BECOME A QUALIFIED DRONE PILOT
Your Future in Aviation Starts Here.
Remote Pilot Certificate (RPC) – Professional Drone Pilot Training
Turn your passion for technology, aviation and innovation into a professional qualification.
The drone industry is transforming the way businesses operate, creating exciting opportunities for skilled and qualified drone pilots across South Africa and beyond.
From aerial surveying and agriculture to security, infrastructure inspections, conservation and environmental monitoring, drones are becoming an essential part of modern industry.
At The Academy of Aviation, we don’t just teach you how to fly a drone. We prepare you to become a knowledgeable, safety-conscious and competent professional Remote Pilot, equipped with the technical expertise, practical flying skills and aviation knowledge required to operate within South Africa’s regulated aviation environment.
Established in 2008, The Academy of Aviation is a South African Civil Aviation Authority (SACAA) accredited Aviation Training Organisation – ATO No. 1056, committed to developing the next generation of aviation professionals.
Your ambition. Our expertise. Your aviation journey.
WHAT IS A REMOTE PILOT CERTIFICATE (RPC)?
A Remote Pilot Certificate (RPC) is a professional aviation qualification issued by the South African Civil Aviation Authority (SACAA), demonstrating that a pilot has met the required theoretical, practical and safety standards to operate a Remotely Piloted Aircraft System (RPAS).
Unlike recreational drone flying, professional drone operations require a thorough understanding of aviation regulations, airspace, flight planning, aircraft systems, risk management and operational safety.
Your RPC provides the foundation for pursuing opportunities in the professional drone industry and progressing towards additional ratings such as Beyond Visual Line of Sight (BVLOS) and Fixed Wing operations.
Please note: Commercial drone operations are subject to applicable SACAA requirements, including operation under an appropriately authorised UASOC.
WHERE CAN A DRONE PILOT CAREER TAKE YOU?
The possibilities extend far beyond simply flying a drone.
Qualified drone pilots can pursue opportunities across a wide range of industries, including:
- Agriculture & Precision Farming – Crop monitoring, agricultural surveys and aerial data collection.
- Security & Surveillance – Aerial observation, perimeter monitoring and security support operations.
- Mining & Surveying – Mapping, site inspections and aerial data acquisition.
- Infrastructure & Construction – Inspection of buildings, infrastructure, construction sites and industrial facilities.
- Wildlife & Conservation – Environmental monitoring, wildlife observation and conservation support.
- Emergency Response – Supporting authorised search and rescue, disaster assessment and emergency operations.
- Aerial Photography & Mapping – Capturing aerial imagery and gathering data for commercial and technical applications.
One professional qualification. Multiple industries. A world of possibilities.
Career opportunities and specialised operations may require additional training, ratings, experience or operational authorisations.
YOUR RPC TRAINING JOURNEY
Our comprehensive RPC training programme combines structured theoretical instruction, simulator training, practical flight experience and professional assessments.
Course Duration: Approximately 15–21 Days
Training duration is dependent on individual progress, competency, assessment results and operational factors such as weather.
What You Will Learn
- Aviation Ground School
Build the essential aviation knowledge required to become a professional drone pilot. Subjects include:
- Aviation Law & SACAA Regulations
- Airspace & Navigation
- Meteorology
- Aerodynamics
- Human Factors
- Aircraft Systems & Maintenance
- Command & Control (C2 Link)
- Emergency Procedures
- Flight Planning & Operational Safety
- Restricted Radiotelephony (RT)
Learn professional aviation radio communication procedures, including the theoretical and practical requirements for effective communication within the aviation environment.
- English Language Proficiency (ELP)
Complete the applicable aviation English language proficiency requirements.
- Aviation Medical Requirements
Complete the required aviation medical assessment, including the applicable Class 3 Medical and X-ray requirements.
- Simulator & Practical Flight Training
Develop your flying confidence through structured simulator sessions and hands-on practical training under the guidance of experienced RPAS instructors.
You will learn aircraft handling, flight manoeuvres, operational procedures, emergency responses and safe flight management.
- Final Assessments & Skills Test
Demonstrate your theoretical knowledge and practical flying competency through the required examinations and Final Skills Test with a designated examiner.
Successful completion of all applicable requirements enables you to proceed with your SACAA RPC licensing process.
WHY CHOOSE THE ACADEMY OF AVIATION?
Training Excellence with a Difference
Choosing where to study is an important investment in your future. At The Academy of Aviation, we believe professional aviation training should deliver more than a certificate.
SACAA-Accredited Aviation Training
Train with an established aviation training organisation accredited by the South African Civil Aviation Authority – ATO No. 1056.
Established Aviation Training Experience
Since 2008, we have been dedicated to aviation education, professional development and preparing students for the demands of a regulated industry.
