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.

John-Michael, a 9th grader at Texans Can Academy, has been an enthusiastic participant in the drone program since its inception in the fall of 2023. The class meets twice a week to study for the Part 107 test, learn about various sUAS drones, and explore the technology behind them. While most students enjoy a day off every other Friday, John-Michael and his peers engage in hands-on drone training, honing their flying skills and practicing complex maneuvers.

Texans Can teacher, Alfredo Carter, who joined the program in its inaugural year, emphasizes the importance of teamwork in drone education. “Getting to see the kids work together is incredible. You witness their communication and teamwork skills grow as they take on roles like the spotter and the drone pilot. This collaboration is what the classroom experience should be like across all subjects,” Carter said.

“Getting to see the kids work together is incredible. You witness their communication and teamwork skills grow”

Program Success Ingredients

The success of the program is evident in the achievements of its students. “You can see by their test scores that they tested well above the average student,” Mr. Carter noted, highlighting the effectiveness of the DARTdrones High School CTE Workforce Development Curriculum. Both students and teachers found the curriculum well-organized and easy to understand, breaking down complex information into manageable segments.

John-Michael expressed his enthusiasm for drone flying, stating, “My favorite part is getting to see new sights and a different perspective of things.” His confidence was unwavering as he prepared for the FAA Part 107 test. “I wasn’t nervous at all. I knew I was going to pass,” he said confidently. His next goal is to delve into drone photography and videography, potentially starting his own business using his acquired skills.

“I wasn’t nervous at all. I knew I was going to pass”

Mr. Carter praised the training materials provided by DARTdrones, stating, “The information DARTdrones provided was pretty solid. If the students take the time to study the material, they should do well.” He added that witnessing his students overcome challenges and succeed in their training is one of the most rewarding aspects of his role.

Texans Can Academy is committed to providing high-quality, student-centered education, and the success of its drone program is a testament to this mission. The academy’s use of a DJI mini drone has provided students with practical, hands-on experience, preparing them for real-world applications in the drone industry.

About Texans Can Academy

Texans Can Academies is a public charter high school district known for offering high-quality, student-centered education aimed at transforming lives and promoting economic independence. With 13 campuses across Austin, Dallas, Fort Worth, Houston, and San Antonio, the district provides an accelerated path to completing high school and offers robust Career and Technical Education (CTE) programs to prepare students for real-world success.

About DARTdrones Workforce Development Program

The DARTdrones Workforce Development Program offers comprehensive drone training and consultation for individuals, organizations, and educational institutions. Their customizable curriculum and industry collaboration ensure relevance and effectiveness, while their professional training system supports successful drone integration within any organization. DARTdrones is committed to empowering educators and transforming drone education through its Train the Trainer Program.

To learn more about the DARTdrones Workforce Development Program, call 800-264-3907 or email the DARTdrones Team at info@dartdrones.com.

The post Texans Can Academy Celebrates First Year Success of Drone Program: Two Students Earn FAA Part 107 Drone License 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.

May 09, 2024 – [UTAH] – DARTdrones, a pioneering force in the drone industry and the largest drone training and consulting company in the US, marks a significant milestone as it celebrates a decade of excellence and groundbreaking achievements. DARTdrones has emerged as a beacon of innovation, resilience, and unwavering commitment to empowering drone enthusiasts and professional drone pilots.

Where We’ve Been

Reflecting on the remarkable 10-year journey, Abby Speicher Carroll, Co-Founder and CEO of DARTdrones, shares her sentiments: “It feels surreal to commemorate a decade of relentless dedication and evolution at DARTdrones. What began as a MBA class project has blossomed into a long standing business serving many of the largest drone programs in the country.”

Over the past decade, DARTdrones has epitomized resilience, navigating through challenges and emerging stronger than ever. With a fervent dedication to excellence, DARTdrones has achieved significant milestones, including being featured on Shark Tank, training over 25,000 students, and training with industry giants such as Phillips 66, Boeing, and the FBI.

Abby Speicher Carroll reflects on the journey: “From humble beginnings to global recognition, DARTdrones has been a testament to perseverance and innovation. We’ve expanded our curriculum, trained professionals across diverse sectors, and ventured into international territories, leaving an indelible mark on the drone industry.”

Central to DARTdrones’ success is its exceptional team of instructors, meticulously selected from a pool of over 1,000 applicants. Their passion, expertise, and dedication have been instrumental in shaping the brand’s identity and fostering a culture of excellence.

