DARTdrones CEO and Co-founder, Abby Speicher Carroll, stated “We couldn’t be more excited to partner with DEPCO. We are learning a lot while expanding into offering our course to high schools and DEPCO has proven to be an incredible asset in helping us learn.”

The DARTdrones Intro to Drones course is a year-long course that is completely turnkey for teachers. Teachers access online courses, practice exercises, student quizzes, worksheets, career activities, flight activities, and comprehensive lesson plans.

DEPCO Enterprises, LLC’s president, Rod Murphy, stated “Whether you’re flying drones for recreational purposes or starting your own business, drones are quickly becoming a multi-purpose piece of technology. Agriculture, home inspections, healthcare, search and rescue, and many other transportation industries are now using drones on a daily basis. High school and CTE programs are quickly adding drone equipment and curriculum to meet this high demand and high growth workforce. DEPCO is proud to partner with DartDrones to provide teacher and student training materials geared towards a successful outcome and certification.”

The two companies are excited to bring drones to more high schools with this new curriculum.

Click here to obtain free access to Unit 1 of the DARTdrones course.

About DARTdrones

DARTdrones is the leading nationwide drone training company in the United States, offering courses in over 25 cities. We offer basic flight training classes, Part 107 Airman Knowledge test prep courses, advanced industry specific training, and UAS program implementation consulting services. DARTdrones has trained over 15,000 drone pilots to date from many of the nation’s largest companies and organizations. DARTdrones utilizes an expert curriculum instruction team as well as instructors with manned aviation backgrounds to maintain the brand of the highest quality enterprise drone training in the country.

About DEPCO

Since 1981, DEPCO Enterprises, LLC has been a leader in the Career and Technical Education (CTE) market. DEPCO offers quality training equipment and curriculum to educational institutions for entry-level career pathway explorations as well as advanced-level, industry specific programs. With product offerings that can include certifications and industry grade equipment, DEPCO prides itself on their ability to train the highly-compensated, skilled workforce of tomorrow.

The post DARTdrones and DEPCO Partner to Bring Drones to More Classrooms Nationwide appeared first on DARTdrones.

Why the New Focus on Drone Workforce Development?

For years, DARTdrones was approached by teachers, college professors, and workforce development instructors seeking a course that they could teach to their students. The DARTdrones team knew it would be a tremendous undertaking to make our Part 107 Test Prep course easy for a teacher new to aviation to teach. The DARTdrones Part 107 Test Prep courses have historically always been taught by DARTdrones expert instructors who are manned aviation pilots. After intensive research about the future of the drone industry, the DARTdrones team could see a clear gap in the future need for professional drone pilots. The DARTdrones team decided to jump full force into filling this gap through licensing curriculum to other teachers, connecting employers with alumni, reconsidering industry certifications, and qualifying for and helping build state industry certifications. We believe this Workforce Development initiative is the future for DARTdrones!

Focused on Young Learners

The “Intro to Drones” course offers students a comprehensive foundation in drone technology, blending technical instruction with hands-on activities and collaborative discussions. DARTdrones prioritizes student engagement, ensuring that even the challenging aspects, such as preparing for the FAA Part 107 Certification Exam, are both educational and enjoyable.

Ongoing Support for Teachers

DARTdrones prides itself on our ability to support teachers along the way. We offer even non-aviation teachers the opportunity to successfully introduce students to drones through customized curriculum and an ongoing support structure. Teachers are always offered: 

• Train the Trainers options – in-person, virtual, and private trainings
• Live question and answer sessions with DARTdrones Instructors
• Virtual check ins with other teachers teaching the same material
• Access for teachers and administrators to track student progress and test scores in our LMS system 

Building the Course

DARTdrones is extremely grateful to have a team of developers dedicated to creating courses that help students and teachers grow in their drone journeys. Hear from Danny Burk, Chief Curriculum Developer at DARTdrones, on what his experience was while building our Intro to Drones Course! 

What Sets DARTdrones Apart?

Most drone curriculum providers fall into 2 categories:

• STEM, which focuses on coding and building drones
• Game playing, which focuses on topics like drone soccer or drone racing

DARTdrones is neither of these. We focus on real world drone operations professional drone pilots are flying for their career. We’ve been training pilots at some of the largest drone programs in the US for over 10 years. Now, we are bringing that same training into the classroom, adapted for younger learners.

DARTdrones is committed to creating a comprehensive training that aligns with our enterprise drone program partnerships. Where we shine, is in our ability to provide pilot training on real-world drone use cases. Since we train the pilots at numerous large oil and gas companies, electric utilities, water authorities, and public safety agencies, we have inside knowledge on how to build out professional curricula to support their operations.

Take a Sneak Peak Inside Our Intro to Drones Course Content

• Year at a Glance
• Sample Practice Exercise: Lesson 3
• Sample Group Exercise: Lesson 1
• Unit 1 Materials List
• Unit 1 Standards and Objectives
• Careers in Drones: Sample Activity

Learn More

Learn more about the DARTdrones Intro to Drones course here or reach out to Mike McCann on our team.

mccann@dartdrones.com

The post DARTdrones Launches Innovative ‘Intro to Drones’ Course for High School Students appeared first on DARTdrones.

Are you a high school teacher tasked with the exciting yet daunting role of educating the next generation of drone pilots? If you’re feeling overwhelmed by the complexities of drone technology and FAA regulations, you’re not alone. Fortunately, DARTdrones offers a dynamic solution designed to transform you into a confident, knowledgeable instructor ready to lead your high school drone program: Our Train the Trainer Course!

