Image: Neuse River Trail (right) at Brownfield Road (top), Wake County, NC.
Once you've obtained your Part 107 & North Carolina certifications and have some basic piloting skills, there are several things you should consider.
Get an Aircraft & Keep Flying
One of the best ways to maintain and develop your skills is to keep flying. And to do that, you'll likely want to own an aircraft.
You've had the opportunity to try several aircraft and there's lots of information on the web. Find something that fits your needs and budget or share something with friends. However you can make it work, just get out there and fly!
Keep Learning and Training
Flying is a skill that requires constant learning and training. You should find and take advantages of other opportunities to grow as a pilot.
[ List some websites, forums, clubs ]
You can also join organizations that support and promote excellence in remote piloting and uncrewed aircraft, such as the Association for Uncrewed Vehicle Systems International (AUVSI). While you are affiliated with NC State, you have membership rights to this organization [ provide further information here], including access to their Trusted Operator Program (TOP) certification at no charge.
TOP has 3 levels of certification that demonstrate a committment to developing skills and knowledge related to being a remote pilot as well as a focus on safe operations. NC State University is an official provider of training for these certifications and provides them at no charge for current students and at a discount for faculty and staff. Contact ** for further information and special discount codes.
TOP Level 1 certification is a completely online course that reinforces what you've learned for Part 107 Certification with an increased focus on safe operations. It is currently available for completion through Reporter at NC State.
Level 2 & 3 certification courses at NC State are still under development - I'll update this when they are available.