following Mandatory Courses:
BUSI-6009Applications3
The Remotely Piloted Aerial System (RPAS) Applications course enables students to develop an understanding of the history and development of RPAS and their growing commercial application. Students will focus on the current and future potential of RPAS, how they are currently impacting industries and services, the regulatory issues pertaining to their commercial use and commercial RPAS business development.
MANF-6003Fabrication & Maintenance 22.5
The Remotely Piloted Aerial System (RPAS) Fabrication and Maintenance (Part II) course further develops technical knowledge and skills as students test, diagnose, service, and maintain RPAS structural components, motor systems, electrical systems, flight control and ground support systems. Students will use a variety of tools and equipment and interpret written instructions, manufacturer's specifications, manuals, and technical drawings to perform service and maintenance tasks.
MGMT-6150Data Analysis & Payload Management 22.5
The Remotely Piloted Aerial System (RPAS) Data Analysis and Payload Management (Part II) course further develops student knowledge and competency by introducing the common sensors and payloads used with RPAS. Students develop competency by practicing mission planning and matching specific sensors to an anticipated mission.
AVIA-6016Flight Training-Inter3.5
The Remotely Piloted Aerial System (RPAS) Intermediate Flight Training course further develops student knowledge and competency in flying RPAS for commercial applications. The students continue to develop piloting skills using a computer based RPAS flight simulator and a mid-sized multi-rotor RPAS. The course is compliant with Transport Canada's regulations regarding Advanced RPAS Pilot training and is required for certification.
AVIA-6012Flight Training-Adv3.5
The Remotely Piloted Aerial System (RPAS) Advanced Flight Training course advances student knowledge and competency in flying RPAS for commercial applications. The students finalize their piloting skills using a computer based RPAS flight simulator and by piloting a mid-sized multi-rotor RPAS. The course is compliant with Transport Canada's regulations regarding Advanced RPAS Pilot training and is required for certification.

Program Residency
Students Must Complete a Minimum of 8 credits in this
program at Fanshawe College to meet the Program Residency
requirement and graduate from this program

Careers - 2022/2023

Career Opportunities

Those industries and services seeking trained operators and maintenance personnel are:

  • Agriculture
  • Aerospace
  • Emergency Response Services
  • Law Enforcement and Security
  • Energy and Power
  • Environmental Monitoring
  • Geographical Survey
  • Government
  • Humanitarian Aid
  • Industrial Operations
  • Civil Infrastructure
  •  Logistics
  • Mining, Oil and Gas
  • Real Estate

More Information - 2022/2023

A One-Year Ontario College Graduate Certificate
Program Code: RPS1
Campus Code: LCA (LCA - London Campus Airport)
September/January/May Admission
15 week terms
Academic Calendars available at www.fanshawec.ca/academicdates

Contact

Norton Wolf School of Aviation and Aerospace Technology: 519-452-4430 ext. 6370

Program Description

The Remotely Piloted Aerial Systems (RPAS/UAV) Commercial Operations Graduate Certificate will provide students with the knowledge and skills they need to design, support, operate, market and maintain RPAS or UAV commercial operations and related RPAS systems and software in entrepreneurial and research contexts. This program will cover all aspects of RPAS/UAV systems including electrical and electronics systems such as communication, navigation, and data systems and will focus on the design and maintenance of these systems. Additionally, this program will provide graduates with entrepreneurial, research, and market analysis skills aimed at bridging the gap between the technical and business aspects of the growing and innovative RPAS/UAV industry.

Program Pathways

  • An applicant who is already a certified Recreational, Private or Airline Transport Pilot or who already has logged and certified hours of flight time with small UAV or applicable technical knowledge can apply for a Prior Learning Assessment.  
  • For information about Program Pathways visit www.fanshawec.ca/programpathways.
Share this Program

Program Details

More details

Program Details

2022/2023 academic year: Refer to the More Info tab to view offerings for the 2022/23 academic year. Canadian students can start applying in early October for programs with Sep. 2022, Jan. 2023 and May 2023 start dates through ontariocolleges.ca.

Canadian Students

Start Dates
Locations
Availability

Full Time Offerings

2022 January
London - Airport
Open
2022 May
London - Airport
Open
2022 September
London - Airport
Open
2023 January
London - Airport
Open
2023 May
London - Airport
Open
View Canadian Costs

International Students

Start Dates
Locations
Availability
2022 January
London - Airport
Open
2022 May
London - Airport
Open
2022 September
London - Airport
Open
2023 January
London - Airport
Open
2023 May
London - Airport
Open
View International Costs
Information for International Students
Program Code
RPS1
Academic School
Norton Wolf School of Aviation and Aerospace Technology

Program Coordinator:

Adam Debevc

Delivery
Day Time
Full-Time
Pathways

Transfer OpportunitiesStudy & Work Abroad

Credential
Ontario College Graduate Certificate
Duration
30 weeks