Dec 05, 2025

PUBLISHED 2025-2026 Credit Catalog

Remotely Piloted Aircraft Systems

Location(s): In Person (Art Smith Aero Centre), In Person (Point Trotter Campus)

Soar to new heights with our Remotely Piloted Aircraft Systems (RPAS) diploma and start an exciting career as a professional RPAS pilot.

Learn how to fly a wide variety of RPAS (unmanned systems) in a multitude of industry-simulated applications, process collected data, and repair and maintain them to ensure airworthiness. This program will prepare you to meet Transport Canada’s training and regulation requirements to professionally pilot RPAS in all environments, including Beyond Visual Line of Sight (BVLOS) operations.

As a student, you will:

learn how to maintain RPAS platforms
learn the regulatory and planning aspects of RPAS operation
learn to conduct inspections and map geomatics data for environmental, agricultural and industrial applications
have the opportunity to produce a usable product for clients or employers
learn how to contribute to your company’s business plan and design
coordinate RPAS flight operations with various RPAS pilots and projects
lead RPAS teams in high-risk, complex operations
interpret and adhere to policies for RPAS operation at the company or federal level
ensure company compliance and site audits.

You’ll also work towards your Advanced Pilot Certificate and Restricted Operator Certificate-Aeronautical (ROC-A) certifications.

There is no better time to get into the RPAS field as this dynamic industry continues to grow rapidly across many sectors, including agriculture, forestry, energy and environment, construction, cinematography, and emergency services.

If you are interested in advanced technology and drones and you want to become an expert in the field and understand the business side of RPAS, this program is for you.

Traits, skills and aptitudes

Professional Remotely Piloted Aircraft Systems pilots need:

a strong interest in aviation and advanced technologies
the ability to think in 3D
strong concentration skills
strong communication skills
the ability to remain calm under pressure
IT and math skills
the ability to make quick decisions in emergencies, give accurate instructions and accept considerable responsibility.

Following Transport Canada’s requirements, pilots must: 

not suffer from any condition which would render them unfit to perform their duties 
have a visual acuity of 20/20 (the use of corrective lenses to achieve this is acceptable) 
have sufficient English language ability to be understood by local air traffic control when using VHF radio
provide evidence of good health 
be a Canadian citizen or a permanent resident.

Accreditations, designations or certifications

Graduates of this program will have the following certifications:

Transport Canada Pilot Certificate - Advanced Operations
Restricted Operator Certificate-Aeronautical (ROC-A)

This program is also positioned to meet anticipated certification standards of Transport Canada Level 1 Complex Operations (RPAS Pilot Certificate) once they are finalized and approved.

Credential

After successfully completing this program, you’ll receive a SAIT Remotely Piloted Aircraft Systems diploma.

Program length

2 years

Accepts international applicants - not-PGWP eligible

This program is open to international applicants; however, program availability may be limited. This program does not meet the eligibility criteria for the Post-Graduation Work Permit program.

Not eligible for CAJG

This program is not eligible for the Canada Alberta Job Grant.

Related careers

Our graduates may work in the following occupations. Some careers require additional experience and education.

Potential careers (NOC):

Technical occupations in geomatics and meteorology (22214)
Film and video camera operators (52110)
Land surveyors (21203)
Photographers (53110)
Motion pictures, broadcasting, photography and performing arts assistants and operators (53111)
Urban and land use planners (21202)
Technical occupations in geomatics and meteorology (22214)
Geological and mineral technologists and technicians (22101)
Other service support occupations (65329)

Admission requirements - Applicants educated in Canada

Applicants must demonstrate English language proficiency and completion of the following courses or equivalents:

a minimum of 50% in English Language Arts 30-1 or English Language Arts 30-2, and
a minimum of 50% in Math 30-1 or Math 30-2, and
a minimum of 50% in one Grade 12 Science course.

SAIT accepts high school course equivalents for admission for applicants educated outside Alberta.

Admission requirements - Applicants educated outside of Canada

All applicants who were educated outside of Canada must demonstrate English language proficiency and provide proof they meet the program admission requirements outlined above with an international document assessment. Find accepted educational documents and assessment options.

SAIT may also accept courses completed at certain international post-secondary institutions.

Application process

International applicants must reach out to the School of Transportation (transportation.info@sait.ca) before they submit their application to ensure they are eligible to participate fully in all course activities due to Canadian aviation regulations.

Program outline

The Remotely Piloted Aircraft Systems diploma requires 60 credits (19 courses) to complete.

