Continuing Education >> Drones
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New Mexico Junior College offers training to learn to safely operate a small Unmanned Aircraft System (sUAS) commonly referred to as a drone for fun or business. Our training currently consists of two one-day classes: The first class is "Basic Drone Operation". This takes a student from a level of "no experience" to being able to safely and effectively operate a drone. After completing the one-day Basic Drone Operation class,a student should be very competent to launch, land, maneuver, and take photographs/videos with the drone. After learning the FAA's recreational rules and regulations, training progresses to a flight simulator, and then outdoors to fly. The flying skills begin with pre-flight inspection followed by a one minute takeoff/landing. They progress throughout the day to flying routes and using the camera. It is an easy and fun class taught by an experienced instructor. The second class, "Drone Operation Part 107" is a one-day class with much more detailed classroom information presented. It is focused on preparation for the FAA's sUAS Pilot's test. A "Remote Pilot" license is required by the FAA when flying a drone for commercial use. This includes any type of business activity or activity where the pilot receives any type of compensation. The FAA test is difficult as it contains a significant amount of questions requiring a knowledge of airport operations, flight physics, weather, and sectional maps. This class provides instruction in these areas along with those that are obviously applicable to safely and legally operating a drone. The regulations regarding drone operations are numerous.