This certificate training program is comprised of three stackable micro-courses, Level 1 Complex Operations part 1 and 2 and Operations Management. Each micro-course provides between 35 – 45 hours of course content over a four-week period, exceeding the required 20-hour minimum complex ground school training required by Transport Canada to acquire your L1C license. Learners can expect to spend 7 – 8 hours a week engaging in self-paced course content and attend two in-person field training days (per micro-course) to refine their drone flying skills and other training requirements such as team communication. Once all three micro courses and the associated field training (90 hours of instruction and 35 hours of field training) is completed the student will receive the Drone Technologies – Complex Operations Certificate of Completion.
This course is designed for experienced RPAS operators who are looking to obtain Transport Canada's upcoming Complex Operations Certification. Aimed at those who wish to operate in high-risk environments, this training equips students with the advanced knowledge, skills, and understanding necessary to safely and effectively conduct complex drone operations in Canada.
The course is set up to prepare participants to challenge Transport Canada's Complex Operations certification requirements, learn Transport Canada’s Canadian Aviation Regulations Section IX and learn to build and manage corporate drone programs that emphasize safety, compliance, and strategic growth.
Please note: Students do not need their own drone for this course. During field exercises, drones will be provided by the program.
Cost, Registration and Format
Cost: $2,250
Program Format
Micro-Course 1: Level 1 Complex Operations Part 1 (RPAS 400)
The course material is fully online with two in-person classroom/ field days in Castlegar, BC. It is broken into 4 modules (8 parts total) based on sections 1, 2, 3, and 8 from Knowledge Requirements for Pilots of Remotely Piloted Aircraft Systems – Level 1 Complex Operations - TP 15530. The modules covered are as follows: air law, air traffic rules and procedures; RPA airframes, power plants, propulsion, and systems; human factors; and radiotelephony.
- February 23, 2026–March 22, 2026
- Field Days: April 1-2, 2026
Micro-Course 2: Level 1 Complex Operations Part 2 (RPAS 500)
The course material is fully online, with two in-person classroom/ field days in Castlegar, BC. It explores the remainder 4 modules (8 parts total) based on sections 4,5,6 and 7 of the Knowledge Requirements for Pilots of Remotely Piloted Aircraft Systems – Level 1 Complex Operations - TP 15530. The modules covered are as follows: meteorology, navigation, flight operations, and theory of flight.
- March 23, 2026–April 19, 2026
- Field Days: April 29-30, 2026
Micro-Course 3: Operations Management (RPAS 600)
This comprehensive course is designed for professionals looking to build and manage corporate drone programs effectively. Participants will gain essential knowledge in implementing and overseeing drone operations, from site surveys to strategic business development. This section reviews RPOC requirements and implementation.
- April 20, 2026-June 5, 2026
- Field Days: May 27-28, 2026
Registration
For information about course offerings, please contact us.