AUGUSTA, Maine — The University of Maine at Augusta is set to offer the state’s first university-level course in operating unmanned aerial vehicles, or drones.
The Kennebec Journal reports the seven-week program begins Oct. 27 and will provide students a path to earn a Federal Aviation Administration remote pilot’s license.
The noncredit class is open to the public, not just UMaine-Augusta students. The school plans to offer a comprehensive series of courses that will prepare students for the FAA examinations required to become a licensed drone pilot.
President James Conneely says there’s a strong job market for licensed drone pilots and serving the need for training will "most certainly" lead to economic growth for Maine.
University officials believe UMaine-Augusta has the potential to become a training hub to serve the national market.