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13 May 2025
<a href="https://www.warren.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">WarrenUAS</a>, one of the leading collegiate sUAS (drone) training programs in the country, has registered another major win for their program with word this week that the Federal Aviation Administration has granted the WarrenUAS program permission to operate larger (above 55 pounds) UAS in the National Airspace, as well as the ability to train students operators to fly such aircraft. The large majority of exemptions issued for 55 pound and heavier aircraft have limitations on providing training.
Currently, it is one of only five organizations to have such clearance.
The Section 44807 exemption adds to a string of recent developments at WarrenUAS, including additions of new facilities, additional technology, and the hiring of instructors and advisers with industry-leading experience in the most sophisticated UAS operations for the agriculture, government, and infrastructure sectors.
Just as notably, the college has obtained Part 107 waivers for use by its students with real-world flight experience by being among the first group of institutions in the country to have FAA approval to fly drones over populated areas and beyond the visual line of sight of the operator under a Part 107 waiver.
&ldquo;This is another huge step for WarrenUAS and moves our program into an elite group of institutions to have the legal clearance to fly these complex systems,&rdquo; said Will Austin, president of Warren County Community College, the home of WarrenUAS, which has been a priority for Austin. &ldquo;Like us, the FAA is extremely cautious about the circumstances under which it allows drones to be operated, so we are honored that they have given us authorization to properly train the new generation of professionals to work safely in this sector of the industry.&rdquo;
Nathan&nbsp;Ernst, president and founder of The Tactien Group, which recently began collaborating with WarrenUAS&nbsp;on training structures for the operation of larger and more sophisticated systems, called the exemption a &ldquo;remarkable achievement&rdquo;.
&ldquo;Our firm specializes in the operational oversight of these larger UAS, and as the industry begins to increase the utilization of these systems, the need for properly trained professionals become more and more critical,&rdquo; Ernst said. &ldquo;Having this authorization for a higher education institution is a ground-breaking step in the right direction &ndash; and WarrenUAS&nbsp;is a great place for it to be based.&rdquo;
Jonathan Rupprecht, a drone attorney and flight instructor specializing in FAA regulatory issues, played a key role in the multi-year process of gaining the exemption based upon his over a decade of legal experience in obtaining hundreds and hundreds of exemptions for drone operations.
&nbsp;&ldquo;The college is positioning itself as being the preeminent educational institution to provide training on how to fly unmanned aircraft. The college has carefully laid the groundwork to assemble the right team of experts with the goal of providing expert training in these sophisticated systems.&rdquo;
Section 44807 is a part of the United States Code that defines the operation limitations of UAS above 55 pounds. Under a very strict set of circumstances, the FAA will grant relief (exemptions) from some of those limitations, provided the applicant can demonstrate the appropriate level of competency and has the correct level of procedures in place. Upon review of WarrenUAS&rsquo; submission, the FAA decided to grant such exemption to portions of section 44807 allowing the organization to expand training capabilities into the realm of larger UAS.
&ldquo;Each step in the advancement of the WarrenUAS program through these FAA certifications/authorizations has been rigorous and challenging &ndash; for good reason,&rdquo; Austin said. &ldquo;When it comes to safely flying unmanned systems, we take our responsibility very seriously and demand our students share in these safety philosophies while they gain practical experience in an environment with the highest standards. That is what the FAA expects.&rdquo;
WarrenUAS, which began with a handful of students and a dozen drone systems, has expanded to accept next fall more than 100 students to be trained in the design, maintenance and safe, regulated flight of unmanned systems. They&rsquo;ll have access to more than 100 drone systems worth more than $5 million and gain experience and classroom training through two new fully equipped facilities for the program, led by some of the top experts in the field.
&ldquo;We began the program because we saw the need for trained professionals in this field and recognize the many ways these skills could be used on farms, for utilities, by law enforcement and in all types of research related to the environment and wildlife. At the same time, there was a lot of interest by students who understood that they could have really satisfying, high-paying careers in this field,&rdquo; Austin said.
Agriculture has been a priority for Austin personally and the program, with development of a precision agriculture program to train students in the growing uses of drones and robotics to make farms more efficient and sustainable. But students have also had opportunities to work on real-life circumstances where drones are used in law enforcement, environmental studies, infrastructure inspection, and land use research.
The program recently added to its deep ties in the unmanned aircraft systems industry through a collaborative agreement with the The Tactien Group LLC, a leading aviation strategic advisory firm guiding clients worldwide. The agreement with Tactien comes as Warren also has brought on Ed Celiano, one of the nation&rsquo;s leading experts in large-scale, complex UAS, and the past executive director of the New Jersey Unmanned Aviation Systems Test Site.
Both Ernst and Celiano are experts in the type of equipment the new exemption allows Warren UAS to operate, train, and prepare a workforce to serve the growing UAS industry. In addition, WarrenUAS was the first community college in the US to be certified as an AUVSI Trusted Operator training provider, and students still have the option of gaining that professional certification among others as part of their degree program or through their non-credit certification process.
<img src="https://media.thedroningcompany.com/images/tincy/Lep9392lLu6k2SP78iqTMYbTZGhHYdasacJ8ehM4.jpg" alt="" width="640" height="297" />
Starting this fall, graduates of Warren Community College can experience seamless transfer to Embry Riddle Aeronautical University as part of another dynamic partnership which allows faculty and students at both institutions to train together. &ldquo;The goal is always to partner with the best aviators in the UAS industry to provide students with the training and education they need to be safe, while providing employers with the professionals they need to remain competitive in the marketplace,&rdquo; Austin said. &nbsp;
Beyond that, just last week, two of the most widely respected higher education institutions in the country recognized Warren County Community College for providing access and support to its students and assuring they are successful after they graduate. &nbsp;Warren was one of just about 400 community colleges in the nation named by the Carnegie Foundation and the American Council on Education (ACE) in its prestigious Student Access and Earnings Classification process, and among only about 200 who received &ldquo;high&rdquo; rating for access.
Austin believes that along with training students in safe operation of sophisticated equipment, WarrenUAS provides access to the exciting field of unmanned systems for dedicated, serious students at a low cost. Sixty credit transferable accredited degrees can be achieved for about $10,000 in total, and textbooks never cost more than $200 a year due to other significant partnerships that have been realized during Austin&rsquo;s 20+ year career as president.

