In the summer of 2022, Engineering teacher Adam Woods took an introductory course about drones at Fullerton College. This was a sixteen-week course that gave an introduction to drones and more information about the world of the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA).
During this course, Woods learned the skills of data acquisition, processing techniques for mapping, and the principles of Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS).
After completing the sixteen-week training course, he dedicated time to studying for the exam. This exam was a 60-question multiple choice and the minimum passing grade to obtain a license is 70%. This test is similar to a written test for a driver’s license before taking the exam.
“Taking the exam determines on making a logical guess or either knowing it or not,” said Woods.
Once he receives his license, he will have a 2-year waiting period before he has to renew the license. To renew his license, he will need to take an online test that is free of charge if he passes the test. If not then there will be a charge of $175 to retake the test. This is because every couple of years there is new information proceeding with the drones and new technology that have developments with them.
“It’s really amazing to see new developments and possibilities as to what we can do to help with the drones,” he added.
With a drone license, there are two categories; Commercial and Recreational Fliers. A recreational flier is a person who knows how to use a drone but only flies it for fun. Commercial drone fliers have access to special insurance. The rule is that when using this type of drone, it needs to be lit, by law, with special lights called anti-collision lights.
When having a drone license there are benefits to having more access to certain locations on where to fly them. Such as wanting to get a look at a place, but there is a height limitation when flying drones. There are height restrictions when flying drones in certain areas and there will need to be a Further coronation request, which asks for permission to go over the height limitation of 400 feet. All this will need to be approved by the FAA.
Through the course at Fullerton and receiving his drone license, Mr. Woods is in the process of allowing students to take a course on this topic with CTE. This process goes into connecting with community colleges and having the students being supported through this course as well as exams being charged free. This in-process program gives the students information about AeroSpace and the ability to get a license.
Mr Woods wants to inspire his students to be as passionate about engineering as he is. “I want students who are interested in this type of technology, or in this portion of job space, to learn more and pursue it.”
Jocelyn Alvarez-Garcia • Dec 20, 2023 at 12:40 pm
A drone license is something not everyone has. It’s nice that Segerstrom High School has a teacher that can offer drone services with proper certification.
Sofia Nevarez • Dec 20, 2023 at 12:20 pm
I really enjoyed this story because it showed how hardworking Mr. Woods is. I also liked that it was very detailed. Thank you for writing this story; it was great.
Melanie Vargas • Dec 20, 2023 at 11:49 am
This story is very informative, I like how well described the process is for obtaining a license.
mayah • Dec 20, 2023 at 11:44 am
This is a great article to be showcasing staff! It’s very well written and informative. I especially loved the part where you went over the process of obtaining a license in the first place. Great job!
Daniel • Dec 20, 2023 at 11:43 am
I like the idea of drones and how we can use them
Ana Santana • Dec 20, 2023 at 11:43 am
Congratulations to Mr. Woods for his drone license! I honestly didn’t know you had to have a license for drones! It is also amazing that he can teach his students what he has learned and his experience with drones, giving them a boost of motivation if they want to learn about it as well and possibly get their own license!
Camila Perez • Dec 20, 2023 at 11:38 am
It was interesting to read about all of the specific requirements and qualifications Mr. Woods needed to be able to fly a drone. It would be great if this became a future CTE course.
Emy Hernandez • Dec 20, 2023 at 11:34 am
I can’t imagine how long it took Mr.Wood to remember certain things to pass the test to get his drone license. Thanks for getting information on teachers and what they do outside of school.
Joshua Vu • Dec 20, 2023 at 11:13 am
I really like this news article, as it’s great that this is the first edition of our new Staff Spotlight. As Mr. Wood is extremely passionate about the potential drone program, it’s a great preview into the future of CTE. The context and specifics of his certification are an interesting read.