MCC to Offer FAA Remote Pilot Certification Course

This summer, Middlesex Community College will offer an FAA Remote Pilot Certification program. Run by the college’s Community Education and Training (CET) division, the course will take place on MCC’s Bedford Campus starting on Saturday, August 2.

“As a part of the Communications and Creative Services team at the college, I want to show off the beauty of the landscapes that our campuses are a part of, and aerial photography is the best way I can do that,” said Chris Magyar, MCC’s Digital Content Creator and a recent student of the course. “MCC is the best of what community college can be. There is knowledgeable staff, a wide range of courses to take, and our location and reputation provide a deep pool of community partners in which to work.”

Over three days, participants will learn about FAA requirements for drone operations, regulations and safety practices. The 21-hour course covers all the required knowledge content areas of the FAA’s Remote Pilot Test. Skills include regulations, the National Airspace System, weather, aircraft loading and performance, and flight operations.

The program will run from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. for three consecutive Saturdays, from August 2 to August 16. Previous aviation experience is not required to sign up for the program. Upon completion, students will be prepared to sit for the FAA Remote Pilot Test.

“I love teaching people how to fly airplanes,” said David Price, Program Instructor. “We’re making 21st century pilots. You’re still flying a registered aircraft in the National Airspace System. The only difference is you’re on the ground and it’s safer. Drones do the jobs that are dangerous for people.”

MCC’s CET courses and programs provide employees with the training and skills they need to advance in their careers. Other classes this summer and fall include subjects in business, health, education, personal enrichment and STEM (science, technology, engineering, mathematics).

Visit https://www.middlesex.edu/community/index.html for more information and to register for classes.