Nebraska offers FAA drone pilot certification courses statewide

By Scout Nelson

This summer, Nebraska Extension will provide a valuable opportunity for individuals aiming to become certified drone pilots. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Aeronautical Knowledge Exam, necessary for obtaining a Part 107 remote pilot certification, will be the focus of one-day prep courses offered across Nebraska.

Dr. Dirk Charlson, a seasoned digital agriculture educator, will lead the courses. "The Part 107 Test Prep Course has shown excellent results, with many students passing the FAA Aeronautical Knowledge Exam with high marks," commented Charlson. Participants in previous sessions have reported passing rates in the 80th to 90th percentiles.

The course is designed to cover essential aviation topics such as airspace regulations, radio communication, weather considerations, and aircraft performance—knowledge crucial for the 60-question FAA exam.

Scheduled from June through August, the sessions will take place at seven strategic locations across the state, ensuring accessibility for all interested parties. Course dates and locations are as follows:

• June 7: UNL Panhandle Research, Extension and Educator Center, Scottsbluff.
• June 14: Syracuse Public Library, Syracuse.
• June 21: Hall County Extension Office, Grand Island.
• June 28: Gage County Extension Office, Beatrice.
• July 10: Henry J. Stumpf International Wheat Center, Grant.
• August 8: Dodge County Extension Office, Fremont.
• August 16: UNL West Central Research, Extension and Education Center, North Platte.

Each course runs from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. local time. The registration fee is $275, which includes study materials and meals. Special educational discounts are available for students and educators through an application process on the registration website.

With no prior aviation experience required, these courses are open to a diverse audience, including growers, educators, and professionals from various sectors. Past participants have traveled from states such as Wyoming, Kansas, Iowa, and Missouri, reflecting the course's broad appeal and effectiveness.

By providing these preparatory courses, Nebraska Extension continues to support educational advancement and technological adoption in agriculture and beyond.

Photo Credit -nebraska-extenstion