Are you interested in drones, remotely operated vehicles, and aviation technology? Have you wondered about careers in drone operations, aerial media, environmental monitoring, surveying, inspection, public safety, engineering, or transport systems? Or are you interested in learning to fly RPAS (Remotely Piloted Aircraft Systems) safely and professionally for personal use? Do you like coding, or would you like to learn about it?

Remotely Operated Vehicles and Drones 12 is an ADST (Applied Design, Skills and Technologies) course that combines design thinking, aviation safety, and practical operation. The course is built for students who want real technical skills, strong safety habits, and a clear understanding of how drone systems are used in real-world contexts.

The course combines classroom learning, online learning, practical labs, and applied projects. 

Topics include:

•   RPAS ecosystem, safety culture, and regulatory framework
•   Airframes, propulsion, systems, and serviceability
•   Human factors, airmanship, and crew resource management
•   Meteorology for RPAS operations
•   Navigation, airspace, charts, and site selection
•   Flight operations, SOPs, and emergency procedures
•   Theory of flight and RPAS performance
•   Communications and professional operations
•   Capstone design project (Empathize, Define, Ideate, Prototype, Test)

Quick Facts

When does it start?

 Next intake: Spring 2026 (May and June 2026)

Who can enroll?

Open to Grade 10, 11, and 12 students interested in RPAS/ROV technology and able to participate in classroom, online, and practical components. Students with some coding experience and those who have already completed Aviation Explorations 12 will have a head start.

What time are classes?

Classes are Mondays and Wednesdays, 4:00–7:00 pm. Additional studies and learning is completed online.

What does it cost?

There are no tuition costs for non-graduated students who are BC residents/Canadian Citizens. Graduated students and international students should contact the Langley Education Centre office to confirm eligibility.
There may be optional costs for field activities and/or personal tools/equipment; details will be provided during the course. Students who choose to write the Transport Canada Basic Operations exam must pay that fee (currently $10) themselves.

Who is the teacher?

 Mr. David Thomas

How do I enroll?

Registration opens March 30, 2026! Get your student registration profile ready ahead of time then log back in to your profile to register for the course once registration opens. If there is a waitlist, please add yourself to the list to indicate interest. Only students on the waitlist will be considered for available spaces.

Course Expectations 
IMPORTANT

Cannabis and Alcohol

 Drone pilots are pilots. Students in this course must comply with Canadian Aviation Regulations (CARs) and Transport Canada fitness-for-duty expectations.

 Cannabis (including CBD): Flight crew members (including drone pilots) must not use cannabis within 28 days before acting in a flight crew role.

 Alcohol: A flight crew member must not act in that role within 12 hours after consuming alcohol.

 Students who are not fit for duty may not participate in flight operations. Students who feel they may be unable to maintain this standard should not register for this course.

 Blended Learning Responsibility

 This is a blended course. Students must attend in-person sessions and make steady online progress. Success requires motivation, focus, perseverance, and self-advocacy.

 Attendance and Professionalism

 Aviation and RPAS industries expect punctuality, reliability, and professional conduct. Students are expected to attend regularly, arrive on time, and represent the school professionally in class and on site visits. Missing more than two classes may result in withdrawal.

Academic Integrity

 All submitted work must be your own. Unauthorized plagiarism (including prohibited AI use) may result in a zero on the assignment. Repeated incidents may result in withdrawal.
If AI is permitted for a specific task, assignment instructions will explicitly state how it may be used and acknowledged.

Registration opens March 30, 2026! Get your student registration profile ready ahead of time.