COLUMBIA, S.C. — Goodwill Industries of Upstate/Midlands South Carolina (GIUMSC) is offering a cutting-edge drone pilot training program in Columbia this weekend.
The program, called ELEVATE, equips aspiring drone pilots with the skills, knowledge, and expertise necessary to navigate the skies with confidence and proficiency. The program focuses on drone operation and safety, preparing participants for the FAA 107 exam.
“We are thrilled to provide our ELEVATE program to the Midlands of South Carolina. This program not only provides valuable skills, but also opens up new career pathways in the exciting field of drone technology,” said Monique McDaniels, GIUMSC Vice President of Community and Workforce Development.
ELEVATE’s boot camp for aspiring drone pilots will meet for a two-day training program Saturday, April 20, and Sunday, April 21, 2024, at GIUMSC’s Hardscrabble location in Columbia (111 Highland Center Drive, Columbia, SC 29203) from 9 am - 5:30 pm.
Participants are required to pass the FAA 107 Part A exam within two weeks of completing the 16-hour boot camp. Following successful completion of the exam, participants will engage in a full-day drone operation training session on May 4th from 9am-6pm. During this session, participants will receive hands-on training in drone flying techniques, utilizing drones provided by AINautics to navigate real-life circumstances.
Course Structure and Details
Bootcamp: AINautics’ seasoned drone pilots will share their extensive knowledge and real-world expertise to prepare participants for the FAA 107 Part A exam. Material covered includes the fundamentals of Federal Regulations, drone vocabulary, understanding how to obtain a remote pilot certification airspace classification, operating requirements, and weather reporting. No experience or training is required for the course. Participants must be at least 16 years old -the minimum age to acquire a drone pilot license.
Exam: Participants are required to pass the FAA 107 Part A exam within two weeks of completing the 16-hour bootcamp. That means anyone who attends the bootcamp on April 20 and 21 must complete the exam by May 3.
Field Training: Participants must complete a full-day drone operation training after passing the exam. For the class held April 20-21, the field training will take place Saturday, May 4, at Goodwill’s Hardscrabble location – 111 Highland Center Drive, Columbia, SC 29203 from 9am-6pm.
Qualifications:
- Minimum age: 16
- No GED or previous experience/training required
- 9th Grade reading level and mathematics understanding (an assessment will be provided at a local Goodwill location)
The ELEVATE: Drone Training Program is powered by AINautics and made possible by:
- ICF’s Cybersecurity Youth Apprenticeship Initiative (CYAI), which is funded by the U.S. Department of Labor’s Employment and Training Administration Office of Apprenticeship; and
- Grand funding from the University of South Carolina Office of Innovation and The Truist Foundation.
For more information, click here.