WarrenUAS granted FAA 44807 approval

10 December 2024
<a href="https://sdi.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Sonoran Desert Institute (SDI)</a>, a leader in online education for emerging technologies, has launched the <a href="https://sdi.edu/programs/associate-degree-uncrewed-technology/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Associate of Science in Uncrewed Technology (ASUT)</a> program. This innovative curriculum is tailored to meet the demand for skilled professionals in the unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) industry, offering a blend of theoretical knowledge, hands-on training and flexible online learning. Enrollment is now open, with classes starting in December 2024.
Building on the success of its <a href="https://sdi.edu/programs/certificate-in-uncrewed-technology/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Certificate in Uncrewed Technology &ndash; Aerial Systems (CUTAS) </a>program, the ASUT program represents a significant advancement in SDI&rsquo;s commitment to cutting-edge education. The program is designed to cater to a diverse range of learners, from hobbyists and career changers to industry professionals looking to elevate their expertise in UAS technology.
&ldquo;This is more than just a degree program &ndash; it&rsquo;s an opportunity to shape the future of uncrewed aviation,&rdquo; said Jarred McNeely, SDI&rsquo;s Chief Academic Officer. &ldquo;Our goal is to empower students to lead, innovate, and drive progress in this transformative industry.&rdquo;
<h5>A Comprehensive, Future-Ready Education</h5>
The ASUT program offers a robust curriculum of 60 semester credit hours, delivered across four 20-week semesters. Students will explore advanced topics such as drone design and build, flight testing, FAA Remote Pilot Preparation and UAS aviation management. These courses are designed to equip graduates with the skills to thrive in roles across a diverse array of industries such as remote pilots, sensor operators, data analysts, and mission planners.
&ldquo;Our graduates won&rsquo;t just be ready for the industry; they will be ahead of it,&rdquo; said James McDanolds, Program Chair of the School of Uncrewed Technology at SDI. &ldquo;The ASUT program provides students with a strong foundation in UAS technology, along with the practical skills necessary to tackle real-world challenges such as roof inspections, transmission line monitoring, solar panel assessments and search-and-rescue operations.&rdquo;
The curriculum for the Associate of Science in Uncrewed Technology program was developed with input from Certificate in Uncrewed Technology &ndash; Aerial Systems graduates and insights from industry leaders, ensuring it meets the ever-changing demands of the drone sector. Designed to keep pace with the rapidly evolving UAS landscape, the program invites students to access high-quality education and training in this dynamic field.
Additionally, the program is approved for GI Bill and Veterans Assistance benefits, as well as Federal Student Aid for qualifying students, making it accessible to a wide range of learners seeking to advance their careers in the UAS industry.
Exploring the Rapid Growth and Practical Impact of the UAS Industry According to a Markets and Markets report, the global UAS industry is valued at $30.2 billion in 2024 and is projected to grow to $48.5 billion by 2029, with an annual growth rate of 9.9%. As highlighted by <a href="https://www.flyingmag.com/modern/trends-impacting-future-drone-pilot-employment/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Flying Magazine</a>, UAS technology is revolutionizing industries, and the need for properly trained and licensed professionals is critical. The ASUT program positions students to navigate this dynamic landscape with confidence, providing them with the tools and knowledge to meet the demand for skilled workers in this field.
The potential of UAS technology extends far beyond recreational use making a significant impact across sectors such as disaster relief and environmental conservation. McDanolds, a senior leader in the Civil Air Patrol, has used drones in search-and-rescue missions and disaster relief operations during the Louisiana floods. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration has also integrated drones into storm analysis and disaster preparedness.
&ldquo;Technologies like 3D mapping and LiDAR are transforming how we approach disaster preparedness and response,&rdquo; McDanolds said. &ldquo;Drones can identify flood risks or infrastructure weaknesses, potentially averting disasters and providing critical support in rebuilding efforts.&rdquo;
The transformative potential of drones extends to exploration as well. Since 2021, NASA&rsquo;s Ingenuity helicopter drone has completed over 60 flights on Mars, showcasing the versatility and innovation of UAS technology. These advancements inspire programs like ASUT to prepare students for groundbreaking opportunities in uncrewed aviation. According to the World Economic Forum, drones are also increasingly used for climate monitoring, disaster response, food security and work safety. The Ohio State University College of Engineering also highlights their role in addressing wildfires, repairing infrastructure and analyzing storms, underscoring the essential contributions of skilled UAS professionals.
&ldquo;Drone technology holds immense potential to solve global challenges,&rdquo; McDanolds said. &ldquo;From automating dangerous jobs like firefighting to advancing biodiversity conservation, drones are reshaping how we approach critical issues. Their versatility not only drives discovery and exploration but also offers significant opportunities to make a positive impact.&rdquo;
<img src="https://media.thedroningcompany.com/images/tincy/0EyuO9k5cByzYx00Yh5sWx2P2EwuAvJMTv161EuQ.jpg" alt="" width="673" height="561" />
<h5>Empowering the Next Generation of UAS Professionals</h5>
As the UAS industry continues to grow, the ASUT program positions SDI as a leader in equipping the next generation of professionals. McDanolds, who began his career in aviation through radio-controlled aircraft, knows firsthand the potential of turning a passion into a profession.
&ldquo;I want to teach students that while this is a cool technology, it has the potential to do so much more,&rdquo; he said. &ldquo;It&rsquo;s a tool for innovation, solving real-world problems and improving lives in every aspect.&rdquo;
McDanolds&rsquo; path to becoming an influential figure in UAS education is a story of perseverance and innovation. While he initially faced challenges in pursuing traditional aviation due to financial constraints, his passion for flight never wavered. He found a way to channel his enthusiasm through radio-controlled aircraft, which sparked his interest in drone technology. His hobby eventually evolved into a full-fledged career. Over the years, McDanolds built a deep understanding of drone operations, leading him to roles in commercial UAS operations and aviation training.
His commitment to education and sharing his knowledge with the next generation led him to develop a high school curriculum that introduced drone technology to more than 20 schools. Through this program, students of all ages gained a deeper understanding of the practical applications of UAS and how they could leverage this technology across various fields. McDanolds&rsquo; work in K-12 education highlights his dedication to sparking excitement about aviation and UAS technology, providing students with the tools to explore new career pathways and envision future possibilities.
In addition to his educational initiatives, McDanolds&rsquo; hands-on experience in the field has equipped him with a unique perspective on the real-world impact of UAS technology. This invaluable insight directly informs the curriculum and approach of SDI&rsquo;s Associate of Science in Uncrewed Technology program, ensuring students are prepared for the practical challenges and opportunities in the UAS industry.
His work in developing educational programs and his field experience ultimately led him to the role of Program Chair at SDI. This position allows him to incorporate his experiences directly into the ASUT program, shaping a curriculum that is both forward-thinking and grounded in real-world application. McDanolds continues to draw from his extensive background in UAS operations to create a program that not only teaches the technology but also empowers students to use it for meaningful impact.
&ldquo;With drones transforming industries and offering groundbreaking opportunities, SDI&rsquo;s ASUT program is perfectly positioned to help students thrive in a rapidly growing and dynamic field,&rdquo; McDanolds concluded. &ldquo;Together, we are shaping the future of uncrewed technology.&rdquo;
<h5>About Sonoran Desert Institute </h5>
<a href="https://sdi.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Sonoran Desert Institute (SDI)</a>&nbsp;is an online college that helps students learn the skills and techniques students need to be successful in the firearms and uncrewed technology industries. SDI&rsquo;s faculty is comprised of professionals with decades of industry experience, and SDI programs are designed to combine modern learning methods, and the flexibility of online education with materials delivered to your home. SDI is accredited by the Distance Education Accrediting Commission (DEAC).

