Goodwill program offers path to drone pilot career

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A drone pilot training program designed to open new career pathways will commence later this month in Columbia.

Goodwill Industries of Upstate/Midlands South Carolina announced the continuation of ELEVATE, a drone pilot training program developed in partnership with AINautics, a drone training academy. ELEVATE intends to equip aspiring drone pilots with the skills, knowledge and expertise to navigate the skies, a news release stated. The program focuses on drone operation and safety, preparing participants for the FAA 107 exam, the commercial drone pilot program of the Federal Aviation Administration.

“We are thrilled to provide our ELEVATE program to the Midlands of South Carolina. This program not only provides valuable skills, but also opens up new career pathways in the exciting field of drone technology,” Monique McDaniels, Goodwill vice president of community and workforce development, said in the release. “As Goodwill continues its commitment in equipping individuals with the tools for success in both life and work across South Carolina, ELEVATE helps open doors to a burgeoning industry and we take pride in empowering our community to soar to new heights and seize opportunities in this ever-evolving field.”

ELEVATE’s boot camp for aspiring drone pilots will meet for a two-day training program from 9 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. on Saturday, April 20, and Sunday, April 21, at Goodwill Industries of the Upstate/Midlands’ Hardscrabble location, 111 Highland Center Drive in Columbia.

Material covered includes the fundamentals of Federal Regulations, drone vocabulary, understanding how to obtain a remote pilot certification airspace classification, operating requirements, and weather reporting. No experience or training is required for the course. Participants must be at least 16 years old — the minimum age to acquire a drone pilot license.

Participants are required to pass the FAA 107 Part A exam within two weeks of completing the 16-hour boot camp, the release stated. Following successful completion of the exam, participants will have a full-day drone operation training session on May 4. During that session, participants will receive hands-on training in drone flying techniques, utilizing drones provided by AINautics to navigate real-life circumstances.

The ELEVATE: Drone Training Program is powered by AINautics and made possible by ICF’s Cybersecurity Youth Apprenticeship Initiative, which is funded by the U.S. Department of Labor’s Employment and Training Administration Office of Apprenticeship, the release said. The program also receives funding from the University of South Carolina Office of Innovation and The Truist Foundation.