TASK FORCE DRONE FOR MILITARY VETERANS

APRIL 27- May 1, 2026    Toronto, Ontario

This is a comprehensive multi-part program that goes beyond certification to focus on building real-world skills to help veterans transition into a meaningful and fulfilling civilian career. 

In addition to the intensive 5-day hands-on training, which is specifically designed for military veterans looking to transition into civilian drone operations. We provide a new training drone, discounts on your first enterprise drone purchase, and a 6-week online drone business course that takes you step-by-step on how to build a drone business. 

The 5-day in-person course covers everything from Transport Canada Advanced RPAS certification to real-world industry applications, including thermal imaging, infrastructure inspection, photogrammetry, and real estate media production. With a focus on practical flight training, business fundamentals, and specialized drone operations.

This program equips veterans with the skills and confidence to launch a career in the drone industry.

STARTING APRIL 27TH!

 Trainer: Lee Dodson

 Level: Beginner

 Length & Location: 5 Days in Toronto, ON


 Cost: $5,000 - This course is eligible for ETB Short Course funding stream through the Veterans Affairs Canada Education and Training Benefit

WHY ATTEND THIS COURSE?

Get a Free Drone & Discounts

We will provide you with a free DJI Neo to begin practicing your flying skills. Plus get a special discount on your first enterprise drone purchase.

Business Best Practices

Get free access to The Drone Mentor a 6-week online course that walks you step-by-step on how to kickstart a drone business.

Online Support

In addition to our in-person course, you'll get access to our online Advanced RPAS Ground School. 

Hands-On, Practical Knowledge

Learn real-world applications with our world-class instructors: inspections, mapping, media & thermal imaging

Career Advancement

Increase your job opportunities and credibility by joining the rapidly growing drone industry.

Who Should Attend?

  • Military veterans transitioning to civilian careers
  • Canadian veterans eligible for the Veterans Affairs Canada Education and Training Benefit can apply for the full course amount funded through the ETB Short Course funding stream.

WHAT WILL YOU LEARN IN THIS COURSE?

Earn your Transport Canada Advanced RPAS Certification

Hands-on flight training with multiple drone types & payloads


Learn real-world applications: inspections, mapping, media & thermal imaging

Graduates earn the Transport Canada Advanced RPAS Pilot Certificate and the Volatus Academy UAV Skills Credential, verifying knowledge and expertise in UAV systems.

Designed specifically for military veterans transitioning to civilian careers

Understand how to start and grow a drone business

FUNDING YOUR TRAINING

You’ve served. You’ve committed. Now let your service pay forward — We'll help you get training in drone operations while minimizing financial barriers.

We can help you access full funding through veteran education benefits or alternate funding sources.

Veteran Education Benefit (ETB) Overview

The Education and Training Benefit (ETB) from Veterans Affairs Canada provides financial support for education and career training to help veterans transition to civilian life. Eligible veterans can use it to fund part or all of their drone training.

Who Is Eligible

You may qualify if you were honorably released on or after April 1, 2006, have at least 2,191 paid days of service, and apply within 10 years of release.

Note: You cannot be enrolled in VAC’s Rehabilitation & Vocational Assistance program or receive CF Income Support at the same time.

What ETB Covers

The ETB has two funding streams:

  • Formal Program – for degree, diploma, or certificate programs.
  • Short Course – for specialized professional training like Task Force Drone.

Short Course funding covers the exact course cost based on an official invoice. Payments go to you directly, and you pay the provider.

ETB payments are made directly to the veteran, not to the institution. After paying the mandated tuition and costs, any remaining funds can be used at your discretion (e.g. supplies, living costs during study) — within the constraints of the program.

Importantly: funding cannot be issued retroactively for training already begun or completed before the ETB plan is approved.

How to Apply

Apply for eligibility using the Education and Training Benefit (VAC 1537) form through My VAC Account.
ETB uses a two-step process. 

Submit the ETB eligibility application (VAC 1537)

  • You can apply online using My VAC Account (guided form) or download and mail the paper form. 
  • VAC normally issues a decision within about 4 weeks of receiving a completed application. 

Submit an Education & Training Plan for approval (Short Course)

  • For a Short Course, use VAC 1549. 
  • Attach proof of enrollment or registration (or proof of intent, if enrollment occurs after payment). 
  • VAC must approve the plan before the course or program start date. 
  • If both the eligibility application and the plan application are submitted simultaneously, VAC aims to decide both within 8 weeks. 

After approval, funding is disbursed per the schedule tied to your plan. For Formal Programs, payments are spread across study periods; for Short Courses, payment covers the course cost. 

If a veteran withdraws or discontinues the program, they must notify VAC; future payments may be suspended until the plan is reviewed. 

How It Applies to Drone Training

Task Force Drone qualifies under the Short Course stream. Once approved, you’ll receive funds directly and can begin training once payment is processed.

  • You must submit your drone training proposal (course details, cost, provider) as part of your ETB plan (VAC 1549).
  • Ensure the invoice or proof provided includes your name, provider’s name, program cost, dates, etc.
  • You cannot begin the drone training before VAC has approved your plan; otherwise it becomes ineligible for ETB funding.
  • Once approved, you’ll be funded to pay tuition and related mandated costs; additional unused funds may be used toward incidental costs associated with the course.

Alternative Sponsorship & Funding Options

If you are not eligible for ETB, or if it doesn’t cover the full cost, there are other ways to access funding.

  • Rehabilitation, vocational, or insurance programs: Some veterans access specialized rehabilitative programs, vocational support, insurance, or workplace injury compensation to support training. Be aware: if you are active in VAC’s Rehabilitation & Vocational Assistance program (or receiving CF Income Support), you cannot simultaneously use ETB.
  • Community or industry grants and sponsorships: There may be local or national funds, grants, or educational support programs applicable to veterans. We can help you explore these and assist in applications.
  • Contact Volatus Academy for alternative arrangements.

We can help you explore which path fits best.

Meet Your Instructor

Lee Dodson

Senior RPAS Instructor | Volatus Aerospace Inc.

Lee Dodson is a veteran RPAS instructor and industry leader with over 20 years of hands-on experience in advanced drone operations and flight instruction. At Volatus Aerospace Inc., Lee designs and delivers specialized training programs for experienced pilots seeking to elevate their skills in complex mission environments—including BVLOS operations, aerial inspections, and cinematic workflows.

With a background in offshore energy, electronic engineering, and cinematography, Lee has trained professionals across sectors such as infrastructure, public safety, and film production. His instruction emphasizes mission planning, regulatory compliance, and air/ground risk assessment—core components of Volatus Academy’s advanced RPAS curriculum.

Lee’s teaching style is immersive, scenario-based, and grounded in real-world field experience. Advanced students benefit from his deep operational knowledge, precision-focused mindset, and commitment to safety and excellence in every mission.
Patrick Jones - Course author