Advanced Drone Pilot Training Program

Prepare for professional drone operations in Canada through comprehensive theoretical instruction, industry-focused applications, exam preparation, hands-on field practice and a practical flight review.

Location

CANADA

Program Length

3 Days

Level of Study

Beginner - Advanced

Class Size

Small Class

DELIVERY TYPE

In Person

Program Index

The Advanced Drone Pilot Training Program is designed for individuals who want to develop professional-level drone operation skills and work toward obtaining the Transport Canada Pilot Certificate – Advanced Operations.

Offered by Shaws Education in collaboration with an experienced Canadian UAV training provider, this intensive three-day program combines aviation theory, regulatory knowledge, exam preparation, field practice, and a practical flight review.

Participants will explore how Remotely Piloted Aircraft Systems (RPAS) are used across industries such as agriculture, surveying, oil and gas, infrastructure inspection, building maintenance, environmental monitoring, and other commercial applications.

The program also prepares participants for the Transport Canada Advanced Operations online exam and includes practical preparation for the required flight review.

Highlights

  • Three-day intensive professional training
  • Approximately 19 hours of instruction and assessment
  • Combination of theory, exam preparation, field practice, and flight review
  • Canadian Aviation Regulations and RPAS certification requirements
  • Airspace classification and advanced operating procedures
  • Flight planning, navigation, meteorology, and radio communication
  • Human factors, risk management, and operational decision-making
  • Practical preparation for the Transport Canada Advanced Operations exam
  • Hands-on field operation practice
  • Advanced Operations flight review
  • Introduction to commercial drone applications across multiple industries
  • Training delivered by experienced UAV professionals

What You Will Learn

By the end of the program, participants will be able to:

  • Understand the regulatory framework governing advanced drone operations in Canada
  • Explain the fundamentals of aerodynamics and drone flight
  • Identify Canadian airspace classifications and applicable operating requirements
  • Interpret aviation weather information and assess weather-related flight risks
  • Apply navigation and flight-planning principles to RPAS operations
  • Conduct pre-flight site surveys and operational risk assessments
  • Identify common UAV components and understand their functions
  • Apply human factors and sound decision-making to drone operations
  • Plan and conduct drone flights using appropriate safety procedures
  • Respond appropriately to abnormal and emergency situations
  • Prepare for the Transport Canada Advanced Operations online exam
  • Demonstrate the practical skills required during an Advanced Operations flight review
  • Understand how drone technology is used in agriculture, surveying, infrastructure inspection, oil and gas, and other industries

Who This Program Is For

  • Individuals interested in becoming professional or commercial drone pilots
  • Basic drone pilots seeking to advance their qualifications
  • Agricultural professionals interested in crop monitoring and precision agriculture
  • Surveying, mapping, and geospatial technology professionals
  • Oil and gas, energy, and utility-sector personnel
  • Construction, engineering, and infrastructure professionals
  • Building and property inspection professionals
  • Environmental monitoring and natural resource professionals
  • Public safety and emergency-response personnel
  • Entrepreneurs planning to establish a drone service business
  • Students and recent graduates interested in UAV and emerging technology careers

No previous professional drone experience is required, although basic familiarity with drone operation is beneficial.

Program Duration

  • Duration: 3 days
  • Total Training Time: Approximately 19 hours

Admission Requirements

  • Be at least 16 years old to take the Transport Canada Advanced Operations online exam
  • Have sufficient English-language ability to understand technical instruction, aviation terminology, safety procedures, and regulatory requirements
  • Be physically able to participate safely in outdoor field activities
  • Have basic computer and internet skills to access the Transport Canada Drone Management Portal
  • Provide valid government-issued identification when required
  • Follow all instructor, aviation safety, and training-site requirements

Previous drone flight experience is recommended but not mandatory.

Enrollment