Starting a High School Drone Program Can be Daunting

DARTdrones has long recognized the challenges educators face when stepping into the rapidly evolving world of drone technology. Our Train the Trainer program is crafted to alleviate these pressures by providing comprehensive, in-person training from some of the nation’s top aviation professionals. These are not just any instructors; they are manned aviation pilots who actively teach at large high school drone programs and operate drones professionally every day.

What to Expect from Your In-person Drone Training

Our training course spans 3-5 days of intensive, hands-on learning tailored to empower educators:

• Expert Instruction: Learn directly from experts who are not only seasoned in the field but also adept at instructing in educational settings.
• Interactive Sessions: Engage in practical flying sessions, deep dives into FAA regulations, and discussions on the latest in drone technology.
• Personalized Support: Benefit from small class sizes (8-10 teachers per session), ensuring personalized attention and tailored advice.
• Collaborative Opportunities: We encourage schools to collaborate, inviting nearby districts to join the training and foster a broader support network.

Comprehensive sUAS Training for High School Teachers

The curriculum is designed to leave no stone unturned:

• FAA Part 107 Certification Prep: Tackle the most challenging aspects of the FAA exam with strategies from experienced pilots so you can pass your Part 107 Test.
• Ongoing Resources: Gain access to an extensive library of materials to support your teaching and provide continual learning opportunities.
• Network Building: Connect with a community of educators and experts who are as passionate about drone education as you are.

Why Professional Training Matters the Most for Your High School Drone Program

Upon completing the DARTdrones Train the Trainer program, you’ll not only enhance your drone knowledge and teaching prowess but also significantly boost your confidence. Whether it’s conducting classroom discussions, overseeing drone flights, or navigating FAA compliance, you’ll have the expertise and resources to manage your high school drone program effectively.

Ready to Elevate Your Drone Program?

Don’t let this chance to enhance your career and influence the future of drone technology education pass you by. Join the ranks of competent, certified drone instructors shaping the landscape of drone education in schools nationwide.

If you would like to learn more about starting a a drone program in your high school, look at this free webinar that will answer your questions.

About DARTdrones

DARTdrones is the nation’s leader in drone training, program development, and consultation, offering online and in-person courses in 15+ cities across the United States. DARTdrones takes pride in its comprehensive curriculum, industry knowledge, and expert flight instructors, who are all manned and unmanned aircraft pilots. Visit us online at www.dartdrones.com, call 800-264-3907 or email the DARTdrones Team at info@dartdrones.com to learn more.

The post Empowering Educators: How DARTdrones’ Train the Trainer Program Transforms High School Drone Education appeared first on DARTdrones.

The Wings for Val Foundation honors the legacy of Navy LT Valerie Cappelaere Delaney who was an EA-6B Prowler jet pilot. Every year, multiple scholarships are awarded to women pursuing careers in aviation. Announced at the 2022 Women in Aviation Conference held in Nashville, Tennessee, this year’s scholarship recipient is 17-year-old, Elizabeth Witte. Elizabeth lives in Indio, California. Her interest in aviation began at the young age of 14 after a discovery flight. Her mentors from the aviation and aerospace industry encouraged Elizabeth to begin her journey towards a fulfilling career in aeronautics.

After graduating high school at 16, she decided to begin training to become a corporate pilot. Elizabeth enrolled at Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University Worldwide in the B.S. in Aeronautics program. During a flight session to obtain her private pilot license on December 4, 2020, Elizabeth endured a plane crash. Miraculously surviving the accident with critical injuries, Elizabeth has continued her education pursuing a B.S. in Engineering during her second year of college while still in recovery.

“This scholarship offers me the opportunity to keep flying from the ground. I love every aspect of aviation and this path in drone training can open new doorways in the aviation industry. This Part 107 certification will allow me to contribute to the aviation industry in a new way. Though I may not pilot aircraft in the air at this time, I can pilot them from the ground!”

This is the 5^th year that DARTdrones has participated in the Wings for Val Foundation scholarship program, Founder and CEO Abby Speicher says, “We’re delighted to have the opportunity to continuously contribute to the future of these aspiring aviation professionals. As a female entrepreneur and business owner in the aviation industry, I hope to continue to see women pursuing careers in aviation.”

Board of Directors member, Caroline Desroches, states “The Wings for Val Foundation (W4V) scholarship program is extremely important to me as Val’s sister and board member of the foundation. These scholarships allow Val’s incredible legacy as a Navy pilot who made the ultimate sacrifice to be carried forward to current and future generations of women. The W4V Drone Training & Photography Scholarship given in conjunction with DARTdrones means a lot to me and our foundation. The recipients of this award have been able to take advantage of the cutting-edge training offered by DARTdrones and become FAA licensed remote pilots. Since we began offering this scholarship in 2018, there have been five young women who have received this scholarship and become licensed remote pilots. We couldn’t make this happen without our partnership with DARTdrones.”

Participants interested in applying for the Wings for Val Foundation scholarship are encouraged to apply by visiting https://wingsforval.org/scholarship/apply/

About the Author

Sarah Cavalcanti joined DARTdrones in 2021 after relocating to Salt Lake City from her hometown of Atlanta, Georgia. As the Digital Marketing Associate, Sarah is a key member of the Marketing department and manages brand, social media efforts, and DARTdrones’ strategic marketing strategies. Sarah’s enthusiasm for the drone industry began via her education, receiving a Bachelor in Fine Arts with a concentration in photography as well as a personal love of videography.

