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a drone with people in the background
The field of uncrewed aircraft systems is more than a hobby. The technology is already being used in many fields and offers possibilities in many more.

Drone Courses Help Students Incorporate Technology into Professions



Beaufort County Community College is offering nine courses to help students train as commercial drone pilots or to incorporate the technology into an existing career or business. The technology, also known as uncrewed aircraft systems or UAS, has applications for forestry, real estate, agriculture, law enforcement, and utilities. The courses cover pilot certification, relevant software, and building and maintenance. Two of these courses are scholarship eligible for qualifying students. Students can register by calling 252-940-6375 or visiting www.beaufortccc.edu/conedregistration.

Commercial UAS Certificate Preparation

This course prepares students to take the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Part 107 exam required of all commercial UAV (drone) operators. Topics covered include FAA regulations, airspace classifications, operating requirements, flight restrictions, aviation weather sources, effects of weather on performance, weight and balance, emergency procedures, crew resource management, radio communications, physiological factors, aeronautical decision-making and judgment, and maintenance and preflight inspection procedures. Instructors will guide students through obtaining their NCDOT permit and registering to take their FAA Part 107 Exam. The FAA examination costs $175 (subject to change) and is not included in the registration fee. This $130 course will be offered 5:00 p.m.-9:00 p.m. on Tuesdays and Thursdays from May 7 – 28, 8:00 a.m.-4:00 p.m. on Saturdays from May 25-June 15, 5:00 p.m.-9:00 p.m. on Tuesdays and Thursdays from July 9-30, 5:00 p.m.-9:00 p.m. on Mondays and Wednesdays from July 29-August 19.

Beyond 107 – Level 1: Basic UAS Operations

This course is designed for FAA Part 107 Certified Pilots and revisits and expands on several concepts introduced on the exam. Topics covered include routine operations in accordance with Part 107 that do not require a waiver, flights using aircraft less than 5.5 pounds, regulatory knowledge and compliance, general mission planning protocols, maintenance and inspection programs, and introductions to safety management systems. Upon successful completion of coursework, students will sit for an end-of-course knowledge exam and, if successful, become certified as Level 1 Trusted Operators through AUVSI. Students who elect the certification option will pay an additional estimated $75 fee at the time of testing. Students can register & pay online and a valid FAA Part 107 Remote Pilot Certificate is required to take this $75 course. The two-day course takes place on July 9 and July 11.

Beyond 107 – Level 2: Advanced UAS Operations

Expanding on Beyond 107 – Level 1, this course focuses on operations that require FAA waivers and approvals, UAS operations under FAA Part 119.1 (including crop dusting), and those with elevated risk factors such as flying at night, and those necessitating visual observers or an Air Boss. A focus on Crew Resource Management (CRM) includes developing procedures related to standard operations (SOPs), emergency procedures, maintenance, flight records, pilot proficiency, and reporting. Upon successful completion of coursework, students will sit for an end-of-course knowledge exam and flight assessment. If successful, students will become certified as Level 2 Trusted Operators though AUVSI. Students who elect the certification option will pay an additional $75 estimated fee at the time of testing. Students can register and pay online, and a valid FAA Part 107 Remote Pilot Certificate and AUVSI Level 1 Top Operator are required for this $130 course. It will run July 16-25 on Tuesdays and Thursdays.

UAS Pilot Training - Basics

Students will receive hands-on training and will learn the fundamentals of flight, navigation, safety protocols, and flying techniques. Students will be expected to progress through a series of basic maneuvers that will lead to proficiency in routine flight operations. Students will also be guided through obtaining the FAA TRUST certificate required for all recreational remote pilots. Neither previous piloting experience nor a Part 107 license is required for this course. The dates and times of meetings may change due to weather conditions. Students can register and pay online for this $75 course. It will take place on Saturdays from May 11-25.

