These schools train drone pilots in Philippines, from first flights to commercial work. Programs, schedules, and pricing change often, so contact each school directly for current details.
The credential is called the RPA Controller Certificate, separate from aircraft registration, and required for commercial flying or for any drone of 7 kilograms or more regardless of purpose. Applicants must be 18 or older, complete a training course specific to their drone type, and log at least 5 flight hours outside controlled airspace, followed by a written exam through the Airmen Examination Board, a practical skill demonstration, and a final application fee.
The certificate is valid for 5 years.
Civil drone operation in the Philippines is regulated by the Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines (CAAP) under Parts 1, 2, 4, and 11 of the Philippine Civil Aviation Regulations. All commercial drones must register regardless of weight, and non-commercial drones of 7 kilograms or more must register as well.
Registration costs 1,500 pesos plus 12 percent VAT, along with a document check and an on-site marking inspection.
This page is for general orientation and may not reflect the latest regulatory changes. It is not legal advice: confirm current rules, fees, and permitted zones with your country's civil aviation authority before you fly.
A listing in this directory is not an endorsement, accreditation, or certification of any school, and does not indicate affiliation with or vetting by us. Confirm a school's credentials and authorizations directly with the school and the relevant authority.
The RPA Controller Certificate has an experience requirement that catches people out. Before you apply you need at least 5 hours operating drones outside controlled airspace, and training on the specific type of drone you intend to fly, conducted by the manufacturer. The assessment is in two parts, a written exam and a demonstration flight conducted by authorised personnel of the Authority.
The certificate is valid for 5 years. Registration is separate from certification and has its own fee.
| Knowledge exam | 230.00 per subject |
| Knowledge Test Report | 140.00 |
| RPA Controller Certificate application | 3,360 |
| Skill test | CAAP states a fee may be charged, without publishing the amount |
| RPA registration | 1,500 plus 12% VAT, so 1,680 |
| Training course | Set by the training provider |
You must be at least 18 at the time of application, have completed training on the type of drone you will fly conducted by the manufacturer, and have at least 5 hours of experience operating drones outside controlled airspace. You then pass the RPAS exam and a demonstration flight conducted by authorised personnel of the Authority.
The knowledge exam is 230 pesos per subject, the Knowledge Test Report is 140 pesos, and the application fee is 3,360 pesos. A skill test fee may also be charged; CAAP does not publish the amount. The training course is priced by the provider.
5 years.
Every drone used for commercial operations, regardless of weight. Non-commercial drones weighing 7 kg and above must also be registered, and that includes custom-built drones and drones built from a kit.
1,500 pesos plus 12% VAT, which comes to 1,680 pesos.
Among the first CAAP-certified schools for commercial RPAS, with CAAP RPAS Controller exam prep.
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One of the earliest Philippine drone schools, with RPA Basic A1/A3 exam prep.
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CAAP RPA Controller certification prep plus mapping, LiDAR, and thermal imaging training.
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Thermal imaging drone services for gas leak, power line, and tower inspection projects; commercial services provider, not a training school.
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Hands-on drone flight and mapping training covering mission planning, flight safety, and data acquisition for disaster risk reduction and planning.
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Precision Path Technologies offers a drone training program; builds locally designed UAVs for various industries.
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If you run a drone training program anywhere in Asia, we would like to include it. Send us the school name, website, and a short description; listing is free.
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