VET, CAREERS & PATHWAYS
News from Chad Elliott, Careers & Helen Leicht, VET
St Augustine's College Cairns
Certificate III in Aviation (Remote Pilot)
Some of our Year 12 students are completing their Certificate III in Aviation (Remote Pilot). This certificate prepares them to become drone pilots and will provide them with the skills and knowledge to operate commercially. The curriculum has been uniquely designed to incorporate the CASA Remote Pilot Licence (RePL) and Aeronautical Radio Operator Certificate (AROC) theory.
Judging by the comments below, our students are enjoying their studies:
- Linkin – The course was very interactive and I learnt how to fly drones correctly. We did a lot of practical exercises. I learnt about rules that I was unaware of such as underground power lines which can affect a drone's signal.
- JJ – The course was an awesome experience as I was able to expand my knowledge on core aerodrome practices such as runway lights and what they indicate and also processes with radio transmissions.
- Jordan – I enjoyed the flying of the drones most of all. I learnt through this course how much theory went into the flying process such as risk assessments, use of radios and depth perception.
- Oscar – I enjoyed going out for the practicals at the race track and flying the drones. I learnt that drone flying is more than just having fun. Things to consider are: the weather, animals, surrounding buildings, traffic (both road and air) and privacy of people.
- Sam – The smaller class size for this course enabled us to all have more hands-on flight time. We also had a personal online trainer from the Gold Coast who visited us at the school on some occasions to support us in our learning. It was a great course.
- Jonathan – I learnt about future career paths that this certification can offer. The main area that I'm interested in now is video production and how the drone can record and film from hard to reach angles. I feel this course reinforced my confidence to use the drones.
- Eamon – It was fun to try out something new. I never thought I would like drone flying, however, I have found this course very interesting.
- David – While the practicals were fun, the majority of the learning was theory such as radios and aerodrome practices. This will assist me in the future as a pilot.
