Drone Technology
Contact Us
Employment Stats
- Program Length One semester (15 weeks/450 hours)
- Job Placement New program - no placement data available
- Certification Pass Rate New program - no certification pass rate available
About Program
An introductory, one-semester course in unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), aka “drones”, and the technologies involved in their operation. Coverage includes UAV components, command and control communication systems, basics of flight, registration and regulations, safety and societal considerations. Laboratory activities provide opportunity for students to gain hands-on experience in working with UAVs. FAA CFR14, Part 107C will be a focus so that students will be able to use their gained skills for commercial endeavors
Job Expectations
Self-employment seems to be the career path of choice for most drone pilots, with 62% of drone services providers working for themselves according to a 2018 study from Skylogic Research. However, this may have more to do with job availability than job preference.
Expected Earnings
Reflecting on the novelty of this career path, The Bureau of Labor Statistics provides no data, signaling that they have yet to begin tracking the industry.
As an independent contractor, pricing appears to be pretty uniform for video and imagery packages across a cross-section of real estate aerial imagery business. Most companies offer packages ranging from $300-$800. DroneBase missions range from $200-$275 on-site.
Tools
- Personal Drone (optional)
- Basic repair tools
Cost
Check the TCAT fee schedule for 450 hours: https://www.chattanoogastate.edu/fees-fee-definitions-tennessee-college-applied-technology-tcat
TCAT Special Fees
Charged in Addition to Maintenance and Tuition
- Credit by Examination Fee - The regular course fee is charged for each special examination and must be paid prior to taking the examination. Non-refundable. (See Academic Regulations.)
- Credit for Life Experience Fees - Assessment Fee for Experiential Learning $45.00. Experiential Learning Credit $15.00 per credit hour in excess of 3.0 credit hours. $90.00 maximum.
- High School Equivalency Test (Hi-SET) - $75
- Placement Test Fees - ACT - $45.00. (Refer to Admissions Policy.)
Books
- http://www.faa.gov/
- http://www.faa.gov/regulations_policies/handbooks_manuals/aviation/phak/
- http://www.faa.gov/documentLibrary/media/Advisory_Circular/AC_107-2.pdf
- https://wahiduddin.net/calc/calc_da_rh.htm
- Multiple DJI Support videos for assembly/disassembly of Phantom series quadcopters will be shared in class.
Curriculum
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week 1 |
Introduction, safety & rules, basics of flying |
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week 2 |
Software/firmware, hardware basics |
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week 3 |
Hardware and controllers, UAV communications; Test-1 |
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week 4 |
First Person View, FPV (or POV) and camera systems |
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week 5 |
Control Modules (FC & ESC) Test-2 |
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week 6 |
Sensors and other modules on board |
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week 7 |
Sensors and optional modules |
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week 8 |
Batteries (LiPo), Motors (Brush/Brushless) |
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week 9 |
UAV antennae, locations, types; Test-3 |
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week 10 |
Software apps in depth; calibrations needed |
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week 11 |
Software apps continued; Test-4 |
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week 12 |
Trouble shooting, repairing |
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week 13 |
FAA practice test elements |
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week 14 |
Week of reviews; student questions; Final Test |