Drones & Cones Highlights STLCC Drone Pilot Program

May 26, 2026

Posted by STLCC-Wildwood in News Resources 

St. Louis Community College-Wildwood hosted its second annual Drones & Cones event on Thursday, May 7, drawing hundreds of community members for an afternoon of drone demonstrations, hands-on flight instruction and ice cream.

The free, family-friendly event was held in conjunction with the Federal Aviation Administration’s Drone Safety Day and was planned and led primarily by STLCC remote aircraft pilot students as part of a final class project.

Students Lead Drone Safety Event at STLCC-Wildwood

Drones & Cones gave attendees a chance to see STLCC students put their training into action. Students led professional-level drone demonstrations, answered questions and helped visitors better understand safe drone operation.

Industry vendors also showcased drones used in professional settings. In the campus’s netted drone flight area, students provided hands-on instruction and taught dozens of visitors how to safely operate drones.

Remote Aircraft Pilot Program Shows Strong Growth

The event also highlighted the growth of STLCC’s remote aircraft pilot program. According to Tom McGovern, mechanical engineering professor, the program recently certified 20 new Federal Aviation Administration remote aircraft pilots, with a 100% pass rate for all students who have taken the certification test.

Twelve students graduated with the remote aircraft pilot certificate of specialization at the May 17 commencement exercises. McGovern also shared that six new drone businesses have launched in the greater St. Louis area as a direct result of the program, with work ranging from real estate marketing to inspections and geographic information systems, also known as GIS.

The event also included 140 free T-shirts and hundreds of ice cream cones for participants.

“This event demonstrates not only the technical skills our students have developed, but also their ability to educate and engage the community about drone safety,” McGovern said. “Seeing our graduates secure jobs and launch successful businesses in this growing field is incredibly rewarding.”

Preparing Students for Drone and Geospatial Careers

STLCC’s remote aircraft pilot certificate of specialization prepares students for drone pilot training and introduces them to unmanned aircraft systems. The program builds practical skills needed to fly drones safely and professionally through hands-on training.

St. Louis is becoming a leader in geospatial technology, supported by the National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency’s long-standing presence and major investment in the region. As demand grows, careers in drone operations and GIS continue to expand.

The program provides students with the experience needed to pursue a remote pilot certificate from the Federal Aviation Administration and prepare for opportunities in this growing field.