Over 1 Million Drones Sold
The drone industry continues to grow in both the recreational and commercial markets. Just this past holiday season, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) projected that over 1 million drones would be sold, likely to recreational users. And to date, more than 2,800 FAA Section 333 exemption requests have been granted to commercial drone flight operators.
California’s economy has already received a boost from this emerging industry.
Time Structures, Inc. reports that the economic impact was approximately $398 million in 2015, making the drone sector a significant piece of the economy. Currently there are more than 90 drone-related businesses in California, and that number is expected to increase substantially after the release of finalized regulations by the FAA that would accommodate commercial drones.
More Than 300 Drone Applications
And there is no shortage of possible drone applications. Unmanned Vehicle University has already identified more than 300 uses for drones spanning a variety of economic sectors. We may soon be using drones for search and rescue efforts, traffic monitoring, and disaster management, just to name a few possibilities.
Preparing Students for Careers
It’s clear that there is a need to prepare students for careers in this fast-growing industry. After researching the opportunity to align ATRE training with the emerging needs of California’s drone industry, Peter Davis (ATRE Statewide Director) and Greg Newhouse (ATRE Deputy Sector Navigator of the San Diego region) met with Max Moore of San Diego Miramar College to discuss the development of training for technical jobs in the drone sector.
As the program director of Miramar’s Aeronautical & Aviation Department, Moore was eager to investigate the opportunity. He quickly began making connections with local Unmanned Aircraft System (UAS) companies and has attended several seminars, including a three-day training held during the winter break. Moore has also been included on a task force assembled by the San Diego Flight Standards District Office.
“The task force was assembled to inform the public and incorporate drones into our airspace. We’re still in the introductory stages, but it is taking shape. I’m in contact with a lot of the UAS talent in San Diego as part of the task force,” said Moore.
All of these connections will serve Moore well as he works to develop curriculum for Miramar students as part of its FAA pilot school program. Safety, flight characteristics, and flight operations are all important components of the program, and necessary skills for commercial drone pilots. Depending on the curriculum development process and industry assistance, Moore hopes that Miramar College could start offering this training as soon as summer or fall semester in 2016.
Interested in training UAV pilots and technicians on your campus?
Contact Peter Davis, Statewide Director of the ATRE at outrchpd@me.com.
