Many people don’t know this, but oftentimes the College is contacted by a business or industry, or maybe even a private individual, who will ask if we have or can offer a certain class. The College then gauges the interest in offering such a class, and if there’s enough interest, develops a course.
This is how the College’s new Commercial Drone Pilot Exam Prep Course came to be. Drones are used in a number of ways, and their use is growing every day in so many industries. They’re used in search and rescue operations, to record damage from storms, to map terrain or locations that are inaccessible or unsafe, in farming to observe crops in wet areas that limit machinery access, and even for aerial photography for real estate – just to name a few.
So, why are we offering it? With the growing interest in drones, it is important for drone operators to know the rules and regulations of operating a drone, not only for their safety – but also for the safety of the public. And to even fly a commercial drone, you must have a remote pilot certificate from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA).
In the College’s new drone class, students will learn a variety of things related to operating a commercial drone. For example, weather conditions must be considered when operating a drone. In addition, they’ll cover FAA and local drone operation guidelines, and also learn about airspace that is safe for operation as well as the prohibited airspace. Weather permitting, students will receive hands-on training in operating a drone. Upon completion of the course, students will be well prepared to sit for the FAA Part 107 Remote Pilot Knowledge Test.
The instructors for the course are local, experienced, certified pilots for small unmanned aircraft systems. One of them is a current Criminal Justice Technology Instructor for the College.
WCC will offer the class over a period of three Saturdays this Spring: March 26, April 2, and April 9, from 8:00 am to 5:00 pm each day. Anyone at least 16 years of age or older is eligible to register. The total cost for the class is $90. Space is limited, so make sure you register as soon as possible.
To register or for more information, contact Robby Taylor, WCC Director of Workforce Development, at rtaylor@wilsoncc.edu or (252) 246-1287. #WilsonCC We make Wilson work.