New FAA regulations make commercial use of small unmanned aircraft systems the hottest new business technology
North Georgia Technical College is offering a comprehensive 18-hour Intro to small Unmanned Aircraft Systems (sUAS) course that provides hands-on skills training for aspiring business operators to fly drones safely and efficiently and helps them prepare for FAA certification.
For those that already know how to fly, a 6-hour Remote Pilot Knowledge Test Prep course is being offered to prepare students to successfully pass the FAA knowledge test.
Students can choose the course that best meets their needs based on their current flight skills and interest in employment-related opportunities.
The FAA has released regulations that pave the way for expanded commercial use of (sUAS), commonly called drones. As part of the guidelines, drone pilots are now required to pass the FAA’s remote pilot knowledge test Unmanned Aircraft – General to receive an FAA remote pilot certification and be able to use drones for commercial purposes.
Goldman Sachs Research estimates the economic impact of sUAS technology to be $100 billion in the next four years. Much of this growth comes from the application of drone technology to existing industries, as well as emerging businesses yet to be created, their growth facilitated by the new FAA regulations.
“It’s the next transformative technology that will literally change how business is done for many industries,” said Continuing Education Director Leslie Foster. “There are countless applications and workforce impacts expected, and we are offering the most comprehensive, up-to-date course material available so that members of our business community can be among those who are capturing this technology’s potential.”
Though both courses culminate in preparation for the FAA remote pilot knowledge test and eventual FAA certification, the Intro to sUAS course is also designed to offer comprehensive insight into different types of flight systems and their capabilities, safe and legal flying practices, market opportunities and applications, and hands-on piloting skills.
Each participant in the Intro to sUAS course receives a quadcopter with a camera and a flight simulator along with their course material. The course is capped off with a Top Gun Competition where participants demonstrate flying skills while navigating an obstacle course.
Classes for the 18-hour course will be held May 15, 17, 22, 24, 29 & 31 from 6 to 9 p.m., August 4, 11 & 18 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., October 29, 31, November 5, 7, 12 & 14 from 6 to 9 p.m.
Classes for the 6-hours course will be held June 6 & 13 from 6 to 9 p.m., August 25 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. and November 10 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Space is limited. For more information, contact Leslie Foster at 706-754-7715 or by emailing [email protected].
