The future of education is here, and it involves learning about drones at Pueblo Community College.
The community college started offering the certification course, UAS 140, this year so that students can obtain Federal Aviation Administration Part 107 pilot certification that is necessary to fly the aircraft commercially.
“It was born out of interest,” said instructor and Agriculture Program Coordinator Heather Houk.
Houk said that the La Plata County Economic Development Alliance and PCC, which has site locations in Durango and Bayfield, collaborated to develop the course and offer scholarships.
The in-person drone course started on Sept. 5 and continues through Oct. 24, followed by a virtual course Oct. 26 through Dec. 14.
The first eight weeks, which started in September, teaches students how to fly and be responsible pilots. The following portion of the course is another eight weeks which prepares them to take the FAA Part 107 certification test.
The second part of the class will be done virtually so that students can create flexibility with their schedules and not have to commute.
Houk said PCC had been notified by multiple local industry leaders saying there was a need for employees to learn how to fly drones.
Drones are used for multiple different career paths, from marketing to law enforcement.
Purgatory Resort often uses drone content on its social media platforms to advertise what the resort looks like.
“There's career opportunities that this license will get them and having the additional certificates that we can provide, give them something much bigger to add to their résumé,” Houk said.
She also said that through the Career Development Incentive Program, high school students can possibly be reimbursed for the cost of taking the course.
PCC has already worked with Mancos High School to offer drone piloting classes because of the expanded career opportunities for students with a high school diploma and a FAA Part 107 certification.
Houk said her instructor has been contacted by Walmart Headquarters inquiring about students who have earned their FAA Part 107 certification.
She’s been told that high school students could have a starting salary of up to $60,000 if they earn their FAA Part 107 certification.
According to ZipRecruiter, the minimum hourly wage for drone pilots is $20. Freelance drone pilot salaries range from $35 to $150 per hour, with a median wage of $85 per hour.
tbrown@durangoherald.com
