This fall, a new program not only will teach students how to “fly,” it also will help them realize opportunities in the emerging field of small Unmanned Aerial Systems (sUAS), commonly called drones.
That is the goal for the Buena Vista School District and the Central Colorado UAS Club (CCUAS), who partnered with others to develop the new program.
The Unmanned Safety Institute’s (USI) safety certification curriculum will be the basis for the Buena Vista High School program, which will be taught by Adam Fuller. Central Colorado UAS is providing $1,500 grant money and two Ryze Tello aircraft systems to launch the program, including funding secured from the Chaffee County Community Foundation.
“Unmanned Aviation classes have been recommended through a recent evaluation of our Comprehensive Post-Secondary Readiness Programs (CPSR),” said Buena Vista School District Superintendent Lisa Yates. “In our research through the evaluation process, technology with adaptable and critical thinking was identified as a highly needed job skill. We are excited to provide this opportunity to students to explore innovative thinking in potential career fields.”
According to Taylor Albrecht, CCUAS president, drones have a growing technological role in several industries, including agriculture, construction and mining, media and telecommunications, law enforcement, and insurance. Small UAS sales are projected to exceed $20 billion worldwide this year, with forecasted double-digit growth in the next few years, he added.
“Thirty years ago, home computers, cellphones and the internet weren’t common in most homes. About 20 years back, many colleges didn’t offer studies in computer programming, social media, web design, and other topics that are standard in recent years,” he said. “Today, drones have begun to take their place as a rapidly-growing technology. Although some people may think of drones merely as a child’s flying toy, business leaders have become more aware of their potential impact and importance to our lives. That is why we’re excited to promote this sUAS course to Buena Vista High School students.”
“The USI curriculum provides students with a wide knowledge base of sUAS systems and students that successfully complete the program will achieve not only an FAA Remote Pilot Certificate, but an industry-recognized safety certification. This will give them an advantage in the burgeoning job market of this industry,” he added.