Curricula Anticipate Their Eventual Acceptance Into The NAS

Flight schools as well as colleges that offer aviation programs are beefing up their courses in unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) operations in anticipation of drones being allowed to fly in the National Air Space by 2015. That date has been set as the likely timeframe for the FAA's release of its policy on commercial UAV use.

According to an NBC news report relayed by the Washington Times, there are currently only three full UAV degree programs in the United States, but there are 358 additional schools and institutions offering certificate and permit programs. Much of that training is focused on law enforcement missions, according to the report. But no law enforcement agencies have yet been given permission to begin to utilize drones on a regular basis. Some proof-of-concept programs have been allowed, and some departments are purchasing the aircraft now in anticipation of their use eventually being approved.

Courses are being offered at institutions as diverse as aviation-centric schools like Embry-Riddle in Daytona, FL, to community colleges and state universities. ERAU told NBC news that they make it clear from the onset of instruction that the courses are focused on the civilian use of the aircraft.

FMI: www.faa.gov