Unmanned Aircraft Systems (Drones)

Item 2. Catalog Description The Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS) program prepares students for careers in the rapidly growing area of unmanned aircraft systems, including piloting, mission planning, data collection and analysis, and other related skills. Students have the opportunity for flight training with multi-rotor and fixed wing unmanned aircraft systems. Through course work, simulation, and flight training, students may achieve the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) remote pilot operator certificate (FAA Part 107 licensing). Successful completion of this program enables students to take the FAA examination.

Year one projecting 40 enrolled. Year two projecting growth to 80 students. Projected retention of 93% based on success rate of aeronautics students the past two years.

Item 1. Program Goals and Objectives The Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS) industry is experiencing unprecedented growth (the public uses the term “drones”). The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), through Public Law 112-95, Section 331(8), defines Unmanned Aircraft Systems, drones, as “Aircraft”. The FAA claims jurisdiction over the operation of all aircraft. The FAA Remote Pilot Operator Certificate is the pilot’s license established by the FAA in 2016 (FAA Part 107). Per current FAA regulations, all businesses investing in drones must have a trained piloting team to implement the technology. The FAA is working swiftly to develop standards for licensing, training, integrating UAS into the national airspace system. Southern California is a hub for UAS companies and the deserts are test grounds for flight-testing. Mt. San Antonio College operates the largest aviation program in California – training pilots in Commercial Flight; training air traffic controllers in an FAA approved partnership (AT-CTI Program), and training FAA Aircraft Dispatchers through an FAA approved certificate program (fewer than 30 colleges nationwide). The goal of the UAS degree program is to prepare students to work in the aviation industry, and allied industries, and solve the challenges facing the operation of unmanned aircraft. The goals of the Associates Degree in Science in Unmanned Aircraft Systems are as follows: 1) Advance aviation education by reaching a diverse student body, integrating aviation safety culture and commercial aviation knowledge into unmanned aircraft systems education. 2) Provide a specialized unmanned aircraft systems associate degree that can serve workforce needs in areas of aviation, public service, conservation science, agriculture, construction, and other allied industries. 3) Through course work, simulation, and flight training, students may achieve licensing as an FAA Remote Pilot (FAA Part 107 licensing). 4) Support California strong workforce goals by providing a pathway into industries that provide living-wage jobs.

Item 3. Program Requirements Required Units in the Major: 28.5 Degree Total: 60.0 Required Courses AERO 98 - Introduction to Aviation Careers (1.50 units) AERO 100 - Primary Pilot Ground School (4.00 units) AERO 102 - Aviation Weather (3.00 units) AERO 104 - Federal Aviation Regulations (3.00 units) AERO 160 - Unmanned Aircraft Systems Basic (4.00 units) AERO 200 - Aviation Safety and Human Factors (3.00 units) AERO 210 - Unmanned Aircraft Systems Advanced (4.00 units) PHOT 10 - Basic Digital and Film Photography (3.00 units) PHOT 50 - Drone Basic Still and Motion Camera Operator (3.00 units)

Aeronautics Department

Similar Programs at Other Colleges in Service Area Los Angeles/Orange County Center of Excellence One ( October 2017) indicated that one college in the region (Cypress Community College) has implemented new degree programs that study the operation of unmanned aircraft systems, and award data is not yet available for program exiters. The program lead at Cypress College indicated no objection to additional colleges starting such programs. Glendale Community College and Orange Coast College are offering courses in this specialty but are not currently offering a specialized degree or certificate.

40 students annually