Launch Your Drone Career with Remote Aircraft Pilot Training
Prepare for a career in drone operations with St. Louis Community College's remote aircraft pilot certificate of specialization (CS). This program introduces you to unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) and helps you develop the skills needed to operate drones safely and professionally.
You’ll learn drone flight operations, safety practices and industry applications while preparing to earn the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) remote pilot certificate. This training can help you pursue opportunities in fields such as surveying, mapping, inspections, agriculture, construction and other industries that use drone technology.
What is the Remote Aircraft Pilot Certificate at St. Louis Community College?
A remote aircraft pilot operates UAS, commonly known as drones, for professional uses such as inspections, photography, mapping and data collection. These pilots use technology, planning and safety practices to complete drone missions across a variety of industries.
STLCC’s remote aircraft pilot certificate prepares you to safely operate drones while building the skills needed for commercial drone work. You’ll learn how to plan flights, follow FAA rules and use drone technology to collect information for real-world projects.
Topics covered include:
- Understanding FAA regulations and legal requirements.
- Planning and completing professional drone missions.
- Capturing aerial photos, videos and geospatial data.
- Creating flight plans based on project goals and industry needs.
What Can You Do With a Remote Aircraft Pilot Certificate?
A remote aircraft pilot certificate prepares you for commercial drone opportunities after earning your FAA Part 107 Remote Pilot certification. Drone pilots use UAS to collect data, capture images and support projects in industries that rely on aerial technology.
Graduates may find opportunities in areas such as aerial photography, agriculture, environmental monitoring, inspections, surveying, construction, package delivery and public safety. In these roles, drone pilots may collect aerial data, create maps, monitor sites and support decision-making for businesses and organizations.
St. Louis is a growing hub for geospatial technology, supported by the National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency’s presence in the region. As demand increases, opportunities continue to grow in drone operations, mapping and geographic information systems (GIS). STLCC’s GIS courses can help you build additional skills in spatial data, mapping and location-based technology to complement your drone training.
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 $127 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?