New program trains next generation of drone pilots

Weekendlong courses prepare professionals for FAA certification

What do wedding photographers, real estate agents, inspectors and land surveyors have in common?

Answer: They’re all using drones to elevate their business. Whether it’s capturing aerial photos of special events and houses for sale or creating 3D maps of structures and properties, working professionals in a variety of industries are growing increasingly reliant on using drones to get the job done. To do any of those things, however, requires a remote pilot certificate from the Federal Aviation Administration.

“A lot of people don’t know that,” said John Sibole, former aviation program director at EMU Lancaster. “They think, ‘Oh, if I’m using a drone for a nonprofit, then I don’t need this certificate,’ but that’s not true. You need it for anything you do beyond strictly recreational flying.”

The remote pilot certificate, also known as an FAA Part 107 certificate, is required by the U.S. government for anyone operating a drone beyond recreational purposes. The written knowledge test to earn this credential can be a challenging one, especially for those without a background in aviation.

Fortunately, for those seeking a pathway to commercial drone piloting, a new program at EMU can help prepare them for this test. Offered at both the Harrisonburg and Lancaster campuses through EMU Continuing and Professional Education, the noncredit Drone Certification Program will equip participants with the skills needed for safe and innovative drone operations.

Participants in the program will spend 20 hours of instructional time, from Friday afternoon to Monday morning, learning about essential subjects for the exam: drone regulations, the National Airspace System, weather and preflight planning. The final four hours of the course will involve hands-on experience piloting a drone. After completing the course, participants can schedule the exam at a designated testing center, with locations in Lancaster and Charlottesville. 

“The demand for skilled drone operators is growing across industries, and EMU is excited to offer a program that meets this need,” said Dr. Tynisha Willingham, provost at EMU. “This course not only prepares professionals for FAA certification but also empowers them to use drones in innovative and impactful ways.”

Upcoming course dates include March 28-31 in Harrisonburg and May 2-5 at EMU Lancaster in Lititz, Pennsylvania. For more dates and information, visit: emu.edu/graduate/drone

Sibole, who has over 50 years of professional aviation experience, including service as an FAA inspector, will provide instruction for the courses. He said the program’s in-person training and its concentrated nature sets it apart from other courses, which are done online. “Here, you actually get to fly a drone,” Sibole said, “which wouldn’t be possible through an online course.”

The program is designed to support busy professionals from diverse fields such as agriculture, construction, public safety, live events and sports, though Sibole said it’ll be useful for anyone looking to add another tool to their toolbox. 

“There’s a catchy line the former head of the FAA once said,” shared Sibole. “We’ve had the jet age, the space age, and now we’re in the drone age.”

Watch this video of EMU students, faculty and alumni learning to pilot drones during a training session in September.