NORFOLK, Neb. - As more and more unmanned aircraft, particularly multi-rotor UAS (drones), take to the skies, operators must have a deeper understanding of applicable regulations, flight maneuvers, missions planning and safe operations in controlled airspace. Northeast Community College will hold a two-day course in June that will instruct participants on the rules of flying a UAS as established by the Federal Aviation Administration.
“If you fly a drone in the United States, it’s your responsibility as a pilot to understand and abide by the rules, especially if you’re going to be flying it for commercial ventures,” said Brian Anderson media arts - broadcasting instructor at Northeast Community College. “If you make money off how you use your drone, such as selling photos you take with it, you have to be certified and know the rules of the air.”
The Drone Operations Course will help participants understand the proper protocol and procedures for flying various drone missions through hands-on flight training. Ultimately, the course will help to prepare the student for the successful completion of the FAA Part 107 UAS Remote Pilot certification process. That particular course is designed for those who want to fly drones for commercial purposes, but also includes useful rules and information for the drone hobbyist.
Anderson, an FAA-certified drone pilot, will lead the two-day drone operations course for area businesspersons on the Northeast campus in Norfolk. He said it is designed for those who want to fly drones for commercial purposes, but also includes useful rules and information for the drone hobbyist.
“It will help participants understand the proper protocol and procedures for flying various drone missions through hands-on flight training. Ultimately, the course will prepare these students for the successful completion of the FAA Part 107 UAS Remote Pilot certification process.”
The course will consist of class time that primarily focuses on rules and regulations with additional time set aside for students to actually operate drones.
Anderson has also created a drone operations manual which includes protocols on what an individual needs to take care of before a UAS is launched. The manual includes logs and procedures as well as information on flight information and what do if something goes wrong.
The occupation of certified drone pilot is becoming lucrative. The Association of Unmanned Vehicle Systems reports that 100,000 licensed drone pilot jobs will be available by 2025, with strong income potential depending on the project.
Drone Operations Course (BRDC 5100 & CRN #70047) will be held Thursday and Friday, June 10-11, from 8 a.m.-6 p.m., in and outside the Cox Activities Center, 801 E. Benjamin Ave., in Norfolk. Cost of the class is $245. Hands-on flight training using the DJI fleet of drones owned and insured by Northeast Community College is included in the course. The test preparation textbook is also included.
Pre-registration is required by call (402) 844-7000.
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PHOTO CUTLINE
Participants of a drone operations course at Northeast Community College in 2020 watch Penny Korth (second from left) use a remote control to fly a drone over the institution’s Norfolk campus. The course, taught by Brian Anderson, Northeast mass media – broadcasting instructor and certified drone pilot (third from right), will be held again Jun 10-11, 2021.