Drone & Aviation Technology
The Drone and Aviation Technology program is a one-year Career and Technical Education (CTE) program that prepares students for careers in the rapidly growing fields of unmanned aircraft systems (UAS), aviation, aerospace, and related technologies. Through a combination of classroom instruction and hands-on learning experiences, students develop the technical knowledge and practical skills needed to operate drones safely, understand aviation principles, and explore career pathways in the aviation industry.
During this one-year program, students receive instruction in:
Aviation history and career exploration
Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) regulations and safety
Principles of flight and aerodynamics
Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS) operations
Drone flight planning and mission execution
Aircraft systems and components
Navigation, weather, and airspace
Drone maintenance and troubleshooting
Aerial photography, videography, and mapping
Geographic Information Systems (GIS) (GIS) applications
Employability skills, communication, teamwork, and professionalism
Instruction is delivered through a combination of classroom learning and hands-on laboratory experiences, including drone flight operations, simulator training, and project-based activities. Students gain practical experience using industry-standard equipment while learning to safely plan, operate, and evaluate drone missions.
Students have the opportunity to prepare for the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Part 107 Remote Pilot Certificate knowledge examination, an industry-recognized credential required for commercial drone operations in the United States. The program also provides a strong foundation for postsecondary education and careers in aviation, aerospace, engineering, surveying, agriculture, construction, public safety, infrastructure inspection, logistics, media production, and environmental sciences.
Work-Based Learning
Eligible students may participate in Work-Based Learning (WBL) experiences with local aviation, engineering, technology, public safety, and drone service organizations. These supervised experiences allow students to apply classroom learning in professional settings while developing technical competencies, workplace readiness skills, and valuable industry connections.
Instructor: Michael Cushman mcushman6@ycschools.us
