Drone certificate courses offered at College

Courses which lead to qualifications for the commercial operation of drones have been received enthusiastically by students at Brisbane Water Secondary College Woy Woy campus, according to head teacher Mr David Cornford.

The course, introduced this year, covers the theory and practice of unmanned piloting of drones.

It includes weekly class instruction and a hands-on Fly Day once a term.

The theoretical element of the course will be provided online, while coronavirus measures are in place, and the hands-on Fly Days will be postponed.

The number of Fly Days may finish up being much more than the students were expecting once the normal routine resumes.

Mr Cornford said the course was being delivered by Newcastle company, UAVAIR, a training provider which tailors many of its classes for high school students.

Brisbane Waters students are offered three qualifications for operating drones for commercial use: Certificate III in Aviation (Remote Pilot), Aeronautical Radio Operator Certificate (AROC), and Remote pilot licence (RePL).

These combined courses can cost more than $4000 if undertaken privately.

"Today, there are so many opportunities for employment in drone flying", Mr Cornford said.

"There are a diverse range of industries beginning to embrace this technology in a variety of ways, including agriculture, construction, environmental management, civil engineering, mining, security and policing, surveying, fire and rescue, and film and entertainment."

Source:

Interview (Haak Barry), 14 Apr 2020

David Cornford, BWSC Woy Woy