Remotely Piloted Aerial Systems Commercial Operations RPS1

Holland Code: R (Realistic)

What academic skills do I need to be successful in the program?

This list does not replace the admission requirements you must have for admission to the program. Please see website for details.

Arts & Literacy Communicate clearly, concisely and correctly in the written, spoken, and visual form that fulfills the purpose and meets the needs of the audience; and Respond to written, spoken, or visual messages in a manner that ensures effective communication.

Communicate clearly, concisely and correctly in the written, spoken, and visual form that fulfills the purpose and meets the needs of the audience; and Respond to written, spoken, or visual messages in a manner that ensures effective communication.

Technology Locate, select, organize, and document information using appropriate technology and information systems. Ability to use hand tools, diagnostic equipment and graphical software.

What personal qualities should someone in the career have?

• Be able to show respect for the diverse opinions, values, belief systems, and contributions of others;
• Be able to interact with others in groups or teams in ways that contribute to effective working relationships and the achievement of goals;
• Be able to manage the use of time and other resources to complete projects;
• Take responsibility for one’s own actions, decisions, and consequences;
• Have a sense of personal initiative and a passion for learning;
• Have an attention to safety, detail and precision;
• Be able to work well under pressure; and
• Be team oriented with good communication skills

Useful background experience for this program would be

• Video games
• Electronic production or repair
• GIS and land surveying
• Remote Controlled operations
• Manned aviation
• Radio communication
• Sales
• Programming and/or coding
• Software and hardware engineering
• Photography and videography
• Statistical Analysis
• Graphical computer software or command line tools

What kind of work could I do when I graduate?

• Design, build and service RPAS
• RPAS Pilot or Sensor Operator within commercial settings and organizations
• Apply RPAS system knowledge to ongoing work in existing fields (i.e. photogrammetry, thermography and volumetrics)

Graduates of this program may go on to become a

• RPAS Pilot
• Project Coordinator
• Data Analyst
• Commercial Surveyor
• Thermographer
• Project Manager
• Photogrammetrist

Places you may find yourself employed include

• Agriculture
• Aerospace
• Emergency Response Services
• Law Enforcement and Security
• Energy and Power
• Environmental Monitoring
• Geographical Survey
• Government
• Humanitarian Aid
• Industrial Operations
• Civil Infrastructure
• Logistics
• Mining, Oil and Gas
• Real Estate

Typical working conditions for this kind of work:

• 50% outdoors, 50% indoors;
• Travel is required;
• Multi-seasonal work environments; and
• Some lifting of heavy payloads and equipment.

Tasks a graduate may do in the workplace

• Plan RPAS data collection missions;
• Pilot RPAS in commercial or industrial settings;
• Evaluate imagery and statistical data derived from RPAS and ground-based collection;
• Build large data sets and prepare the set for further analysis by another party or tool;
• Build RPAS procedures for internal commercial use by the employer; and
• Assembly of RPA or payload attachment to the RPA.

Helpful links for further research into this Fanshawe College program and career opportunity

• Transport Canada Regulations www.tc.gc.ca/en/services/aviation/drone-safety.html
• Drone Industry News https://dronelife.com/
• Drone Industry Insights https://www.droneii.com/
• Fanshawe’s library has prepared a subject guide for current students in this program. You may find the links and information provided very useful in learning more about this career.

Opportunities for further development or education

• Graduates may be qualified to apply for Fanshawe College graduate certificates.
• Graduates have opportunities to transfer credits to a university degree program at Athabasca University, Western University, and Wilfrid University, Griffith University in Australia, and many other schools.
• The National Occupation Classification (NOC) system is used by the Canadian government to provide detailed information on careers. Click on the links below to learn more about careers associated with this Fanshawe College program. Please note: These codes are listed here for information purposes only. Fanshawe College does not guarantee graduates careers in these fields.

Last Modified: June 5, 2024