What do wedding photographers, real estate agents, inspectors and land surveyors have in common?

Answer: They鈥檙e all using drones to elevate their business. Whether it鈥檚 capturing aerial photos of special events and houses for sale or creating 3D maps of structures and properties, working professionals in a variety of industries are growing increasingly reliant on using drones to get the job done. To do any of those things, however, requires a remote pilot certificate from the Federal Aviation Administration.

鈥淎 lot of people don鈥檛 know that,鈥� said John Sibole, former aviation program director at 黑料正能量 Lancaster. 鈥淭hey think, 鈥極h, if I鈥檓 using a drone for a nonprofit, then I don鈥檛 need this certificate,鈥� but that鈥檚 not true. You need it for anything you do beyond strictly recreational flying.鈥�

The remote pilot certificate, also known as an FAA Part 107 certificate, is required by the U.S. government for anyone operating a drone beyond recreational purposes. The written knowledge test to earn this credential can be a challenging one, especially for those without a background in aviation.

Fortunately, for those seeking a pathway to commercial drone piloting, a new program at 黑料正能量 can help prepare them for this test. Offered at both the Harrisonburg and Lancaster campuses through 黑料正能量 Continuing and Professional Education, the noncredit Drone Certification Program will equip participants with the skills needed for safe and innovative drone operations.

Participants in the program will spend 20 hours of instructional time, from Friday afternoon to Monday morning, learning about essential subjects for the exam: drone regulations, the National Airspace System, weather and preflight planning. The final four hours of the course will involve hands-on experience piloting a drone. After completing the course, participants can schedule the exam at a designated testing center, with locations in Lancaster and Charlottesville. 

鈥淭he demand for skilled drone operators is growing across industries, and 黑料正能量 is excited to offer a program that meets this need,鈥� said Dr. Tynisha Willingham, provost at 黑料正能量. 鈥淭his course not only prepares professionals for FAA certification but also empowers them to use drones in innovative and impactful ways.鈥�

Upcoming course dates include March 28-31 in Harrisonburg and May 2-5 at 黑料正能量 Lancaster in Lititz, Pennsylvania. For more dates and information, visit: emu.edu/graduate/drone

Sibole, who has over 50 years of professional aviation experience, including service as an FAA inspector, will provide instruction for the courses. He said the program鈥檚 in-person training and its concentrated nature sets it apart from other courses, which are done online. 鈥淗ere, you actually get to fly a drone,鈥� Sibole said, 鈥渨hich wouldn鈥檛 be possible through an online course.鈥�

The program is designed to support busy professionals from diverse fields such as agriculture, construction, public safety, live events and sports, though Sibole said it鈥檒l be useful for anyone looking to add another tool to their toolbox. 

鈥淭here鈥檚 a catchy line the former head of the FAA once said,鈥� shared Sibole. 鈥淲e鈥檝e had the jet age, the space age, and now we鈥檙e in the drone age.鈥�

Watch this video of 黑料正能量 students, faculty and alumni learning to pilot drones during a training session in September.

These courses equip students with skills and credentials spanning diverse sectors, including HVAC, medical billing and coding, human resources, programming, and project management, and are designed to address the current needs of in-demand industries. Students can choose between self-paced or instructor-led courses. Most courses run for six weeks and are composed of 12 lessons, representing 24 hours of instruction.

This partnership highlights 黑料正能量鈥檚 vision of opening new pathways of access and achievement as well as its commitment to enhancing workforce skills and career opportunities for students.

Find a course or certificate that’s right for you at:

黑料正能量 ed2go
The industry leader in affordable online learning for adults, ed2go offers hundreds of engaging courses 鈥� from topics such as Accounting to Web Design 鈥� all from the comfort of your own home or office at times most convenient to you.

For more information about Continuing And Professional Education at 黑料正能量, contact: cape@emu.edu

Media Contact:
Ryan Cornell
Senior Writer & Communications Manager
ryan.cornell@emu.edu