One of only 41 collegiate programs in the national initiative
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has selected Yavapai Community College’s Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS) program for their Collegiate Training Initiative. This is a distinguished partnership of drone training programs nationwide.
In making the announcement, the Community College wrote that “The FAA’s UAS-CTI program recognizes institutions that prepare students for careers in unmanned aircraft systems (UAS), commonly referred to as drones.” The official FAA statement said. “In order to qualify for the initiative, schools must offer a bachelor’s or associates degree in UAS or a degree with a minor, concentration, or certificate in UAS. Schools must provide curriculum covering various aspects of UAS training, including hands-on flight practice, maintenance, uses, applications, privacy concerns, safety, and federal policies concerning UAS.”
The announcement makes Yavapai College’s drone program one of 41 collegiate programs in the national initiative. “This opportunity is going to provide more exposure to our students and our program,” YC Aerospace Science Professor Matt Mintzmyer said, “which will ultimately lead to more jobs and options for graduates of our program.”
CTI members will work with the FAA, as well as industry and government leaders, to develop training that coincides with emerging labor force needs. The collaboration will ensure that Yavapai College’s UAS students graduate with a state-of-the-art skill set that helps them pursue successful careers in drone production and operation and other related fields.
Established in 2016, Yavapai College’s Unmanned Aircraft Systems Program instructs students in the design, production, piloting and repair of drones. From its home on YC’s Career and Technical Education Campus near the Prescott airport, UAS students fly specialized industrial missions to learn the ever-expanding uses of drone technology. Yavapai College drones have flown a wide variety of community missions; photographing homes for real estate companies, inspecting solar panels for defects or agricultural fields for drought or drainage issues, or assisting first responders with the logistics of search and rescue.
Source: https://www.yc.edu/v6/news//2020/09/DroneFAACert.html Yavapai Community College public relations announcement.