SDSU selected for FAA’s UAS training program

The Federal Aviation Administration has selected South Dakota State University’s Department of Geography and Geospatial Sciences for the Unmanned Aircraft Systems-Collegiate Training Initiative (UAS-CTI) program.

The new relationship is recognition of SDSU’s past and ongoing unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) efforts in teaching and in research, and it further strengthens the development of SDSU’s curriculum, said Bob Watrel, head of the Department of Geography and Geospatial Sciences.

“Our UAS program continues to grow. This recognizes that our program is among the leaders in UAS technology in the state,” Watrel said.

The FAA’s UAS-CTI program offers numerous advantages for schools, including an enhanced curriculum, industry recognition, access to FAA resources, partnership opportunities, pathways to FAA careers, networking opportunities and internship/job placement assistance.

The FAA program recognizes institutions that prepare students for careers in UAS, commonly referred to as drones. In order to qualify for the initiative, schools must offer a bachelor’s or associate degree in UAS or a degree with a minor, concentration or certificate in UAS. Schools should provide curriculum covering various aspects of UAS training, including hands-on flight practice, maintenance, uses, applications, privacy concerns, safety and federal policies concerning UAS.

The results of this collaborative working relationship will include a continuous dialogue with stakeholders to connect colleges and universities with general industry, local governments, law enforcement and regional economic development entities to address labor force needs, according to the FAA.

SDSU applied to become a part of the FAA’s UAS-CTI program, and the university has a memorandum of understanding with the FAA that details each party’s responsibilities in the program.

“We’re thrilled to be a part of this and to have the recognition,” Watrel said. “It’s a great resource that gives us access to information from the FAA and allows us to connect with other institutions. We get access to events to talk about new aviation rules, and there are resources for instructors and students to use in classes.

“The FAA allowed us to join this initiative because we’ll be able to train students and put them into the workforce. And it’s a way for them to get more people involved in interacting with and using drones,” Watrel added.

SDSU’s new uncrewed aircraft systems minor will be offered starting this fall as an expansion of the uncrewed aircraft systems certificate program that the university already offers. The minor will prepare students to use drones in career fields such as precision agriculture, construction, resource management, engineering, cinematography, emergency services and more.

The UAS minor covers mission planning and safety, how to acquire data using sensors, how to process acquired data, ethical considerations and the basic components required to operate a UAS, among other areas. Students gain the knowledge necessary to attain the FAA Part 107 small UAS license.

For more information on SDSU’s UAS minor and certificate program visit Department of Geography and Geospatial Sciences minors and certificates webpage.