SUNY Ulster will offer a comprehensive 12-hour Intro to small Unmanned Aircraft Systems (sUAS)/Learn to Fly course providing hands-on skills training for aspiring business operators and hobbyists to fly drones safely and efficiently, as well as a six-hour Remote Pilot Knowledge Test Prep course which prepares students to successfully pass the FAA certification exam required for commercial use of drones. The courses may be taken sequentially or individually based on each student’s flight skills and interest in employment-related opportunities. A free information session on these courses will be held on Wednesday, April 10, from 6:30 – 7:30 p.m. at the Stone Ridge Campus.
Goldman Sachs Research estimates the economic impact of sUAS technology to be $100 billion in the next four years. Much of this growth comes from the application of drone technology to existing industries, as well as emerging businesses yet to be created. The FAA has released regulations that pave the way for expanded commercial use of sUAS. As part of the new guidelines, drone pilots are now required to pass the FAA’s remote pilot knowledge test.
The Intro to sUAS/Learn to Fly course is designed to offer comprehensive insight into different types of flight systems and their capabilities, safe and legal flying practices, market opportunities and applications, and hands-on piloting skills. The course is capped off with a Top Gun competition where participants demonstrate flying skills while navigating an obstacle course. The Intro to sUAS/Learn to Fly course is offered on Saturdays, April 27 and May 4, from 9 a.m.–4 p.m. at the Stone Ridge Campus. Registration is required by April 18.
The Remote Pilot Knowledge Test Prep course prepares students for the FAA remote pilot knowledge test and eventual FAA certification. This course will be held on Saturday, May 11, from 9 a.m.–4 p.m. at the Stone Ridge Campus.
For more information or to register for the classes or information session, contact SUNY Ulster Continuing and Professional Education at (845) 339-2025 or register online at sunyulster.edu/ce. Pre-registration is required.
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