Launch Your Career in Drone and Aviation Operations
The AVI30419 Certificate III in Aviation (Remote Pilot) is a nationally recognised qualification for those seeking a professional career in drone operations and aviation support. This entry-level program equips students with the technical, operational, and safety skills required to operate Remotely Piloted Aircraft Systems (RPAS) safely and in compliance with Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) regulations.
Delivered by the Australian Unmanned Systems Academy (AUSA), RTO: 45260, this program ensures graduates are job-ready, confident, and fully compliant with industry standards.
Program Overview
The Australian Unmanned Systems Academy (AUSA) is proud to deliver this funded training program under the Industry Skills Solutions: Aviation Uncrewed Aerial Vehicles initiative, supported by the Department of Trade, Employment and Training (DTET). This program provides students with the opportunity to achieve a nationally recognised AVI30419 Certificate III in Aviation (Remote Pilot) alongside a CASA Remote Pilot Licence (RePL), equipping them with the practical skills and knowledge required to enter the rapidly growing drone and aviation industry. Delivered over six months, the course combines hands-on flight training with real-world operational experience and structured industry work experience, all at no cost to eligible students.
A key feature of the program is its strong connection to industry, with students gaining exposure to sectors such as utilities and infrastructure, emergency services and response, and local government. Through AUSA’s partnerships with organisations including emergency services, utility providers, and local councils, students will undertake meaningful work experience aligned to their chosen pathway, helping them build job-ready skills and improve employment outcomes. This is a time-limited initiative with only 92 funded places available across the Darling Downs & South West, Central Queensland, and Wide Bay Burnett regions.
For more information, speak to your school or AUSA representative.
AVI30419 Certificate III in Aviation (Remote Pilot) ISS: Aviation for UAV Information Booklet & Policies
Delivery Information
Locations:
- Darling Downs & South West
- Central Queensland
- Wide Bay Burnett
Enrolments accepted from the Brisbane School of Distance Education (BSDE): Provided the student resides in one of the regions listed above.
Delivery Mode: Blended Learning
Program Duration: 6 months (2 Terms)
Our flexible blended learning model combines:
- Online self-paced study
- Live theory sessions via Microsoft Teams and/or face-to-face
- Hands-on practical flight training sessions
This approach allows students to balance study with personal and professional commitments while gaining practical, industry-relevant skills.
Delivery Modalities
Depending on the school’s location, the course will be delivered over a 6-month period (two school terms), with one full day of training per week. Delivery will be conducted using one of the following two modalities:
1. Blended Delivery (Face-to-Face and Online)
- Day 1: Delivered face-to-face.
- Remainder of the term: Delivered online via Microsoft Teams, consisting of one live lesson per week with a qualified AUSA instructor.
- School holidays: Face-to-face sessions will be conducted to complete practical flight training and assessments.
- This structure is repeated in the second term.
2. Face-to-Face Delivery (For Nearby Locations, e.g., Toowoomba)
- Delivered face-to-face one day per week across both terms.
- Practical flight training will also be scheduled during school holidays.
- This structure is repeated in the second term.
Work Experience Integration
Work experience placements will be integrated into the course to provide students with exposure to real-world industry operations. These placements will support the development of practical skills, reinforce classroom learning, and enhance employability outcomes. Work experience days will be confirmed by the host employers at a later date.
Certifications 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) – Minimum Age Requirements 17 Years of Age.
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. Qualifications enable graduates to operate RPAS commercially in Australia under standard CASA conditions:
Upgrade pathways are available for operations beyond these limits.
- Within Visual Line of Sight (VLOS)
- Up to 400 feet Above Ground Level (AGL)
- Day Visual Meteorological Conditions (VMC)
- Outside controlled airspace
- Away from populous areas and aerodromes
What You Will Learn
Skills You Will Develop
Throughout the program, students will learn to:
- Conduct professional RPAS flight operations
- Ensure CASA regulatory compliance and safety management
- Plan and execute aviation missions
- Follow aviation communication procedures
- Perform risk assessment and operational decision-making
- Prepare, inspect, and document aircraft
Units of Competency
To achieve the Certificate III, students must complete 14 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
These units develop both technical and non-technical skills essential for professional aviation roles, ensuring students are workplace-ready and confident in their abilities. The assessment methods for the AVI30419 Certificate III in Aviation (Remote Pilot) are designed to evaluate knowledge, practical competency, and decision-making skills. Students are assessed through a combination of short quizzes, theory exams, scenario-based exercises, and practical observations, providing a balanced approach that reflects real-world aviation operations required for professional aviation environments.
