Sky Skills Advanced | Heavy Construction Pilot Program
Free Tuition
Course Information
Open to public
Description
Sky Skills Advanced builds on the foundational knowledge developed in the Sky Skills Basic program and prepares students to meet the requirements of the Pilot Certification – Advanced Operations.
This course provides in-depth instruction on advanced flight operations, regulatory compliance, construction-integrated use cases, and the connected technologies that are shaping the future of the construction industry.
Participants will engage in project planning, data integration, and hands-on applications culminating in an industry-driven capstone. Topics include:
- Focused preparation for Pilot Certification – Advanced Operations
- Real-world integration of LiDAR, GPR, multispectral sensors, and more
- Application of Safety Management Systems (SMS) in advanced mission planning
- Exploration of connected technologies like IoT, AI, BIM, and simulation
- Industry-driven capstone project and practicum
Open to the public, with participants expected to have a Pilot Certificate – Basic Operations and an interest in construction, surveying, photogrammetry, or drone data integration
Optional: Basic Pilot Certificate exam (~2 additional hours per student)
Assessment Methods: Quizzes, presentations, field evaluations
Location
Manitoba Construction Sector Council (MCSC)
205 – 530 Kenaston Boulevard
Winnipeg, MB
R3N 1Z4
info@mbcsc.com
(204) 272-5091
Course Duration
Total Instruction: 36 hours, 25 minutes
- In-Class Instruction: ~30 hours
- Field Practicum: ~6 hours + 10 minutes per student
- Optional Advanced Pilot Exam: ~1 hour per student
Delivery Method
Hybrid (Online and/or In-person)
The Drone Advanced Training course includes 25 hours of instruction, delivered through a combination of classroom learning and field-based practicum. The program also covers the cost and allocates time for students to complete the Pilot Certificate – Basic Operations, which requires an additional 2 hours per student per iteration.”
Entrance Requirements
Participants should have:
- A background and/or interest in construction
- A background and/or interest in surveying, cartography, or aerial photography
- (Optional) Pilot Certificate – Advanced Operations
Accreditation
Participants who complete the training will receive a Certificate of Completion from the Manitoba Construction Sector Council (MCSC).
Completion Requirements
To earn the certificate, students must:
- Attend at least 80% of instructional time
- Achieve a minimum grade of 70% on all evaluated components
- Successfully complete the UAS field practicum
- Completion of Pilot Certificate – Basic Operations is optional but encouraged
Credit Transfer
Currently, no credit transfer opportunities are available.
Location
Manitoba Construction Sector Council (MCSC)
205 – 530 Kenaston Boulevard
Winnipeg, MB
R3N 1Z4
info@mbcsc.com
(204) 272-5091
Video
Bringing SkySkills Drone Training to Merit Contractors Association, plus four Indigenous Communities
Instructor
Parker Klassen
Parker Klassen is a highly skilled Senior Surveyor with extensive expertise across a diverse range of surveying disciplines. With hands-on experience in UAV and drone technology, construction layout, topographic surveys, bathymetric water surveying, and 3D scanning, Parker is a versatile professional with a keen understanding of both technical and field operations. His proficiency spans a variety of advanced surveying equipment, including UAV and LiDAR systems, GNSS & robotics survey tools, and traditional rod-and-level techniques. Additionally, Parker is well-versed in post-processing data collected from the field, ensuring accurate results.
As a certified advanced drone pilot, Parker holds a specialized license and has managed multiple high-stakes missions in restricted airspace. His career has taken him to some of Canada’s most challenging and remote regions, including Northern Manitoba, Northern Ontario, Northern Saskatchewan, and the high Arctic. Whether navigating complex topographies or executing large-scale survey projects, Parker brings a combination of technical expertise, field experience, and innovative problem-solving to every project he leads.
Partners
