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)
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)
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)
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)
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
From the North - Maine
Directions Continued
Jim Cloutier is the President of Red Dog Aerial Media a UAS service provider that specializes in training and consulting for companies interested in starting UAS programs in house. Red Dog Aerial also offers aerial photography, videography, infrastructure inspection and mapping services for engineering, construction, commercial real estate and insurance companies. Jim has over 10 years building, designing and flying UAS platforms and holds his FAA Remote Pilot Certification.
Jim graduated from Northeastern University with a Bachelor’s of Science degree in Electrical Engineering Technology. His electrical engineering career in the manufacturing industry included electrical design and programing for brewing and packaging systems, project management, information technology infrastructure design and deployment, software and hardware lifecycle analysis and technical training. Jim is currently the Information Technology Manager at Anheuser-Busch in Merrimack, NH.
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.