RPC - Remote Pilot Certificate Licence
Drone Pilot Training (RPAS)
Remotely Pilot Aircraft Systems (RPAS), commonly known as drones or UAV’s (Unmanned Aerial Vehicles) are shaping the future of aviation and creating exciting new careers paths for passionate aviators.
Unlike manned aviation, the rapid and widespread adoption of drone technology across key industries such as Agriculture, Conservation, Logistics, Marine, Construction, Security, Engineering and Mining to name a few, presents significant opportunities for businesses to reduce operational costs and improve efficiency. This growth has, in turn, created a strong demand for qualified and licensed Drone Pilots.
SACAA - Accredited RPAS Training Programme
The Academy of Aviation offers a SACAA accredited RPAS Training Programme for students seeking to qualify as Remote Pilot Certificate (RPC) Licence Holders.
The RPC training programme is divided into four sections:
Section 1 - Theory - Lectures
Five full days of classroom-based Instructor LED training covering the following modules:
- Introduction to Drones
- Air Law
- Airspace and Navigation
- Radio Communication Procedures (2 days lectures included)
- Communication Components
- Command and Control (C2) Link
- Meteorology
- Aerodynamics
- Emergency Procedures
- Human Factors
- Maintenance and Pre-flight Inspection Procedures
- An SACAA-accredited theory examination is written at our approved examination centre Pass Mark of 75%and above required
Section 2 - Restricted Radio and ELP (English Language Proficiency)
- Write the Restricted Radio Telephony Exam at SACAA offices in Centurion - we book for you - Minimum 75% pass mark required, if NYC (Not Yet Competent) and not achieved there is a 7 (seven) day waiting period before you allowed to re-write
- Practical R/T Exam is conducted at our premises with SACAA Registered Radio Examiner
- An 1-to-2-hour ELP assessment is conducted with an SACAA-accredited ELP Examiner and Linguist
Section 3 - Practical Training
- Simulator - Training begin here to help you get comfortable with the controls before moving to live flight operations
- One-on-one practical flight training is conducted with a qualified instructor on our accredited field - walk from the lecture room to the field
- Training duration depends on the student’s skill level and instructor/student availability
- All training takes place at our SACAA-approved drone field at our premises
- When Competent with flying various required manoeuvres, our Instructor will give you a LOR (Letter of Recommendation) for your Final Skills Exam
Section 4 - Final Skills Exam
- A final skills test is conducted by a SACAA RPC Designated UAV Examiner
- The assessment is completed at our SACAA-approved drone field at our premises
Course Duration
- Full-time: 15–21 days to qualify for your Remote Pilot Certificate ( The timeline is dependant on the student understanding the knowledge transferred and their achievement with exams)
- Part-time: Available for students unable to attend full-time (subject to sufficient enrolment). There is a portion that still needs to be done on weekdays as this is when relevant and qualified are available, and SACAA offices are open. Chat with us to understand further.
