Clark State to offer drone license course; registration open

Credit: Bill Lackey

Credit: Bill Lackey

Clark State College is now offering a drone license course through their Workforce and Business Solutions.

The Drone Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) License Prep Course for Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS) Operations, Planning, and Piloting will be held from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. on March 6 and 7, according to a release from the college.

“We are excited to offer this opportunity to both our community and industry partners,” said Lesli Beavers, director of Clark State Workforce and Business Solutions. “Being licensed for commercial drone use is increasingly popular and useful in a variety of fields. Emergency service agencies, real estate agents, photographers and videographers, agriculture, construction and many more industries can utilize drone flying and imaging to enhance their businesses and services.”

The two-day course will prepare students for the Part 107 License Exam by providing a hands-on opportunity to practice drone flying through simulation and on mini and mid-sized drones, and students will get a copy of the ASA 2021 Remote Pilot Test Prep guide to prepare for the licensing exam, the release stated.

“While individuals can fly recreationally without, the certification must be obtained to do any commercial activity with a drone,” said Adam Parrillo, interim assistant dean, associate professor and GIS/Geospatial program coordinator. “While it is only a 60 question multiple-choice knowledge examination, you must know the regulations for drone activity including the various classifications of airspace, the basics of drone safety, how to read air charts, understand weather conditions, and flight crew management.”

The course is $375 per participant and Clark State will provide all needed equipment. To register, visit the college’s website under News.

“We hope that this workshop not only assists individuals in the preparation to become remote pilots but also links them into Clark State’s opportunities to get hands-on flight time and practice activities that mirror current commercial activities,” he said.

The college was also selected in 2020 by the FAA as a partner for the Unmanned Aircraft Systems-Collegiate Training Initiative Program and introduced a UAS Operations and GIS Image Analysis certificate, the release stated.

About the Author