Next information session
Overview
Gain specialized professional skills to become a drone pilot in this emerging field with application to various industries. Our Professional Remotely Piloted Aircraft Systems (RPAS) program will teach you all aspects of operating drones for commercial use. From agricultural, environmental and industrial monitoring and inspection to emergency response to 3-D mapping and beyond, the use of drones for a variety of applications in numerous industries is rapidly evolving.
You’ll learn about the construction and maintenance of drone technology and be trained and licensed according to Transport Canada guidelines for Remotely Piloted Aircraft Systems. You’ll also add value to clients and employers by gaining practical experience with inspections, mapping and the processing of geomatics data performed by Remotely Piloted Aircraft Systems and emerging Beyond Visual Line of Sight (BVLOS) operations. Understanding these systems will allow you to contribute to business operations by addressing how RPAS and BVLOS can help meet business needs and client demands.
Is this the right fit for me?
In accordance with Transport Canada’s overall requirements, the pilot operating the RPAS must:
- Not suffer from any condition which would render them unfit to perform their duties.
- Have visual acuity 20/20 or 20/20 corrected (i.e. use of corrective lenses).
- Have sufficient English language ability so to be understood by local Air Traffic Control when using VHF radio.
- Evidence of good health.
Credential
After successfully completing this program, graduates will receive their Professional Remotely Piloted Aircraft Systems certificate.
Career opportunities
Graduates can pursue job opportunities as a(n):
- RPAS pilot performing visual inspections
- beyond visual line of sight RPAS operations
- mission planner
- maintainer
- pilot performing survey and mapping flights
Related careers include:
- geographic information systems technologist
- non-destructive inspection technician
Tuition and fees per year*
Year 1: $10,233
*Tuition, fees, books and supply costs are subject to change
Full costs
Tuition and financial aid
Requirements
You will be offered admission to this program through direct entry if you meet the admission requirements and space is available.
When can you apply?
Applications are accepted until the program start date but are subject to change.
- Applications for fall 2022 open Oct. 6, 2021.
| Classes being | Year start date | Year end date |
|---|---|---|
| Fall 2022 | Sept. 6, 2022 | Dec. 16, 2022 |
Researchers investigate drone delivery of medical supplies to remote communities during pandemic
Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAV), commonly referred to as drones, may prove to be a valuable tool in the battle against pandemics like COVID-19. Researchers at the University of Calgary, the Southern Alberta Institute of Technology (SAIT), Alberta Health Services (AHS) and Alberta Precision Laboratories (APL) are partnering with the Stoney Nakoda Nations (SNN) to deliver medical equipment and test kits for COVID-19 to remote areas, and to connect these communities to laboratories more quickly using these remotely piloted aircraft.
Admission Requirements
Admission and selection
Applications are accepted until the program start date but are subject to change.
- Fall 2022 start: applications are open on Oct. 6, 2021.
Admission requirements
At least 50% in the following courses or their equivalents:
- English Language Arts 30-1 or English Language Arts 30-2
- Math 30-1 or Math 30-2 or Pure Math 30 or Applied Math 30,
- One grade 12 science course
- All applicants must demonstrate English language proficiency prior to admission, including students educated in Canada.
SAIT accepts high school course equivalents for admission. If you don't meet the requirements, consider Academic Upgrading.
SAIT evaluates international documents for admissions. After you've applied, consider our international document assessment service if your education is from outside of Canada.
Direct Entry: four-step process
Step 1: Read the program information to see the qualities needed for student success.
Step 2: Ensure that you meet all of the admission requirements listed above.
Step 3: Apply and submit your transcripts and/or anticipated final grades.
- Admission will be extended on a first-qualified, first-offered basis until the program is full.
Step 4: Log in to mySAIT.ca to check your admission status and monitor changes to your application status.
Failure to meet anticipated final grades will result in offers being rescinded.
Communication during selection
Email is the primary source of communication during the selection process. Ensure your personal email account is managed appropriately to receive our emails, files and communications.
We receive a significant number of applications for this program so the selection process can take some time. Every effort will be made to maintain the timeline above. We appreciate your patience.
Courses
Program outline
| Course code | Course name | Credit |
|---|---|---|
| AERO-200 | Advanced Mapping for RPAS | 1.5 |
| AERO-201 | Basic Mapping for RPAS | 1.5 |
| AERO-202 | Beyond Visual Line of Sight Operations (BVLOS) | 3.0 |
| AERO-208 | Remotely Piloted Aircraft Systems - Professional Flight School | 3.0 |
| AREG-209 | RPAS System Servicing | 3.0 |
| AERO-212 | RPAS- Professional Operations and Planning | 3.0 |
| INSP-200 | Visual Inspection Level II | 1.5 |
| PROJ-222 | RPAS Capstone | 1.5 |
| Program total | 18.0 | |
Progression
Students must attain a PGPA and/or a CGPA of 2.0 or better in each semester and pass the necessary prerequisite courses to progress through the program. To qualify for graduation, students must pass all courses, attain a CGPA of 2.0 or better and complete course requirements within the prescribed timelines.
Costs
2021/22 Domestic Tuition and Fees*
| Year | Tuition fees | SAIT fees | Saitsa fees | Health & Dental Plan | 2021/22 total |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | $8,900 | $793.20 | $287.77 | $252 | $10,233 |
SAIT Fees
Campus athletic and recreation Fee: $183.20
Universal transit pass (UPass): $310 - Check eligibility here.
Student support fee: $150
Student technology fee: $150
Health and Dental Fees
Domestic Students
- Health Plan: $122
- Dental Plan: $130
- For students with existing health and/or dental plans, please refer to the Saitsa website for information on opting out.
Books and supplies*
- Books are approximately $50 - $150.
- Mandatory drone build kit purchased from SAIT approximately $500 - $1000.
- For an estimate of the costs associated with purchasing a device that meets the standard hardware and software requirements, see our computers and laptops page.
Find out about tuition and financial aid.
* Tuition, fees, books and supply costs are subject to change.
Next steps for incoming students
Have you been accepted to this program? Here's what you'll need for your first day of classes.
Orientation
To find the time and platform, visit our orientation page.
Computers and laptops
This is a bring your own device program with a standard hardware and software requirement. See the specific requirements on our computers and laptops page.
Required equipment/tools
A tool list and timeline for purchasing the items will be provided at orientation.
Required personal protective equipment (PPE)
The industry-approved PPE you'll need will be discussed during orientation.
Preparation courses
To support your success, SAIT offers some short courses before classes start, including PREP 100: The SAIT Experience and ETHI 110: SAIT Ethical Practices.
Required textbooks
Find your booklist on the SAIT Bookstore's website. The booklist will be available closer to the program start date.
Can’t find your program or course? The bookstore didn't receive a textbook list. Contact your program directly to determine if they’re still refining course details or if you're in luck, no textbook purchase required this term.
Contact
Phone: 403.284.7018
Email: aerocentre@sait.ca
Academic chair
Stephanie Hogewoning, Academic Chair
Email: stephanie.hogewoning@sait.ca
Next steps for all students
Here's what else you'll need to do to get ready!
Next steps for accepted students
Important dates and deadlines
Find important dates applicable to all students, including your transcript and tuition payment deadlines on our Important Dates page.