DARTdrones is the nation’s leader in drone training, program development and consultation, offering online and in-person courses in 40+ cities across the United States. DARTdrones takes pride in their comprehensive curriculum, developed by a former US Navy Helicopter pilot, as well as their 40+ flight instructors who are all manned and unmanned aircraft pilots. Visit us online at www.dartdrones.com, call 800-264-3907 or email the DARTdrones Team at info@dartdrones.com to learn more.

The post DARTdrones Donates Scholarship to Women in Aviation Through Wings for Val Foundation appeared first on DARTdrones.

Forbes.com points out that according to a recent study from Skyward Research, a high percentage of companies, 88% to be exact, see a positive return on investment within 12 months or less after implementing the use of drone technology into business. To see positive ROI in under a year is pretty phenomenal, so it behooves you to find the right drone training school that matches your business needs.

Making decisions can be hard no matter what you’re looking at, and in the world of drones, there are a lot of options out there for drone training schools and programs. How do you know which drone training school is the right one for you and how do you know what to look for to make sure you have the best training? These are questions that can be asked as an individual endeavor or that the leadership team of a larger company can identify together in the search for the very best drone training school for business.

First, assess your industry’s training needs

Is your desire to train with drones coming from a place to fly them recreationally or is it more of a business endeavor for your individual use? Do you just want to fly for fun or do you want to run your own drone business? If you will be using a drone for business, which type of business will you use it for?

Which drone school is the best for your individual needs as a drone pilot hobbyist?

If you are a recreational drone pilot, then you may want to look for a drone training school that offers solid basics that will help you stay safe and enjoy your hobby. It doesn’t need to cost too much, and it doesn’t need to be too complicated. Be careful not to overcommit to a lot of unnecessary trainings if you are truly just interested in piloting a drone as a hobby. There are a lot of fun classes that might pique your interest if you want to take the time beyond the basics, however, so it never hurts to expand your horizons and give them a chance. For example, you may find that while you’re flying your drone for fun, it might be nice to learn how to turn your average photos into really amazing photos, so you could sign up for an aerial photography drone training class.

Which drone training school is the best for your individual drone business?

Will you be taking photos of real estate or performing drone delivery? Will you be spraying crops or detecting dangerous gases with your drone? Establish what you want your drone business to specialize in and then look for a drone training school to help you get educated to make it happen. Maybe you just need training to learn how to start a drone business overall, in addition to learning your specific specialty. Research the company and make sure it has all of your drone training needs.

Which drone training academy is the best for your company?

From a different perspective, already-existing larger companies also must consider the purpose in implementing drones into the business model in order to establish which drone training school would be the best fit for the team to train with.

There are many different avenues that your company may take to implement the use of drones into business, and some drone training schools are better suited to train for those different aspects than others. For example, if you are in the construction industry, maybe you want to look for a drone training school that would have solid advanced classes or focus on all aspects regarding drone usage in construction, like obtaining data to report back to advise the client of the status of the progress of a project.

Second, do your research on drone training schools

Drone training schools range in training topics from the bare minimum, such as Part 107 certification exam prep and drone maintenance to more advanced topics, such as how to turn your drone pilot training into a business, how to specialize in drone photography, or how to implement drones into your already existing and thriving business model.

Not all drone training schools are created equal. Get the backstory about the drone training school you are considering. A few things to think about in the consideration process, whether for individual needs or enterprise:

• Do you want to train in-person or virtually online?
• What are the various certifications that are available for you to obtain?
• Is an AUVSI certified TOP operator certification available?
• Is the Part 107 prep class available, since it is required by federal law to obtain and pass the Part 107 Unmanned Aircraft General Small exam and obtain a license to operate a drone in any commercial way?
• Who are the staff members behind the training?
  • What are their credentials and certifications? What licenses do they hold?
  • Where did they get their experience and education?
• Read the reviews of the drone training school online. What is the general feedback?
• Check out the drone training school’s website. Is it professional quality and up-to-date? Does it look like something you want to be a part of?
• Ask someone you know who has had drone training if they have any recommendations on a specific drone training school that you can look into.
• How many people need to receive drone training in your organization?
• Can the drone training organization help scale your drone program over time?
• If you are part of a larger company, do you want the drone training to come to you on-site instead of sending all of your people to the training at an off-site location? Many companies have seen great benefits in having drone training come to the business on-site to make it more convenient for staff instead of taking the staff away from work for longer periods of time to travel to the training and then return. For example, one drone training school that offers on-site training for businesses throughout the U.S. is DARTdrones.

Whatever industry you are in, whatever specialty you choose, identify your real purpose for utilizing a drone, and then research drone training schools well to make sure you choose the one that is right for you.

About The Author

Amelia Owre is DARTdrones’ Director of Training. A former Navy helicopter pilot, Amelia flew the SH-60F, HH-60H and MH-60S prior to transitioning to unmanned systems. For the past 5 years she has been responsible for developing curriculum and implementing training for the MQ-8B Fire Scout, the Navy’s first rotary wing UAS. As a current Naval reservist, she continues to develop the training curriculum for the Fire Scout as well as instruct the Navy’s next generation of UAS operators. She is a graduate of the U.S. Naval Academy and holds an M.S. in Environmental Science, as well as a Commercial Pilot Certificate with fixed wing, helicopter and instrument ratings.

