With skies opening up for the commercial use of drones, businesses need to be prepared to use the technology of the small Unmanned Aerial Systems (sUAS) without any turbulence, especially when it comes to safety or the law.
Oklahoma City Community College’s (OCCC) Professional Development Institute (PDI) recognizes the need for formal training of professionals and hobbyists alike to learn the best safety and legal flying practices. The sUAS Academy at OCCC’s PDI, designed for anyone 16 years and older, provides individuals and businesses the knowledge needed to navigate the skies with confidence.
The sUAS Academy gives a complete overview and thorough understanding of sUAS. Students will learn to fly using both computer flight simulations and live first person view (FPV) quadcopters, and be taught the different types of flight systems and routine maintenance. While individuals learn about emerging job opportunities, companies can learn about sUAS and the use of this amazing technology in their businesses.
Exclusively for this upcoming academy, the Remote Pilot Test Prep course is also included in the price. A value of $295, this course is designed to help academy students pass the test for “Part 107” of the sUAS Rule. Part 107 is designed to allow commercial drone use without a Section 333 Exemption. Although this course is included in the academy price, it is optional as there is additional class time.
Other topics covered are flight vehicles, radio controllers, components and characteristics, autonomous flight, mission planning, routine maintenance, uses and applications, safety, FAA guidelines, privacy concerns and insurance.
The next sUAS Academy, given in six three-hour sessions, will begin Sept. 26, Monday and Wednesday evenings from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m., and end on Oct. 12. The course costs $1299 and includes the cost of instruction and a DJI Phantom quadcopter with camera for the student to use during the academy and keep upon completion of the academy for continued use. The Remote Pilot Test Prep course will be offered in three three-hour sessions, Tuesday and Thursday evenings from 6 to 9 p.m., Sept. 13-20 or Sept. 22-29.
For questions about the course, or to enroll, contact Patrick Clanin by phone at (405) 682-7854 or via email at patrick.a.clanin@occc.edu. Students can also register online by visiting /pdi. The sUAS course will be held at the Professional Development Institute, located at 7124 I-35 Service Road, Oklahoma City, OK.
OCCC enrolls more than 20,000 students and has more than 90,000 participants in its various community programs annually. OCCC offers a full range of associate degree programs that prepare students to transfer to baccalaureate institutions while other degree and certificate programs prepare students for immediate employment. At OCCC, students receive a quality education with small class sizes, dedicated professors and leadership opportunities. Students can choose from more than 80 major fields of study and participate in any of the 40+ clubs and organizations. For more information about OCCC, visit www.occc.edu.
