UAS 100: Introduction to Un-crewed Aerial Systems

This course is an introduction to drones/sUAVs (Small unmanned aerial vehicle systems) and prepares students to take the Federal Aviation Administration’s Part-107 drone pilot license exam to work as a commercial pilot in the United States. Students will learn flight theory and work hands-on to become familiar with basic drone systems. Students will develop an understanding of local, state and federal regulations, weather reports, proper radio communication terminology, NOTAMs (A notice to airmen), METARs (Aviation Routine Weather Report), airport sectional charts and demonstrate their knowledge/skills in drone piloting. The course will prepare students to succeed in the competitive job market of drone piloting and develop career opportunities in the UAV industry. 54 lecture hours.

Remote Pilot ‒ Small Unmanned Aircraft Systems Airman Certification Standards https://www.faa.gov/training_testing/testing/acs Remote Pilot – Small Unmanned Aircraft Systems Study Guide https://www.faa.gov/sites/faa.gov/files/regulations_policies/handbooks_manuals/aviation/remote_pilot_study_guide.pdf Pilot’s Handbook of Aeronautical Knowledge https://www.faa.gov/regulations_policies/handbooks_manuals/aviation/phak/ Summary of small unmanned aircraft rule (PART 107) https://www.faa.gov/sites/faa.gov/files/2021-08/Part_107_Summary.pdf Policy Document Library https://www.faa.gov/uas/resources/policy_library/#107

Commercial Drone Application Research Assignment
Students will be required to choose a commercial field of the drone industry to research and write a 3-5 page, double space, 12 font, MLA or APA formatted report that includes a 1-page bibliography with at least 10 sources one of which must be a phone/email interview with professionals in the field of study currently working with drones. Students will begin by choosing 3 companies in their chosen field and write a summary of what the companies use drones to do and their operations in the company.
Next, interview someone working at one of the chosen companies to determine what the function of drones serve the company and what education in drones is necessary for hire. Next, students will write a report on what jobs are currently available based on job searches for at least five employment sites research the average salary of those in the chosen field, and discuss what the potential salary may be after further education in the field.
Included in the report: - A brief history of the commercial field or use of drones chosen - List of current companies or organizations that are hiring in the field - Description or map showing where the most openings in the field are located geographically both nationally and internationally - Discussion of typical duties and responsibilities for a chosen career in the field - Phone/E-mail interview with a person in the field: Example questions may include what is a typical day in your job? what education or training helped you get your job or helped you perform your duties? How did you first get interested in drones/UAVs?
Reports will be graded based on students meeting the required format for length, use of sources, use of detail and clear descriptions of the career path, job search results, interview questions/answers, and description of typical job duties

SOP (Standard Operating Procedures) Assignment Section 1 Create a customized Logbook that includes space to track flight hours and equipment maintenance and includes a missing planning guide specific to your industry. Consider equipment needs, documentation, client demands, battery storage, weather, travel considerations, and the use and training of personnel as parts of the mission planning guide. Section 2 Airspace Authorization checklist. Include steps on getting LAANC authorization, checking for TFRs, and NOTAMS, and how to obtain a waiver Section 3 Pre-Flight Checklist. Include how you will check for weather conditions, inspect the drone, and equipment, provide safety procedures, site assessment, risk assessment, start-up/take-off and landing procedures, and anything else that you will do before and during a flight to ensure safe operation. Section 4 Emergency Procedures Checklist. Include how you will handle in-flight emergencies such as Li-Po battery fires, loss of link, loss of GPS, loss of visual contact, collision, disorientation, and fly-away. Discuss how you will communicate before, during, and after flights with your team to ensure safe operation. Discuss when and how you would report accidents to the FAA. Section 5 Crew resource management checklist and use of Visual observers. Include a discussion of how you will train crew members, communicate expectations before flights, communicate with team members during flights, and de-brief team members after flights. Discuss where and how VOs should be used and what team members you’ll need on your industry-specific job site to ensure safe operation.

Lecture, Online Education Lecture