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Commercial sUAS (Drone) Pilot - Certificate (H31)

This program is intended to prepare students to successfully operate small unmanned aerial systems (sUAS) in a commercial setting. Specifically, this program provides students with the requisite knowledge to pass the Federal Aviation Administration’s Part 107 examination and obtain commercial licensure. Targeted individuals are those with an interest in utilizing sUAS technology for data acquisition and decision support in fields such as agriculture, public safety, utilities, surveying, insurance, real estate, and cinematography. As these skills are applicable across several fields, multiple-use cases will be highlighted throughout the program.

Work and Employment

This program will train students within the CTE areas of Agriculture and Agricultural Education, Business, Marketing, Computer Education, Technology and Engineering Education, and Family and Consumer Sciences. Students who are interested in the Agriculture and Food & Natural Resources Career Clusters could find jobs within the fields of agricultural production, precision agriculture, pest management, wildlife management, or forestry. Students will also be prepared for entry-level employment with the Business, Marketing, and Computer Education CTE areas for positions in urban and regional planning, marketing, digital communications, and insurance. Students in the Technology and Engineering area would qualify for positions in transportation, distribution, logistics, law enforcement and national security, architecture, surveying, and video technology and film. In the Family and Consumer Science area, employment possibilities would include inspections for insurance or real estate purposes and promoting tourism through aerial photography.

Follow this link for career information.

Program Contacts at Sauk Valley Community College

• Dr. Michael R. Selover, Professor, Agriculture/Developmental Mathematics, 813-835-6410
• Academic Advising 815-835-6354
• Josh West, Director of Business, Career & Technical Programs 815-835-6334

Total Hours Required - 3 Hours

Major Field Requirements - 3 Hours

• UAS101 - Intro to Unmanned Aircraft Sys ( 3 Semester Hours)

  An introduction to small unmanned aircraft systems (sUAS) and preparation for the FAA's Part 107 (Remote Pilot) exam. This course does not require previous experience with remote-controlled aircraft. Safety, control, and basic maneuvers are key elements. Quadcopters are the focus with particular attention to their use in agricultural business. 3 Semester hour(s) Lecture/Lab Hours: 2 lec. 2 lab/week

Suggested Program

First Semester - 3 Hours

• UAS101 - Intro to Unmanned Aircraft Sys ( 3 Semester Hours)

  An introduction to small unmanned aircraft systems (sUAS) and preparation for the FAA's Part 107 (Remote Pilot) exam. This course does not require previous experience with remote-controlled aircraft. Safety, control, and basic maneuvers are key elements. Quadcopters are the focus with particular attention to their use in agricultural business. 3 Semester hour(s) Lecture/Lab Hours: 2 lec. 2 lab/week