Sky Skills Basic | Heavy Construction Pilot Program
Free Tuition

Course Information
Open to public
Description
Sky Skills is a fully funded pilot program is designed to give attendees the full spectrum of drone skills, from foundational operations to advanced, construction-integrated applications. The Sky Skills Basic course is an immersive, in-person program that combines classroom learning with hands-on field training and practicum.
Participants will prepare for and write the Basic Pilot Certificate exam. Over the course of 46 hours of instruction and practicum, you’ll progress from basic aviation safety and mission planning to advanced applications such as LiDAR, multispectral imaging, and connected technology integration in construction.
Objectives for Registering
- Certification – Gain the skills and knowledge to achieve your Basic Pilot
Certificate and prepare for Advanced Operations certification. - Apply Drones in Construction – Learn real-world applications for mapping,
surveying, safety, and project management with industry-specific scenarios. - Participate in a Fully Funded Pilot Program – Access training, resources, and
certification support at no cost to you, while shaping the future of drone use in Manitoba’s construction sector.
Location
Manitoba Construction Sector Council (MCSC)
205 – 530 Kenaston Boulevard
Winnipeg, MB
R3N 1Z4
info@mbcsc.com
(204) 272-5091
Course Duration
The Sky Skills Basic course includes 25 hours of instruction, delivered through a combination of classroom learning and field-based practicum. This does not include time for students pursuing the optional Pilot Certificate – Basic Operations, which requires an additional 2 hours per student per iteration.
Delivery Method
Hybrid (Online and/or In-person)
The Sky Skills Basic 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 – Basic 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.