Sonoran Desert Institute Launches ASUT Program

Drone Education

26 June 2024
By David Young and Amelia Frasure
The <a href="https://www.publicsafetyuas.net/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Public Safety UAS</a> team stands out as a collective of professionals exclusively dedicated to public safety endeavors. We pride ourselves on the mantra that our classes are crafted "For Public Safety Professionals, By Public Safety Professionals." What sets us apart is our diverse team, hailing from various backgrounds, which strengthens our expertise and ensures a comprehensive approach to training.&nbsp; Many of our instructors are active public safety professionals that work in either law enforcement, fire/rescue, or emergency management and incorporate real-world experience into our courses.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;
Public Safety UAS got its start in North Carolina, but has now expanded to teach classes across the United States and in May 2024, we completed our first international class. So far this year, we&rsquo;ve taught over 20 classes and have more than 30 already on the calendar for the rest of the year&mdash;with room to still add more. We truly enjoy traveling to bring these classes to new areas and connecting with fellow public safety professionals utilizing drones to save lives.&nbsp;
At the heart of our philosophy is customization. We believe in tailoring our courses to suit the unique requirements of each agency. Our flagship offering, the Drones for First Responders class, serves as a part 107 preparation course with hands-on flight time designed for public safety personnel. However, our development didn't stop there.
Driven by the feedback and demands of those who have participated in our training, our curriculum has expanded significantly.&nbsp; Responding to the specific needs of public safety, we have introduced a variety of specialized courses including indoor flight tactics, mapping techniques, search and rescue, counter-drone operations, and underwater ROVs.&nbsp; These are just our standard courses, we also create customized classes and training scenarios based on individual agency needs.&nbsp; In addition to our courses, we work with agencies to help them successfully start, manage, and refine their drone program to optimize their UAV operations.&nbsp; From choosing a drone to creating standard operating procedures and applying for COA&rsquo;s, we want to be there for our customers throughout the entire process.&nbsp;
Recognizing the limitations of traditional teaching methods, we prioritize hands-on learning experiences.&nbsp; We understand that true proficiency is honed through practical application, not just through lectures and presentations. Therefore, our classes offer ample opportunities for students to engage directly with the tools and techniques essential to their roles.&nbsp; Public Safety UAS is partnered with the leading sUAS and ROV manufacturers in the world, giving students the most relevant and cutting edge technology in the industry. Additionally, PSU has access to some of the most advanced software to aid responders in SAR, Mapping, indoor flight, and virtual training.&nbsp; Some of our partners include, but are not limited to:&nbsp; Uniform Sierra Aerospace, Autel, Deep Trekker, DroneSense, Loc8, Pix4D, RESTUBE, 2D Dummies, Dedrone, and Zephyr.&nbsp; The full list can be found on our website:&nbsp; publicsafetyuas.net
As we progress into the future, the Public Safety UAS team anticipates a trajectory of growth and enhanced outreach. Our recent ventures into international training for public safety agencies highlight our commitment to expanding our global footprint. We envision the establishment of a strong network tailored specifically to public safety professionals, fostering collaboration and knowledge-sharing across borders.&nbsp;
However, the path ahead is not predetermined&mdash;it is shaped by the input and insights of those who engage with our programs. The future of Public Safety UAS is a collaborative endeavor, sculpted by the evolving needs and aspirations of the public safety community.
One thing remains constant: our steadfast dedication to listening to the voices of public safety professionals. By absorbing their feedback and using the latest advancements in training methodologies, we are committed to ensuring that each day, each flight, and each mission is executed with safety and success at the forefront

Public Safety UAS Helping Public Safety Reach New Heights

02 May 2024
Aspiring aviators and others who want careers in aviation now have a comprehensive introduction to aviation careers with the publication of Launching Your Aviation Career, authored by Meg Godlewski, a certificated flight instructor with decades of experience, who is an acclaimed aviation journalist.
With over two decades of experience in aviation and journalism, Godlewski brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise to this introduction into the many different career paths that aviation offers.
Her accolades include recognition as a Gold Seal Instructor by the FAA, as well as being honored as a Master instructor by both NAFI and SAFE.&nbsp;&nbsp;In her book, Godlewski provides insight into many career opportunities within aviation, and illuminates the diverse pathways available to those with a passion for aviation.
&ldquo;At <a href="https://thedroningcompany.com/company/107-school-llc" target="_blank" rel="noopener">107 School</a>, we believe that flying small remotely piloted aircraft serves as the ideal entry point into the world of aviation,&rdquo; says 107 School co-founder Karolina Ellis.&nbsp;&nbsp;&ldquo;Our Part 107 course was meant to be an introduction to the publications and processes of dealing with the FAA. We asked Godlewski to share her expertise, and help share information that can help others find success in their lives.&nbsp;&nbsp;It&rsquo;s a mission she shares with 107 School.&rdquo;
The book is a roadmap for individuals considering a career in aviation. It offers guidance on the training process to become a pilot. There are so many crucial roles in different sectors of aviation, that many people may not consider.
It&rsquo;s also a valuable resource for anyone considering transitioning to a new career from another. Everyone thinks of pilot jobs foremost, but there are needs for many skill sets in aviation.&nbsp;
&ldquo;I was blessed to work with Meg Godlewski previously when she was my Chief Technical Writer, and she is amazing. She is my first call about anything to do with teaching aeronautical knowledge, I trust her implicitly and value her opinion foremost,&rdquo; said 107 School&rsquo;s chief instructor, John Ellis.
&ldquo;This book is an excellent introduction to anyone looking for a great career. We are very excited to publish this ebook and share it with everyone for free,&rdquo; Ellis said.
107 School was founded with the belief that earning a Part 107 and remotely piloting small aircraft is a logical starting point for an aviation career, especially for early career learners. Studying for the Part 107 knowledge exam touches on a good amount of aeronautical knowledge that is foundational, and leads logically into studying for a private pilot certificate.
Godlewski lays out the milestones from that first step to many different careers, and gives an outstanding introduction to the world of aviation.
<img src="https://media.thedroningcompany.com/images/tincy/Hln4CxlkH8geMaDN1qvniEjAwy6c5Ep0cKNhvCgq.jpg" alt="" width="315" height="445" />
To download: visit&nbsp;<a style="color: #ba372a;" href="https://www.107school.com/launchcareer" target="_blank" rel="noopener" data-auth="NotApplicable" data-linkindex="0">https://www.107school.com/launchcareer</a>&nbsp;and enter your email address to download immediately.