DARTdrones is the nation’s leader in drone training, program development and consultation, offering online and in-person courses in 40+ cities across the United States. DARTdrones takes pride in their comprehensive curriculum, developed by a former US Navy Helicopter pilot, as well as their 40+ flight instructors who are all manned and unmanned aircraft pilots. Visit us online at www.dartdrones.com, call 800-264-3907 or email the DARTdrones Team at info@dartdrones.com to learn more.

The post Which drone training school is right for you? appeared first on DARTdrones.

Unique Leadership

At the heart of DARTdrones is leadership that spans a generation. CEO and Co-Founder, Abby Speicher, and her father Chris Speicher as Chief Visionary Officer, stand together at the helm of this company.

As Seen on Shark Tank 

In 2017, DARTdrones co-founder and CEO Abby Speicher was featured on ABC’s “Shark Tank” in a special episode featuring millennial entrepreneurs. At that time, DARTdrones was a fledgling company offering in-person Part 107 test prep courses only. Since then, Abby and her team have developed and expanded, added over twenty specialized courses for individuals and organizations to the curriculum.

Forbes 30 under 30 Recognition

In 2019, Abby, as co-founder of DARTdrones, was named one of Forbes 30 under 30 for enterprise technology. She is literally a force to be reckoned with!

Diverse Instruction

DARTdrones has a fleet of instructors  with some serious experience behind them. From Navy helicopter pilots to Pulitzer prize winning photojournalists, and FEMA Search and Rescue to thermal drone pilots and firefighters, the team and the resources they carry with them is second to none. The aviators bring a breadth of knowledge that has become the scaffolding upon which the DARTdrones curriculum is built.

Passion for Community

DARTdrones stands firmly behind the public safety sector, having donated over $500,000 in free drone training dollars to saving lives. This is near and dear to many on the instructor team, which is honored to have Search and Rescue, firefighters, law enforcement, and retired military pilots amongst its ranks.

Real-world Experience

The curriculum developed for DARTdrones was built by Director of Training Amelia Owre, a U.S. Navy helicopter pilot. She also built a training program called FireScout that instructs drone pilots on how to operate near wild and urban fires.

Empowerment and Support

With a strong female leader, DARTdrones is passionate about encouraging women to pursue aviation, and has participated in the Wings for Val scholarship foundation for the last 4 years. In 2021, Abigail Wells was presented with the Drone Training Scholarship, and aims to use it for drone-based wildlife surveys.

It truly is an honor to celebrate these seven years as leaders in drone education and entrepreneurship. DARTdrones strives to continue to elevate the standard of drone pilot training and be a steadfast ambassador for the drone industry. Above all, we’re throughly grateful for those who entrusted us with their drone training education and believed in our mission, making the past seven years possible. We couldn’t have done it without you.

About the Author

Sarah Cavalcanti joined DARTdrones in 2021 after relocating to Salt Lake City from her hometown of Atlanta, Georgia. As the Digital Marketing Associate, Sarah is a key member of the Marketing department and manages brand, social media efforts, and DARTdrones’ strategic marketing strategies. Sarah’s enthusiasm for the drone industry began via her education, receiving a Bachelor in Fine Arts with a concentration in photography as well as a personal love of videography.

DARTdrones is the nation’s leader in drone training, program development and consultation, offering online and in-person courses in 40+ cities across the United States. DARTdrones takes pride in their comprehensive curriculum, developed by a former US Navy Helicopter pilot, as well as their 40+ flight instructors who are all manned and unmanned aircraft pilots. Visit us online at www.dartdrones.com, call 800-264-3907 or email the DARTdrones Team at info@dartdrones.com to learn more.

The post Celebrating Seven Years of DARTdrones appeared first on DARTdrones.

What do you give to the man who has everything? On the other hand, what do you give to the guy who never does anything for himself because he’s always putting others first? It’s a tough question, but maybe not as difficult as you think. Coupon books full of “good-for-ones” go a long way, but consider kicking it up a notch this year, think about giving the gift of a training course to learn how to fly a drones.

The Best Father’s Day Gifts Make Dreams Come True

Does the man in your life secretly wish he had become a fighter pilot? Does he long for the day when he can make his dreams come true by piloting a really cool plane? Does he need a change of pace from his regular monotony at work, or does he feel stuck in a rut after a pandemic year? Is he a techie? Does he like to spend time outside? Is he into photography or videography?

Even without an innate desire to pilot a plane or ability to deal with tech, a guy can really expand his horizons and get out of his daily grind with a fun day training to fly a drone through a drone training academy.

The Best Father’s Day Gifts are Unforgettable

For Father’s Day, a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity awaits for your loved one to learn to fly a drone and become an actual drone pilot! Not only will he gain the experience and learn something new, but he gets to train with actual professional pilots! He can be trained successfully and fully at a drone training school. DARTdrones offers a variety of courses, but you can start your loved one off with the basics.

Even better, you could join him and train to be a drone pilot as well! You’d have something to bond over and share together. You’d both have experiences you could share with family and friends as you tell them how much fun it was to learn how to pilot a drone together. When you learn something new, you gain knowledge that lasts for years. When you learn it while spending time together, you create memories that last a lifetime.

