Fall 2026 evening cohort | Edmonton, AB | Starts September 8, 2026

Advanced Drone Operator Course

Obtain your Advanced Remotely Piloted Aircraft Systems (RPAS) certification from start to finish. Taught on location at the Edmonton International Airport – no experience needed!

Quick Facts

10 Weeks
Tuesday & Thursday Evenings

60 Hours of Class Time

Starts September 8, 2026

Edmonton International Airport (YEG)

$2,200 plus GST

No Experience Needed

Comprehensive Training

Many drone training programs stop at the classroom, leaving you to arrange the remaining requirements on your own. Our program provides a complete training experience. From your first class through your Flight Review, everything you need to earn your Advanced RPAS certification is included, all within a working airport environment that brings your learning to life.

Everything in one price

Taught at the airport

Transport Canada aligned

No Experience Needed

Course Highlights

60 hours of class time over 10 weeks
Aeronautical Radio Certification (ROC-A)
Transport Canada Advanced RPAS exam and Flight Review
Instruction from a Transport Canada Advanced RPAS Pilot
Hands on flight planning and operational scenarios
Training in airspace, weather, navigation, safety, and human factors
Small class sizes with practical guidance and support

Why Train With Elevate Aviation

Elevate Aviation brings an aviation-first approach to RPAS training.

Unlike many drone training providers, our program is delivered within an active aviation learning environment at the Edmonton International Airport (YEG), allowing learners to develop a deeper understanding of how RPAS operations fit within the broader aviation ecosystem.

Our training emphasizes the principles that underpin safe and professional aviation operations, including risk management, human factors, communications, situational awareness, operational planning, and safety culture. Learners gain insight into the standards and practices used throughout the aviation industry while developing the knowledge required for advanced RPAS operations.

Through a combination of classroom instruction, practical exercises, and industry-informed content, participants build both technical knowledge and operational confidence.

Meet Your Instructor

Martin Vendrame

Martin Vendrame is the founder of DroneBuzz and an experienced RPAS pilot, flight reviewer, and educator based in Edmonton, Alberta. Since 2016, he has worked with businesses and organizations across Alberta, delivering professional drone operations for commercial, industrial, and live event applications. His expertise includes advanced RPAS operations, FPV (first-person view) flying, aerial videography, and complex flight planning.

With a background in the military, Martin brings a calm, safety-focused approach to every flight and training session. He holds an Advanced RPAS Operations Certificate, is a certified RPAS Flight Reviewer, and holds a Restricted Operator Certificate (Aeronautical). He is passionate about helping aspiring drone pilots build the practical skills and confidence needed to operate safely and professionally in real-world environments.

As the lead instructor for Elevate Aviation’s Advanced Drone Operators Course, Martin combines technical expertise with hands-on experience to prepare learners for success beyond certification, emphasizing safe operations, sound decision-making, and practical application of Transport Canada regulations.

Course Features

Aviation-aligned RPAS training
Hands-on learning activities and simulator integration
Navigation, weather, airspace, and mission planning
Human factors, safety culture, and operational decision-making
ROC-A preparation and communications procedures & Exam Certification
Transport Canada Advanced RPAS Exam

Who Should Enrol

This course is designed for individuals interested in professional drone operations and advanced RPAS certification. It is suitable for those looking to enter the drone industry, add RPAS skills to their current profession, or expand their aviation knowledge. No experience necessary!

Aspiring professional drone pilots seeking Advanced RPAS Certification
Surveyors, GIS technicians, and mapping professionals
Construction and project management professionals
Utility, powerline, and infrastructure inspection personnel
Agricultural professionals interested in precision farming technologies
Environmental and natural resource monitoring specialists
Emergency management, public safety, and search and rescue personnel
Aviation professionals looking to expand their skill set
Entrepreneurs interested in starting an RPAS service business
Any Individuals interested in becoming a certified Advanced RPAS pilot

Career Opportunities

Drones are showing up in more and more industries. An Advanced RPAS certification can open doors in areas like:

Commercial Drone Operations

Surveying and Mapping

Infrastructure and Asset Inspection

Construction Monitoring

Utilities and Powerline Inspection

Agriculture

Environmental Monitoring

Forestry and Natural Resources

Public Safety and Emergency Response

Search and Rescue

Oil and Gas

Mining

Film, TV, and Media

Aviation and Aerospace

Real Estate

At Edmonton International Airport (YEG)

Program Details

Dates: September 8 to November 12, 2026

Days: Tuesdays and Thursdays

Time: 6:30 to 9:30 PM

Length: 10 Weeks, 60 Hours of Class Plus Study on Your Own

Location: Elevate Aviation Learning Centre, Edmonton International Airport (YEG)

Cost: $2,200 Plus GST

Registering a Group of 5 or more? Contact us for 5% off!