Free eBook from 107 School: Launching Your Aviation Career

12 April 2024
<a href="https://www.107school.com/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">107 School LLC</a>, a cutting edge provider of Part 107 knowledge test training, is thrilled to announce its partnership with native Alaskan TV star Ariel Tweto for the launch of an exciting new <a href="https://www.107school.com/ariel" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Part 107 test prep course</a>.&nbsp;
Best known for her role in the reality show Flying Wild Alaska about her family's Alaskan airline, Tweto brings her passion for aviation, STEM education, and empowering the next generation to the forefront of this collaboration.
As the demand for certified drone operators continues to rise in the United States, the need for comprehensive and accessible Part 107 training has never been greater. With her extensive background in aviation and her dedication to education, Ariel Tweto is the perfect ambassador for 107 School's mission to provide top-notch training for aspiring drone pilots.
"Ariel Tweto's commitment to aviation and education aligns perfectly with our vision at 107 School," said Karolina Ellis, CEO of 107 School LLC.&nbsp;
"We are thrilled to have her on board to help us create a dynamic and engaging Part 107 test prep course that will inspire and empower students to pursue careers in drone piloting.&nbsp;&nbsp;She was incredible to work with, and it was enjoyable to hear her present the course material.&rdquo;
The new course, featuring Ariel Tweto as the star instructor, will combine her expertise and passion with 107 School's proven curriculum to provide students with a comprehensive and effective learning experience. From mastering the regulations and safety protocols to developing practical flying skills, the course covers all aspects of preparing for the Part 107 knowledge exam.
"I am incredibly excited to be working with 107 School to help educate the next generation of drone pilots," said Ariel Tweto. "Drones represent an exciting frontier in aviation, and I am passionate about sharing my experience to help others embark on their aviation journey.&rdquo;
<img src="https://media.thedroningcompany.com/images/tincy/g67F0mtrfL45BWO50aM3p06tyZBqImomdAW1gYkn.jpg" alt="" width="638" height="355" />
Ariel Tweto's involvement underscores 107 School's commitment to excellence and innovation in drone education. By leveraging Tweto's expertise and charisma, the course aims to inspire a new generation of drone enthusiasts and professionals.
Tweto took time from her busy schedule to film an entire Part 107 test prep course with 107 School in Florida, as it aligned with her dreams to help others achieve success.
<h5>Learn More</h5>
<iframe style="width: 676px; height: 380px;" title="YouTube video player" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/LRFJHdXEzQU?si=TNbkK0QnOXzd8xXU" width="676" height="380" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen"></iframe>
<h5>About 107 School LLC</h5>
107 School LLC is a leading provider of Part 107 knowledge test training, dedicated to preparing aspiring drone pilots for success in the rapidly growing industry. With a focus on excellence, innovation, and accessibility, 107 School offers comprehensive courses designed to empower students to achieve their goals.&nbsp;&nbsp;Our course is available via the 107 School ToGo Apps on the iTunes Store and Google Play Store to allow offline viewing.
<h5>About Ariel Tweto</h5>
Ariel Tweto is a native Alaskan TV star best known for her role in the reality show "Flying Wild Alaska" about her family's Alaskan airline. With a passion for aviation, STEM education, and empowering the next generation, Tweto is committed to inspiring others to pursue their dreams in the world of flight.&nbsp;&nbsp;She was born in Unalakleet, Alaska in 1987, and is an amazing athlete and world traveller.&nbsp;