Time together in a drone basic flight training course at a drone training school like DARTdrones would make your Father’s Day gift to your loved one unforgettable. Part of the benefits of the DARTdrones basic flight training course are:

• Drone training instructors are actual pilots of manned aircraft
• You don’t have to own your own drone to participate
• In-person courses are offered in 28 states
• It’s great for aviation buffs

Sign up for a drone training course with your dad, husband, or loved one and share the unique gift of time together having fun doing something new that you can bond together over and create memories.

The Best Father’s Day Gifts are Convenient

DARTdrones offers in-person drone training classes across the nation as well as live, virtual courses for those who are unable to travel. Virtual classes are limited in size to create an organic experience, and the professional instructors are still directly part of the training.

Don’t forget DARTdrones offers a wide variety of other courses that may be most interesting to your loved one. For example, check out the drones for beginners course that lets people learn at their own pace over a period of 6 months from the comfort of their home.

The Best Father’s Day Gifts Build on Something That’s Already Great

Set your loved one up for a basic flight training course, a drones for beginners course, or a virtual basic flight training course. If he likes it, he can even go on to train for and certify as a drone pilot with the Part 107 Airman Knowledge Exam. DARTdrones makes it easy to continue to build on the knowledge gained in one course to rise to the next level of achievement desired in more advanced courses and certifications.

Your loved one is already great and learning all about drones is great. Give your loved one experience with the drones in a drone training course, and voila! Your loved one becomes even greater!

The Best Father’s Day Gifts are Unique

Some dads want some adventure, and some like going on a hike.

Some dads like a new hoodie, and some dads want a new bike.

Instead of new razor or socks, and instead of some pants or a phone

Consider giving your time, and train to fly a drone.

While the limerick is something light, the gift of time is not. Remember that sharing yourself is best, because that’s all your loved ones really ever want is to spend time with you. Let them train on their own or with you, but either way, you’re giving them a gift of memories for a lifetime. Give the best Father’s Day gifts this year by taking a quick trip to the drone school DARTdrones.com to sign your loved one up and even yourself up for some top notch instruction and fun training on how to fly a drone.

About the Author

Sarah Cavalcanti joined DARTdrones in 2021 after relocating to Salt Lake City from her hometown of Atlanta, Georgia. As the Digital Marketing Associate, Sarah is a key member of the Marketing department and manages brand, social media efforts, and DARTdrones’ strategic marketing strategies. Sarah’s enthusiasm for the drone industry began via her education, receiving a Bachelor in Fine Arts with a concentration in photography as well as a personal love of videography.

DARTdrones is the nation’s leader in drone training, program development and consultation, offering online and in-person courses in 40+ cities across the United States. DARTdrones takes pride in their comprehensive curriculum, developed by a former US Navy Helicopter pilot, as well as their 40+ flight instructors who are all manned and unmanned aircraft pilots. Visit us online at www.dartdrones.com, call 800-264-3907 or email the DARTdrones Team at info@dartdrones.com to learn more.

The post The Best Father’s Day Gifts for 2021 appeared first on DARTdrones.

Does that mean that several hundred thousand drone pilots are not abiding by the law? It’s a bit of a trick question. Most likely no, but the answer is, it depends. It all comes down to the basic reason for flying a drone. Are you flying your drone to make money (commercially) or are you flying your drone merely as a hobby (recreationally)?

Do you need a license to fly a drone commercially?

A license is required to fly your drone commercially. If you have even the smallest desire of using the drone to make money in any way, do the smart thing and get licensed so you’re never outside the law. It might seem harmless to let your buddy pay you for some amazing photos you shot with the drone when you were hiking the Middle Teton, but if you don’t have a license to fly the drone, you would be acting outside the law. Even if you don’t actually collect money for such activities, it can still be considered flying your drone commercially, and that requires a license. Better safe than sorry.

With efficient training at a drone school like DARTdrones to pass the Part 107 Unmanned Aircraft General – Small test, there’s no reason not to stay safe and certify to get your drone pilot license, so you’re covered in case you decide to get paid for your “amazingness” with the drone. It’s worth it.

What happens if piloting your drone commercially without a license?

You may be tempted to fly your drone commercially for just a day or just an hour without a remote pilot license. If the FAA becomes aware of your unlicensed drone activities, you could be fined up to a whopping $32,666 per time. The FAA qualifies whether the drone flight is commercial or recreational based on your intent of the flight at the moment of drone take-off.

Do you need a license to fly a drone as a hobby?

It is not currently required by law to obtain a Part 107 remote pilot’s license to fly your drone if you are only flying it recreationally; however, recent changes to FAA rules and regulations do require recreational drone pilots to pass a knowledge and safety test called The Recreational UAS Safety Test (TRUST). It’s a congressional mandate that you pass this test in order to operate any UAS in the National Airspace System, and you also must carry proof of passage with you. TRUST is still in development and the FAA has yet provided a release date, but it’s anticipated the testing requirement will be in place toward the end of 2021.

All users operating sUAS that weigh greater than 0.55 lbs must also register their drone with the FAA and mark the outside of the aircraft with the registration number.

Is it a good idea to obtain a license even if you never plan to pilot it commercially?

The short answer is yes. Get one. You might just end up falling into something crazy awesome and finding yourself with a rewarding new career that you hadn’t planned on because of your love of drone flight.