SHARK TANK – “Episode 818”- In a special episode featuring millennial entrepreneurs, one will make the deal that takes the award-winning “Shark Tank” across the $100 million threshold of deals made in the Tank, on “Shark Tank,” airing FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 24 (9:00-10:01 p.m. EST), on the ABC Television Network.. (ABC/Michael Desmond)

Where We Are Going

Looking ahead, DARTdrones is poised for continued growth and innovation. With a focus on expanding its educational offerings, including licensing curriculum to educational institutions, DARTdrones is committed to empowering the next generation of drone enthusiasts and professionals.

Expressing gratitude to all who have contributed to DARTdrones’ success, Abby Speicher Carroll extends heartfelt appreciation: “To our dedicated team, esteemed instructors, loyal customers, and supportive community, thank you for being integral to our journey. Your unwavering support fuels our passion and propels us forward.”

As DARTdrones embarks on the next chapter of its journey, the future is bright with endless possibilities. With innovation as its compass and resilience as its fuel, DARTdrones is poised to redefine the future of the drone industry.

For media inquiries, please contact support@dartdrones.com.

About DARTdrones

DARTdrones is a leading provider of drone training and education, empowering individuals and organizations to harness the transformative potential of drones. With a comprehensive curriculum, experienced instructors, and a commitment to excellence, DARTdrones is revolutionizing the drone industry one flight at a time.

Follow DARTdrones on Linked and Facebook for updates and insights.

The post DARTdrones Celebrates 10 Years of Innovation and Success appeared first on DARTdrones.

DARTdrones makes teaching drone technology accessible and hassle-free. In this blog post, we’ll delve into how DARTdrones streamlines the process, providing teachers with the training and curriculum they need to excel in the classroom.

Comprehensive Drone Curriculum

Our foremost commitment is to offer educators a comprehensive turnkey curriculum. DARTdrones has meticulously designed a well-structured course outline, covering everything from drone basics to advanced flying techniques and real-world applications.

DARTdrones Intro to Drones Course includes:

• Year at a Glance
• Detailed Lesson Plans
• Answer Guides
• Exercise and Activity Outlines
• Teacher Guides
• Materials Lists

This turnkey curriculum takes the guesswork out of lesson planning and ensures educators have the resources to provide quality instruction.

User-Friendly Educational Resources

Recognizing that not all teachers have prior drone knowledge, we offer user-friendly resources that simplify complex concepts. Our materials feature clear explanations, step-by-step guides, and engaging multimedia content, making it effortless for educators to effectively understand and convey drone-related information.

Hands-On Learning Experience – “Train the Trainer”

“Train the Trainer” is DARTdrones’ unique program designed to train educators who will soon be facilitating drone instruction through hands-on interactive learning. During this comprehensive training, participants gain practical experience in flying drones, covering various commands and techniques. The program equips you with a strong foundation and the confidence to lead your own drone class effectively. Moreover, DARTdrones goes the extra mile by addressing challenging subject areas from the Part 107 test, including aviation maps, aviation weather, and airspace. With instruction from a manned aviation pilot, you’ll receive expert guidance to ensure you’re fully prepared to teach drone technology with confidence and competence.

Ongoing Teacher Support

Our commitment to educators extends beyond the classroom. We offer continuous support to teachers, ensuring they feel confident and supported throughout their teaching journey. Whether you need clarification, additional resources, or troubleshooting assistance, our team is just a message away.

Certification Opportunities

We’ve integrated certification opportunities into the program to enhance the value of our drone courses. Our curriculum aligns with industry standards, enabling students to earn recognized certifications, such as the Part 107 FAA drone license.  Educators can seamlessly incorporate certification preparations into their teaching, providing students with a clear path to career readiness.

Engaging and Interactive Content

Student engagement is paramount for successful teaching. Our curriculum includes interactive elements such as engaging activities, real-world case studies, and immersive lessons designed to captivate students’ interest and enthusiasm for drones. Educators can seamlessly integrate these elements into their classes.

Teaching drone courses in partnership with DARTdrones is a rewarding experience, even for educators without aviation backgrounds. We’ve removed the barriers, streamlined the process, and provided educators with the resources needed to make teaching drone technology accessible and enjoyable.