UAS Pilot Training – First Person View (FPV)

Students will be introduced to the exciting world of First-Person Video (FPV) UAS technology with guidance from experienced instructors. FPV drones use onboard cameras that send a live video feed to goggles worn by the pilot. Through demonstrations and practical flight assessments students will learn about equipment, technique, safety procedures, and regulations. Students will also be guided through obtaining the FAA TRUST certificate required for all recreational remote pilots. Neither previous piloting experience nor a Part 107 license is required for this course. No prior FPV experience is required. Students can register and pay online for this $75 course. It will take place on Saturdays from June 1-June 15 .

UAS Pilot Training – Photo & Video

Students taking this course should have either completed the UAS Pilot Training – Basics course or have demonstrated flight proficiency to an instructor ahead of the start of class. Students will be introduced to the best practices of aerial photography and will expect to progress through a series of maneuvers focusing on photography and videography. As part of the class students will plan a media project and gather the requisite stock photos or footage. Students will also be guided through obtaining the FAA TRUST certificate required for all recreational remote pilots. Neither previous piloting experience nor a Part 107 license is required for this course. The dates and times of meetings may change due to weather conditions. Students can register and pay online for this $130 course, and completion of UAS Pilot Training – Basics or Flight Proficiency Assessment are required. It will take place on Saturdays from June 22 through August 10.

UAS Operations – Mapping with Pix4D

Students will explore mapping using UAVs and Pix4D software. Topics covered in this course include equipment & software selection, capturing imagery, creating digital maps and 3D models, establishing control points, linear and volumetric measurements, project development and management, and producing deliverables. Students will be introduced to data capture using either a DJI Mavic 3E or their own equipment. They will work to become certified in both Pix4Dmatic Essentials and Pix4Dmapper Essentials. A final project will involve a student-produced 2D digital map and 3D photogrammetric model of their choice. Students are encouraged to either have a current FAA Part 107 certificate or be enrolled in a relevant training program. This class is taught by Pix4D Certified trainers. Upon successful completion of coursework, students will sit for end-of-course knowledge exams and, if successful, earn their Pix4Dmatic & Pix4Dmapper Certifications. Students who elect the certification option will pay an additional $200 estimated fee per exam prior to testing. Students can register and pay online for this $130 course, and it is scholarship eligible. It will take place on Tuesdays and Thursday evenings from May 23-July 2.

UAS Operations – Public Safety Mapping with Pix4D

This course is designed for current or prospective public safety professionals. Students are encouraged to either have a current FAA Part 107 certificate or be enrolled in a relevant training program. Pix4DReact is designed specifically for emergency response and public safety applications. In this class, students will explore capturing images using automated flights and processing them to create measurable 2D maps. Additionally, students will become familiar with the workflow procedures used to export and share maps and reports with teams and other stakeholders. This class is taught by Pix4D Certified trainers and current public safety professionals. Upon successful completion of coursework, students will sit for an end-of-course knowledge exam and, if successful, earn their Pix4Dreact Certification. Students who elect the certification option will pay an additional $200 estimated fee prior to testing. Students can register online for this course, and they must be employed or certified as a first responder. The two-day class will run on May 21 and May 22.

UAV Building & Maintenance

This course is designed to introduce students to the scientific principles associated with both the design and build phases of small unmanned aerial vehicles (UAV). Upon completion of this course, students should be familiar with the parts and components that make up UAVs well enough to troubleshoot repairs. Following schematics students will connect all electrical components while developing an understanding of how everything works together to produce aerial vehicles. Students complete the FAA TRUST Certificate and will learn how to register their UAV online through the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Drone Zone Students will utilize computer-based simulators to develop rudimentary flight skills before flying the machine for testing and flight skills training. The college will provide UAVs build kits for use while in class. If students would like to supply their own parts, they are welcome to do so. This course ends with an overview of the current FAA aviation maintenance rules and regulations required for safe and efficient operations. Students can register and pay online for this $185 course, and it is scholarship eligible. These evening classes will take place on Mondays and Wednesdays from May 27 through July 31.


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