Launch Your Career in Drone and Aviation Operations
The AVI30419 Certificate III in Aviation (Remote Pilot) is the nationally recognised entry-level qualification for individuals seeking a professional career in drone operations and aviation support roles. This qualification provides the essential technical, operational, and safety skills required to operate Remotely Piloted Aircraft Systems (RPAS) in accordance with Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) regulations.
Delivered by the Australian Unmanned Systems Academy (AUSA) RTO: 45260, this program prepares graduates to confidently operate in real-world aviation environments while meeting industry and regulatory expectations.
AVI30419 Certificate III in Aviation (Remote Pilot) Career Start Information Booklet & Policies
Delivery Information
Location: Brisbane, Queensland
Delivery Mode: Blended Learning
This course is delivered through a flexible blended learning model, including:
- Online self-paced study
- Live theory sessions via Microsoft Teams and/or face-to-face delivery
- Face-to-face practical flight training sessions
Program Duration: 6 months
This delivery model allows students to balance study with personal and professional commitments while still receiving hands-on, industry-aligned training.
What You Will Achieve
Certifications You Will Receive
- AVI30419 Certificate III in Aviation (Remote Pilot) – Nationally recognised
Upon successful completion of the AVI30419 Certificate III in Aviation (Remote Pilot), students will then be eligible to progress to:
- Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) Remote Pilot Licence (RePL) – Multi-Rotor Sub 7Kg
- Aeronautical Radio Operator Certificate (AROC)
The requirements for the RePL and AROC will be discussed in detail during the pre-enrolment interview, ensuring students understand the pathway and regulatory requirements. Further information on the RePL, AROC, and the AVI30419 program is available in the POL-HB-003 AUSA Student Handbook.
Graduates will be trained to operate under the following standard CASA conditions:
- Within Visual Line of Sight (VLOS)
- Up to 400 feet Above Ground Level (AGL)
- In Day Visual Meteorological Conditions (VMC)
- Outside controlled airspace
- Away from populous areas and aerodromes
Additional upgrade pathways are available for students wishing to expand beyond these operational limits.
What You Will Learn
Throughout the program, you will develop skills in:
- Professional RPAS flight operations
- CASA regulatory compliance and safety management
- Mission planning and execution
- Aviation communication procedures
- Risk assessment and operational decision-making
- Aircraft preparation, inspection, and documentation
To achieve the AVI30419 Certificate III in Aviation (Remote Pilot), students must successfully complete the following 14 units of competency, consisting of core and elective units.
- AVIY0031: Apply the principles of air law to RPAS operations
- AVIW0004: Perform operational inspections on RPAS
- AVIY0052: Control RPAS on the ground
- AVIE0003: Operate aeronautical radio
- AVIF0021: Manage human factors in RPAS operations
- AVIY0023: Launch, control, and recover a RPAS
- AVIY0053: Manage RPAS energy source requirements
- AVIY0032: Apply RPAS payload and configuration management principles
- AVIH0006: Navigate RPAS
- AVIW0028: Operate and manage RPAS
- AVIZ0005: Apply situational awareness in RPAS operations
- AVIY0027: Operate multi-rotor RPAS
- AVIY0026: Conduct aerial application operations using RPAS
- AVIW0007: Perform aerial mapping and modelling using RPAS
This qualification develops both the technical and non-technical skills required for professional aviation environments.
Pre-Enrolment Assessment Process
To ensure student success and suitability, all applicants must complete a Pre-Enrolment Assessment at least 30 days prior to course commencement.
This process includes:
- A short interview (Face-to-Face or via Microsoft Teams)
- A short entrance assessment
The purpose of this process is to confirm the student’s suitability, readiness, and understanding of the qualification requirements and career pathway.
Career Start Student Eligibility Criteria
(Queensland Government Funding)
To access a subsidised training place under Career Start, a student must meet the following criteria:
- aged 15 years or older;
- not be a school student;
- permanently reside in Queensland; Skills Investment Last updated 1 July 2026
- be an Australian citizen, or Australian permanent resident (includes humanitarian entrant), or a temporary resident who holds a valid visa and working rights on the pathway to permanent residency, or a New Zealand citizen;
- not already have a certificate III or higher qualification completed within the last 10 years immediately preceding the individual’s enrolment (qualifications completed as a school student and foundation skills qualifications do not impact eligibility);
- not be enrolled in another DTET-funded qualification, even if it is on hold or deferred, (foundation skills qualifications and self funded/fee-for-service qualifications do not impact eligibility).
Eligible Training Combinations under Career Start
Through Career Start, students are eligible for funding for up to two training opportunities, which can be used in one of the following ways:
- Complete one Certificate III qualification through the general training pathway and one apprenticeship or traineeship.
- If the apprenticeship or traineeship is completed first, the student cannot later access a general training pathway qualification under Career Start.
OR
- Complete two apprenticeships or traineeships at Certificate II or III level, including school-based apprenticeships and Traineeships (SATS).
Students may also access one funded introductory skill set in addition to the two training places. Career Start does not allow students to undertake two general training pathway qualifications.
Career Start Summary of Eligibility
Fees
Career Start Student Co-Contribution Fees:
- Concessional students: $495.00 = $35.35 Per Unit
- Non-concessional students: $695.00 = $49.64 Per Unit
Fee-For-Service (Non-subsidised): Refer to our Fee-For-Service Course Page
- $3,357.00
All fees are clearly explained prior to enrolment in accordance with RTO compliance requirements.
Student Information & Compliance Notice
Before enrolment is finalised, students (and employers, parents, or guardians where applicable) will receive:
- Privacy Notice
- Website Terms & Conditions
- Student Handbook
- Student Learning Contract
- Refund Policy (compliant with the 2025 RTO Standards), including:
- Full refunds of co-contribution fees if training has not commenced
- Proportionate refunds for unit/module withdrawals
- Refunds to employers or industry for any additional fees beyond the co-contribution and government subsidy, if applicable
AUSA retains evidence confirming that all required information has been provided and acknowledged.
Why Choose Australian Unmanned Systems Academy
As a fully accredited Registered Training Organisation, AUSA delivers nationally recognised aviation training built around industry needs. Our instructors are highly experienced aviation and RPAS professionals who provide practical, safety-focused, and career-ready training.
We don’t just teach, we prepare you for professional aviation operations.
Pathways & Career Opportunities
Graduates of this qualification may pursue careers in:
- Drone operations
- Surveying and mapping support
- Infrastructure inspection
- Media and photography operations
- Environmental monitoring
- Emergency services and public safety support
- Aviation operational support roles
Further training pathways are available through AUSA for advanced operational endorsements and specialised RPAS qualifications.
Are You a Queensland School Representative?
If you are a Queensland school representative interested in offering this qualification to your students, we welcome your enquiry. AUSA works closely with schools to deliver structured, compliant, and career-focused aviation pathways for students.
Enrol Today
Your future in aviation starts here.
Secure your place in one of Australia’s fastest-growing industries with the AVI30419 Certificate III in Aviation (Remote Pilot) at the Australian Unmanned Systems Academy.
The sky is no longer the limit; it’s just the beginning.