RPL Initial Course
RPL Initial Course
The first steps to become a drone pilot
Duration
2 – 3 Weeks
Flight Hours
3 hours
Simulator Hours
Unlimited
What is an RPL?
“Remote Pilot Licence” (RPL)
Means the licence required for a person to operate as a qualified Remote Pilot Licence Holder under Part 101.
About this Course
The Remote Pilot Licence courses is the initial licence required for a candidate to start their professional drone pilot career. The course is divided into three sections namely, theory, practical and skill test.
The duration of the theory is 6 days and runs from Monday to Saturday during which in house examination are completed as well. Once a candidate has completed the theory and examinations, the candidate will then move on to the practical flying element of the course.
The practical flight house is three hours actual flight time, which mean the actual time that you fly the drone. The instructor will complete a series of exercises with the candidate and, once deemed competent, will recommend the candidate to complete his/her skills test.
Skills test are completed with a DRE (Designated RPAS Examiner).
The skills test has two parts. The ground evaluations which test your theoretical knowledge and the flight evaluation which tests the candidate’s ability to complete manoeuvres with the drone.
RPL Course requirements
Be at least 18 years of age
End Qualification
SACAA Accredited RPL License
Course completion Certificate
Aviation Class III Medical
Restricted Radio Telephony Licence
English Language Proficiency Certificate
Subjects Covered
Navigation
In Navigation we cover VFR Maps, Airspace, GPS and Satellites. We have an in depth look at Air Space Classification and aviation maps as well as where one can operate a drone or RPAS legally.
We also cover different software that the student may operate with their drone with, which includes basic telemetry function.
Meteorology
Meteorology is the study of the weather, In this subject we cover weather phenomena, weather reports including TAFs and METARs as well as local weather.
We also discuss practical meterological applications for day to day RPAS operations.
Air Law
Part 101 covers the function and operations of the RPL holder, in Air Law we cover all parts of the Law, including navigation of the CAA website and a more practical approach as the holder of an RPL.
Radio Links
In this subject we cover Radio Frequencies, Polarization, Radio Waves, Antennas and Line of Site operations. This is very important to an RPAS operation because as an operator one has to understand how to manipulate the radio signal and manipulate a receiver in order to get a strong signal link and operate in a safe manner.
Construction & Flight
In Construction of Flight, we cover the basic physics of flight. The syllabus covers all parts of the construction of the Multirotor and Aeroplane, we go in detail through all the components. We also look into the construction of a Multirotor and Aeroplane and discuss the manuals of each RPA.
Human Performance
This theory subject is one of the more interesting ones as it deals with human behavior, limitations, stress and basic human anatomy. We also have a look at basic Crew Resource Management (CRM), psychology and learning styles.
Battery Procedures
RPAS operations require an understanding of different types of batteries and how to manage and conserve the life span of batteries.
We cover a large spectrum of different battery types and also incorporate a practical approach on batteries for use with all types of RC or Drone operations.
Airmanship & Field Ops Pack
This is in preparation for the DFE Test, we take the student through how to prepare for the actual DFE Test. We cover Airmanship in detail as well as we take a in depth look into preparing the student for the DFE Test. We cover how the student will use this preparation work to do their flight operations going forward in an operational environment with safety being the core focus.
Restricted Radio Telephony
Our Restricted Radio Course is done by an Eternal Designated Radiotelephony(RT) Examiner.
It is your license to operate a radio while operating an RPAS or manned aircraft. You will learn about the verbal side and phraseology of radio telephony, vital concepts like airspaces and what they mean, air traffic services, flight rules, altimeter setting procedures, flight plans, radio failure procedures, special rules areas as well as search and rescue.
Soar new heights with your RPL license.
Practical Training
Our training packages incorporate a 3-hour actual flight training accession with unlimited access to the drone simulator to practise the series of manoeuvres.
Free Simulator Training
Free Mock Skills Test
Aircraft Options
You do not need to own your own drone to attend the course.
RPAS Training Academy provide you with a registered aircraft to train on to allow you to log you flight hours.
DJI Phantom 4
DFE Skills Test
Once ready, students will undergo a check flight by a qualified designated flight examiner (DFE) where their knowledge of the rules, regulations, airmanship & flight ability will be tested and evaluated in accordance with the SACAA Part 101 skills test form.
Passing this test will qualify our students to complete an application for a Remote Pilots License (RPL), which enables a career within a company that has a Remote Operating Certificate (ROC).
SACAA Requirements
Class 3 aviation medical certification
English Proficiency level 4 or higher certification
Restricted Radio Telephony License
Find a facility
Joburg
Durban
Cape Town
Witbank
Testimonials
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Do you want to rapidly grow this industry as one of our professional flight instructors?
Please send us an email why you would be a great fit as well as your CV to: info@rpas.training
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