The program spans two years with two semesters per year.

Required courses

You must take all of the following courses to complete this program.

AERO 216 - Introduction to Drone Use Cases 3 Credits
AERO 218 - Remotely Piloted Aircraft Systems Flight School 3 Credits
AERO 219 - Remotely Piloted Aircraft Systems Professional Operations and Planning 3 Credits
AERO 221 - Beyond Visual Line of Sight (BVLOS) 3 Credits
AERO 301 - Flight Operations II 6 Credits
ASYS 251 - Remotely Piloted Aircraft Systems - Maintenance I 3 Credits
ASYS 301 - Remotely Piloted Aircraft Systems - Maintenance II 3 Credits
COMM 238 - Technical Communications I 3 Credits
DATA 253 - Introduction to Sensors 3 Credits
ENTI 351 - Business of Remotely Piloeted Aircraft Systems 3 Credits
INDG 350 - Indigenous Perspectives and Environmental Stewardship 3 Credits
INRY 302 - Future of Remotely Piloted Aircraft Systems 3 Credits
MAPS 251 - Geographic Information Systems / Geomatics I 3 Credits
MAPS 301 - Geographic Information Systems / Geomatics II 3 Credits
MGMT 306 - Project Management & Planning 3 Credits
OPMT 252 - Operational Risk Management 3 Credits
PHIL 1030 - Ethics in Technology 3 Credits
PROJ 381 - Capstone 3 Credits
STDP 217 - Remotely Piloted Aircraft System Build 3 Credits

Suggested schedule of study

We recommend you complete the courses in the order listed below.

Year 1

Semester 1

AERO 216 - Introduction to Drone Use Cases 3 Credits
AERO 218 - Remotely Piloted Aircraft Systems Flight School 3 Credits
AERO 219 - Remotely Piloted Aircraft Systems Professional Operations and Planning 3 Credits
AERO 221 - Beyond Visual Line of Sight (BVLOS) 3 Credits
STDP 217 - Remotely Piloted Aircraft System Build 3 Credits

Semester 2

ASYS 251 - Remotely Piloted Aircraft Systems - Maintenance I 3 Credits
COMM 238 - Technical Communications I 3 Credits
DATA 253 - Introduction to Sensors 3 Credits
MAPS 251 - Geographic Information Systems / Geomatics I 3 Credits
OPMT 252 - Operational Risk Management 3 Credits

Year 2

Semester 3

AERO 301 - Flight Operations II 6 Credits
ASYS 301 - Remotely Piloted Aircraft Systems - Maintenance II 3 Credits
MAPS 301 - Geographic Information Systems / Geomatics II 3 Credits
MGMT 306 - Project Management & Planning 3 Credits

Semester 4

ENTI 351 - Business of Remotely Piloeted Aircraft Systems 3 Credits
INDG 350 - Indigenous Perspectives and Environmental Stewardship 3 Credits
INRY 302 - Future of Remotely Piloted Aircraft Systems 3 Credits
PHIL 1030 - Ethics in Technology 3 Credits
PROJ 381 - Capstone 3 Credits

Progression

You must attain a PGPA and/or a CGPA of 2.0 or better each semester and pass the prerequisite courses to progress through the program.

To qualify for graduation, you must pass all courses, attain a CGPA of 2.0 or better and complete course requirements within the prescribed timelines.

Review our grading and progression procedure >

Books and supplies

This is a bring-your-own-device program with a standard computer hardware and software requirement. See the specific requirements on our computers and laptops page.

Additional software required for the program will be provided, including:

Please ensure your device is capable of running these programs.

Books are approximately $150 per year. 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 is required this term.

Required equipment/tools

You will need to purchase a drone build kit for approximately $1,200 in your first year.

Required personal protective equipment (PPE)

You’ll be required to use personal protective equipment (PPE) when working in the shop and performing flight duties. Some of this equipment can be purchased from SAIT and others will need to be sourced elsewhere. The cost of PPE is approximately $220.

Transportation program advising

For any questions or to set up an advising appointment, please contact our School of Transportation.

Phone: 403.284.8471
Email: transportation.info@sait.ca

Program outcomes

Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams, partners, and clients to ensure successful RPAS operations.
Implement safety protocols and risk mitigation strategies to minimize operational hazards.
Demonstrate expertise in planning and executing complex RPAS missions across various contexts.
Employ critical thinking to adapt RPAS operations to diverse environmental conditions.
Demonstrate flexibility and adaptability in conducting RPAS operations across a variety of settings.