BRUNSWICK — The University of Maine at Augusta’s Aviation program will be hosting a series of Federal Aviation Administration education sessions to educate different groups about Remotely Piloted Aircraft (better known as drones). The events will be held at UMA’s Brunswick Aviation Center, and are free for all participants.
As the U.S. is coming out of the global pandemic, the FAA has expanded its outreach to all nine of the FAA Regions for in-person events. Their goal is to highlight the societal, economic, and educational benefits of drones for specialized users and the general public, through a series of events focusing on different audiences.
UMA is part of the FAA’s UAS-Collegiate Training Initiative and was selected as the host of the New England regional event: Droning On: New England Edition. The educational series will take place Sept. 29 to Oct. 1 at the UMA Brunswick Aviation campus (2 Pegasus Street). There is no cost to attend and the events consists of three days of activities, beginning at 9 a.m. and ending at approximately 4 p.m.
Teachers, first responders, state agencies, and the general public are encouraged to attend. The presentations are also open to high school students and others with an interest in remote pilot aviation. Others who are encouraged to attend include K-12 STEM teachers, employers with drone needs and independent contractors who want to learn to fly drones. Real Estate brokers, construction companies, and inspectors are also encouraged to attend these informational events.
Each day’s sessions are targeted toward specific individuals as follows:
1. Thursday, Sept. 29: For Students and Educators (Targeting colleges/universities, technical and high schools) with presentations including:
o Universities and colleges with RPA programs
o Companies/organizations that are looking for drone professionals
o Tools for educators and information for students
2. Friday, Sept. 30: For Careers (Targeting law enforcement, all first responders, and government agencies) with presentation about:
o Public Safety Training
o Small Business best practices and resources
o Local Government best practices and resources
3. Saturday, Oct. 1: For Community, Friends and Family (Targeting anyone interested in drone acquisition costs, licensing, and operations) to explore:
o Drone Demos
o Drone Simulators
o Advanced Air Mobility
Space is limited so participants are encouraged to register ahead of the sessions of interest at: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/droning-on-new-england-edition-registration-387510282687.
UMA is the only university in Maine with a RPA pilot training program and has already trained over 300 students in its basic Commercial Drone course. The program is adaptable to several different academic endeavors. Students may work towards a bachelor’s degree in applied science with remotely piloted aircraft major; earn a 31-credit hour certificate in Remotely Piloted Aircraft; or take the basic Commercial Drone course to prepare for the FAA Part 107 Commercial Remote Pilot certificate. The 31-credit hour UAS certificate is approved for financial aid through UMA.
UMA transforms the lives of students of every age and background across the State of Maine and beyond through access to high-quality distance and on-site education, excellence in student support, civic engagement, and professional and liberal arts programs. For more information, please visit https://www.uma.edu/.
