AUBURN, Ala. – Auburn University has received the nation’s first FAA approval to operate a new Unmanned Aircraft Systems Flight School as part of the Auburn University Aviation Center.
“This is an honor for Auburn University,” said Bill Hutto, director of the Auburn University Aviation Center. “We will conduct commercial flight training for operators of unmanned aircraft systems outdoors and untethered. We will have the ability to offer training courses at different locations here and around the state for Auburn students, faculty, members of other public agencies and the general public.”
The FAA approval requires that operators of unmanned aircraft, also known as remotely piloted aircraft or drones, pass a written exam and a flying test, both of which Auburn will administer.
“It ensures that the operators have a good understanding of how to safely and properly operate an unmanned aircraft system,” Hutto said.
Auburn University has been involved in aviation education for more than 80 years and has been providing fight training for pilots for nearly 75 years. Auburn offers three aviation/aerospace degrees: aviation management, professional flight management and aerospace engineering.