Unmanned Aircraft Systems for First Responders
Students will receive 16-hours of training, two 8-hour sessions that will cover all aspects of the FAA Part 107 exam that allows commercial operation for small Unmanned Aircraft Systems (sUAS). Specific topics in FAA regulations, Airspace, Aviation Weather, Aircraft Performance, Aircraft Loading, Emergency Procedures, Crew Resource Management (CRM), Physiological Factors for Pilots, Aeronautical Decision Making (ADM), Airport Operations, and Aeronautical Charts. The course will also introduce Virginia-specific regulations, tools for First Responders, aircraft and equipment options, insurance, Certificates of Authorization (COAs), FAA waivers, aircraft registration, and the authority of local law enforcement, and examine future FAA regulations. This course will give everyone the tools for the how and why behind the questions, so everyone understands how to operate on their own under pressure.
In addition to classroom instruction, each student will be given a login to Canvas which is Dabney Lancaster’s online training portal. Students will be able to review modules and take several tests that mirror the 60-question FAA test. Students will be prepared to take the FAA Part 107 through an independent testing center upon completion. Testing fees are an additional cost not covered under Dabney Lancaster’s training agreement. Testing fees are generally $150.00 - $165.00. Students will have the option to purchase independent 3rd party training software that can be used for two years as a refresher or to fulfill annual training requirements for a public agency. Cost varies by company, but is generally $39.00.
The cost for the course will be $500.00 per student. A minimum of five students will be required to allow the course to run and a maximum of twelve slots are available due to the time allotted and social distancing guidelines. If an agency is sponsoring the student, the agency will have to fill out the attached sponsorship form for MGCC.
Students who complete this course through MGCC and pass the FAA exam will be eligible for advance standing credits through MGCC to pursue a degree. MGCC has additional advanced Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS) courses available that will cover advanced flight planning, sensor operations, and integration of external tools such as GIS.
The course is directed mainly for Fire, EMS, and Law Enforcement, but is open to the public for anyone ages 18 and older. All course training material will be provided by MGCC, and all students will be provided a comprehensive list of on-line FAA links and advanced study material to assist their respective departments as they build, or expand UAS operations.
For additional information, please contact Kylie Hendrickson at 540/863-2918 or khendrickson@mgcc.edu.
Please check back for upcoming class dates.