By offering a comprehensive curriculum, user-friendly resources, hands-on learning opportunities, ongoing support, certification readiness options, tailored training, and engaging content, we successfully empower educators to educate the next generation of drone enthusiasts and professionals.

Ready to embark on this exciting teaching journey with us? Contact our team to learn more about how we simplify teaching drone courses with DARTdrones. Together, we’ll prepare students for a future filled with endless possibilities in the world of drones.

The post How can a non-aviation teacher excel teaching a drone course? appeared first on DARTdrones.

Drone Industry Growth and Statistics

The global drone industry is not just soaring; it’s accelerating at a breathtaking pace. According to a 2023 Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) report, the number of commercial drones in the United States is projected to grow from 42,000 units in 2017 to over 352,200 in 2023. As of late 2023, there are over 863,700 drones registered with the FAA. As reported by the Business Research Company, the commercial drone market size was valued at about $1.6 billion in 2022 and is expected to grow to nearly $1.8 billion by 2023. According to the most recent forecasts, the commercial drone market is estimated to grow by USD 44.85 billion from 2022 to 2027, growing at a CAGR of 38.97%.” 

Aerial photography and videography account for a significant slice of the commercial market, representing approximately 34% of drone-based services. Meanwhile, the agricultural drone sector is expected to expand at a CAGR (Compound Annual Growth Rate) of 22.94% from 2022 to 2028, showcasing the increasing reliance on UAV technology for efficient farming practices. 

Other industries are currently growing within the drone sector as more and more companies are finding the benefits of utilizing drones as a tool in many trades and industries. 

Current Drone Jobs

• Self-Employed Drone Operator- The rise in commercial drone use has led to a significant demand for certified drone pilots. The FAA’s Aeronautical Knowledge Test has seen a consistent increase in test-takers, with over 331,570 individuals obtaining a Remote Pilot Certificate by late 2023. Starting a drone business has many parts, and the DARTdrones Starting a Drone Business is a logical first step for any drone entrepreneur. 

• Drone Aerial Surveyors- These professionals utilize drones to gather data for topographic surveys, agricultural planning, and environmental monitoring, providing insights that were once costly or impossible to obtain. Drone aerial surveyors need advanced drone training and equipment and additional software training for deliverables to utilize the drone fully. DARTdrones offers this type of advanced training in our mapping and modeling drone course. 

• Drone Cinematographers- In the film and television industry, drone cinematographers offer a new angle on storytelling, capturing breathtaking aerial footage that enchants viewers. DARTdrones offers a foundational drone aerial photography and videographer course. 

• Search and Rescue Drone Pilots and Coordinators- They leverage drone technology to locate missing persons and aid in disaster relief operations, where drones can go where humans and dogs cannot. Learn more about the SAR course at DART drones.

• sUAS Industrial Inspectors- These inspectors use drones to check the condition of infrastructure, including bridges, wind turbines, and cell towers, minimizing the need for risky human involvement. Aerial Inspections are usually broken into two types of training: Aerial Inspections and Infrastructure Inspections. 
• Drone Agricultural Specialists- Drones help in crop monitoring, irrigation management, and pest control, making the agricultural specialist role crucial for the modern farming ecosystem. UAVs can be equipped with different data collection sensors, such as RGB, multispectral (MS), hyperspectral or thermal cameras, or Lidar. Understanding how to gather this data can be a daunting task, but the DARTdrones Mapping and Modeling course helps our students gain the needed experience to gain the most out of their drones.
• Drone Delivery Coordinators- These individuals manage the logistical aspects of drone-based delivery services, a field that is rapidly expanding as companies like Amazon push the envelope on e-commerce.
• Drones in Construction and Mining- In the construction and mining sectors, drones are becoming increasingly vital, offering efficiency, safety, and precision. 

Training and Expertise

The drone industry, rich with opportunity, requires a diverse range of training and expertise to capitalize on its potential. Aspiring and novice drone pilots often face a barrier to entry into the higher lucrative jobs because of a lack of advanced drone training. DARTdrones is an industry leader in training drone professionals to be workforce-ready. 

• sUAS Certification- The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) requires commercial drone pilots to obtain a Remote Pilot Certificate, which involves passing the Part 107 knowledge test. This test assesses one’s understanding of airspace classifications, weather patterns, drone regulations, and operational procedures. DARTdrones offers both online and in-person 107 test prep courses. 

• Advanced Technical Drone Training- Operating sophisticated drone systems requires technical training, often available through vocational schools, community colleges, or specialized online courses that cover drone mechanics, software, and troubleshooting.

• Data Analysis- For jobs like aerial surveying, proficiency in data analysis and GIS (Geographic Information Systems) software is crucial for transforming raw aerial data into actionable insights. DARTdrones offers in-person and virtual drone mapping courses. 

• Film and Photography-  Drone cinematographers need piloting skills and a keen eye for composition, lighting, and motion, often acquired through film schools or workshops. DART drones was one of the first training providers to offer an exclusive film and photography drone course.

• Emergency Services Training- Search and rescue coordinators require knowledge of emergency response protocols and may benefit from a first aid or crisis management background. DARTdrones has trained 100s of first responders in drone search and rescue as well as Disaster Response.
• Agricultural Knowledge- Specialists in the agricultural drone sector must understand crop science and farm management to use drone-generated data best. Utilizing DroneDeploy, the DARTdrones Aerial Mapping and Modeling course will give you the knowledge you need to get started in the agricultural drone sector.

The drone industry is not just reshaping careers but creating an entirely new professional ecosystem. With the number of drone-related job postings spiking by over 200% from 2021 to 2023, the sector demands an adaptable, certified, and specialized workforce. The sky is the limit for those willing to soar with the opportunities presented by the current drone industry. DARTdrones is here to help you no matter where you find yourself in your professional drone pilot journey. 

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 Navigating the Skies of Opportunity – The Current Drone Industry and its Career Landscape appeared first on DARTdrones.

“Partnering with DARTdrones and incorporating drone technology into the Texans Can Academy After-school Centers on Education (ACE) program is positively impacting the lives of students.  The hands-on drone training and outstanding curriculum is proving to be an effective way to help keep our students engaged in school and to see the possibilities of using drones as a career,” said Ken Reynolds, Texans Can Academies/Project Director.

DARTdrones trained eleven teachers during a hands-on two-day in-person training event called Train the Trainers. During this training, an experienced DARTdrones instructor helped the teachers become comfortable and confident in flying drones and in taking time to help the teachers understand the most challenging areas in the Part 107 test. This is the mandatory FAA exam required to fly a drone for compensation or hire. The test covers many of the same aspects that manned pilots must know. After taking and passing the exam, applicants become licensed sUAS pilots with the FAA. 

The DARTdrones CTE Drone Training Program is a turnkey solution for students pursuing a pathway in the drone industry. For any school or organization wanting to incorporate drone technology into the classroom, the DARTdrones program is fully customizable for nearly any class size or fits any timeframe offered. In addition, the course comprises both guided in-person instruction for educators and self-paced online courses, quizzes, activities, and tests for each student.  It offers everything a school, college, or workforce development instructor needs to teach their own drone classes.

 “We felt that DARTdrones was the perfect partner to create a drone workforce development program. Over the past 10 years, we have trained over 20,000 students from dozens of industries from the nation’s largest drone programs. We understand the level of professionalism and skill that Fortune 500 companies are looking for in their drone pilots. We are distilling that information into a custom career pathway for high school age students,” says Abby Carroll, CEO and founder of DARTdrones.

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 DARTdrones Partners With Texans Can Academies to Bring Drones into Classrooms Across Texas appeared first on DARTdrones.

The growing need for commercial drone services has led to a global expansion of drone schools and training for technology buffs who want to start a side gig or build a full-time freelance career. Aspiring drone pilots can attend drone school online or in-person, depending on their learning goals and how extensive their drone training needs are.

Online drone school classes provide inexpensive options for drone pilots who have some experience flying drones already and want to get their license to earn money with drones.

Who Is Attending Drone School?

People who attend drone school learn a variety of operational and practical skills. These skills appeal to everyone from grade school students to retirees looking to supplement a fixed income or embark on a new career. The level of training needed depends on age, skill level, and desired outcome.

Drones with K-12 Students

A grade school student taking a STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math) class is likely to be flying a drone for the very first time. Young students may learn coding and robotic-building skills along with hands-on drone flight skills. Students in grades K-12 may attend summer and after-school STEM drone programs, but drone school is most popular with elementary students.

Drone training advances learning in computer programming and prepares students for drone piloting and other tech careers.

How Drones are Benefiting Teachers

A two-week drone class can help current educators earn drone pilot certification from the Federal Aviation Administration to provide drone training to their students. Both grade school and undergraduate teachers can help students advance various skills through drone training courses.

As drone school students master the art of flying drones, they also develop a better understanding of physics, how the drones work, their different parts, and drone mechanics and repair. Some teachers create a drone training curriculum that teaches students how to design and build drones and helps them prepare to earn FAA drone pilot certification.

Military Personnel Utilizing Drones

Currently, three Marine Corps Bases (MCB) provide drone training for Marines at facilities dedicated to Small Unmanned Aircraft Systems (SUAS) training. Marines can attend the Training and Logistics Support Activity (TALSA) drone school at Kaneohe Bay, Hawaii, Camp Lejeune, North Carolina, or Camp Pendleton, California.

Drone Options for Retirees

Increasingly, retirees interested in earning post-retirement income are attending drone school and learning to fly drones. Retired individuals who get drone pilot certification can develop side gigs or net income as freelancers without committing to a full-time job. Freelancing allows drone pilots to earn money and make their own schedule and enjoy the freedom to take time off whenever they like.

Private and Commercial Drone Pilots

Pilots of crewed aircraft attend drone school to enhance flight skills, increase their income-earning potential, and expand their career options. Flying drones is a lucrative career option for pilots who wish to continue flying past the mandatory retirement age of 65 years for aircraft pilots.

Drone Freelancers

Anyone who is interested in technology and wants to develop a side hustle or start a full-time business with drones usually attends drone school or drone training. And to make money with drones, drone pilots must pass the FAA’s Part 107 certification test.

The test is complex, and aspiring drone pilots who want to earn any compensation from flying drones will benefit from taking at least a short online drone training course to pass the Part 107 test on the first attempt.

To learn more about drone school or drone training classes, contact DARTdrones today. DARTdrones offers various online and in-person drone training classes and courses designed to enhance drone flying skills and flight knowledge and help everyone from beginners to experienced drone pilots earn credentials and gain professional licensing.

About the Author

Sean has been a private pilot and commercial Unmanned Aerial Systems operator since 2015 and is an active member of the Civil Air Patrol. He is a Florida local, born in Daytona Beach and living in Orlando. After joining the Navy at the age of 19, he served a six year enlistment as a Nuclear Operator on the USS Harry S. Truman (CVN-75). Subsequent pivot points include Founder and Chief Executive Officer of Nautical Horizons, LLC, Chief Seismic Navigator for offshore oil & gas, a Masters Degree in Ocean Engineering with a design thesis, and a patent for ocean instrumentation devices.

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 Who Is Attending Drone School appeared first on DARTdrones.

Using drones will help your company by cutting down on costs while improving your work. If you are a business owner, employee, or contractor you are always looking for ways to reduce costs without sacrificing the quality of your work. You may have seen businesses and non-profits boasting drones to show that they’re using the latest technology, when in reality, drones are helping them achieve just that – save money, and yield better results. There is an associated cost with almost every aspect of a project or goal, such as safety and operational efficiency, and perhaps unsurprisingly drones are the technology spearheading these to make organizations run more smoothly. It’s no wonder so many entities are quickly turning to them.

At the core of how drones do this is their unique ability to make data and perspectives extremely accessible in so little time (we’ve stated before that they serve as flying “extensions” of a worker). Below, we’ll provide inside examples of the industries and applications where that ability plays a role in saving organizations money.

Drones Increase Safety

It should go without saying that safety is the number one priority of any job to be done. And if it’s not – the unforeseen consequences will cost an organization monetary loss from downtime and more, not to mention the potential invaluable loss from injury or death. Drones directly mitigate risk by their ability to get to dangerous locations where humans should not naturally be. From cell phone towers to tank and boiler inspections, drones access places that were previously untouchable by anything else but a courageous worker.

The examples are manifold: another excellent use-case of risk mitigation is in power utility infrastructure inspections. Transmission lines are high-voltage infrastructure that should be approached with great caution. Helicopters have been a central vehicle for inspections yet operating them is still a dangerous process for how close they need to fly to the lines and to surrounding infrastructure as well as people. Since the introduction of drones to grid inspections the risk is significantly reduced, as a small drone has much lower impact in the event of an accident, and that they allow humans to remain at ground-level. When accidents are prevented in these situations, there is less downtime, lower insurance costs, and avoided lawsuits, all of which have a major impact on an organization’s costs.

Free Guide: Making Money with your Drone

Download our ultimate guide for making money with your drone!

Get Free Offer

Greater Efficiency

Time – inextricably linked to money – is a resource to make the most of. Drones bring speed and efficiency at every step of a mission, reducing setup and pack-up time with less hardware, and capturing data more quickly during the mission itself.  This is the case in most applications, but one field that has been fundamentally changed is mapping and surveying.

Without drones, land surveying is a tedious process because surveyors must collect data all on foot. With aerial coverage that drones achieve with photos and photogrammetry, the workflow is sped up as much as 10 times faster. That means month-long projects a turned into a single day, or year-long projects into a few weeks. On top of the reduced time for setup and data collection, the post-flight data processes are improving with advanced photogrammetric or inspection software, now taking advantage of AI capabilities, to streamline data management and extract actionable information more easily than ever. With that much less time spent in and out the field, not only is money saved, but it can be earned at greater rates too.

Drones Lower Downtime

Downtime, particularly during inspections, is always sought to be minimized without compromising the quality of the process. That’s why companies in the oil and gas industry have turned to drones to do their inspections, as they lower the amount of turnaround (shut down) time. The difference is stark: with a drone, companies make what’s normally a several week-long inspection project down to a day, meanwhile saving about $5 million per day by preventing time shut down. During that time drones can inspect an array of important assets in an oil refinery, such as steam systems, structural damage, flanges, and more. Indeed, drones are becoming mainstream tools in the oil and gas for their monetary benefits, and the demand for pilots will increase with those trends.

Drones: Better Data with Fewer Resources

On top of the money saved from less time spent in the field, the quality of data improves experts’ workflows while requiring fewer personnel and resources. This benefit has effectively changed how public safety crews operate in, for example, search-and-rescue (SAR) operations. Compared to helicopters, drones provide the same high-quality aerial perspective at a fraction of the price to operate, and with fewer people. This way teams can conduct their searches more strategically, either using more drones (with different types of sensors) to broaden their perspective, or allocate more personnel to the rescue portion of the missions.

Improved Results

Thanks to efficient qualities drones exhibit, they can be deployed more frequently, increasing the organization’s awareness of their area or point-of-interest. In the cases of inspections and data collection, engineering firms will find that their subsequent work improves because of the amount of data they have on demand. Take bridge inspections as a use-case: this critical infrastructure requires regular inspections but are particularly difficult to inspect with humans or cranes. Because drones gain access to bridge’s tricky areas by flying to them, and provide high-quality data in less time, engineers can make better decisions on repairs and maintenance. The result is better structural integrity for public use – and it saves the firm hundreds of thousands (if not millions) in prevented losses from damages.

Drones and the Future of Your Organization

Using these factors, you can calculate the money saved and money made using a drone to reveal when the it effectively “pays for itself” – a common monetary metric among businesses and non-profits who take on the technology (also known as return on investment or ROI). And as the technology advances with better automation and artificial intelligence, assuming that the regulations keep up with them, the ROI will be met that much faster, and will in turn solidify drones’ utility in commercial and public safety spaces. So wherever your organization operates, it can save significant money by implementing drones.

About the Author

Jerry White is an experienced professional commercial aviator spending several years as a commercial corporate pilot, charter pilot, and airline pilot. Along with his manned aircraft experience, Jerry is also a drone pilot, and aviation executive team member. His background as a small business owner, business consultant, and aviation safety manager give Jerry unique understanding of the role of utilizing and teaching sUAS operations. Jerry’s experience as a manned flight instructor with over 4,500 flight hours awards Jerry valuable insight into teaching the complexities of aviation. Jerry also has an expansive background in television production, spending ten years as a professional news producer and videographer. Jerry currently owns and operates an award-winning media production company in Austin, TX. He has used drones for such clients as the Discovery Channel, OWN network, ESPN, FOX, HGTV, commercials, and two feature films. Jerry has been instructing with DARTdrones since 2016 and teaches FAA Part 107 Test Prep, Basic Flight Training, Aerial Photography and Videography, TOP Level 1, and TOP Level 2. Jerry is versed in flying Inspire, Mavic, Phantom, and Flamewheel hardware and possesses an Unrestricted ATP (Airline Transport Pilot) Certificate – Multiengine, 2 Jet Type pilot ratings, and is a Certified Flight Instructor – Instrument.

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 How Drones Can Save Your Organization Money appeared first on DARTdrones.