Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University Offers Suite of UAS Courses for Professional Development

Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University with campuses in Daytona Beach, Fla., Prescott, Ariz., and its Worldwide Campus with more than 125 locations in the United States, Europe, Asia and the Middle East, and through online programs , is offering a series of 3 online courses beginning in January as part of their Professional Program in Small Unmanned Aircraft Systems (sUAS).  The courses provide drone operators and or those considering the field a comprehensive suite of offerings covering all aspects of the UAS industry.

The courses offer a unique opportunity to develop a comprehensive understanding of both theoretical and practical aspects of UAS. Courses are interactive, attract a wide and diverse student cohort including international students, aviation professionals, and government officials. Courses are discussion led and offer ample opportunity for questions and feedback. Students share a virtual space that provides peer interaction and networking. Interactive components include a virtual lab for understanding UAS construction and design. Enrollment also guarantees access to a large and rich library of engineering  and aviation materials and resources including IEE. Courses are user driven and require 7-10 hours per week to complete.

Course offerings cover three distinct areas:

• History and Application of sUAS – This introductory course covers the history and evolving applications for sUAS. Modules include: Early Aeronautical Pioneers and UAS Development, Modern UAS Development and Use, sUAS Applications, and Future Use and Challenges
• sUAS Design and Configuration – This course covers the various design configurations of fixed-wing and vertical takeoff and landing (VTOL) sUAS platforms. Modules include: Platform Design Configurations – Fixed-wing, Platform Design Configurations – VTOL and Others, System Composition and Elements, Platform Acquisition and Consideration
• sUAS Operations and Regulations – This course examines typical operational methods, applicable federal regulations and guidance, methods to locate updated information, planning and risk management strategies employed in aviation, platform and environment use considerations, factors affecting use across multiple industries, and support considerations, including training and insurance. Modules include: sUAS Operations, sUAS Regulatory Framework, sUAS Planning Principles, sUAS Support

Each course runs over 4 weeks. Here are details on start dates and costs:

• When: History and Application of sUAS, Jan. 9 – Feb 6, 2017; sUAS Design and Configuration, Feb. 15 – Mar. 15, 2017; sUAS Operations and Regulations, Mar. 20 -Apr. 17, 2017

• Where: Each course will be 4 weeks and will be offered online via Canvas.

• Who Should Attend: Individuals from industries with interest in using or learning more about sUAS.  These industries include, but are not limited to: agriculture, public safety, mapping and surveying, filming, communications, logistics, conservation, construction, engineering, real estate, insurance, retail, safety and emergency management.

• Standard Course Fees: Courses will be priced at $399 each.  The certificate cost is $1,197.

Students have found the program and classes offered extremely beneficial. After completing one of the courses, a student said:

“This course allowed the student to explore the dynamics of UAV flight systems to any level of technical depth as it was quite self guided. The discussion and interaction with other students and the professor’s comments also led to areas of further research and study. The best part was the flight simulations based on the custom made UAV built in the ARVL Workshop. This is a must-take course for business planners and mission planners alike.”

You can learn more about Embry-Riddle’s Professional Program in Small UAS here.