When you’re driving on the road, do you take comfort in knowing that every other driver out there is required to have a license? Maybe the same could be true of the skies. Nobody’s perfect, and anything unexpected can happen, but imagine how much more prepared you could be if you obtained a Part 107 certification license to fly your drone, even if you never plan to make money with it.

Learn more about drone training and licensure through the DARTdrones training school, where you can pass your Part 107 license exam with flying colors. Do you need a license to fly a drone in order to be awesome? You decide.

About the Author

Amelia Owre is DARTdrones’ Director of Training. A former Navy helicopter pilot, Amelia flew the SH-60F, HH-60H and MH-60S prior to transitioning to unmanned systems. For the past 5 years she has been responsible for developing curriculum and implementing training for the MQ-8B Fire Scout, the Navy’s first rotary wing UAS. As a current Naval reservist, she continues to develop the training curriculum for the Fire Scout as well as instruct the Navy’s next generation of UAS operators. She is a graduate of the U.S. Naval Academy and holds an M.S. in Environmental Science, as well as a Commercial Pilot Certificate with fixed wing, helicopter and instrument ratings.

DARTdrones is the nation’s leader in drone training, program development and consultation, offering online and in-person courses in 40+ cities across the United States. DARTdrones takes pride in their comprehensive curriculum, developed by a former US Navy Helicopter pilot, as well as their 40+ flight instructors who are all manned and unmanned aircraft pilots. Visit us online at www.dartdrones.com, call 800-264-3907 or email the DARTdrones Team at info@dartdrones.com to learn more.

The post Do you need a license to fly a drone? appeared first on DARTdrones.

Plan, Plan, Plan

Successful drone enterprises, as we’ve observed, devote significant time to preliminary planning. This approach forces leaders to ideate and map each stage – from initial training to mission execution – and forecast how they will come together to create a well-run drone program. Accounting for the details ahead of time helps both your plan and pitch, increasing the chances of getting the “go” from decision-makers and team members.

Less successful attempts often jump to the “buying-and-flying” stage before making informed decisions about their program, or even which drones to invest in. So, when getting a drone program started at your organization, first consider the high-level elements – the who, the what, the how, and the why – before launch. These are program components that are foundational to a successful launch, and you don’t want to be figuring them out on the fly.

Company Integration

Some companies are reluctant to take on drones because they can’t imagine how the drone program will work in the company structure, and rightfully so: there are many questions to ask, for example, will the drone program be its own department, or do they exist across unique departments? How will the drone department(s) work with other departments, and who do they report to?

We suggest you map out how the program will be structured on its own, and how that works in the company’s internal network. This way, your team members, even those that are not involved, will see how drones fit into the bigger picture.

Who’s Part of It?

A drone program is only as good as the people working it. These individuals, often existing team members or employees of the organization, can come from a range of professional backgrounds that are not necessarily specific to drones or aviation. Their qualifications, instead, comes from their interest in learning the technology and adapting it into their work. The DARTdrones team has been sad to see drone programs fall apart due to team members not being willing or able to dedicate enough time to them. It’s important to clearly understand where your team’s priorities are.

We also suggest you establish a leader to manage all of the drone-related operations such as coordinating personnel, tracking hardware, post-flight data processing and management (and more). Having a centralized, skilled person to report to and monitor the many moving parts will prevent poor coordination that can result in down-time from flying.

Standardizing Skills and Workflow

Standardizing your team means ensuring everyone can operate with the required skillset and under the planned procedures. In your preliminary planning it’s important to establish a standard level of training and operations that everyone will abide by.

Training is the first step to turn your drone program from a plan to a reality. It will give each team member a common foundation of knowledge and skill. Knowledge of drone rules – such as airspace, national and local regulations, and more – is of equal importance to the remote pilots flight skills.

If your team is new to drones, we suggest the DART Professional Wings Program – earning you the essential skills for drone operations and a Level 1 AUVSI TOP Certification.

You’ll also find that custom standard operation procedures (SOPs) are commonly used by drone teams to ensure success and safety across drone missions. With any type of application, small or large, the SOP is referred to for mission preparation, execution, and post-operation. Drone enterprises have many moving parts; to organize and standardize these operations you will need an SOP. If you’re wondering where to get started, you may want to consult our team to understand how to draft an SOP for your specific program.

Finding Your Niche

Every drone enterprise is unique in at least a few ways. There are too many variants within company structures, their employees, and their drone use applications for identical structures and operations to exist between organizations. That’s why, when planning for a drone enterprise program, you could benefit from the custom solutions offered at DARTdrones. Our experts collaborate with companies to help them deeply understand what a drone program would look like at their organization. It’s a vital first step to check off when bringing drones in-house, so that they can get to the fun part of the job – flying –with confidence and efficacy.

For any initial consultations, please reach out to our drone training experts at info@dartdrones.com or call 1.800.264.3907.

About the Author

Amelia Owre is DARTdrones’ Director of Training. A former Navy helicopter pilot, Amelia flew the SH-60F, HH-60H and MH-60S prior to transitioning to unmanned systems. For the past 5 years she has been responsible for developing curriculum and implementing training for the MQ-8B Fire Scout, the Navy’s first rotary wing UAS. As a current Naval reservist, she continues to develop the training curriculum for the Fire Scout as well as instruct the Navy’s next generation of UAS operators. She is a graduate of the U.S. Naval Academy and holds an M.S. in Environmental Science, as well as a Commercial Pilot Certificate with fixed wing, helicopter and instrument ratings.