107 School LLC Partners with Ariel Tweto

02 April 2024
<a style="color: #ba372a;" href="https://www.warren.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Warren County Community College</a>&rsquo;s acclaimed drone training program has received another $699,000 &lsquo;earmarked&rsquo; federal congressional appropriation to support its unique new precision agriculture program of study, which is already training pilots and technicians to help farmers cut costs and increase productivity.
&ldquo;Incredible work is taking place at Warren Community College. I was thrilled to see firsthand the progress students and experts are making to help local farmers save money, boost crop yields, and manage their land more efficiently,&rdquo; said U.S. Sen Cory Booker (D-NJ) who has been a staunch supporter of the Warren program, visiting the campus and fighting for the funding. &ldquo;I was proud to advocate for this program to receive this funding and look forward to continuing to work with Warren Community College leaders to empower students and farmers pursuing precision agriculture.&rdquo;
The funding was part of a budget deal reached last weekend and signed by President Biden. It builds upon an original 2022 congressional appropriation of $750,000 for the program initiated by former U.S. Rep. Tom Malinowski.
&ldquo;I worked closely with municipal and county leaders across our district to identify projects that will create jobs and improve the lives of our constituents,&rdquo; Malinowski said. The new Senate appropriation increases the federal funding for precision agriculture at Warren to well over $1.5 million.
WarrenUAS (Uncrewed Aircraft Systems), the college&rsquo;s fast-growing drone training program, is one of the leading institutions providing industry credentials in the field. It offers credit and non-credit coursework ranging from the fundamentals of the design, maintenance, and programming of the systems to hands-on flight planning, management and execution in the broad scope of areas where drones are now deployed &ndash; fields such as law enforcement, construction, meteorology and environmental studies.
It is now connecting its drone training offerings to two new agriculture programs of study, which will benefit from this new funding. Students will be able to meld the agriculture programs with those offered by WarrenUAS to learn about the use of drones in farming while the students in WarrenUAS can add an understanding of farming needs to their credentials.
As it has expanded and its enrollment and staff have grown, WarrenUAS has added a $500,000 state-of-the-art outdoor flight training center, earned additional competitive grants for multi-million-dollar renovations to other UAS related facilities and acquired over 80 uncrewed systems and one of education&rsquo;s largest collections of new ground and maritime robotic vehicles for student training.
It has also obtained a variety of rare waivers from the Federal Aviation Administration to fly drones under certain restricted conditions like beyond their visual line of sight (BVLOS) and flying over populated areas &ndash; all so that its students can have the most useful training. Additionally, Warren can fly crop spraying drones heavier than 55 pounds, and has waivers to fly more than one at a time.
&ldquo;We designed our program to be a leader in education for the booming uncrewed vehicle industry, developing skilled professionals to meet what we know is going to be a growing demand for drone technicians in just about every sector,&rdquo; said Will Austin, president of Warren, who has prioritized building the sophisticated program.
&ldquo;Working with experts and life-long farmers we now also have explored the many ways uncrewed systems can greatly benefit agriculture,&rdquo; he said. &ldquo;We know we can serve that sector too with the training needed in uncrewed vehicles, and this congressional appropriation will be a key part of meeting that challenge.&rdquo;
Austin noted that support for WarrenUAS obtaining the grant came from not only Booker and Malinowski, but several state and local elected officials and representatives from the business community. From State Assembly Minority Leader John Dimaio to State Senator Douglas Steinhardt, statewide leaders have joined Warren County officials Lori Ciesla, James Kern, and Jason Sarnoski to help the college seek out the federal funds to support the local agricultural community. Well known farmers like Rick Gardner, Richard Cotton, and Katie Donaldson have been key agricultural leaders in helping WarreenUAS grow its program.
The comprehensive program in precision agriculture will train students in the use of drones and related technology so they can help farmers more accurately assess and treat crops and soil and then even better manage their land.
<img src="https://media.thedroningcompany.com/images/tincy/lN3C2BhjPhuTbf1Vpx7z7OwB5Rv3Oqv2N92fYv43.jpg" alt="" width="672" height="448" />
&ldquo;The goal of precision agriculture is to improve farm profitability and sustainability and to lessen land burdens through better fertilizer, pesticide, and herbicide management. It can ensure greater protection of the environment while simultaneously increasing crop yields,&rdquo; Austin said. &ldquo;Farmers are the experts, but we believe we can help them be even more successful on farms that are environmentally sound.&rdquo;
Booker pointed out that the grant will support a program that can both launch students into a rewarding career in a field where skilled professionals are desperately needed while it benefits farmers and the planet by making agriculture more efficient and environmentally sound.
&ldquo;This is something that I want to fight for,&rdquo; Booker had said on Warren&rsquo;s Phillipsburg, NJ, campus in August after learning that drones are becoming valuable to farmers in just the way they have been proven to be critical in law enforcement, search and rescue, transportation and the private sector.
Austin noted that a portion of the new $699,000 grant will go to outreach, particularly in the agriculture community. The program will be part of the college&rsquo;s full two-year degree in UAS, but also offer non-credit instruction in drone use for agriculture, aimed at those in farming who want to familiarize themselves with drone use on their land at a reasonable expense.
&ldquo;The funds also will be used for research in this relatively new field and for an accelerator lab we are creating that will boost development of new ideas and technology in precision agriculture and other UAS-related fields,&rdquo; Austin said. &ldquo;We think there is a huge future in precision agriculture, and we are poised to be a leader in its development. But we also believe we are only beginning to scratch the surface and research and new ideas are important.&rdquo;
The lab is designed to develop students to help startup companies accelerate their product development cycles, assist farmers, and create well-paying manufacturing and research jobs in
New Jersey, he noted. Companies who become a part of this accelerator will have access to the college&rsquo;s existing Advanced Robotics Development Lab (ARDL), Airframe Fabrication Lab (AFL) and the proposed Unmanned Surface Vehicle Lab (USVL) and affordable business office space at the college&rsquo;s existing Phillipsburg, NJ Small Business Development Center (incubator).
The college, which introduced its unmanned systems program in 2018, has been a pioneer in drone industry education for a growing population of students but also has worked closely with the Federal Aviation Administration, hosting its &lsquo;Droning On&rsquo; regional conference in the spring of 2023, and has collaborated broadly with law enforcement other public officials and other institutions providing unmanned system training at very reasonable rates.
It&rsquo;s broad collaboration with the leading aeronautical university in the country, Embry-Riddle, has included joint training and research projects, journal articles, matriculation pathways to the four-year program at Embry-Riddle, and a forthcoming textbook authored by faculty from both institutions. Recently the partnership was recognized by the Association for Uncrewed Vehicles International with an excellence award for its success in building the industry.
Additionally, WarrenUAS is actively partnered with Rutgers University and the NJ DEP where research studies on till/no till farms, orchard field production, multispectral analyses, bear studies, deer population studies, and many other agricultural related research projects are just getting underway. This collaboration links the tech experts at WarrenUAS with the agricultural experts of Rutgers University. Another partnership with Delaware Valley University, one of the nation&rsquo;s leading agricultural programs is currently being planned for a Fall 2024 collaborative effort.
&ldquo;Our goal is to not be experts in a vacuum. We have been generously provided the equipment, software, and expertise from state and federal grants, it is our duty to advance the knowledge for the industry, and there is no better way to do that then partner with university experts to advance food production for our nation in these times of war and climate uncertainty,&rdquo; Austin said.
Precision agriculture is a high-tech approach to farm management that uses information technology to ensure that crops and soil receive precise treatment for optimum health and productivity, according to Adam Kyle, who is the new director of the precision agriculture program.
&ldquo;The goal of precision agriculture is to ensure farm profitability, sustainability and to lessen land burdens through better fertilizer, pesticide, and herbicide management to ensure greater protection of the environment while simultaneously increasing crop yields,&rdquo; he said.
&ldquo;It relies upon specialized equipment, software and artificial intelligence, and uses real-time data about the conditions of the crops, soil and ambient air, along with other relevant information such as local weather predictions,&rdquo; Kyle noted. Predictive analytics software uses the data to provide farmers with guidance about crop rotation, optimal planting times, harvesting times and soil management and sensors in fields measure the moisture content and temperature of the soil and surrounding air.
In addition, satellites and robotic drones provide farmers with real-time images of individual plants which are processed and &ldquo;integrated with sensor and other data to yield guidance for immediate and future decisions, such as precisely what fields to water and when or where to plant a particular crop,&rdquo; Kyle said.
Booker said he realized that by placing the program at one of their community colleges, it affords more access to the community and students at the most reasonable prices for education. It also boosts the agriculture community, improves food production, and advances New Jersey&rsquo;s uncrewed systems potential.

