Portland Community College | Portland, Oregon

Upon completion of the course students should be able to:

• Safely operate a drone using an understanding of drone components, equipment, and technology.

• Integrate factors impacting drone flight such as environment, weather, and geography into planning and operations.

• Plan drone flights using an understanding of FAA and National Airspace System regulations and drone operation ethics.

• Use effective Crew Resource Management during field data collection.

• Program and fly a drone equipped with GPS to capture video and/or still photography.

• Use post-processing techniques to achieve project goals.

Be efficient and resourceful to solve both technical and process-oriented issues. Analyze the capabilities, limitations, and features of technology and equipment to capture the desired images based on client needs.

The materials in this course will be presented in a computer lab and field setting through classroom lecture, discussion, software demonstrations, drone flying, and computer-based assignments.  Other methods may be implemented such as small group work, guest speakers, and in-class activities.

Students will be expected to demonstrate mastery of themes, concepts, issues, competencies and skills by any combination of the following:

• Written results of class labs and exercises

• Completion of exams and quizzes

• Completion of a final project
• In-class discussions
• Drone Flying drills

Content, Themes, Concepts

• Drone Operation: normal procedures, emergency procedures, safety, basic crew resource management

• Drone Equipment Setup: assembly, propellers, batteries, remote controls

• Drone Maintenance: repair, replacement, service life

• FAA regulations and licensing

• Oregon State Law regarding drones

•  Remote data collection: Aerial photography, videography, interpretation

•  Industry applications of drone captured information

Issues & Skills

• Types, uses, and analyses of small drone systems and data

• Troubleshoot technical issues

• Ethical flight operation and camera operation

•  Limitations of small drone systems: flight times, transmission ranges

•  Limitations of small drone pilots: visual line of sight, pilot physiology

• Post Processing and delivery of small drone sensor derived products.