New Drone Pilot Training begins Aug. 31 at NCC

A new Remote Pilot Certificate preparation course at Nashua Community College begins August 31 at Nashua Community College. The 8-week class can accommodate up to 15 students and costs $400.

“This course will be an FAA (Part 107) Remote Pilot Certificate preparation course to operate drone up to 55 pounds,” said Professor Doug Mitchell, Chair of the Aviation Department at NCC. “Students who take this course will learn the knowledge test topics areas needed to pass the ‘Unmanned Aircraft General- Small UAG’ Test needed to get their FAA Remote Pilot Certificate (AKA Drone License).”

This ground school will be online based, with some active drove flying, said Mitchell.

Over the 8-weeks of training, students will learn a series of key topic areas to prepare to test for their FAA Remote Pilot Certificate, including:

• Applicable regulations relating to small unmanned aircraft system rating privileges, limitations, and flight operation
• Airspace classification and operating requirements, and flight restrictions affecting small unmanned aircraft operation
• Aviation weather sources and effects of weather on small unmanned aircraft performance
• Small unmanned aircraft loading and performance
• Emergency procedures
• Crew resource management
• Radio communication procedures
• Determining the performance of small unmanned aircraft
• Physiological effects of drugs and alcohol
• Aeronautical decision-making and judgment
• Airport operations
• Maintenance and preflight inspection procedures
• Operation at night

To pilot a drone, students must also meet a series of requirements:

• Be at least 16 years old
• Be able to read, speak, write, and understand English
• Be in a physical and mental condition to safely fly a drone
• Pass the initial aeronautical knowledge exam: "Unmanned Aircraft General – Small (UAG)”
• Pass a TSA Security Background test

Those who meet the requirements and earn their Drone License can qualify for a variety of career pathways, such as:

• Infrastructure Inspection and Maintenance
• Search and Rescue Operations
• Agriculture and Precision Farming
• Law Enforcement and Public Safety
• Aerial Photography and Videography
• Mapping and Surveying
• Environmental Monitoring and Conservation
• Emergency Response and Disaster Management
• Telecommunications and Power Line Inspection
• Medical and Cargo Delivery

To sign up for the Remote Pilot Certificate preparation course, contact Professor Doug Mitchell at DWMitchell@ccsnh.edu or visit nashuacc.edu/drone-pilot-training for more information.

About the Aviation Department at Nashua Community College
Beyond the new Remote Pilot Certificate training, NCC also offers associate degrees in Air Traffic Control, Aviation Management (100% online), and an associate degree or certificate in Aviation Technology.

About Nashua Community College
Since 1970, Nashua Community College has been successfully meeting the educational needs of Greater Nashua by delivering a high quality two-year, post-secondary education. The college partners closely with area industries that provide students with a unique perspective in their fields of study, allowing for a real-world experience to further their academic journey. Students can choose from a variety of associate degree, certificate, and career training programs. Nashua Community College is a member of the Community College System of New Hampshire. The seven community colleges in the system are committed to working with businesses throughout the state to train and retain employees to develop a robust workforce across all sectors. Learn more at nashuacc.edu.

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