Warren County Community College obtains $699,000 federal grant

29 March 2024
By Patrick Sherman, Assistant Professor, Embry-Riddle Aeronaurical University
Sure, you&rsquo;ve earned your Part 107 certificate. However, if you&rsquo;ve spent any time at all in the industry, then you know that doesn&rsquo;t do anything to separate you from the crowd. It&rsquo;s literally the price of admission, and the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) established it to ensure the safety of the National Airspace System (NAS) &ndash; not to provide you with marketable skills.
Your success, or failure, will be determined by what else you have to offer prospective employers. That&rsquo;s where Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University can help. Of course, there is no shortage of training programs available for remote pilots. There is probably an advertisement for at least one on the page where you are reading this article right now. So, why choose Embry-Riddle? One word: History.
<h5>Learning from the Past</h5>
With drones, more properly known as small uncrewed aircraft systems (sUAS), being a new innovation, it&rsquo;s easy to overlook the fact that they are only the most recent link added to a chain that stretches back hundreds of years to the Wright Brother, the Montgolfier Brother and Leonardo Da Vinci.
Even the multirotor configuration is nothing new. Its first incarnations flew more than a century ago.
<img src="https://media.thedroningcompany.com/images/tincy/dSp9gi7zjuwCqqCHYf7pOMVXcRyIgCD9ADFLLo1h.jpg" alt="" width="672" height="275" />
The De Bothezat helicopter, better known as &ldquo;the flying octopus&rdquo; by the few people who saw it in action, was a crewed multirotor developed for the United States Army in the early 1920s. Plagued by mechanical reliability issues and intense demands on the pilot, it was abandoned shortly thereafter. [Photo courtesy U.S. National Parks Service.]
As an aviator, you need to understand the history of your chosen profession&mdash;and Embry-Riddle is a proud part of that tradition. Known with good reason as the &ldquo;Harvard of the Skies,&rdquo; it was founded in 1926 by entrepreneur T. Higbee Embry&mdash;yes, that really was his name&mdash;and pilot John Paul Riddle.
Embry-Riddle got its start training pilots for the burgeoning aviation industry, as well as delivering mail under contract with the U.S. Postal Service. Today, most people don&rsquo;t know that it was mail delivery that prompted the early growth of the civilian aviation sector. Passengers were allowed only if there was space available between the mail bags and were referred to as &ldquo;self-loading cargo.&rdquo;
The delivery side of the business was spun off and became part of the company known today as American Airlines, while Embry-Riddle maintained its focus on pilot training. This turned out to be a good decision. With World War II looming, the United States was officially a neutral power. However, President Franklin Delano Roosevelt understood that the country must become involved eventually and that air power would be key to its ultimate victory.
Thus, the country embarked on an unprecedented civilian pilot training program, with Embry-Riddle among its prime movers.
<img src="https://media.thedroningcompany.com/images/tincy/SPpUXej9ZWjRqrtvYiltY4UwessN9B4ldizlTxAG.jpg" alt="" width="697" height="462" />
Having been established in 1926, Embry-Riddle emerged as a primary education provider for the United States&rsquo; program to train civilian pilots who could be called up to serve when the country inevitably became embroiled in World War II. [Photo courtesy Embry-Riddle.]
After the war, it was incorporated as the nonprofit Embry-Riddle Aeronautical Institute before assuming its current form as an accredited higher-education provider. Ever since, the university has been recognized as the world&rsquo;s undisputed leader in aviation and aeronautics studies.
<h5>Preparing for the Future</h5>
Simply put, Embry-Riddle is more than another company offering drone training: It is the preeminent provider of aviation education globally&mdash;and you can add that name to your resume in months, not years.
And, you won&rsquo;t even have to leave home to do it. Having long served members of the armed forces deployed overseas on remote bases, Embry-Riddle launched its online education program in 1993, not as a hurried response to the COVID-19 pandemic. Consequently, all of its programming is available for anyone with an internet connection &ndash; like the one you are using right now to read this article &ndash; through its Worldwide Campus.&nbsp;
<img src="https://media.thedroningcompany.com/images/tincy/1jOcqTo1aBCOsvYolT6vpvE6TuIVfuekiMmU7LhR.jpg" alt="" width="672" height="338" />
At the residency required to earn a Bachelor&rsquo;s or Master&rsquo;s degree in Uncrewed and Autonomous Systems from Embry-Riddle Worldwide, students work side-by-side with professors who are world-renowned experts in small UAS operations. [Photo courtesy the Academy of Model Aeronautics.]
This includes the Bachelor&rsquo;s and Master&rsquo;s of Science degrees in Uncrewed and Autonomous Systems degrees, but also short courses offered through its Office of Professional Education (OPE). Scheduled several times each year and typically completed in just four weeks, these courses are developed and taught by the same faculty who educate students enrolled in the university&rsquo;s degree programs. Specialized courses include:
<ul>
<li>UAS Risk Management</li>
<li>Inspection Operations</li>
<li>Basic Multirotor Flight Training</li>
<li>Advanced Multirotor Flight Training</li>
<li>Fixed-Wing Flight Training</li>
<li>Photogrammetry using UAS</li>
<li>Public Safety UAS Fundamentals</li>
<li>Evidence Collection and Preservation for Law Enforcement</li>
<li>Developing a Standardization Program</li>
</ul>
In addition, multiple courses can be strung together to earn a certificate from Embry-Riddle, including <a style="color: #ba372a;" href="https://www.enrole.com/erau/jsp/certificate.jsp?categoryId=5574AC00&amp;certificateId=SUAS-PUBS" target="_blank" rel="noopener">sUAS for Public Safety</a> and a <a style="color: #ba372a;" href="https://www.enrole.com/erau/jsp/certificate.jsp?categoryId=5574AC00&amp;certificateId=PROUAS-MULTI" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Professional UAS Multirotor Certificate</a>. Finally, OPE provides a gateway for you to earn third-party certifications, such as the Association for Uncrewed Vehicle Systems International (AUVSI) Trusted Operator Program (TOP) at Levels 1, 2 and 3, as well as Remote Pilot Instructor.
<h5>Begin Now</h5>
The best part is that you can begin your journey right now, this very moment, by downloading the Embry-Riddle Uncrewed Pilot Trainer (ERUPT) for free, using <a style="color: #ba372a;" href="https://trainme.erau.edu/acadtech/Integration-Instructions/suas-training/index.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener">this link</a>. This piece of software was developed to help Embry-Riddle students studying remotely to begin to develop their fundamental, thumbs-on-sticks flying skills and preparing for the industry-standard check rides used in TOP certifications.&nbsp;
<img src="https://media.thedroningcompany.com/images/tincy/UA5hlERso8ebEL1ZCbL9C2m31MKQxe3uz2zATtWT.jpg" alt="" width="713" height="476" />
The Embry-Riddle Uncrewed Pilot Trainer (ERUPT) was developed to help students seeking degrees in uncrewed and autonomous systems develop their basic proficiency and prepare for check rides such as the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) open test lane.
To be sure, this isn&rsquo;t a high-fidelity flight simulator: It&rsquo;s a training tool to help you master the basics &ndash; and it works. Students who use ERUPT prior to attending the required residency for the Bachelor's and Master&rsquo;s degrees in Uncrewed and Autonomous Systems are able to complete their check rides four times faster than students who do not use the simulator.
Apart from a few megabytes of storage space on your hard drive, you literally have nothing to lose. Maybe you play with it for five minutes and then delete it. Maybe you take an OPE course to sharpen your skills around a single sUAS application, like photogrammetry. Maybe you take a few courses and earn a certificate. You can view the many sUAS options <a style="color: #ba372a;" href="https://www.enrole.com/erau/jsp/index.jsp?categoryId=5588AD18" target="_blank" rel="noopener">here</a>.
Or, maybe you earn a Bachelor&rsquo;s or Master&rsquo;s degree from the world&rsquo;s leading provider of aviation education, joining a long and proud tradition that goes back nearly a century to when aviation itself was new &ndash; the realm of pioneers and dreamers &ndash; just like the people leading the development of the UAS industry today. It can begin <a style="color: #ba372a;" href="https://proed.erau.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">here</a>.

Beyond 107

13 March 2024
<a href="https://erau.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Embry‑Riddle Aeronautical University</a> and <a href="https://womenanddrones.com/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Women and Drones</a>, a networking organization that aims to guide women toward careers in STEM, has recently partnered to expand opportunities for women throughout the fields of aviation and aerospace.
As the leading global organization promoting female participation in the uncrewed aerial system (UAS) industry, Women and Drones aims to open new doors through this partnership for enhanced educational and professional development for women in the rapidly growing field of UAS technology. The partnership will offer members of Women and Drones a bridge to a variety of associate, baccalaureate, master's and doctoral degrees, as well as professional education programs, offered at Embry‑Riddle.
"Upon meeting Sharon Rossmark, CEO of Women and Drones, at the Commercial UAV Expo in 2022, I knew we had a shared vision," said Ron Garriga, executive director of Business Development and Professional Education at Embry‑Riddle&rsquo;s Worldwide Campus. "This partnership epitomizes the synergy between Embry‑Riddle's commitment to excellence in aerospace education and Women and Drones' mission to promote opportunities in aviation for women and girls."&nbsp;
Through Women and Drones&rsquo; networking platform, which has extended its reach to women across 22 countries, members have the opportunity to meet industry leaders, attend speaking events and learning programs, and much more.
"A strategic alliance with Embry‑Riddle represents a significant milestone for Women and Drones," said Rossmark. "Together, we're paving the way for women and girls to discover the vast opportunities in aviation, as well as shaping the next generation of aerospace leaders."
For more information, view the&nbsp;<a style="color: #ba372a;" href="https://worldwide.erau.edu/women-and-drones" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Women and Drones partnership landing page</a>, or contact Embry‑Riddle&rsquo;s Office of Professional Education at&nbsp;<a style="color: #ba372a;" href="mailto:garrigal@erau.edu" target="_blank" rel="noopener">training@erau.edu</a>&nbsp;or 386-481-9070.
<h5>About Women and Drones</h5>
Women and Drones is the leading organization dedicated to driving excellence in the UAS and AAM industry.&nbsp;Since 2017, we have been consistently recognized as one of the top companies to watch in the rapidly growing field of uncrewed aviation.&nbsp;Women and Drones is dedicated to empowering women and girls in this expanding market through educational initiatives that span from kindergarten to professional career development. Through our portfolio of brands and corporate partnerships, we offer a variety of products, services, and opportunities to support the growth and development of the UAS and AAM industry.

