Professional Remotely Piloted Aircraft Systems at SAIT - Southern Alberta Institute of Technology - Program overview

Program overview

Admission Requirements

Intakes

Last updated on 2025-07-04

Program overview

Program Overview

Launch a cutting-edge career with our Professional Remotely Piloted Aircraft Systems (RPAS) program, designed to equip you with the knowledge and skills to operate drones across various commercial sectors. As industries such as agriculture, forestry, oil and gas, energy, construction, cinematography, and emergency response rapidly integrate drone technology, the need for qualified pilots continues to increase. This program offers a comprehensive education that includes the construction, maintenance, and operation of drones, familiarization with Transport Canada's stringent aviation guidelines, and hands-on experience with geomatics data.

Program Structure

The Professional Remotely Piloted Aircraft Systems program is structured to be completed in 15 weeks. It is delivered in person at the Point Trotter Campus and Art Smith Aero Centre. The program includes:

Hands-on experience with drone technology and operations.
Training in compliance with Transport Canada's aviation regulations.
Opportunities to engage in complex RPAS operations.
Development of skills in GIS data outputs and image analysis.
Preparation for certifications such as the Transport Canada Advanced Small RPAS.

This program is designed to provide students with the technical skills necessary to navigate unmanned aerial vehicles (UAV) technology and the strategic insight to enhance company value while complying with regulatory standards.

Featured Experiences

Hands-on training with real drones, including multi-rotor and fixed-wing RPAS.
Fieldwork that includes conducting inspections and mapping for various applications.
Collaboration with industry professionals during practical operations.
Capstone project that allows students to propose and develop a project related to RPAS operations.
Preparation for Beyond Visual Line of Sight (BVLOS) operations.

Career Options

Graduates of the Professional Remotely Piloted Aircraft Systems program can pursue various career paths, including:

Drone Pilot: Operate drones for various applications, including surveying, mapping, and inspections.
Geospatial Analyst: Analyze geographic data collected from drone operations to support decision-making in industries like agriculture and construction.
RPAS Operations Manager: Oversee drone operations, ensuring compliance with regulations and safety standards.
Environmental Consultant: Use drone technology to conduct environmental assessments and monitor changes in ecosystems.
Film and Media Technician: Utilize drones for aerial photography and videography in film production and media projects.

DISCLAIMER: The information above is subject to change. For the latest updates, please contact LOA Portal's advisors.

Visit SAIT - Southern Alberta Institute of Technology official website

Last updated on 2025-07-04

Program overview

Academic Requirements

For the Professional Remotely Piloted Aircraft Systems program, applicants who were educated outside of Canada are required to undergo an international document assessment. This is essential to ensure that your educational qualifications are recognized and evaluated appropriately.

Here are the specific requirements for international students:

Applicants must submit their educational documents for assessment.
Transcripts may be required to be evaluated by WES in some cases.

For students from Vietnam, the following documents are required:

Original secondary school documents:
- Secondary Education Graduation Diploma (Bằng Tốt Nghiệp Phổ Thông Trung Học)
- Academic transcript (Học Bạ)
- National Exam results (Diem Kỳ Thi Tốt Nghiệp THPT or Giấy Chứng Nhận Tốt Nghiệp THPT)
Original post-secondary documents:
- Graduation certificate for:
  - Diploma (Bằng Tốt Nghiệp Cao Đẳng)
  - Bachelor Degree (Bằng Cử Nhân)
  - Master's Degree (Bằng Thạc sĩ)
- Academic transcript

It is important to ensure that all documents are translated into English, signed, and stamped by a certified translator. If you have any questions or need assistance with the application process, please feel free to contact LOA Portal's advisors for clarification and support.

Language Requirements

At SAIT, applicants must demonstrate English language proficiency as it is the primary language of instruction for all programs. The institution reserves the right to assess the adequacy of English language skills to ensure the success of applicants in their chosen programs.

Applicants can demonstrate their English language proficiency through one of the following methods:

Submit official transcripts or a completed international document assessment verifying completion of one of the following:
- At least three years of full-time study taught in English at an English-speaking secondary school.
- At least two years of post-secondary education taught in English at a recognized institution.
- Successfully complete a recognized credential from a SAIT-approved post-secondary institution program taught in English.
Successfully complete a post-secondary credit course in English, comparative literature, or communications at SAIT or a recognized institution (minimum C grade required).
Achieve the applicable score on an English assessment test, with the test score being valid within one year prior to application submission.
Successfully complete the English Language Foundations (ELF) program, with specific courses meeting proficiency requirements.
Complete one of the recognized alternatives to the English Language Foundations program.

For specific English assessment tests, the following scores are required:

IELTS: 6.0 in each skill/category for English Language Arts 30-1 or 30-2; 5.5 for English Language Arts 20-1 or 20-2.
CAEL: 60 overall band (60 in each skill) for English Language Arts 30-1 or 30-2; 50 overall band for English Language Arts 20-1 or 20-2.
TOEFL: Minimum score of 20 in each category for English Language Arts 30-1 or 30-2; 18 for English Language Arts 20-1 or 20-2.
PTE Academic: Minimum score of 53 for English Language Arts 30-1 or 30-2.
Duolingo: Minimum score of 115 with at least 95 in each individual subscores for English Language Arts 30-1 or 30-2.

Please check with our team for more details.

DISCLAIMER: The information above is subject to change. For the latest updates, please contact LOA Portal's advisors. The listed minimum requirements are a guideline and do not guarantee admission. Do not worry, we will notify you of any changes during the application process.

Not meeting the minimum language requirements?

You may still be able to apply!