Jim Eldridge from Hamilton Ecology Lab along with Gavin Broadbent and Dmitry Bratanov from the Australian Research Centre for Aerospace Automation (ARCAA) QUT have recently sat and passed the Private Pilots licence theory exam following a three week study course held at Aviation Australia, Brisbane. This qualification represents a significant step toward attaining a UAV Controller Certificate and becoming fully licensed, commercial UAS operators for the purpose of research and development. Furthermore, this enhances the already existing relationship between the Hamilton Ecology Lab and ARCAA as they continue to collaborate in using exciting unmanned technologies for the purpose of ecological research. Well done Gents!