Take Flight with Drone Pilot Training
Prepare for drone pilot training with STLCC’s remote aircraft pilot certificate of specialization (CS). This program introduces you to unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) and builds the practical skills needed to fly drones safely and professionally.
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 geographic information systems (GIS) continue to expand. Through hands-on training, you’ll gain the experience needed to earn a remote pilot certificate from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and succeed in this fast-growing field.
What is the Remote Aircraft Pilot Certificate at St. Louis Community College?
A remote aircraft pilot is trained to operate a remote-controlled aircraft, such as a drone or UAS. They are responsible for flying and controlling these aircrafts for various purposes such as delivery, inspections, photography or surveillance.
The remote aircraft pilot certificate at STLCC is designed to teach you how to become a drone pilot, providing the skills and knowledge necessary to operate drones safely and professionally.
Topics covered include:
- Understanding Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) regulations and legal requirements.
- Learning to design and execute professional drone missions.
- Capturing aerial photos, videos and geospatial data.
- Developing strategies tailored to specific project needs.
What Can You Do With a Remote Aircraft Pilot Certificate?
After completing this certificate, students will have the skills to pass the FAA Part 107 licensing exam, unlocking commercial opportunities across various industries. Certified drone pilots can work in fields such as:
- Aerial photography
- Agriculture
- Environmental monitoring
- Inspections
- Surveying
- Package delivery
- Public safety
CS in Remote Aircraft Pilot
- Degree offered: Certificate of specialization
- Locations: Florissant Valley, Wildwood
- Hours to complete: Six
- Program contact name: Tom McGovern
- Program contact email: tmcgovern@stlcc.edu
Tuition for district residents is $122 per credit hour for in-district students. Find out more about our straightforward and low-cost tuition structure.
Related Courses
Remote aircraft piloting and GIS are two-distinct fields with different focuses, though they can sometimes overlap in applications like surveying or mapping.
Enhance your drone pilot skills with geospatial technology courses.
Why You Should Choose STLCC's Remote Aircraft Pilot Certificate
FAA Certification Ready
The drone pilot certificate at STLCC is designed to fully prepare students for the FAA Part 107 licensing exam. With training, hands-on experience and expert guidance, students receive the knowledge and skills needed to earn their official certification.
Hands-On Drone Training
STLCC's Florissant Valley and Wildwood campuses each offer an outdoor lab with a netted enclosure where students can practice their drone-flying skills in a safe and controlled environment.
High-Demand Careers
The rapidly growing drone industry is creating a wide range of career opportunities. As more businesses embrace drone technology for delivery, inspection, surveying and additional services, there is a strong demand for skilled pilots in the St. Louis area and beyond.
STLCC. What's your reason?