Embry‑Riddle and Women and Drones to Develop Female Aviators

11 March 2024
Part 107 Test Prep provider 107 School is giving away a DJI Mini 3 Pro and 10 free enrollments in their Part 107 test prep course to winners of their sweepstakes.
107 School offers part 107 training online at <a href="http://www.107school.com" target="_blank" rel="noopener">www.107school.com</a>, and you can use their mobile apps to take study anywhere you choose.
The contest ends on April 30th, 2024.
Details and contest rules are available on their website.
Register to win the DJI Mini 3 Pro at <a href="http://www.107school.com/mini3giveaway">www.107school.com/mini3giveaway</a>.
<iframe style="width: 670px; height: 377px;" title="YouTube video player" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/uiJAsZ3yuWo?si=g34xI5WM3D_Xcow4" width="670" height="377" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen"></iframe>
107 School&rsquo;s team has thoroughly enjoyed flying DJI unmanned aircraft throughout the years, and purchased two mini 3 Pros this year, one to fly and one to giveaway. After flying the mini 3 pro for a few months their conclusion is it&rsquo;s a fun, and capable small drone.
&ldquo;I think it would be a mistake to ban DJI products as they are excellent, and I have used several of them through the years. I wanted to celebrate our love for flying unmanned aircraft by giving one away,&rdquo; said John Ellis, Chief Instructor at 107 School.
107 School wants to help one lucky winner take to the skies, and is giving away a DJI Mini 3 Pro, along with 10 free enrollments in our Part 107 test prep course to our second prize winners.
See full contest rules for details. No purchase is necessary, and purchasing does not increase your chances of winning.
The mini-sized, mega-capable DJI Mini 3 Pro is powerful and portable. Weighing less than 249 g and with upgraded safety features, the Mini 3 Pro is designed for increased flight time and safety. And it&rsquo;s a ton of fun to fly.
Becoming a Part 107 operator is essential if you want to fly a small unmanned aircraft in furtherance of a business, and 107 School&rsquo;scourse will teach you the material you will need to know in order to pass the exam to earn your Part 107 certificate.
Found online at <a href="http://www.107school.com" target="_blank" rel="noopener">www.107school.com</a>, their course launched with more than 140 full HD videos, interactive quizzing, Google Play Store and Apple iTunes Applications for offline viewing of the video lessons from anywhere, so your learning fits your life.
107 School&rsquo;s test prep course provides a strong education of the rules of flying drones in the national airspace and thorough knowledge exam preparation. The learning system was designed to build community interaction to improve the course over time, and to demonstrate this vision, the chief instructor, John Ellis, an Advanced Ground Instructor with a master&rsquo;s degree, teaches the course himself in brand new videos being uploaded to the site on an ongoing basis.
A third iteration of the course is already in production, demonstrating 107 School&rsquo;s claim to be the most agile and rapidly updated course on the market.
The students who study at 107 School are essential to its health and success. They built the school with a student first mind set, because student success is key to school success. In order to pass the FAA knowledge exam, you will need to score 70 percent or better on your knowledge exam. That will not be a problem after working through 107 School&rsquo;s online course.
If you are not a remote pilot, you may wonder, if the test is hard? Yes and no. It is challenging, but easy enough to pass with study. There is a good amount of subject matter expertise needed in order to pass. It&rsquo;s not rocket science, but the subject matter takes some time to learn and master.
Since graduates are going to fly in the national airspace, it&rsquo;s important for them to know how to navigate the publications and rules that remote pilot&rsquo;s in command will need to follow.
Since flying a drone is a legally regulated activity, it&rsquo;s important to do everything you can to stay on the right side of the laws and &ldquo;fly legal.&rdquo;
With FAA test prices getting so costly, they kept their price low because we are introducing a brand new product from a new provider, and want to build our community.
There is so much knowledge you will need in order to pass the exam, and fly safely.
Unmanned pilots must master airspace, weather theory, weather publication decoding, and tons of regulations about what you can and can not do with an unmanned aircraft. It&rsquo;s important to not only know the regulations, but to follow them and fly safely.
Since we are fortunate to have access to such wonderful technology, we need to be good stewards of the trust placed in us. As professionals, part 107 operators also need to set a good example for recreational flyers.
In addition to test prep, their course also helps prepare our graduates to act as professional crew members and work as a remote pilot in command, or other crew roles once they pass their FAA exam.
107 School course is available for a low price of $107 for all of 2024, and is offering a promo code discount during our launch for the first customers through the course. Use promo code 107launch for a $30 discount, code good until March 30, 2024.
One of 107 School&rsquo;s best characteristics is its agility and adaptability. 107 School is a lean fast moving company because we are not a large, established group. We are experienced at creating online aviation educational material, and offer a thorough product.All of our videos are written by a human being in their entirety, and we never trust generative predictive chat bots to write course material for us, and never will.
Our chief instructor, John Ellis, produced the very first video course about Part 107, and was one of the very first applicants to pass the exam. He is an FAA certified advanced ground instructor, and active remote pilot who flies real estate photography missions on a regular basis with his Mavic 3 and flies a DJI Mini 3 Pro as well.
With both iTunes and Google Play store apps, 107 school learners enjoy the flexibility of taking their school materials with them anywhere. The apps provide the entire experience of learning offline, with interactive video, videos, quizzing, and testing anywhere in the world.
Though their website only went live nine weeks ago, 107 School has completely refreshed their website layout, added their affiliate program, launched their mobile apps, and are replacing the AI Talent with their human instructor.
107 School is also able to offer multiple B2B multi seats sales options, please email them at <a href="mailto:instructor@107school.com" target="_blank" rel="noopener">instructor@107school.com</a> to establish a structure that works for your organization. You can manage your seats, or buy bulk seats. Lock in the low pricing while it&rsquo;s available.
&nbsp;
&nbsp;

