Course Overview
Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS), commonly known as drones, are increasingly used across industries including construction, real estate, public safety, utilities, agriculture, and media. This course prepares participants to operate drones safely and legally while building foundational knowledge for commercial and workforce applications.
The program combines FAA Part 107 Remote Pilot exam preparation with applied instruction in drone operations, safety, airspace, weather, and professional use cases. Training is delivered through a combination of online and hands-on training, with instructor support and industry-aligned content.
Successful completion prepares students to sit for the FAA Part 107 Remote Pilot Knowledge Test, the federal requirement for commercial drone operations in the United States.
Course Info
- Tuesday and Thursday evenings 5:00 pm – 8:00 pm
Commercial drone pilots are employed across a growing range of industries, including:
- Construction and infrastructure inspection
- Real estate photography and videography
- Surveying and mapping support
- Utilities and facilities inspection
- Media production and marketing
- Public safety and emergency response
This course provides a strong foundation for entry-level drone operation and industry specialization.
- Program Type: Workforce / Career Training
- Delivery Format: Online (instructor-supported) and Hands-On
- Location: Online and On DCTS Campus
- Total Instructional Hours: 60
- Textbooks / Materials: Online, some Handouts, drone provided
- Certification: FAA Part 107 Remote Pilot (exam fee not included)
- Exam Provider: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA)
- Exam Cost: $175 (subject to change / paid directly to testing center)
- Credential Earned: FAA Remote Pilot Certificate (upon passing exam)60
Participants will gain knowledge and skills in the following areas:
- FAA drone regulations and compliance (Part 107)
- Airspace classification and operating requirements
- Weather theory and flight decision-making
- UAS safety, risk management, and operational planning
- Drone components, systems, and limitations
- Professional and ethical drone operations
- Overview of commercial drone application across industries
- Introduction to aerial photography, videography, and data collection concepts
This course is designed for:
- Adults seeking FAA commercial drone certification
- Career changers exploring technology-based fields
- Construction, inspection, and facilities professionals
- Real estate, marketing, and media professionals
- Public safety, municipal, or utility personnel
- Educators and trainers introducing drone technology
No prior drone experience is required.
- Course participants must be 18 years of age or older
- ALL registrants are required to register and pay-in-full AT LEAST one week prior to the class start date.
- Attendance is taken and all online hours must be completed as a requirement to take the final certification exams.
- Adult learners MUST be able to understand, speak, read, and write the English language.
Drone Hands-On Training
- Start Date:
- End Date:
- Weekdays:
- Times:
- Registration Deadline:
- Cost: $800
- Includes online training course, instructor, drone, and $25 administrative fee.
- Tuition must be paid in full before the start of the course.
- Registration and fee deadline is one week prior to the first class.
- Individuals are not considered registered with DCTS until payment-in-full is made by calling (717) 652-3170 ext. 7902
Course Information
- Cost: $800
- Hours: 60 hours
- Availability: Evenings & Online
How To Apply
- Submit your Online Application
- Call our office to schedule a payment (717) 652-3170 ext. 7902
Payment Information
Payment Methods
- Personal Pay: Credit/Debit (Visa, Mastercard, American Express), Money Order, or Cash
- Company Pay: Company Credit Card or Company Check
- Payment in full is two weeks prior to the first class. Submission of an application alone does not guarantee a spot in the class
- Checks should be made out to DCTS ADULT & CONTINUING EDUCATION and mailed to 6001 Locust Lane, Harrisburg, PA 17109 or call (717) 652-3170 ext. 7902 to make payment by credit card. No refunds will be issued after the start of class.
Paperwork & Cancellations
- Refunds (minus credit card fees) will be offered up until the start of the class.
- No refunds will be offered after the start of class..
- Cancellation requests must be received via email at AdultEd@dcts.org two weeks before the class start date.