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: Drone Discovery Workshop (face-to-face in Blacksburg, VA).
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.
When: This is a 2-day virtual workshop. Several workshop options are available, including:
- Workshop #1: November 17-18, 2026
- Workshop #2: January 14-15, 2027
- Workshop #3: February 16-17, 2027
- Workshop #4: March 10 & 11, 2027
Topic: Test Preparation for the FAA Remote Pilot certification test (aka Part 107) while also providing:
- An understanding of FAA and sUAS lingo;
- An in-depth review of the FAA’s Remote Pilot Knowledge Test (aka Part 107);
- Other relevant discussions 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).
Cost:
- ADVANCE cohort & Extension: $300
- Students/Educators: $300
- Non-educators: $400
Online Registration: Online registration is required (credit card or e-checks are accepted via VT’s secure site). Due to university regulations, VT employees and students cannot use a P-card to pay for this workshop. Online registration typically closes about one month before each workshop date to allow time to mail workshop materials.
- 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 materials will be mailed to you 3-4 weeks before the workshop.
- Space is limited.
*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!
Questions associated with the workshop should be directed to John McGee (jmcg@vt.edu) or Daniel Cross (falkus@vt.edu).
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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
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. T
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