As part of an dual enrollment program with Embry–Riddle Aeronautical University, Milton High School students are learning to pilot and operate drone-like crafts in the first year of unmanned aircraft systems.
“We have basically learned about the history of unmanned aerial systems and drones,” said sophomore Jacob Moses.
Moses is one of the first 21 students to enroll in the curriculum, which allows students to work on their piloting skills while operating unmanned aircraft commonly referred to as drones. Scott Erickson, who is serving as the curriculum’s instructor, said there is a distinction between operating a unmanned aircraft and operating a remote control air craft. One of the main distinctions comes from operating the craft via a camera.
“If we use that camera to fly it, I am using the payload and its now an unmanned aircraft,” Erickson said.
William Gibson, 17, said he is impressed with how an individual can operate an aircraft using only an electronic handheld device without having to watch the craft in person.
“You can operate (the unmanned aircraft) from a different room,” he said.
Gibson said there is multiple uses for operating unmanned aircraft.
“The options are endless,” he said. “I’ve seen photographers go over parades with drones and take pictures. We can use them to survey things…think about the many things we can use aircraft for, but we can use drones too.”
Erickson, who is a certified as a federal aviation administrator of advanced ground instructor, said operating such craft can also be used to agricultural benefits, assisting with search and rescue operations, as well as other areas.
“The sky is the limit,” Erickson said.
Operating the aircraft using only a electronic tablet is only part of the curriculum, Erickson said. Students are also tasked with passing college module tests.
Due to Federal Aviation Administration restrictions and guidelines, Erickson takes the course is not something the students should take lightly.
“If one of my student’s is a student pilot and has a mishap in the plane, then (the FAA) will come and investigate our program if they see fit, so it’s something I take very seriously.”
In the curriculum’s first year, Erickson said all of the 21 students successfully passed the three module tests. Erickson also anticipates potentially having more students for next year’s class.
This article originally appeared on Santa Rosa Press Gazette: MHS students learn to operate drones in unmanned aircraft systems class (VIDEO)