Certificate: Remotely Piloted Aircraft Systems at Academic Institute of Excellence (Pty) Ltd

Train as a certified commercial drone pilot and remote vehicle specialist through practical flight training, long-range and fixed-wing operations, and hands-on maintenance skills. Choose industry-focused specializations like mapping, surveillance, inspections, film, or agriculture, and complete SACAA-aligned certification covering safe operations, air law, diagnostics, and mission planning for professional drone careers.

Faculty: School of Information Technology & Data Science  |  Duration: Part 1: Commercial Drone Pilot: 3 months / Part 2: Remote Vehicle Specialist: 3 months / Part 3: Qualifications and Certification: 4 months  |  Study mode: blended  |  Intake: February 2027 (start date 15 Feb 2027)  |  Location: Midrand, Gauteng, South Africa

What you will study

Year 1 modules include Meteorology, Drone Technician Legislation, Drone Diagnostics, Drone Hardware, Drone Software, Principles of Flight, Flight Performance & Planning, Navigation.

Official programme page