Additional Details:

Bring your own drone or rent one for an additional $100
- Learners who wish to bring their own drone to the course must have:
  A DJI drone
  A DJI Mini series (or larger model)
  Examples of acceptable models include:
  DJI Mini 2, 3, or 4 Pro
  DJI Air series
  DJI Mavic series
A 50% deposit is required to confirm your registration
Receive a full refund if you cancel 14 or more days before the course start date. Cancellations within 14 days are non-refundable

How to Register

Step 1: Fill in and submit the form.

Step 2: Check Your Email for a Confirmation and Complete the Payment Within 24 Hours (check your junk mail if an email is not received).

Advanced Drone Operator Course - RPAS Inquiry Form

Thank you for your interest in Elevate Aviation Learning Centre (EALC)! Please note that upon submitting this inquiry form, you will receive important instructions on how to complete your application via email. To ensure that you receive these instructions promptly, we kindly ask that you add the Elevate Aviation (info@elevateaviation.ca) to your safe sender list, and check your spam or junk inbox if you do not see our email in your primary inbox.

Name(Required)

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Email(Required)

Enter Email Confirm Email

Address(Required)

Street Address Address Line 2 City State / Province / Region ZIP / Postal Code Country

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Bring Your Own Drone(Required)

You may choose to bring your own drone or opt to rent one for the cost of $100 that will be added to your final fee. Please note that learners who wish to bring their own drone to the course must have a DJI drone or a DJI Mini series (or larger model)

Age Confirmation(Required)

I confirm that I am age 16 or older.

Cancellation Policy(Required)

I understand that a full refund may be issued if I cancel 14 or more days before the start of the course. No refund will be issued within 14 days of the course start.

Terms and Conditions of Booking(Required)

I agree that once my course is scheduled, I will pay the $2200 + GST fee within 24 hours. If the fee is not paid within this timeframe, I understand that my booking may be forfeited. This fee is non-refundable in the event of a last-minute cancellation (less than 24 hours prior to the scheduled review) or a no-show. This is at the discretion of Elevate Aviation.

Frequency Asked Questions

Who is this course for?

Do I need prior drone experience?

No. While previous flight experience can be beneficial, this course is designed to support both new and experienced drone operators.

What certifications do I receive?

Participants who successfully complete the course will receive a Certificate of Completion from Elevate Aviation, ROC-A Certification and the Advanced RPAS Certification.

Is the Transport Canada Advanced RPAS Exam included?

Yes.

Does this course include a Flight Review?

Yes, with a Transport Canada reviewer.

What topics are covered?

Topics include Canadian aviation regulations, airspace, navigation, weather, human factors, communications procedures, mission planning, risk management, flight operations, and advanced RPAS concepts.

Will I fly a drone during the course?

The program includes hands-on learning activities, demonstrations, and simulator-based training. Learners will gain practical exposure to operational planning and drone operations in a structured learning environment.

How much time should I expect to spend outside of class?

In addition to the 60 hours of classroom instruction, learners should expect to dedicate time to independent study and exam preparation throughout the program.

Where is the course delivered?

Classes are held at the Elevate Aviation Learning Centre located at Edmonton International Airport (YEG).

What equipment do I need?

Learners will require access to a computer or tablet for course materials and independent study. Additional equipment requirements, if any, will be communicated prior to the start of the program. BYOD or rental may be available.

What type of Drone will I need for this course?

Learners who wish to bring their own drone to the course must have:

A DJI drone
A DJI Mini series (or larger model)

Examples of acceptable models include:

DJI Mini 2, 3, or 4 Pro
DJI Air series
DJI Mavic series

If you are unsure whether your drone meets the course requirements, please contact us before the program begins.

Save Your Spot for Fall 2026

Spots are limited and the first cohort starts September 8.

Hold your place with a 50% deposit.

The Elevate Aviation Group