About
Our Story
Learn Aviation Academy is a DGAC-authorized aviation school based in Alajuela, Costa Rica. The academy has pioneered drone pilot training since 2015, recognizing early the exponential growth potential of the RPAS sector. It offers professional aviation education backed by more than 30 years of combined instructor expertise across diverse aeronautical fields and maintains close operational ties with AEROCALIDAD DRONES, its sister company with over five years of field spraying experience. All programs strictly adhere to Costa Rican aeronautical regulations, including the DO-002-RPAS standard and ICAO frameworks, positioning the institution as a reference center for aviation education.
Programs & Trainings
RPAS Drone Pilot Course, Comprehensive theoretical and practical training for Small, Light and Large drone categories with durations ranging from 3 to 12 months; fully compliant with DO-002-RPAS and DGAC certification requirements.
Photogrammetry Surveying, 4-week blended program combining virtual classes with field practice totaling 70 hours of training; prepares participants for DGAC certification.
Dangerous Goods Course (Functions 4, 5, 7, 8, 10), DGAC-approved modular training delivered virtually or in-person; 4 hours per function with no minimum group required; priced at $95 per function.
AVSEC 123 Initial Course, 40-hour in-person aviation security foundation; DGAC-approved and part of the Integrated Airport Security Program.
X-Ray Initial Course, 32-hour in-person screening and threat detection training; DGAC-approved and bundled within the security program offerings.
Aircraft Maintenance Technician (TMA) Program, Comprehensive technical training covering general inspection, repair, replacement, modification and defect rectification of aircraft structures, components and systems per official maintenance manuals; relaunched with an ethical-professional foundation focus.
Aircraft Dispatcher / Flight Operations Technician, Training in flight preparation, planning, meteorological verification, route analysis, load and fuel calculation; prepares professionals for airlines, cargo and passenger carriers, air taxi and third-party service companies.
Safety Management System (SMS), Operational safety management course within the ICAO regulatory framework and Costa Rican SSP legislation; focuses on airport environment implementation and practical case exercises.
AVSEC Recurrent and Basic Security Courses, Crisis management and emergency response training covering crisis types, organization, collaboration procedures, passenger needs and contingency planning; uses ICAO formats and DGAC compliance standards.
Avionics Technician Program, Theory-practice instruction in electronics, communications, instrumentation and information technology; covers installation, preventive and corrective maintenance and repair of electrical and electronic systems with an avionics emphasis; international-quality offering launched in June 2023.
Private Pilot Theory Course, Theoretical preparation designed to test vocational aptitude before committing to practical flight training; delivered by specialty instructors to build robust foundational knowledge.
Commercial Pilot Pathway, Referenced as the advanced progression beyond private pilot certification, enabling remunerated flight operations.
Agricultural Drone Spraying Training, Precision application of fertilizers, phytosanitary products, herbicides, pesticides and ecological products using drones; leverages real-world operational expertise from sister company AEROCALIDAD DRONES and covers obstacle detection, terrain-following radar and night or low-light operations.
Specialties
RPAS (Drone) Pilot Certification and specialization
Aerial Photogrammetry and surveying applications
Agricultural aerial spraying and precision agriculture
Aircraft Maintenance Engineering (TMA)
Flight Dispatch and Operations Control
Aviation Security (AVSEC, X-Ray Screening)
Safety Management Systems (SMS) for airports
Avionics, Electronics and Instrumentation
Dangerous Goods Handling and Compliance
Private and Commercial Pilot theoretical foundation
Methods & Approach
The academy employs a specialty-based instruction model, ensuring every subject is taught by experts with proven field experience rather than generalists. Programs blend theoretical frameworks with hands-on practice, including virtual classrooms, field operations and practical case simulations. Curricula are built around DGAC regulations, ICAO standards and official aircraft maintenance manuals. For agricultural spraying, students benefit from direct operational insights derived from the academy’s sister company fieldwork. The SMS and AVSEC courses incorporate crisis scenario training and contingency planning exercises. Instruction emphasizes ethical-professional commitment, safety culture and strict regulatory compliance.
Who It's For
Aspiring drone pilots seeking commercial or recreational certification; agricultural producers and agrotechnicians interested in precision crop spraying; candidates for Aircraft Maintenance Technician roles; future Aircraft Dispatchers and Flight Operations Officers; airport security personnel requiring AVSEC or X-Ray qualifications; airport managers and safety officers implementing SMS; avionics and electronics technicians; aviation enthusiasts testing their vocation for private or commercial pilot careers; and employees of airlines, cargo operators, air taxi services and third-party aviation companies.
Facilities & Practical Info
Training is delivered through multiple modalities: in-person at the Alajuela facility, virtual classrooms and blended formats combining online theory with field practice. The academy operates an eCampus platform, maintains a digital library and publishes a blog with free aviation content. Immediate availability is offered for drone pilot courses, and certain modular programs such as Dangerous Goods require no minimum group size. Enrollment and operations support are accessible via dedicated WhatsApp lines.
Location
Address: Centro de Comercio Internacional, Locales 28, 29 y 30, Alajuela Central, 20101, Costa Rica
Hours: See website for schedule
The "+"
DGAC-authorized training organization with full regulatory compliance
Over 30 years of combined instructor experience across diverse aeronautical domains
Pioneer in Costa Rican drone pilot training since 2015
Direct operational linkage to AEROCALIDAD DRONES for real-world agricultural spraying expertise
Instruction by specialty experts rather than generalist teachers
Flexible delivery modes: in-person, virtual and blended with field practice
ICAO-compliant AVSEC and SMS programs with practical crisis management exercises
No minimum group requirements for certain modular courses such as Dangerous Goods
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