Capricornia School of Distance Education is proud to offer students access to one of the fastest-growing fields in Australia through the Certificate III in Aviation (Remote Pilot) – AVI30419.
This nationally recognised qualification prepares students to operate Remotely Piloted Aircraft Systems (RPAS) across a wide range of industries, giving them the skills, knowledge, and licensing pathways needed to work safely and effectively in commercial drone operations.
About the Qualification
Certificate III in Aviation (Remote Pilot) equips students to perform remote pilot operations with autonomy, sound judgement, and responsibility. The course aligns with the Civil Aviation Safety Regulation (CASR) Part 101 requirements and provides the training needed to legally fly drones commercially—without many of the weight or operating restrictions applied to recreational users.
Students work within a simulated aviation workplace, completing both online theory and face-to-face flight training, with attendance at a dedicated flight session once per term.
Through the program, students gain hands-on experience in:
Remote pilot operations
Pre- and post-flight safety procedures
RPAS navigation and air navigation principles
Managing human factors in aviation
Safety and risk management
Air law and regulatory compliance
Aeronautical radio communication
Meeting the requirements for both CASA Remote Pilot Licence (RePL) and Aeronautical Radio Operator Certificate (AROC)
Course Structure and Requirements
Program Length: 1.5 – 2 years
QCE Contribution: 6 credits
Units of Competency: 14 (9 core, 5 electives)
Electives span multi-rotor operations, aerial mapping, infrastructure inspections, aviation industry skills, and aeronautical radio operations.
Entry Requirements:
Students must:
Attendance Requirement:
Students must attend one flight training session per term, contributing to essential practical flight hours.
Pathways and Career Opportunities
Graduates of AVI30419 can pursue diverse and rapidly expanding career pathways across:
Photography, film, and media
Agriculture and environmental monitoring
Public safety, emergency services, and search and rescue
Mining, energy, construction, and infrastructure industries
Mapping, GIS analytics, and data modelling
Real estate, surveying, and inspection fields
Government agencies and emerging defence applications
This qualification also provides a strong foundation for further aviation studies or specialised remote piloting roles.
Enrolment Information
This program is ideal for students with a keen interest in aviation, technology, engineering, or emerging digital industries.
For more information, or to discuss individual circumstances, please contact the CapSDE VET Coordinator E: