Certificate 3 in Remotely Piloted Aircraft Systems (RPAS) Operations
The Certificate 3 in Remotely Piloted Aircraft Systems (RPAS) Operations prepares learners to operate remotely piloted aircraft safely, responsibly and professionally. It combines aviation knowledge, safety practice, mission planning, simulator training and supervised field operations.
Learners develop the technical and decision-making skills needed to plan and conduct routine RPAS activities in accordance with aviation requirements, airspace awareness, operational risk controls and professional standards. The programme is relevant to emerging drone applications across Papua New Guinea and the Pacific.
AIMSÂ
This programme aims to develop graduates who can:
- Apply fundamental knowledge of RPAS aircraft, flight principles and aviation law.
- Interpret airspace, weather, safety and operational information for planned missions.
- Complete pre-flight checks, basic flight manoeuvres, navigation and landing procedures.
- Prepare mission plans, assess risk and make informed Go/No-Go decisions.
- Respond appropriately to foreseeable operational and emergency situations.
- Maintain accurate operational, safety and flight documentation.
- Apply RPAS technologies to practical industry settings.
Programme Highlight
About Certificate Program
RPAS and drone technologies are changing the way organisations collect information, inspect assets, monitor environments and deliver services. This programme gives learners a strong foundation in the technical, regulatory and operational responsibilities of remote piloting.
The course brings together classroom learning, simulator practice and supervised field training. Learners build confidence in aircraft handling while developing the situational awareness, safety discipline and judgement required for professional operations.
The programme also introduces the wider applications of drone technology in areas such as agriculture, environmental monitoring, surveying and mapping, infrastructure inspection, construction, disaster management, logistics, media, public safety, mining and other industrial activities.
Certificate 3 in Remotely Piloted Aircraft Systems (RPAS) Operations
Typical Programme Structure
The Certificate 3 is organised into five 15-credit-point units. Each unit represents 150 hours of student learning, including guided learning, practical activities, independent study, mission preparation and assessment.
- Proposed PNGNQF level: Level 3
- Total Units: 5 Units
- Total Credits: 75 Credits
- Structure: : Competency-based theory, simulator and practical training
Example Subjects
Drone Fundamentals and PNG Aviation Law
Safety, Risk and Mission Planning
Simulator and Basic Flight Training
Practical RPAS Field Operations
Advanced RPAS Operations and Assessment
Why study the Programme?
Students, who study computer programming, will be practicing a variety of high-level programming languages, as well as technology in troubleshooting.
Build Safety-First Operational Skills
Learn to assess hazards, apply risk controls, understand airspace restrictions and make responsible operational decisions before, during and after flight.
Gain Practical Flight Experience
Develop practical competence through simulator activities and supervised field operations, including inspections, take-off, landing, hovering, navigation and emergency procedures.
Prepare for Real-World Missions
Learn how to develop mission plans, prepare equipment and payloads, evaluate weather conditions, document operations and manage contingencies.
Explore Growing Drone Applications
Understand how RPAS technologies can support industry, government and community activities across Papua New Guinea and the wider Pacific region.
Career Opportunities
1. RPAS Remote Pilot
2. Drone Operations Assistant
3. Aerial Data Collection Assistant
4. Surveying and Mapping Support Officer
5. Infrastructure Inspection Support Officer
6. Environmental Monitoring Assistant
7. Agricultural Drone Operations Assistant
8. Emergency and Disaster Response Support Officer
Curriculum Overview
Curriculum Breakdown Summary
The Certificate 3 curriculum develops the factual, technical, procedural and applied knowledge required for safe RPAS operations. Learners progress from drone fundamentals and aviation requirements to practical flight, field operations and integrated mission assessment.
| Units | Core Courses | Credit points | Volume of learning |
|---|---|---|---|
| Unit 1 | Drone Fundamentals and PNG Aviation Law | 15 CP | 150 hours |
| Unit 2 | Safety, Risk and Mission Planning | 15 CP | 150 hours |
| Unit 3 | Simulator and Basic Flight Training | 15 CP | 150 hours |
| Unit 4 | Practical RPAS Field Operations | 15 CP | 150 hours |
| Unit 5 | Advanced RPAS Operations and Assessment | 15 CP | 150 hours |
| Total | 75 CP | 750 Hours | |
Unit 1: Drone Fundamentals and PNG Aviation Law
| Unit focus | Core learning areas |
|---|---|
| RPAS fundamentals | Aircraft systems, components, controls, flight principles and operational terminology |
| Aviation law | PNG aviation requirements, airspace awareness, legal responsibilities and operating limitations |
Unit 2: Safety, Risk and Mission Planning
| Unit focus | Core learning areas |
|---|---|
| Safe operations | Hazard identification, risk assessment, safety procedures and professional standards |
| Mission preparation | Flight planning, weather interpretation, airspace review, equipment preparation and Go/No-Go decisions |
Unit 3: Simulator and Basic Flight Training
| Unit focus | Core learning areas |
|---|---|
| Simulator practice | Flight controls, orientation, navigation, emergency scenarios and decision-making |
| Basic flight skills | Pre-flight inspection, take-off, hovering, landing, navigation and post-flight procedures |
Unit 4: Practical RPAS Field Operations
| Unit focus | Core learning areas |
|---|---|
| Field operations | Supervised practical flying, situational awareness, communication and operational discipline |
| Operational application | Flight-path management, payload awareness, remote-environment operations and flight documentation |
Unit 5: Advanced RPAS Operations and Assessment
| Unit focus | Core learning areas |
|---|---|
| Integrated operations | Mission execution, contingency management, regulatory compliance and professional workflow |
| Assessment | Knowledge, simulator and practical assessment of RPAS operational competence |
Mr. Ackson Kondwani Mwenda
Program Coordinator, RPAS and Drone Technologies
ackson@learnx.ac.pg
Programs Cost
Program fees will be published once delivery arrangements, practical training requirements and student support services have been finalised. A complete fee schedule should identify tuition, learning resources, simulator and practical-training provisions, and any applicable accommodation or other student costs.
Fees
- Fees may be subject to change.
| Regular Students | Cost K |
|---|---|
| Tuition Fee | To be confirmed |
| Learning resources and materials | To be confirmed |
| Simulator and practical training provision | To be confirmed |
| Accommodation and boarding, where applicable | To be confirmed |
Financial Support
Students may wish to explore scholarship, sponsorship or employer-supported study opportunities. Eligibility, availability and application processes should be confirmed directly with WPU.
Requirements and Deadlines
Applications, entry requirements and deadlines for the Certificate 3 in RPAS Operations will be published by WPU for the relevant intake period.
This program is suited to applicants who are interested in aviation, drone technologies, safety, geospatial applications, digital innovation and practical field-based work.
Admissions Requirements:
Final entry requirements should be confirmed before publication. Applicants may be asked to provide evidence of: