UAVExperts.aero, the recently spun-off professional division of AtlantaHobby.com, is banking on the power of education with the launch of the UAV Ground School program in December.
According to a company release, UAVExperts, a Georgia-based company, has registered more than 300 students into the FAA-compliant online ground school.
“[The school] is available 24/7, allowing students to learn at their own pace,” a company spokesperson stated. “This program is designed for the serious UAV operator that wishes to gain full FAA certification, covering general aviation knowledge as well as specialized UAV education topics.”
Drone operators completing the class will be able to take the FAA’s Private Pilot’s Knowledge Exam – a possible asset to pilots should the FAA move toward more restrictive licensing requirements for commercial drone operators in 2015. Some states, like North Carolina, are expected to enact licensing requirements as well.
In a company statement, UAVExperts Cliff Whitney said:
“We are excited to see the first group of over 300 register and the first graduations happen. We have always been dedicated to the safe operation of these craft and it only makes sense to provide the tools UAV operators need to operate their aircraft safely. Via our various companies, we pride ourselves on providing everything both hobbyists and professionals need to fly, and the new UAV Ground School gives everyone a way to learn safe flight. I encourage everyone to watch the intro movie on our site and take the first lesson for free.”
Drone education is definitely trending across the tech sector. As reported in DRONELIFE: “Over the past five years, dozens of American colleges and universities have begun to offer more classes and even some degree programs in drone-aircraft piloting and technology.” A recent US News report notes that colleges and universities accounted for 25 percent of more than 900 requests seeking approval to fly UAVs.
“Several colleges and the industry-leading FlySafe training conference have already adopted the UAV ground school as an online component to their programs,” a UAVExperts spokesperson added.
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Could you provide the link for the online training school that is being talked about? Thanks
Sure thing! We included it in the post but here it is again: http://www.uavgroundschool.com/
Thanks for catching this!