Schoolcraft College in Livonia will begin offering two courses in piloting drones — one for hobbyists and one for individuals interested in career opportunities — through its Continuing Education and Professional Development program.
“Our courses are growing in popularity to coincide with the huge interest in flying drones for fun and commercial use,” says Michele Fuher, program coordinator.
The drones for hobbyist course helps students learn to use a drone and teaches them where and when they can fly. The course also covers basic terminology, types of drones, laws and regulations, and how to safely use and store equipment.
The other class will prepare individuals for the Federal Aviation Administration exam required to earn remote pilot airman certification. This certificate allows pilots to fly small, unmanned aircraft systems for profit.
Fuher says there are many career opportunities for skilled remote pilots who use drones in the fields of agriculture, cartography, construction, disaster relief, infrastructure maintenance and repair, law enforcement and surveillance, photography and film, real estate, and research
The hobbyist course will be available twice this winter: from 9 a.m.- 4 p.m. on Jan. 26 and from 6 p.m.-9 p.m. on Feb. 25 and Feb. 27. It costs $99 and is discounted to $79.20 for seniors.
The four-week exam prep course will be offered from March 11-April 1 and costs $229, or $183.20 for seniors.
All courses take place on Schoolcraft College’s main campus in Livonia. More information is available here or by calling (734) 462-4448.
