In an Australian first, Australian Air Force Cadets (AAFC) are set to take their skills to new heights—literally. A new drone program will see cadets qualify as fully certified drone pilots, thanks to the launch of the Remotely Piloted Aircraft Training School (RPATS) at the Avalon Australian International Air Show (Avalon Airshow).
The future focused initiative, funded by the Air Force and run by the AAFC RPATS, provides cadets with the ability to obtain drone accreditation at no cost, an opportunity that would otherwise typically cost upwards of $3000.
The program, according to the Air Force, marks the first time Air Force Cadets can obtain a Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) certified multi-rotor drone license. With a qualification widely recognised within the industry, cadets are being prepared for careers in aviation, surveillance, intelligence, emergency response and Defence.
The full AAFC RPA Program is designed as a three-stage development pathway, with Cadets advancing as they develop new skills:
- Stage 1 (Bronze) – Basic drone operation and drone flight and racing skills.
- Stage 2 (Silver) – Advanced flying techniques, drone programming and formal training to obtain their CASA-certified RePL drone licence delivered by the RPATS.
- Stage 3 (Gold) – Application of drone skills in intelligence and defence operations, mission planning and simulated scenarios.
The five-day RePL course, offered as an elective, combines hands-on practical and theoretical classroom learning. As well as the above, cadets also undergo airspace regulation, flight planning and risk assessment training.
Upon successful completion, cadets receive a CASA certified Remote Pilot Licence in the sub 7kg multirotor category. The program aligns with the AAFC’s commitment to providing young Australians with relevant training that prepares them for a range of career opportunities.
With drones transforming multiple industries across Australia, trained and tested drone operators are in high demand. The program prepares cadets for this reality, giving them an edge in future roles within industries such as d-Defence and intelligence, where drones are continuingly being utilised to contribute to military surveillance, reconnaissance, and strategic planning.
Further, it also opens doors in aviation and commercial operations, where drones are being used to contribute to safer cargo delivery, surveying, and aerial photography. Additionally, cadets can also pursue roles in emergency services, where drones are currently being optimised to support search-and-rescue missions, disaster response efforts, and firefighting operations.
The official launch of the R-PATS took place at 1:30PM on Thursday 27 March 2025 at the Avalon Airshow. Key figures from the AAFC, the Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) and CASA, were in attendance.
The delegation included Air Chief Marshal (Retd) Mark Binskin , Chair of CASA; Air Vice Marshal Glen Braz , Air Commander Australia; Air Commodore Craig Heap , Director General Cadets - Air Force; and Air Commodore James Badgery Director General Defence Aviation Safety Authority.
At the launch, live drone demonstrations showcased cadets’ new capabilities, emphasising the real-world applications of their training.
According to Squadron Leader (AAFC) Matthew Fletcher, Commanding Officer of RPATS, ensuring that every Cadet Wing in Australia has a trained Drone Pilot Instructor has been a top priority.
“The next step is a national rollout. The program’s goal is to have trained drone instructors in every Cadet Wing across Australia,” he said.
With RPATS pushing forward, discussions are already underway to integrate drone training more broadly into ADF Cadet programs, ensuring accessibility for members, across Australia.