MONROE, Mich. – Monroe County Community College’s Office of Workforce Development is offering two new drone pilot training courses for Federal Aviation Administration certification prep this winter -- including an introductory course for recreational operators and a commercial pilot course -- at greatly reduced rates via a grant to MCCC from SEMCA GEM Talent, Barry Kinsey, director of workforce development, has announced.
The first course, Drone 101 + Safety: Federal Aviation Administration TRUST Prep Course, is the perfect starting point for new drone pilots. TRUST stands for “The Recreational UAS (Unmanned Aircraft System) Safety Test.” The law requires that all recreational flyers pass an aeronautical knowledge and safety test and provide proof of passage if asked by law enforcement or FAA personnel. This course was developed to meet this requirement.
The four-hour, comprehensive course covers essential safety practices, basic drone operations and regulatory requirements to help students fly with confidence. Upon completion of the course, students will take the online FAA TRUST exam administered by an approved test administrator. After passing the test, students will receive a certificate from the test administrator as proof of passage.
The course will take place on Saturday, January 24, from 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. in the Welch Health Education Building gymnasium on MCCC’s Main Campus at 1555 S. Raisinville Rd. in Monroe.
The cost is $40. This is about 80 percent lower than the full cost of $199 thanks to the SEMCA GEM Talent grant.
The second course, Commercial Drone Pilot: Federal Aviation Administration Part 107 Prep Course, is designed for aspiring professionals. The 20-hour course provides in-depth training on FAA regulations, airspace classification, weather impacts and operational procedures. Expert instructors will guide students through the knowledge required to pass the FAA Part 107 exam for certification to operate drones commercially. Students will be provided with a drone for class instruction. In addition to the 20 hours of classroom instruction and flight training, students will have the opportunity to participate in weekly, online exam preparation sessions.
Classes will be held on the following Saturdays: February 14, 21 and 28 and March 14. They will run from noon-4 p.m. in MCCC’s Welch Health Education Building gymnasium. There will also be moderated online discussions during each week of the course.
The cost is $150. This is nearly 80 percent lower than the full cost of $650 thanks to the SEMCA GEM Talent grant.
To register for either the Drone 101 + Safety: Federal Aviation Administration TRUST Prep Course, the Commercial Drone Pilot: Federal Aviation Administration Part 107 Prep Course or both, go to https://monroeccc.augusoft.net. If you are a first-time user, you must create a new account in the online registration system.
For more information or assistance in registering, please call the Office of Workforce Development at (734) 384-4229 or email Sherry Bussell, administrative assistant for workforce development and experiential learning, at sbussell@monroeccc.edu.
About Monroe County Community College
Founded in 1964, Monroe County Community College is a public, two-year institution supported by tax monies from Monroe County, educational funds from the State of Michigan and student tuition. The college’s mission is to enrich lives in our community by providing opportunity through student-focused, affordable, quality higher education and other learning experiences. The Main Campus is located at 1555 South Raisinville Road, Monroe, Mich., 48161, with easy access to Toledo and Detroit. The Whitman Center is located in Temperance, Mich., 48182, near the Ohio-Michigan Border. Detailed information about MCCC is available at www.monroeccc.edu.
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