Explore the Skies through Drone Technology

If you’ve ever had an interest in flying planes, Chad Osborne says flying drones is a less expensive way to enjoy the feel of the pilot’s seat.

Osborne will be teaching a Drone Technology and Operation class at Richmond Community College on Saturday, March 25, from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. In this class, you will learn about the development of drones; how drones are used in the military, agriculture, real estate and other professions; what to look for when buying a drone; and how to build, repair and maintain a drone.

“There will be a lot of hands-on time in the class with a lot of discussion,” Osborne said. “I’ll be teaching you to do interesting things with a drone, such as picking things up and flying through an obstacle course.”

Osborne is the band instructor at Ashley Chapel Educational Center and an instructor for a science, technology, engineering and mathematics program, called G.R.E.A.T(ness).

About Drones
A drone is an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV), an aircraft without a human pilot aboard. The flight of UAVs may operate with various degrees of autonomy: either under remote control by a human operator, or fully or intermittently autonomously, by onboard computers.

Drones originated mostly in military applications, although their use is expanding in commercial, scientific, recreational, agricultural, and other applications, such as policing and surveillance, product deliveries, aerial photography, agriculture and drone racing. Civilian drones now vastly outnumber military drones, with estimates of over a million sold by 2015.

Flying Regulations
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) regulates the flying of drones, so Osborne will be providing information that will keep you from getting a hefty fine and make sure your done has a safe flight. A quick rule of thumb, Osborne said, is to fly under 400 feet and keep the drone in your line of sight. Also, drones are not allowed to fly within 4 miles of an airport or a hospital with a helipad.

To Sign Up
To sign up for the Drone Technology and Operation class on Saturday, March 25, call Workforce and Economic Development Program Director Angineek Gillenwater at (910) 410-1848 or email ajgillenwater@richmondcc.edu. If you do not have a drone but would like to buy one to bring to the class, Osborne will provide you with some purchase recommendations that are under $50.