Unmanned Aircraft Systems (Drones)

Across the U.S. and around the world, small, unmanned aircraft systems (drones under 55 pounds) are rapidly transforming business and industry. Drones are already being implemented in agriculture, infrastructure, package delivery, EMS, law enforcement, wind turbine blade inspections, utility substation and power line inspections, wildlife monitoring and reporting, mining, pipeline inspection, and real estate to name just a few. Drones are also being used in the military and in the event of natural disasters such as tornado- or flood-damaged areas to assess the damage and search for survivors. Almost every industry in the next few years will be utilizing drones in some capacity.

COTC has partnered with the Unmanned Safety Institute (USI) to offer a credit-bearing drone training program. USI provides a well-developed curriculum and access to simulation software that will prepare students to take remote pilot certification exams. The drone certificate program includes four courses taken over two semesters. Lecture is provided online with hands-on skills sessions at the Newark campus.  

Licensing Opportunity

Upon successful completion of the program, students will be able to take an FAA Part 107 remote pilot certificate exam to become a registered remote pilot. This certificate demonstrates that a student understands the regulations, operating requirements and procedures for safely flying drones.