Part 107 Test Prep Giving away a DJI Mini 3

All photos courtesy of <a style="color: #34495e;" href="https://www.facebook.com/HQAirForceJROTC/videos/825568255308377" target="_blank" rel="noopener">HQ AF Junior ROTC.</a>
07 March 2024
By Aaron Zhang, CEO and Co-Founder, A2Z Drone Delivery
Throughout the country, schools are rapidly advancing STEM curricula to integrate classroom science, technology, engineering and mathematics with hands-on opportunities for students to put those skills into practice. Drones have become a fun and practical tool for such STEM activities allowing students to build, program and learn to fly unmanned aerial vehicles. At Great Oak High School in Temecula, CA, students and instructors have truly elevated the integration of drones into their STEM curricula by forming the Great Oak High School Air Force Junior ROTC Drone Squadron. While the program began with simple consumer level drones in 2014, instructors sought opportunities to expand the program&rsquo;s capabilities with more commercial-grade capabilities, including the addition of an A2Z Drone Delivery drone winch integrated with its DJI Matrice 600.
Under the direction of William Jones, George Macias and Scott Barberides, retired US Air Force instructors, students at Great Oak High School have a unique opportunity to study aerospace science as part of their STEM curriculum. Both licensed FAA Part 107 pilots, Macias and Barberides teach the principles and theory of aerospace science in the traditional classroom setting, but what sets the Great Oak program apart is the hands-on learning students enjoy before and after school hours.
When the Great Oak drone program began, it consisted of a dedicated class of six students. In the passing years, the program has expanded to service dozens of students with several having secured their Part 107 licenses as well. With funding through the Air Force Junior ROTC program, the program allows students to start their hands-on learning by building and programming their own RubiQ drones. As their aerospace skills improve, the students also have access to numerous camera-equipped DJI Phantom and Mavic UAVs, as well as Skydio platforms. These consumer platforms enable students to learn to fly the drones and conduct aerial videography for school events. Students also shoot video of school football games, graduation ceremonies, etc.
<img src="https://media.thedroningcompany.com/images/tincy/6nJSqIIReX483rN1QD2ypeXLeqxIdkzOn7INakLG.png" alt="" width="670" height="499" />
With the program growing rapidly, Jones, Macias and Barberides also sought to expand the capabilities of the Drone Squadron to allow students to conduct more advanced missions. While the existing fleet of drones offered an amazing opportunity for students to apply their classroom lessons in the field, drones have grown beyond merely photography tools. Expanding the Squadron&rsquo;s capabilities with a more advanced drone not only allowed students to practice new applications for their STEM skills, but opened their eyes to the vast career opportunities that drones can unlock after graduation.
The Great Oak Drone Squadron had recently acquired an advanced DJI Matrice 600. The commercial drone platform gave the Squadron heavier lift capabilities, and the customizable payload bay meant students could get very creative in the type of missions they conducted. After several months though, the highly-capable Matrice platform was not seeing much use in the Drone Squadron&rsquo;s routine flights.
<img src="https://media.thedroningcompany.com/images/tincy/6L9C0H73FBto15x97kXALsUXM4j20At1DlJYjSzB.png" alt="" width="458" height="492" />
&ldquo;The Matrice was being under-utilized, and we wanted to find a viable use case for it,&rdquo; said Barberides. &ldquo;So, we started doing some research on how to put the Matrice to work for us. That&rsquo;s when we found A2Z Drone Delivery.&rdquo;
&ldquo;We approached our principal, Aimee Ricken, about expanding our program and she assisted by providing resources for us through a grant that allowed us to make the purchase. It makes a huge difference to any organization when the principal is in your corner, and principal Ricken has always been there for us, and for that we are truly grateful,&rdquo; said Barberides.
The Great Oak Drone Squadron outfitted their Matrice 600 with an A2Z Drone Delivery RDS2 commercial drone winch. Able to attach to just about any drone platform, the commercial drone winch allowed the team to hang large banners and flags from the Matrice. When the school hosts large events like football games, graduation ceremonies, etc. the Great Oak Drone Squadron not only documents the event from the air, but student pilots fly in a large custom-made 10 x 15 foot American flag as part of the school&rsquo;s color guard procession.
&ldquo;The kids fly for videos all day long, but the A2Z winch gave us another component,&rdquo; said Barberides. &ldquo;If we didn&rsquo;t have the winch a good portion of our missions wouldn&rsquo;t be possible. The winch really breathed new life into the Matrice that wasn&rsquo;t being used to its fullest potential.&rdquo;
Students quickly became comfortable flying the large flag and sought to further exploit the unique capabilities the new RDS2 drone winch brought to their program. When the school celebrated its annual homecoming, student pilots took to the air to lower the crowns for the homecoming king and queen at the end of the winch&rsquo;s tether.
As with any drone operations, the Great Oak Drone Squadron pays maximum attention to ensuring its missions are conducted safely and efficiently. Leveraging the A2Z drone winch to lower the crowns allowed the drone&rsquo;s spinning propellers to be kept far from the students below, and meant that the noise of the Matrice&rsquo;s six propellers wouldn&rsquo;t disturb the audio equipment in use. Beyond its core safety protocols, the adoption of the commercial-grade RDS2 winch also gave the JROTC cadre the peace of mind needed to conduct such operations.
&ldquo;When we sought out the drone winch, we wanted a proven commercial tool; there are students in close proximity to the drone operations and we didn&rsquo;t want to risk using a DIY solution that could fail,&rdquo; said Barberides. &ldquo;We&rsquo;ve grown so fast and we always want to ensure we are operating safely, so we are very cautious in all our flight preparations, in-flight activities, and with our equipment. We test every drone the day before a flight to ensure everything is working properly.&rdquo;
<img src="https://media.thedroningcompany.com/images/tincy/myE68plKgddCYVIM9sIZVThA5GSVZ8azWHygQhsS.png" alt="" width="671" height="381" />
Under the leadership of the JROTC instructors, and a revolving dedicated team of students, the Great Oak High School Air Force Junior ROTC Drone Squadron has grown exponentially. Not only has student participation drastically expanded, but the Squadron&rsquo;s unique capabilities have grown to allow students access to more advanced drone missions.
Building its capabilities from the basics of drone flight to being able to conduct actual commercial-caliber operations with tools like the A2Z Drone Delivery drone winch have ensured the drone program delivers on its core mission of enacting a hands-on STEM curriculum for the students. The exposure to these drone capabilities have also led graduating students to secure their FAA Part 107 licenses as they prepare to pursue careers in aerospace.
&ldquo;It&rsquo;s fun flying with the kids and getting them interested in aerospace,&rdquo; said Barberies. &ldquo;I get to share some stories from my years of flying, and see students captivated by flight as much as I have been.&rdquo;
Ultimately the Great Oak Drone Squadron has been recognized by the US Air Force as one of the top drone organizations in the country.
About Aaron Zhang
Aaron Zhang is the Founder and CEO of A2Z Drone Delivery, Inc., which is developing innovative solutions to enable safe, accurate and low-noise drone deliveries. Focused on last-mile UAV delivery systems, A2Z Drone Delivery is creating UAV delivery platforms capable of pushing drone delivery into the mainstream of logistics operations. Based in Torrance, C.A., A2Z Drone Delivery originated as a drone delivery project at Brown University in 2016 and now services customers around the world which are leveraging its technology for a diverse array of applications.

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