Laurel Ridge Community College: Drone Programs

Our conversation today with Guy Curtis from Laurel Ridge Community College included Dr. Craig Santicola, Dean of Professional Programs to talk about their new drone programs. Craig explained the lengthy process for receiving formal approval for the programs and told us how the programs are structured. He told us that sUAS/Drone operators are in demand by a variety of industries with potential commercial uses in disaster response, police, fire, EMS response and investigation, search and rescue, scientific research, agriculture, farming, ranching, land, livestock, and wildlife surveys, pipeline and power line inspection, industrial and residential inspection, delivery and transport, and aerial photography. We talked about Advanced Air Mobility and the important role it will play nationally as well as on a regional level.  The Small Unmanned Aircraft Systems Flight Operator (Drones) program is a career studies certificate designed to prepare students for a career as a small unmanned aircraft systems flight operator. Upon successful completion of the coursework, students will demonstrate basic proficiency in the area of sUAS operations, general maintenance and repair, and sUAS collection and processing of aerial images, videos, and geospatial data. Coursework aligns with the aeronautical knowledge required for FAA-approved commercial operations as a Remote Pilot with sUAS rating and prepares students to sit for the FAA Part 107 exam. The Small Unmanned Aircraft Systems Flight Technician (Drones) program is also a career studies certificate designed to prepare students for a career as a small unmanned aircraft systems flight technician. Upon successful completion of the coursework, students will demonstrate advanced proficiency in a variety of sUAS areas. Topics covered include both theory and hands-on experience with mission planning, ground control operations, crew management, emergency procedures, safety, sensor selection, advanced maintenance, drone programming, flight data management, geospatial technology and systems, and manipulation of geospatial data for the purpose of analysis, presentation, and decision-making. Students must complete the sUAS Flight Operator Career Studies Certificate prior to beginning the coursework in this certificate. Learn more about career & salary outlooks, tuition and funding options, and other program information on their website: laurelridge.edu/drones