Experienced, Dedicated Instructors
Learn from aviation professionals who understand the importance of technical knowledge, operational discipline and real-world flying competency.
Practical, Hands-On Learning
Our training combines classroom learning, simulator preparation and practical flight instruction to help you develop the confidence and competence required of a professional drone pilot.
Individual Student Support
Every student’s learning journey is different. Our team guides you through the training process, helping you understand the requirements, assessments and milestones towards qualification.
An Aviation Campus Experience
Our dedicated campus in Honeydew, Johannesburg, offers a focused learning environment, with optional on-site shared accommodation and catering.
Safety Is Non-Negotiable
Aviation demands responsibility, precision and professionalism. These principles are central to everything we teach.
Established Aviation Experience – All Your Training in One Place
Since 2008, The Academy of Aviation has been committed to delivering professional aviation training in a dedicated, purpose-driven learning environment.
One Academy. One Campus. Your Complete Training Journey.
Our integrated training approach brings together theoretical instruction, simulator training, practical flight training and assessments, all conveniently based at our Honeydew, Johannesburg premises.
With dedicated training facilities, experienced instructors and optional on-site accommodation and catering, students benefit from a seamless, structured learning experience without the inconvenience of travelling between multiple training venues.
Everything you need to focus on your aviation future, in one place.
The Academy of Aviation –
LIVE, EAT & BREATHE AVIATION
Become part of an aviation training environment where your development, knowledge and professional growth matter.
TAKE YOUR DRONE CAREER FURTHER
Your RPC is the beginning of your professional drone aviation journey.
As your skills and experience develop, you can expand your operational capabilities through additional specialised training offered by The Academy of Aviation.
Beyond Visual Line of Sight (BVLOS) Rating
Develop the advanced knowledge and operational skills required for authorised drone missions beyond the pilot’s direct visual line of sight.
Fixed Wing RPAS Rating
Expand your skills to fixed wing drone operations, particularly suited to larger-area applications such as surveying, agriculture and environmental monitoring.
RPAS Safety & Operational Courses
Strengthen your professional knowledge through specialised training in Crew Resource Management (CRM), Aviation Security (AVSEC), Dangerous Goods and other aviation safety disciplines.
READY TO TAKE FLIGHT?
Your Future Doesn’t Start in the Sky. It Starts With the Right Training.
Whether you’re a school leaver exploring an exciting career, a professional looking to develop new skills or someone passionate about aviation technology, The Academy of Aviation is ready to guide you on your journey.
Take the first step towards becoming a qualified drone pilot and invest in skills that can open doors across a growing range of industries.
Your future in drone aviation starts at The Academy of Aviation.
ENQUIRE ABOUT RPC TRAINING TODAY
The Academy of Aviation (Pty) Ltd
SACAA Accredited Aviation Training Organisation – ATO No. 1056
Telephone: +27 10 023 2154
Call / WhatsApp: +27 82 764 2383 / +27 72 778 5612
Email: drones@theacademyofaviation.co.za
Website: www.theacademyofaviation.co.za
Campus: Honeydew, Johannesburg, Gauteng
TRAINING EXCELLENCE WITH A DIFFERENCE.
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 and fly commercially.
YOUR RPC TRAINING JOURNEY
From Your First Lesson to Becoming a Qualified Drone Pilot
At The Academy of Aviation, your training journey is carefully structured to develop the knowledge, confidence and practical skills required to become a professional Remote Pilot.
Our comprehensive RPC programme combines aviation theory, practical flying and professional assessments, guided by experienced instructors every step of the way.
Your training includes:
01 | Aviation Ground School
Build a strong foundation in aviation regulations, navigation, meteorology, aircraft systems, flight planning and operational safety.
02 | Aviation Radio Communications
Develop the essential communication skills and knowledge required for professional aviation operations through Restricted Radiotelephony training.
03 | Aviation Medical & English Proficiency
Complete the applicable aviation medical and English Language Proficiency requirements.
04 | Simulator Training
Develop your aircraft handling skills, confidence and understanding of flight procedures in a controlled training environment.
05 | Practical Flight Training
Take your knowledge into the field with hands-on flight instruction, manoeuvres, mission planning and emergency procedures utilising The Academy of Aviation registered drones.
06 | Final Assessments & SACAA Licensing
Demonstrate your knowledge and flying competency through the required examinations and Final Skills Test, progressing towards your SACAA Remote Pilot Certificate.
Training Duration: Approximately 15–21 Days
Training progression is competency-based and subject to individual performance, regulatory assessment requirements and weather conditions.
ONE ACADEMY. ONE CAMPUS. YOUR COMPLETE TRAINING JOURNEY.
Experience professional aviation training at our dedicated Honeydew campus, with theoretical instruction, simulator and practical flight training conveniently based at our premises.
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