RUSTA Approved: Remote Pilot Certification SUAS (RPCS)

The Business Solutions Centres, brought to you by the University of Wolverhampton are delighted to announce that through a partnering arrangement with the CAA approved Rheinmetall Unmanned Systems Training Academy (RUSTA) it is offering a course leading to Permission for Aerial Work thus providing commercial drone pilots with the skills and qualification to operate safely and legally in UK airspace.

RUSTA’s Remote Pilot Certificate SUAS (RPCS) course is CAA approved and offers training and assessment to SUAS, UAV or drone operators that wish to obtain Permission for Aerial Work (PFAW) from the CAA.

The RPCS course is designed to teach you everything that you need to know to become a safe and professional Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS) pilot. The theory phase of the course will last for two and a half days at one of our three site locations and will cover a variety of subjects. During the theory course you will receive breakfast and lunch, as well as tea and coffee throughout the day. At our site in Telford there is also the option to include accommodation into the course package at an additional cost.

Prices

Prices starting from £900 (excluding VAT) **
**All quoted prices include breakfast, lunch, and tea and coffee. On payment of the fee you will be given on-line access to the RUSTA eLearning package to prepare you for the theory phase of the course. For all enquires please email Alessandro Nicholas at the University of Wolverhampton.

Course Overview
Day 1 – Introduction, Air Law, Principles of Flight, Meteorology, CAPS and Lithium Polymer Batteries

The first day will begin with an introduction for both new and experienced pilots as to what the course will entail and what each day’s outcomes will be. Throughout the morning topics covered will include Air Law and Principles of Flight, with the second half of the day covering Meteorology, CAPS and Lithium Polymer Batteries.

Day 2 - Emergency Procedures, Operations Manual, and Introduction to Human Factors

The second day will begin with Emergency Procedures where you will learn how to correctly and safely manage an inflight emergency. Following this, the instructor will cover the importance of the Operations Manual. This is a vital document for any operator and is integral to obtaining your RPCS. It is a mandatory item needed for any business commercially offering UAS services. It contains managerial, technical, health and safety, and flying procedures that will be specific to each business' proposed operating set up.

The remainder of the morning is taken up with an Introduction into the multi-faceted Human Factors lesson. This topic is vast and cannot be covered in one lesson, however it is a good foundation and covers some pertinent subjects for UAS operators. The afternoon of day 2 will cover how to carry out risk assessments as well as pre-flight and on-sight surveys. Using the knowledge gained, you will complete a planning exercise to test you on what you have learnt and for you to experience how to effectively plan for an operation, as well as delivering a professional brief to your crew.

Day 3 - Theory Examination

The morning of day 3 will include the important Theory Examination part of the RPCS. This is a 70 minute multiple choice paper that will test you on what you have learnt over the two days. You will need 70% or higher to pass. If you happen to fail the Theory Examination you can re-sit the paper for free however at least 10 days must pass before you are able to re-sit.

Post Day 3 - Operations Manual Evaluation and Approval, and Flight Assessment

Following the two and a half day course it will then be your responsibility to complete your Operations Manual to a professional standard that RUSTA deem acceptable (details for this process will be provided during the course). This is essential to progress to your pilot Practical Assessment.  RUSTA instructors will assist you with your Operations Manual by providing advice by email and/or telephone. You must submit your Operations Manual to RUSTA within three months of passing the Theory Examination or an additional administrative fee will be charged.
Once completed and signed off by RUSTA you can then proceed with booking your Practical Assessment. This period can take up to six weeks from your Operations Manual being signed off, however this time period can be affected by weather conditions. You will need to allow 2-3 hours for the practical flight test.  
When you have passed your Theory Examination, Practical Assessment and have a complete Operations Manual you will then be able to apply for Permission for Aerial Work (PFAW) from the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) and begin offering UAS services commercially.

Current available course dates, locations and availability

Locations

• University of Wolverhampton Science Park, Glaisher Drive, Wolverhampton, WV10 9RU
• Hereford Business Solutions Centre, Building B, Units 1-4, Skylon Court, Coldnose Road, Rotherwas, Hereford, HR2 6JL
• Telford Business Solutions Centre, Priorslee Ave, Priorslee, Telford, TF2 9NR (Our Telford site also has onsite accommodation that can be booked for an additional cost.)

For more information

Contact Alessandro Nicholas on 07590 619162 or email.

Or download more information

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