BRUNSWICK – The University of Maine at Augusta’s Aviation program plans to host a series of Federal Aviation Administration education sessions to educate different groups about remotely-piloted aircraft, better known as drones, at UMA’s Brunswick Aviation Center, 2 Pegasus St., and are free for all participants. The educational series will take place from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Thursday, Friday and Saturday, Sept. 29 and Oct. 1.

As the U.S. is coming out of the global pandemic, the FAA has expanded its outreach to all nine of the FAA regions for in-person events. Its goal is to highlight the societal, economic and educational benefits of drones for specialized users and the general public, through a series of events focusing on different audiences, according to a news release from the university.

Teachers, first responders, state agencies, and the general public are encouraged to attend. The presentations also are open to high school students and others with an interest in remote pilot aviation. Others who are encouraged to attend include K-12 STEM teachers, employers with drone needs and independent contractors who want to learn to fly drones. Real Estate brokers, construction companies, and inspectors are also encouraged to attend these informational events.

Each day’s sessions are targeted toward specific individuals as follows:

• Thursday, Sept. 29, is designated for students and educators (targeting colleges/universities, technical and high schools) with presentations including — Universities and colleges with RPA programs, companies/organizations that are looking for drone professionals, and tools for educators and information for students.

• Friday, Sept. 30, will focus on careers (targeting law enforcement, all first responders, and government agencies) with presentation about public safety training, small business best practices and resources, and local government best practices and resources.

• Saturday, Oct. 1, is for community, friends and family (targeting anyone interested in drone acquisition costs, licensing, and operations) to explore drone demos, drone simulators, and advanced air mobility.

To register, visit uma.edu.

UMA, the only university in Maine with a RPA pilot training program, has trained more than 300 students in its basic commercial drone course. The program is adaptable to several different academic endeavors. Students may work towards a Bachelor’s degree in applied science with remotely piloted aircraft major; earn a 31-credit hour certificate in remotely-piloted aircraft; or take the basic commercial drone course to prepare for the FAA Part 107 Commercial Remote Pilot certificate. The 31-credit hour UAS certificate is approved for financial aid through UMA.

 

Check out other upcoming area events!

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