This program is designed for current or future UAS pilots based in New England. Familiarize yourself with UAS equipment and safety protocol while learning more about how UAS technology is being used in different contexts.
This four-day Drone Operator program focuses primarily on hands-on flight activities that are appropriate for the beginner or intermediate drone pilot. Approximately half of the class time will focus on outdoor flight exercises that introduce students to progressively more difficult navigational tasks and scenarios. The other half of the course will cover topics such as FAA regulations, Part 107 guidance, business/commercial applications, mapping technology, videography/photography, emergency response, and more.
Students will receive optimal amounts of flight instruction with guidance from Part-107 certified instructors. There will also be opportunities and frequent interaction with regional UAS experts who are familiar with the nuances of UAS operation in New England.
While it is not required, we recommend completing the course: Introduction to UAV/UAS/Drones prior to taking this course.
For more advanced students, or those already familiar with introductory aspects and Part 107 information, we recommend looking into our two-day Drone sUAS Operations and Applications course.
Students do not need to bring their own UAS to this course. Several different UAS platforms will be available to students for hands-on exercises. The age requirement for this program is 15. Please note that this course caps at 20 students to allow for a low flight assistant to student ratio.
For any questions or concerns, please contact: Kyle.Hirshkind@unh.edu or visit the FAQs tab above.
This course counts as two electives toward the Drone Operator Certificate Program.
Course Agenda
Drone sUAS Operators Comprehensive Course
*Subject to change
Day 1 – Introductions, Regulations, Safety, Ethics
Classroom
9:00 – 10:00 – Breakfast, Introductions, review course schedule
10:00 – 11:00 – Safety precautions, Preflight checklist review, FAA regulations
11:00 – 12:00 – Part 107 introduction, Hobbyists vs Commercial Pilots, DJI App Introduction
12:00 - 1:00 – Lunch
Outdoors
1:15 - 3:30 – Flight Exercises (weather permitting)
- Overview of checklist
- Basic control movements
- Figure 8s, circles
- Depth perception
- POI
Day 2 – UAS Equipment, Flight Scenarios, DJI App
Classroom
9:00 - 10:00 – DJI App overview, Components of a UAS
10:00 – 11:00 – Review of “What if” scenarios, flight training
Outdoors
11:00 – 12:30 – Flight Exercises (weather permitting)
- POI
- WayPoints
- Maneuver through cones
- Locate objects
- Camera stability
12:30 – 1:30 – Lunch
1:30 – 3:30 – Flight Continued (weather permitting)
Day 3 – Regulations, Mapping, Advanced Flight
Classroom
9:00 – 10:00 – Breakfast, commercial drone usage, mapping introduction
10:00 – 11:00 – Mapping technology, usage
Outdoors
11:00 – 12:00 – Flight Exercises (weather permitting)
- Utilization of VO – No look drone
- Line of sight
- Cone obstacles
- Revisit past exercises
- Mapping demonstration (Jim)
12:00-1:00 – Lunch
1:00-3:30 – Flight Exercises Continued (weather permitting)
Day 4 – Mastering Controls, UAS Applications
Classroom
9:00 – 10:30 – Breakfast, review situations from past classes, questions (hobbyist, commercial)
Outdoors
10:30 – 12:00 – Flight Exercises (weather permitted)
- Spark through the woods
- Photography/Videography
- Drone Bingo
- Revisit past applications & exercises
12:00 – 1:00 – Lunch
1:00 – 3:30 – Flight Exercises Continued (weather permitted)
The Browne Center for Innovative Learning
340 Dame Road, Durham, NH, 03824
From the South - Boston
- Follow I-95 North into New Hampshire
- Take Exit 4, on the left, to merge onto NH-16N/US-4 W to White Mountains
- Take Exit 6W to merge onto US-4 toward Durham/Concord...
From the North - Maine
- Follow I-95 South into New Hampshire
- Take Exit 5 onto NH-16N / US-4 W toward Newington/Dover
- Take Exit 6W to merge onto US-4 toward Durham/Concord...
Directions Continued
- Take the NH-108 Exit toward Durham/Newmarket
- Turn onto NH-108 South
- Turn left at the lights to stay on NH-108 South
- Turn left onto Durham Point Road, follow for 3.3. miles
- Turn right on Dame Road, turns into dirt road, follow for .4 miles
- Turn left at the blue Browne Center sign (sign is on right side of road)
- Follow driveways to the end, past main building into the large parking lot
UNH Drone Academy
Drone (UAV/UAS) Operator Certificate
You May Also Be Interested In:
- Introduction to UAV/UAS/Drones
- Part 107 Drone (UAV/UAS) Pilot Test Prep Workshop
- 4-Day Drone sUAS Operators Comprehensive Course
- Drone (sUAS) Videography & Photography
- Drones (UAV/UAS) and Emergency Managment
- Drone Mapping (To Be Announced)
- More to be announced soon!
Is there an age restriction?
You must be 15 years of age or older to attend and participate in this course.
Where is the class held?
The class is will take place at the Browne Center of Innovative Learning in Durham, NH unless noted otherwise. See "Travel & Site Information" tab for directions.
What should I wear?
We recommend wearing casual, comfortable clothing that is appropriate for the outside weather conditions. Bugs and tall grass may be also present depending on the time of year.
What should I bring with me?
Note pad, pen/pencil, water bottle, camping chair, appropriate clothing, snacks, etc. If you have your own drone and would like to bring it, you can, however, UNH will not be responsible for any damage or injury resulting from personal drones. More on this will be included in the Welcome Letter to registered students.
What are we going to cover?
See the course description for topics to be covered. Please contact us for more detailed information on specific lessons.
Is an FAA license required to attend?
No. You do not need to be licensed to attend/participate.
What is the typical class size?
A typical class size is 8-20 people.
I've never flown a drone before. Is this class too advanced for me?
Prior experience is not required for this course, however, we may recommend attending our Introduction to UAV/UAS/Drones course first. You may contact us if you are unsure.
What is the cost to attend?
Tuition cost for this course can be found under the section enroll tab.
I’m physically disabled – can I still fly a drone?
Yes, however, we may ask that you contact us directly so we can do our best to make the course work for you.
Am I allowed to bring a guest?
No, guests are not allowed. All participants must be registered for the class.
Do I get to fly a drone during this course?
Yes, students will be tasked with completing certain flight exercises/missions throughout this course.
Are drones provided?
Yes, drones are provided. Students may bring their own drone, but we may not allow them to be flown during certain portions of the class due to safety and liability.
What happens if it rains?
This class will take place rain or shine. If rain continues through our scheduled portion of the flight training, we will work to schedule open flight days at a later date.
Do I get my FAA Part 107 license after this class?
No, this course does not provide any FAA issued license after completion. While you will learn about the test and will be more prepared for it after this course, you will need to take and pass the FAA exam separate from this course. Check out our course specifically designed to help you pass the test here. Contact us for more information on how to obtain your license.