DARTdrones is the nation’s leader in drone training, program development and consultation, offering online and in-person courses in 40+ cities across the United States. DARTdrones takes pride in their comprehensive curriculum, developed by a former US Navy Helicopter pilot, as well as their 40+ flight instructors who are all manned and unmanned aircraft pilots. Visit us online at www.dartdrones.com, call 800-264-3907 or email the DARTdrones Team at info@dartdrones.com to learn more.

The post Overcoming Objections to Bringing Drones In-House appeared first on DARTdrones.

Flight hours of your drone training company’s instructors

A recent analysis of drone instructors reveals a considerable range regarding time ‘on the stick’, from experienced hobbyists to professional pilots with thousands of hours. At a minimum, it’s important to seek an instructor with several hundred hours of flight time, along with a solid ‘classroom background’ in aviation. This includes the fundamentals of weather, mapping, and the rules and regulations that accompany drone certification. Within a competitive landscape containing hundreds of online trainers, the most competent and qualified instructors are those with a solid background in aviation; either as a seasoned pilot, a drone operator with at least 700 hours of flight time, or both. Considering the amount of aviation information available on the internet, in contrast with what is actually needed to become certified, it’s good to have assistance in locating the most relevant material for passing tests. This is why drone training facilities managed by seasoned professionals with the proper background in flight operation is crucial.

Seek out specialized drone training

It’s important to note the different levels of drone training during a search for a qualified company. Drone training can be divided into three categories; basic training for the drone hobbyist (essentials in flight), commercial level training involving rules and Part 107 preparation, and comprehensive training potentially associated with government agencies, public utilities, or high-level corporate contracts. With so many drone schools and educational packages to choose from, finding the right training partner can be tedious. It’s always wise to avoid the quick and simple. For example, some trainers have assembled inexpensively produced explainer videos and clip art to supplement their online classroom material. An already shallow learning experience is inflated with overly simplified illustrations that do little to advance the needed coursework. It is tempting for students who are anxious for their license to gravitate toward the faster track, but it’s vital to stay with all carefully prepared learning modules while advancing toward the end result.

Effective drone training geared toward operational certification is developed by individuals with not only the right experience, but who have successfully challenged and passed the tests. This means they understand the correct sequence of material presentation, but more importantly, they have a built-in sense of the best way to structure a learning curriculum.

Short, social media-based video advertisements for drone schools often make claims of simplicity in test preparation. YouTube contains dozens, if not hundreds of videos offering free test prep, though in reality, the FAA literature associated with remote pilot certification is quite comprehensive, and many online videos are produced by pilot hobbyists who may have missed critical learning components. Drone training is uniquely individualized in its mix of hands-on activity, information gathering, and personal assessment throughout the learning process. Many instruction programs offer class sessions to as many as twenty students at a time, and as a result, the larger group process often reduces the effectiveness of the training. In most cases, the classroom-to-flight experience is much more efficient when class size is limited to half a dozen students.

Does your drone training come with these additional resources?

Educational supplements are also important to the learning experience. Courses demonstrating long-term success have made resource libraries available to students not only during the course, but life-long for individuals who have purchased the program. Companies that offer material well into the future are in a much better position to secure long commitments from prospects, as opposed to online programs with time limits on their resources, essentially giving students an excuse to terminate learning relationships and look elsewhere.

Likewise, personal interaction during the training experience is essential, since clarification and the need for follow-up is inevitable during an often-complicated learning routine. During reviews, students frequently stated that instructor availability was key in breaking through barriers that would have slowed, if not disrupted the training entirely. A live resource on the other side of an email or phone call is one of the highest-ranking indicators when students were asked whether or not they would recommend the course to others.

A staff dedicated to instruction on a full-time basis translates to a more comprehensive, long-term learning experience than a mix of coursework provided by someone doing training as a side hustle. The trainer’s background is usually revealed in the staff bios, with the best instructors having extensive aviation skills and substantial time in the unmanned flight industry. Unless there’s a special exception, there is really no reason to invest time and money in a program operated by someone employed in an un-related field.

Be wary of the following

The education in drone operation finally gets underway once the training facility has been vetted. Many online facilitators offer a ‘drone pilot ground school’, intended to assist individuals in efficient preparation for the Part 107 test. Candidates are often photographers and videographers wanting to expand their business offering with high-end aerial presentations. The leading appeal with online ground schools and short video offerings is a fast track to Part 107 test preparation and remote pilot certification. Nearly all online schools claim to have a 99% pass rate, though actual numbers are often difficult to verify. It’s always helpful when new students are assured of a trainer’s background and aviation proficiency, since course curriculum must correspond to the FAA’s latest requirements in pilot certification. When asked to review their training experiences, remote pilots have spoken highly of courses that include sample test preparation ahead of the actual Part 107 test. Flight schools that claim to accelerate proficiency after a few short hours of video presentation should be regarded as less credible.

It’s essential your drone training include

Reputable drone training facilitators should maintain a course pass rate in the upper 90% range. This accounts for individuals needing to re-take the test if they fail on the first attempt. A good drone training company should be confident enough in their program to compensate the student for the second test’s fee when needed. Organizations that provide a solid curriculum naturally maintain a high pass rate and are more prone to compensate the few students who fall short. It may be wise to consider a training facility suspect if no mention is made of their Part 107 pass rate. Successful drone training facilities usually provide student reviews that can be verified if needed, with reviews posted on the company’s website along with the student’s name and location. Though online reviews are sometimes suspect – glowing reviews of third-party products and services – most drone training facilitators operate within a close community, and student experiences are usually personalized and verifiable. Part 107 certification is a vital steppingstone in drone operations but is just one phase in a larger line of advancement in drone management. Students wanting to attain more specialized skills related to survey and inspection may want to affiliate with a training company with higher training levels in place.

