Drone Technology
The regulations and careers for Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs), Small Unmanned Aircraft Systems (sUASs), and Remotely Piloted Aircraft (RPA) are constantly changing, opening up opportunities for unique uses and occupations.
Students in the Drone Technology program at Harford Community College will learn about these versatile vehicles, understand the constantly changing regulations, and how to fly both small and large professional-use drones.
Program Overview
CREDENTIAL EARNED
Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV)/Drone Technology Certificate
This program will prepare you to sit for the FAA's Part 107 Certificate examination.
NO. OF COURSES
3
TIME TO COMPLETE
X
FORMAT
In-classroom with hands-on training
The class will consist of both lectures, micro-drone flying practice, and hands-on time with the professional-grade DJI Mavic Pro Quadcopter.
CONTACT INFORMATION
training@harford.edu
REQUIREMENTS
Must be at least 16 years of age and have a high school diploma or GED®
Courses
- Introduction to Drone Technology
- Drone Regulations and Preliminary Flight Training
- PT 107 Preparation and Drone Pilot Training
The course curriculum includes sUAS Operating Rules; Airspace Classification; Aviation Weather; and Sectional Chart Reading for passing the FAA test, as well as basic maneuvers with both small and large quadcopters and prepares you to pass the test to obtain FAA's Part 107 Certificate. The Part 107 certificate is mandatory if you desire to fly professionally. Several hours of simulator training and hands on flight training using professional drones is also included.
What Can I Do When I Complete This Program?
After completing this program, you will be prepared to sit for the FAA Part 107 Commercial Drone Pilot's License examination which is mandatory if you desire to fly professionally. Industries employing drone pilots is diverse and you may end up employed in one of the following areas:
- Search and Rescue
- Photography/Videography
- Construction
- Surveillance/Military
- Weather
- Public Events
- Entertainment
- Insurance/Appraisal
- Agriculture
Potential Careers
The FAA has predicted that annual sales of these units is currently about $7 million, and it's estimated that over 2,500 jobs will be created in the state of Maryland by 2025. According to Salary.com, the average Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) Pilot salary in the United States is $79,002* as of July of 2020, but the salary range typically falls between $58,156* and $95,418*.
*Completion if this program does not guarantee any salary.
For more information see The Economic Impact of Unmanned Aircraft Systems in the United States.