Drone Technology

ARE YOU Ready to level up your skills and open doors to amazing career opportunities?

Welcome to the Drone Technology (DRON) Pathway, where innovation takes flight!

This pathway is crafted for students who are enthusiastic about drones, aeronautics, and the rapidly evolving field of unmanned aircraft systems. Our faculty are dedicated to empowering the next wave of drone experts by equipping them with the essential skills and knowledge required to excel in this cutting-edge industry.

In this pathway, students will navigate through a comprehensive journey that blends hands-on training with practical industry insights. From mastering the basics of drone operations in Drone Technology Fundamentals to obtaining FAA certifications and engaging in complex aerial mapping and autonomous flights in advanced courses, our curriculum is designed to ignite innovation and enhance analytical skills. Students will partake in project-based learning, develop business plans, and earn industry-recognized certifications, preparing them for diverse careers in fields like aerial photography, agriculture, emergency response, and more.

You future starts with cte!

Join our Drone Technology pathway and gain the knowledge and credentials you need to succeed in today’s competitive world!

Chat with your counselor to learn more and sign up during registration for the upcoming school year.

What you'll Learn

Aeronautics Fundamentals: Understand the principles that govern flight and drone dynamics.
Flight Planning and Operations: Master the tools and techniques for safe and effective drone missions.
Drone Programming: Learn basic programming to control drones and execute autonomous flights.
Sectional Chart Development: Develop the skills to navigate using sectional charts tailored for drone use.
Professional Drone Operations: Master the essentials of conducting commercial drone missions.
Flight Crew Communication: Develop skills in effective communication vital for team-based flight operations.
Regulatory Compliance: Understand critical airspace regulations, weather condition assessments, and safety procedures for drone operations.
Maintenance and Troubleshooting: Learn to maintain and troubleshoot drones to ensure optimal performance.
Advanced Drone Operations: Master complex flight techniques and autonomous drone operations.
Aerial Mapping: Utilize cutting-edge mapping software to produce detailed 2D and 3D images.
Entrepreneurial Skills: Develop a business plan for launching a drone piloting company, covering essential aspects of entrepreneurship, FAA regulations, and market applications.
Certification Preparation: Prepare for two significant industry certifications: ESRI Drone2Map for drone-based geographic mapping and analysis, and NFPA 2400 for public safety drone operations.

Career Opportunities

Graduating with a concentrator status in Drone Technology opens the door to a wide range of exciting career opportunities. Here are some potential job roles that students can pursue after completing their studies:

Drone Pilot

Pilot unmanned aircraft for diverse applications such as aerial photography and inspections, adhering to safety and regulatory standards.

$71,588
($34.42/hr)

$49,968 - $87,051
($34.42/hr - $41.85/hr)

Strong Growth

AERIAL PHOTOGRAPHER

Capture stunning aerial images and videos for sectors including real estate and film, using advanced drone technology.

$43,335
($20.83/hr)

$40,000 - $47,000
($19.23/hr - $22.60/hr)

Strong Growth

GIS SPECIALIST

Analyze drone-collected data to produce detailed maps and models for environmental and urban planning using GIS technology.

$79,787
($38.36/hr)

$56,000 - $103,574
($26.92/hr - $49.80/hr)

Very Strong Growth

SEARCH AND RESCUE OPERATOR

Utilize drones to enhance the effectiveness and safety of search and rescue operations through aerial surveillance and delivery.

$46,220
($22.22/hr)

$44,000 - $48,500
($21.15/hr - $23.32/hr)

Average Growth

DRONE DATA ANALYST

Utilize drones to enhance the effectiveness and safety of search and rescue operations through aerial surveillance and delivery.

$65,000
($31.25/hr)

$55,000 - $75,000
($26.44/hr - $36.06/hr)

Very Strong Growth

COMMERCIAL DRONE TRAINER

Instruct new drone operators, preparing them for FAA certification and roles in commercial drone operations.

$58,000
($27.88/hr)

$45,000 - $71,000
($21.63/hr - $34.13/hr)

Strong Growth

PUBLIC SAFETY DRONE OPERATOR

Operate drones to support public safety tasks, including monitoring large events and conducting emergency response efforts.

$50,000
($24.04/hr)

$47,000 - $53,000
($22.60/hr - $25.48/hr)

Average Growth

DRONE OPERATIONS MANAGER

Manage drone projects, ensuring operational efficiency, compliance, and coordination of logistics and personnel.

$85,000
($40.87/hr)

$65,000 - $105,000
($31.25/hr - $50.48/hr)

Strong Growth

For the salary data, including "Average Salary," "Salary Ranges," and "Growth Outlook," the information was sourced from the following websites:
ERI Economic Research Institute - www.erieri.com, Indeed - www.indeed.com, Talent.com - www.talent.com, NC Works (NC Careers) - nccareers.org

By diving into the Drone Technology pathway, students acquire crucial skills in drone operations, aerial mapping, and data analysis, positioning them as highly skilled candidates in a fast-growing industry. The program is designed to blend theoretical knowledge with practical, hands-on experience, allowing students to undertake real-world projects and missions that enhance their technical proficiency and problem-solving abilities.

Students will also have the opportunity to earn recognized certifications such as the FAA Remote Pilot and other industry-specific credentials, which validate their expertise and commitment to the field. This comprehensive training ensures that graduates are not only ready to enter the workforce but also equipped to start their own drone-related businesses or pursue advanced studies in drone technology.

Join the Drone Technology pathway and propel your career to new heights in an innovative and exciting field!

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