Unmanned Safety Institute to Sponsor High School Educational Programs

The Central Colorado UAS group, or CCUAS has expanded its reach across the state, drawing the attention of large drone industry stakeholders like the Unmanned Safety Institute (USI).

From its humble beginnings as a small drone enthusiast club in Buena Vista, Colorado, the CCUAS has added the institute as a major sponsor of the local group. The change will allow the org to fund additional drone-education programs in the Buena Vista and Salida high schools, as well as host its annual conference. The CCUAS also made a name for itself in the creation of the country's first sanctioned drone-flying park. Membership has continuously expanded in recent months, drawing additional skills in media outreach, search-and-rescue operations, education, and more. CCUAS is excited to have the USI's assistance to expand and refine their curriculum to engender the next generation of drone pilots.

“The Unmanned Safety Institute is proud to sponsor Central Colorado UAS as they are providing valuable training and educational opportunities related to proper UAS operations within their service area," said Josh Olds, president of the USI. "Like USI, CCUAS safety practices and procedures are founded in tried-and-true aviation principles and they are doing great work in building the required knowledge and hands-on flight proficiency that is being required by companies looking to hire professional UAS pilots.”

“The CCUAS’ primary mission is community outreach and education,” said CCUAS president Taylor Albrecht. “Small-unmanned aerial systems are in an explosive growth stage. Not only are they being used to take fantastic photographs and videos from vantage points previously unavailable, but also have been instrumental in helping recent disaster recovery efforts from Hurricanes Florence and Michael. In Chaffee County, using drones to help in search and rescue and wildland firefighting efforts are increasing and a targeted area for research. The group is focused on helping pilots with the safe and legal use of drones in these and other applications.”

FMI: www.centralcoloradouas.org