YPSILANTI, Mich. – At Ypsilanti Community High School, classrooms sometimes sound like a runway.
Students in a year-long drone program are learning to fly, map and work toward FAA Part 107 remote pilot certification that can qualify them for paid drone work.
Michael Cushman, the drone aviation technology instructor, leads the program and says certification opens commercial opportunities for students.
“At the end of this school year, every student will be taking the FAA Part 107 exam,” Cushman said. “What that does is allow them to make money flying a drone.”
Students said operating the controls takes practice and focus.
The class also introduces students to mapping and mission planning used in industry.
“You see a lightbulb go off when they figure something out,” Cushman said. “When you see them get that sense of accomplishment, I feel it too.”
Cushman said the program exposes students to different industries and helps them decide where they want to go after graduation.
“We’re exposing these kids to all the different careers, so when they get out of here they have an idea of where they want to go,” Cushman said. “As far as the drones are a concern, they’re already employable.”