LESSONS on how to read aeronautical maps and understand flight regulations will soon be offered as part of classroom studies at Sheldon College.
The fun is all part of the school’s Certificate III in Aviation (Remote Pilot – Visual Line of Sight), which will be offered to senior school students from next year in partnership with ACE Aviation.
Director of senior studies Diane Vandermeer said up to 20 students could enrol in the school’s commercial drone program, which would help prepare students for careers in survey and mapping, environmental surveying and monitoring.
She said students, who would be given a drone to complete the program, could also earn an aeronautical radio operators certificate throughout the studies offered.
While the certificate III is offered as a seven day program through ACE Aviation, Ms Vandermeer said the course would take longer for senior students.
“We are developing a specific course for our students and integrating this in the student’s timetable during options afternoon or one day per week,” she said.
“This is currently under development with ACE Aviation.”
A school spokesperson said students interested in next year’s drone program completed beginner drone studies earlier.
The instruction was under the guidance of ACE Aviation chief executive Mark Viswa Nathan and air traffic controller David Wyman.
“The trainers commented on the outstanding ability, focus and behaviour of our students,” the spokesperson said.
“(Student) Bence Major took out the coveted prize for the highest test score and also the flight competition.
“He actually landed the drone on the cross bar of the goal posts on the oval.”
