For the students who are the first at South Metropolitan TAFE to undertake a drone flying qualification the sky is the limit.
Thirty secondary school students spread across two classes are completing the inaugural (AVI30419) Certificate III in Aviation (Remote Pilot) qualification.
The course, comprising of 32 study days over 10 months, is the highest qualification available for secondary school students wanting to pursue a career in aviation and develop industry leading skills within the remotely piloted aircraft system (RPAS) industry.
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Lecturer Murray Terwey said the course provided skills that were an entry path into a multitude of industry sectors embracing drone technology including mining, surveying, utilities, agriculture, media and aviation.
"With a drone filming component in the course, students are able to move into careers in so many industries - light poles are inspected by remote piloted aircraft, crops are sprayed from them, they're used by police, emergency services, surf lifesaving, real estate companies, you name it," he said.
The course equips students with the skills to command a sub two-kilogram drone aircraft, which lays the foundations for entrepreneurial endeavours such as filming for weddings, advertising purposes and other light commercial applications.
For 16-year-old Mandurah Catholic College student Jamie Kilcoyne the course is an extension of his passion for the aviation sector.
With his first solo light plane flight under his belt, Mr Kilcoyne is on his way to a pilot's licence and sees the course as widening his employment options.
"Half the course is theory and half practical, and it's delivered so professionally, as well as being fun," Mr Kilcoyne said.
The course is currently only available to secondary school students completing vocational education courses but planning is underway to make it available to the general public in 2022.
