Learn more about the academic programs we are delivering in Winter 2025. If you have any questions about part-time studies, please contact us.
Advanced Drone Pilot
Certificate of Completion
More Information
Overview
Drones today are drastically improving traditional industries. From creative filming to prevision survey and public safety - there are endless possibilities where drones are benefiting our daily lives. This program will take you beyond basic regulatory requirements and learn the various drone commercial applications.
The Advanced Drone Pilot program will train students how to operate drones and prepare them to write Transport Canada's mandatory written exam required to pilot any small RPAS/Drones weighing between 250 grams and up-to 25 kilograms.
Seneca's Advanced Drone Pilot program is in partnership with AlteX Academy, a Transport Canada compliant Drone/RPAS training facility providing professional drone pilot training since 2014.
View this video to learn more about the Canadian Pilot Drone License.
Information Session
Students are invited to attend an information session.
Part-time Studies courses are being offered in either of the following four formats: Online, Flexible, In-person, Hybrid. Click Availability below to see current offerings.
Curriculum
Through an online course, Students examine the fundamental knowledge needed to complete Transport Canada's Written Exam for a pilot of small Remote Piloted Aircraft Systems (RPAS), or commonly known as drones. Students use a practical approach by reviewing real-life flight scenarios such as Film-making, Search and Rescue as well as Inspections and Mapping.
Students will examine all fundamental flight skills for a drone pilot to pass Transport Canada's Flight Review for advanced RPAS/Drone Pilot Certificate. Students will learn through hands-on flight training to operate a multi-rotor VTOL drone. At the end of the course, students will complete a flight review to qualify for advanced RPAS/Drone Pilot Certificate.
DRN102 will be held at 3800 Lloydtown-Aurora Rd.
Program Outcomes
Students will learn technical knowledge through an online course and will receive hands-on training to control and fly a drone.
Upon completion of this program, students will be able to:
- Articulate all fundamental knowledge required for Transport Canada's written exam for a pilot of small RPAS/drone, including theory of flight, air law, meteorology, navigation, airframes, human factors, etc.
- Examine all fundamental flight skills for a drone pilot to pass Transport Canada's flight review for advanced RPAS/drone pilot certificate.
- Acquire essential knowledge for commercial drone operations.
Student Benefits
- Drone equipment included with Advanced Flight Training and Review
- Students have access to free flight practice on our designated drone Flight Field
- Take an aerial tour of our Drone Flight Field.
Completion
Certificate of Completion
Upon successful completion of the program requirements, please submit a Request for Certificate of Completion Form to the Faculty of Continuing Education and Training. There is no cost for this and your Certificate of Completion will be sent to you electronically.
Regulation Information
As of June 1, 2019, Transport Canada's new drone rules require all drone/RPAS pilots to obtain a pilot certificate, register and display the registration number on their aircraft. There are 2 levels of exams for a drone pilot:
- An online written exam: covers theory knowledge required for a drone pilot and grants a basic pilot certificate upon completion.
- An in-person flight review: covers practical flight skills required for a drone pilot and grants an advanced pilot certificate upon completion. The online written exam is a pre-requisite prior to in-person flight review.
Industry Exam
Graduates wishing to write Transport Canada's drone pilot exam may refer to Transport Canada's website for further details.
Instructor Information
Seneca Advanced Drone Pilot proram is in partnership with AlteX Academy, a Transport Canada compliant Drone/RPAS training facility providing professional drone pilot training since 2014. AlteX brings modern training into the tech industry by building professional, accessible, and enjoyable training products. With a vision to assist drone pilot achieve safe, efficient and effective flights.
Blog Posts
Events
- Monthly Open Field Days: AlteX Drone Flight Field is a hub that hosts different drone technology showcase and creates a networking environment for drone professionals. Learn more about the October Open Field Day event details here.
- Join us at ProFusion in Toronto Metro Convention Center on November 13 and 14. Come see the newest drone equipment and technologies in the professional video industry. Learn more about Profusion here.
Program Contacts
Ramya Kottapalli
Program Assistant
Ramya.Kottapalli@senecapolytechnic.ca
416.764.0975
For more information about this program, fill out the following form.
Information Session
Students are invited to attend an information session.