What course structure is right for your organization?

Online training in preparation for remote pilot certification comes in many forms; from basic video tutorials promising everything needed to pass the test, to much more comprehensive training structures containing one-on-one instructor interaction and personal follow-up throughout all re-certification processes. Anyone interested in operating a drone for commercial use and/or generating revenue with their drone must obtain a license in order to legally fly. The benefits in obtaining a license not only include the safety of operating within the legal parameters, but also the knowledge obtained in aeronautics and actual drone function, including the skills needed to fly a drone responsibly and with confidence. Certified drone operators have an advanced understanding of elements such as flight space, commercial flight operations, and the fundamentals of weather.

It’s also important to mention the independent route taken by a certain number of professional drone operators. Some remote pilots completed the certification process through self-study, obtaining nearly all of the learning material online, then scheduling the exam when they felt it corresponded to their schedule. However, this is mostly an exception to a successful learning process, since without a course outline and an understanding of the testing structure, applicants don’t always know what to expect during the actual exam.

Does your drone training company offer high level courses?

Many individuals and organizations promise a reliable track toward Part 107 certification, however, when more advanced methods of drone operation enter the educational mix, so-called expert facilitators start to fade as higher-level needs come into play. Aerial Photogrammetry, Data Analysis, and 3D Modeling, just to name a few, require skill and certification at an advanced level, and though an online instructor may have passed their Part 107 exam with a great score, they are not always in a position to prepare students for the skills needed in specialized drone certification.

Advanced drone training associated with mapping, surveying, high-level inspections and specialized certifications are critical in industries such as public utilities, transportation, and law enforcement. Since drones have become a component of so many varied industries, flight methods and operations are specialized and should not be standardized across all types of organizations. For example, image gathering for broadcast media requires a set of flight methods significantly different than the needs associated with engineering and construction. This is why higher levels of training are critical, as flight methods cannot be applied from one industry to another. A solid training curriculum contains diverse operational modes to address these varying environments.

It’s important to also discuss the Trusted Operator Program, or TOP, as we conclude our assessment of drone training consideration and selection. The Trusted Operator Program is administered by the Association for Unmanned Vehicle Systems International (AUVSI) and was established as means of offering unified protocols and standards among students, remote pilots, and training facilities. The Trusted Operator Program is recognized as an independent facilitator of competency, safety, and professionalism within the unmanned flight industry. TOP consists of three levels of certification; Level 1, a comprehensive verification for Part 107 license holders, Level 2, the addition of waiver protocols and additional crew competency, and Level 3, the previous two levels, with the addition of complex industry qualification.

A select number of drone training facilities were qualified as early adopters of the Trusted Operator Program, meeting the criteria established by AUVSI for all three levels of TOP certification and suitable for comprehensive student assessment and lifetime skills management. Ongoing students, remote pilots, and professional training organizations associated with the Trusted Operator Program are unified in their skills, professionalism, and dedication to the highest level of unmanned flight operations.

As one of the initial implementors of TOP training, DARTdrones has the distinction of leading the industry with in-depth program content and qualified training personnel, covering multiple facets of aviation with over 12,000 hours of combined flying experience.

Key Take-Aways

As an early facilitator in TOP training implementation, it’s important to evaluate DARTdrone’s ranking within the key assessment areas discussed earlier. We must consider factors such as instructor credentials, Part 107 pass rate, curriculum, and advanced education. In response, DARTdrones is recognized as providing depth in qualified instructors, along with a wide training curriculum covering drone orientation, advanced operation for seasoned users, and exceptional education and methods for professionals and high-level uses applicable for specialized industries. DARTdrone’s resources are state-of-the-art, and available to students and participants for life. Currently there are numerous drone training organizations to choose from in an increasingly competitive landscape, and DARTdrones is a reliable leader with an established history and promising future.

Amelia Owre is DARTdrones’ Director of Training. A former Navy helicopter pilot, Amelia flew the SH-60F, HH-60H and MH-60S prior to transitioning to unmanned systems. For the past 5 years she has been responsible for developing curriculum and implementing training for the MQ-8B Fire Scout, the Navy’s first rotary wing UAS. As a current Naval reservist, she continues to develop the training curriculum for the Fire Scout as well as instruct the Navy’s next generation of UAS operators. She is a graduate of the U.S. Naval Academy and holds an M.S. in Environmental Science, as well as a Commercial Pilot Certificate with fixed wing, helicopter and instrument ratings.

DARTdrones is the nation’s leader in drone training, program development and consultation, offering online and in-person courses in 40+ cities across the United States. DARTdrones takes pride in their comprehensive curriculum, developed by a former US Navy Helicopter pilot, as well as their 40+ flight instructors who are all manned and unmanned aircraft pilots. Visit us online at www.dartdrones.com, call 800-264-3907 or email the DARTdrones Team at info@dartdrones.com to learn more.

The post Considerations for Selecting a Drone Training Company appeared first on DARTdrones.