Pre-Enrolment Assessment
To ensure student readiness and suitability, all applicants must complete a Pre-Enrolment Assessment at least 30 days before course commencement, which includes:
- Short interview (Face-to-Face or Microsoft Teams)
- Entrance assessment
This process confirms the student’s capability, understanding of the qualification, and suitability for the career pathway, readiness, and understanding of the qualification requirements and career pathway.
Industry Skills Solutions: Aviation for UAV Student Eligibility
(Queensland Government Funding)
Jobseekers, existing workers, and Year 11 and 12 students who:
- are aged 15 years of age and over;
- if identified as a Job Seeker or an Existing Worker, they permanently reside in an approved delivery location (Darling Downs & South West, Central Queensland and Wide Bay Brunett);
- if identified as a secondary school student in Years 11 and 12, they are enrolled at a school located in an approved delivery location (Darling Downs & South West, Central Queensland and Wide Bay Brunett);
- are an Australian Citizen, or a New Zealand citizen, or hold an eligible visa as identified he Department of Trade, Employment and Training; and
- meet any additional eligibility requirements identified through this initiative
The following individuals are NOT eligible participants for this agreement
- Post-school participants who hold a Certificate III or above qualification completed in the last 10 years
- Employees of Government Departments, Government Agencies and Local Councils;
- Apprentices and Trainees as defined in the Further Education & Training Act 2014;
- School students who have commenced or already completed a DTET – funded qualification
Important Notes
Students cannot access Department of Trade, Employment and Training (DTET) funding for both ISS and VETiS simultaneously; a choice must be made between the two programs. If a student has already accessed VETiS funding previously, they will need to complete the course under a Fee-for-Service arrangement should they choose to proceed.
Fees & Student Requirements Overview
The Industry Skills Solutions: Aviation Uncrewed Aerial Vehicles program, which includes the AVI30419 Certificate III in Aviation (Remote Pilot), Remote Pilot Licence (RePL), and Aeronautical Radio Operator Certificate (AROC), is partially funded by the Department of Trade, Employment and Training (DTET).
Industry Skills Solutions for UAV (ISS) Student Co-Contribution Fees:
- Concessional: $495.00 ($35.35 per unit)
- Non-Concessional: $695.00 ($49.64 per unit)
Payment Process:
Upon enrolment, students will receive the first invoice for 30% of the total Student Co-Contribution Fee.
- Payment can be made via:
- Credit Card through the secure link on the invoice, or
- Direct Transfer using BSB and Account details provided on the invoice.
A receipt will be issued once payment is received.
- A second invoice, issued at the 6-week mark, will be for the remaining 70% of the Student Co-Contribution Fee, with the same payment options and receipt process.
To successfully participate in the program, students are required to have access to a laptop, iPad, or desktop computer, as well as a reliable internet connection to support online learning components.
For the work experience component, any required Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) will be advised by the host employer. Please note that the cost of PPE, if required, may be the responsibility of the students.
Student Information & Compliance
Before enrolment, students (and employers/guardians where applicable) receive:
- Privacy Notice
- Website Terms & Conditions
- Student Handbook
- Student Learning Contract
- Refund Policy
AUSA maintains evidence that all required information has been provided and acknowledged.
Student Support Services
At Australian Unmanned Systems Academy (AUSA), we are committed to ensuring every student has the support they need to succeed. Our student support services include:
- Learning Assistance: Additional help with theory and practical components through group or one-on-one tutorials.
- Accessibility Support: Reasonable Adjustments and resources for students with disabilities to ensure equal learning opportunities.
- Career Guidance: Advice and information on aviation career pathways and further training opportunities.
- Technical Support: Assistance with online learning platforms, Microsoft Teams, and other blended learning tools.
Our goal is to make your learning experience as smooth and successful as possible, from enrolment to graduation.
Why Choose Australian Unmanned Systems Academy
- Fully accredited RTO delivering nationally recognised training
- Instructors with extensive RPAS and aviation experience
- Practical, safety-focused, career-ready training
- Preparation for professional aviation operations, not just compliance
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.