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Programs Industrial Technologies

Air Transportation/FAA Drone Operator

Holland Codes

c conventional r realistic i investigative

Gain the technical knowledge and skills to safely fly and navigate aircraft. Learn the principles of aircraft design and performance, aircraft flight systems and controls, flight crew operations and procedures, radio communications, navigation procedures and systems, airways safety and traffic regulations, and governmental rules and regulations pertaining to piloting aircraft.



Eligibility

Grades 10-12

Things to Consider

  • You will experience various aspects of the Air Transportation Field.
  • Air Transportation is not just about being a pilot. There are careers for people on the ground as well. For example, this could lead to careers in air traffic controllers, airport operations managers, aircraft UAS development/design and Flight System.
  • Being able to fly a drone can be a career but it is mainly a skill that can be applied in a multitude of areas.
  • Aircraft Pilotry (both UAS and manned aircraft) at this level requires an understanding of the 4 Forces of Flight and how they affect aircraft in flight.

Direct Employment

  • Drone Operator
  • UAS Surveyor 
  • Aerial Photographer
  • Videographer

Jobs Available After Additional or Advanced Training

  • Air Traffic Controller
  • Airport Management
  • Airline Pilot
  • Flight Crew
  • Aerial Surveyor
  • Private Pilot
  • Aeronautical Engineer
  • Astronaut 
  • Airframe and Powerplant Mechanics
  • Fighter Pilot

Locations

JTED @ The Bridges

3300 S. Park Ave.

Schedule Availability

  • Mondays & Wednesdays 4:15 to 6:45 p.m.
  • Tuesdays & Thursdays 4:15 to 6:45 p.m.
  • Monday through Friday bell schedule*

*Earn 2 credits/year

male operating a drone flying in the foreground

Program Completion/Sequence

Year 1

Physics of flight, Aviation Law, Aerodynamics/Fluid dynamics, pre-flight procedures, airspace, radio communications, aviation phraseology, regulations, airport operations, aviation safety, weather, cockpit management, and emergency procedures, unmanned aircraft performance, ethics, human factors, aeronautical decision-making and judgment, safety protocols, weight and balance, maintenance, aviation weather sources and effects of weather (meteorology) on small unmanned aircraft performance, small unmanned aircraft loading and performance, emergency procedures, crew resource management, and preflight inspection procedures.

Year 2

Hands-on UAS training including working with the DJI Matrice 300RTK, being trained in Advanced Aerial Photography and Videography techniques with the DJI Inspire 2 and Zenmuse X7 imaging systems including all 4 carbon fiber lenses, Capturing Aerial LIDAR Imaging with DJI’s New L1 LIDAR system in conjunction with the DJI  RTK-1 Surveying equipment and 3D modeling software. Training in Multispectral Agricultural and Land Surveying, Public Safety Thermal imaging operations, and processing operations with DJI’s latest GIS (Geographic Information Systems) and 3D mapping.

Year 3

From the training in Year 2 students will now be creating, The training in Advanced Photography and Videography Drone techniques will be put to the test in Short films and professional photography competitions with local and national film companies. Students will learn how to Create stunning Photography and Cinematic videos with FPV Drones using VR Goggles and Cinewhoop Drones as well as the new Cinelifter drones


Entrance Requirements for Year 2

Successful completion of Year 1


Certifications

  • Year 1:
    • FAA Remote Pilot License – Part 107 sUAS Pilot License (must be 16 years of age prior to testing)
  • Year 2:
    • Opportunity to earn FAA Ground School License

Work Based Learning Requirements

Students who complete one or more years of the program and meet the eligibility requirements may have the opportunity to participate in our Internship Program.


Credits

1/Year


Instructors

  • Ken James

    Ken James

    Air Transportation/FAA Drone Operator Instructor

Beneficial Classes to Take in High School

Academic Classes

  • Math
  • Physics
  • Science

CTE Classes

  • Engineering 
  • Robotics
  • Computer Science

Find your true future calling through Pima JTED

Career Quiz

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  • Things to Consider
  • Locations
  • Program Completion/Sequence
  • Instructors
  • Beneficial Classes to Take in High School

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