Workshop: Remote Pilot Certification Test Prep
Location: Virtual (Zoom)!!!
What: 2-day workshop. Mapping with Drones: Remote Pilot Certification Preparation. This workshop provides extensive preparation for the FAA’s Remote Pilot Certification test (aka Part 107). This certification is essential to operating a drone legally. Note that if you are interested in learning how to map with drones, then you should consider registering for the Mapping with Drones: Workflows Workshop.
Who: This workshop (preparation for the FAA Remote Pilot Certification) is essential for drone operators interested in Mapping with Drones, Photography/Videography with Drones, and others who are either interested in operating a drone or managers who need to learn more about the regulatory environment. This workshop is appropriate for Extension agents/specialists, Private industry, Natural resource professionals, Planning professionals, Local/State govt. employees, Public safety professionals, Agricultural operators, Educators (high school, community college, university), Realtors, Construction/Inspection teams, etc. This is an introductory workshop… No previous experience or knowledge is necessary.
Topic: Test Preparation for the FAA Remote Pilot Exam (aka Part 107).
Cost: General registration is $250. Extension and teacher pricing is $200.
Online Registration: Online registration is available from https://tinyurl.com/DroneWorkshopSP2025. Online registration is required with a registration fee of $250 (credit card accepted via VT’s secure site). Due to university stipulations, VT employees and students cannot use a P-card to pay for this workshop. Note that online registration typically closes ~1 month before each workshop date to provide time to mail workshop material.
When*: This is a 2-day workshop. Several workshop options are available, including:
- Workshop #1: February 18th and 20th (note the gap day. Registration for this option closes @ noon on Feb 6th)
- Workshop #2: March 5th and 7th (note the gap day. Registration for this option closes @ noon on Feb 20th)
- Workshop #3: June 12th and 13th (Registration for this option closes @ noon on May 29th)
*General agenda: Day #1, 9:00 – 5:00 (Airspace, Weather, General Regulations) | Day #2, 9:00 – 5:00 (Loading & Performance, Operations) with practice questions & discussions along the way. Also, scheduled times for breaks & lunch!
Participant Testimonials:
This was by far one of the best training programs I have attended in my 30+ years of Extension work. The instructors were extremely well-prepared and knowledgeable. -VCE Agricultural Extension Specialist
This workshop was of tremendous value. The content was all-encompassing and took me as a student from the understanding of bare basics to feeling confident in my ability to take the Part 107 and utilize a drone for mapping purposes… -Local Government Employee
This workshop was exactly what I needed to help me think through the details of operating a drone with Virginia Tech undergraduates to help support urban temperature mapping in Roanoke. I was primarily interested in learning about how to operate safely, how to identify risks and how to mitigate them, and what kind of equipment would be best for my needs. All of these topics were well-covered in this workshop… -Higher Education Faculty member
I am glad to have gained this knowledge as it will make me more professional, a safer sUAS pilot, and almost certainly get longer use out of my drone… -Private Sector Employee
Cost: Workshop registration is $300. Extension and other educators qualify for a reduced registration fee of $250. This fee covers books & handouts (mailed to you) and 2-days of instruction (with open ended Q&A sessions). Since books and other handout material will be mailed to each participant (via USPS), participants are encouraged to complete the registration process (and payment) at least 1 month before each workshop. Major credit cards are accepted via Virginia Tech’s secure online system. VT faculty/students can pay via a personal credit card (not with a P-card) and then apply for reimbursement. Receipts are provided to registrants by email via the VT’s online system after payment has been submitted.
2-Day Workshop Summary: Small Unmanned Aircraft Systems (sUAS) are permeating many industry sectors and are increasingly being employed as data collection platforms to support various applications. Applications span disciplines and industries and can include planning, natural resource management, marketing, inspection of structures, agricultural production, permitting, and public safety. Specific sensors can be used to tailor application needs. Flights can be scheduled and conducted under short notice to accommodate weather and temporal considerations. sUAS operations support efficient workflows and provide opportunities for ‘data on demand’. This is an intensive, yet introductory level workshop, and can be considered a ‘drone boot camp’. No previous knowledge or experience with drones, sUAS, or GIS is required. This 2-day workshop will provide participants with the following:
- An understanding of FAA and sUAS lingo;
- An in-depth review of the FAA’s Remote Pilot Knowledge Test (aka Part 107);
- Other discussions (basic introduction to sensors, data, and flight planning as time allows).
Workshop Outcomes After the workshop, participants will:
- understand many general terms associated with sUAS (including parts, regulations, etc.)
- be prepared to take (and pass) the FAA’s Remote Pilot Knowledge Test (aka Part 107).
Registration: Online registration is available from here (major credit cards & e-check are accepted).
- Workshop registration closes ~1 month prior to each workshop.
- After you submit your online registration & payment, you will receive a payment confirmation and further information about the workshop (login information, etc.).
- All workshop options are conducted through ZOOM.
- Workshop material will be mailed to you 3-4 weeks before the workshop.
- Space is limited.
Questions associated with the workshop should be directed to John McGee (jmcg@vt.edu) or Daniel Cross (falkus@vt.edu).
—