Course Overview: 

18 Modules

This course provides students with foundational knowledge and hands-on experience in drone operations, preparing them for safe and effective drone use and basic certification. It is supported by a structured curriculum and supplemental materials designed to help the high school teacher facilitate the students' learning. Additionally, a visiting instructor from Walsh University's Skilled Technical Workforce Program will enhance learning through weekly hands-on sessions and practical skill-building activities. 

Course Objectives: 

  • Understand fundamental drone mechanics and operations 
  • Learn FAA and local regulatory requirements for safe drone operation 
  • Develop hands-on flying skills and techniques 
  • Build awareness of safety practices in drone usage 
  • Explore applications of drones in various fields 

Module Breakdown: 

Modules 1–2: Introduction to Drones 

  • Topics: Overview of drones, types, components, and applications. 
  • Activities: 
    • Drone anatomy and setup 
    • Basic principles of aerodynamics and flight 
    • Initial flight practice in a controlled indoor environment 
    • Weekly Walsh University session on drone safety setup and basic flight 
  • Assessment: Quiz on drone components and terminology 

Modules 3–5: Drone Safety and Regulations 

  • Topics: FAA regulations, privacy concerns, and ethical use. 
  • Activities: 
    • Safety guidelines for drone operation 
    • Understanding no-fly zones and restricted airspaces 
    • Understanding Weather concepts: METARs, TAFs and understanding weather impacts on flight 
    • Practical simulation on recognizing safe and restricted zones 
    • Walsh University session on regulations, safety compliance, and practice simulations 
  • Assessment: Written test on safety and regulatory concepts 

Module 6–8: Basic Flight Skills and Controls 

  • Topics: Flight controls, maneuvering, and troubleshooting. 
  • Activities: 
    • Hands-on practice with flight controls: takeoff, landing, hovering 
    • Troubleshooting common issues (e.g., calibration, battery maintenance) 
    • Walsh University-led sessions introducing coding fundamentals related to drone operations 
  • Assessment: Practical test on takeoff, landing, and hovering techniques 

Module 9–10: Mission Planning and Data Collection 

  • Topics: Mission planning objectives, risks and logistics. 
  • Activities: 
    • Recording video and taking photos. 
    • Analyzing footage for insights 
    • Practicing complex flight patterns (e.g., circles, figure-eights) 
    • Techniques for wind compensation and altitude management 
    • Indoor and outdoor obstacle navigation 
    • Walsh University session on advanced flight practice and techniques 
  • Assessment: Practical assessment on complex flight patterns 

Module 11–12: Drone Maintenance and Troubleshooting 

  • Topics: Battery management, propeller replacement, and routine maintenance. 
  • Activities: 
    • Guided maintenance workshop 
    • Simulation-based troubleshooting exercises 
    • Troubleshooting and repair practice with Walsh University instructor support 
  • Assessment: Practical maintenance skills test 

Module 13–15: Drone Applications and Careers 

  • Topics: Careers in drone technology, uses in industries (agriculture, media, engineering). 
  • Activities: 
    • Discussion on ethical implications and career pathways 
    • Group project: Research and presentation on a selected drone application 
    • Weekly Walsh University session focusing on career guidance and future industry trends 
  • Assessment: Group project presentation 

Module 16–17: Final Project Preparation and Practice 

  • Project: Students plan and execute a flight mission, following safety protocols and demonstrating learned skills. 
  • Activities: 
    • Mission planning, including route and objective setting 
    • Practical preparation, final practice sessions, and troubleshooting 
    • Walsh University instructor provides final tips and oversight for mission execution 
  • Assessment: Mission plan review and feedback 

Module 18: Final Mission and Certification Review 

  • Final Assessment: 
    • Execution of a final mission demonstrating full range of skills 
    • Final written test covering course content and practical skills assessment 
  • Certification awarded based on passing criteria for practical and theoretical tests

Additional Experiential Learning and Activities: 

To further enhance the students’ learning experience, the course will include opportunities for real-world exposure and professional insights into the growing field of drone technology: 

  • Field Trips: Students will be invited to participate in visits to local industries and organizations that actively use drones, such as agriculture companies, media production studios, and engineering firms. These field trips will provide hands-on demonstrations of drones in action and showcase their diverse applications. 
  • Guest Speakers and Employer Visits: Professionals from various industries may be invited to discuss career opportunities, emerging trends, and the role of drones in their respective fields. These sessions will allow students to engage with potential employers, learn about real-world challenges, and explore future career pathways. 
  • Career Exploration Workshops: Walsh University’s Skilled Technical Workforce Program will organize special sessions focusing on career development, including resume-building tips for drone-related roles, pathways to FAA certification, and guidance on pursuing advanced studies or technical training in drone operations. 

These activities aim to broaden students' perspectives, provide practical career insights, and inspire them to consider drones as tools for innovation and opportunity in various industries. 

Program Cost 

The Introduction to Drone Operations and Safety course is offered at a fee of $3,000 per student. This all-inclusive cost ensures a high-quality learning experience and covers the following: 

  1. Tuition and Instructional Support: Comprehensive instruction facilitated by the high school teacher with weekly supplemental sessions from Walsh University's Skilled Technical Workforce Program. 
  2. Curriculum and Licensing Fees: Access to the licensed curriculum, supplemental teaching materials, and simulation software required for the course. 
  3. Experiential Learning Activities: Honorariums for guest speakers to discuss career pathways in drone technology are covered under the comprehensive per participant fee.  
  4. FAA Certification Exam Fee: Each student’s first FAA Part 107 Remote Pilot Certification test fee is included in the program cost. 
  5. Students are eligible for a $175 reimbursement upon submission of proof of payment and taking the test for the first time. 
  6. This reimbursement is applicable only for the initial test attempt. Additional attempts, if necessary, will not be covered by the program. 

The $3,000 per student fee ensures a comprehensive educational experience, blending theoretical knowledge, practical skill-building, and exposure to real-world applications, while also preparing students for professional FAA certification in drone operations. 

This curriculum ensures a thorough grounding in drone technology, both in theoretical concepts and hands-on experience, while leveraging the Walsh University partnership to provide high-quality supplemental instruction and real-world insights into the drone industry.