Drone Pilot Schools in United States

These schools train drone pilots in United States, from first flights to commercial work. Programs, schedules, and pricing change often, so contact each school directly for current details.

145 schools listed
How to become a pilot

The credential is called a Remote Pilot Certificate with a small UAS rating. Applicants must be at least 16 years old, able to read, speak, and understand English, and in a physical and mental condition to operate safely. The path starts with creating a profile in the FAA's IACRA system, then passing the UAG knowledge test at an approved PSI testing center, a roughly $175 fee paid to PSI rather than the FAA, then completing FAA Form 8710-13 in IACRA using the 17-digit exam ID, followed by TSA security vetting.

A temporary certificate typically arrives within about 10 business days, with the permanent certificate following by mail. Pilots who already hold a Part 61 certificate and completed a flight review in the last 24 months can skip the knowledge test and instead complete the free ALC-451 online course, verifying identity through an FSDO, DPE, ACR, or CFI. All Remote Pilot Certificate holders must recertify every 24 months with a free online course, ALC-677 or ALC-515; there is no retest.

Regulator
FAA (Federal Aviation Administration) ↗ 14 CFR Part 107
About the regulation

Civil drone operation in the United States is regulated by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) under 14 CFR Part 107, which covers non-recreational operations of drones under 55 pounds. Drones weighing 250 grams or more must be registered through the FAA's DroneZone system for a fee of $5 per aircraft, valid for three years, and most operations require Remote ID broadcast outside of FAA-Recognized Identification Areas. Standard operating rules limit flights to daylight hours, with civil twilight allowed if the aircraft has anti-collision lighting, require the aircraft to stay within visual line of sight, cap altitude at 400 feet above ground level, and prohibit flying over non-participating people or near manned aircraft.

Operators can apply for waivers, typically processed within about 90 days, to fly beyond these standard rules, including at night, over people, or beyond visual line of sight.

Confirm current requirements on the authority's official site before you enroll or fly.

This page is for general orientation and may not reflect the latest regulatory changes. It is not legal advice: confirm current rules, fees, and permitted zones with your country's civil aviation authority before you fly.

A listing in this directory is not an endorsement, accreditation, or certification of any school, and does not indicate affiliation with or vetting by us. Confirm a school's credentials and authorizations directly with the school and the relevant authority.

Schools

Del Mar College (UAS Technology Education Consortium)

UAS certificates and a fundamentals course run with Texas A&M-Corpus Christi, focused on GIS and geospatial work.

Corpus Christi, TX
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+1-361-698-1299

Unmanned Safety Institute (USI)

Drone pilot training courses in Tempe, Arizona.

Tempe, AZ
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DARTdrones

In-person and online drone courses for flight basics, aerial inspections, mapping, photography, videography, and business startup in 40+ cities.

Phoenix, AZDenver, CODallas, TXBoston, MASeattle, WA
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1.435.252.1238

Drone Universities

Hands-on commercial drone flight training for individuals and companies, offered 7 days a week across 150+ US cities.

New York, NYLos Angeles, CAChicago, ILHouston, TXPhoenix, AZ
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info@droneuniversities.com

Precision Remote Pilot School (USA Aviation Academy)

Offers professional pilot, aircraft mechanic, and aircraft dispatcher training through in-person programs at multiple U.S. locations.

Denton, TX
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info@aviationacademy.edu

The RTC (Rescue Training Center)

In-person and virtual drone training for law enforcement and fire agencies; courses include basic pilots, advanced ops, tactical, rescue, and mapping.

Fountain Valley, CA
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support@thertc.org

Jacksonville State University

FAA UAS-CTI member. 9-credit microcredential in drone piloting, remote sensing, and GIS with FAA Part 107 exam preparation.

Jacksonville, AL
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info@jsu.edu 1-256-782-5781

Troy University

FAA UAS-CTI member. UAS minor complements various majors; FAA UAS College Training Initiative member with online courses and optional on-campus hands-on sessions.

Troy, AL
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1-334-808-6727

University of Arkansas

FAA UAS-CTI member institution with drone/UAS coursework.

Fayetteville, AR
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Sonoran Desert Institute

FAA UAS-CTI member. Online Associate degree and certificate in uncrewed aircraft systems with coursework in sensors, aviation, remote pilot certification, and UAS operations.

Tempe, AZ
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admissions@sdi.edu 800-336-8939

California Baptist University

FAA UAS-CTI member. Aviation Unmanned Aerial Systems minor training students to operate drones in multiple industries on campus.

Riverside, CA
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(877) 228-3615

Merced Community College District

FAA UAS-CTI member institution with drone/UAS coursework.

Merced, CA
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MiraCosta College

FAA UAS-CTI member institution with drone/UAS coursework.

Carlsbad, CA
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Orange Coast College

FAA UAS-CTI member. Photography-focused drone and UAS certificates: Photography, Videography, and Basic Imaging Skills; prepare for FAA Part 107 image capture specialist roles.

Costa Mesa, CA
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arinfo@occ.cccd.edu (714) 432-5772

Palomar College District

FAA UAS-CTI member institution with drone/UAS coursework.

San Marcos, CA
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Santa Rosa Junior College

FAA UAS-CTI member. Associate of Science degree in Aerial Remote Sensing and Photogrammetry for processing Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs/drones) data with 28 units.

Santa Rosa, CA
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(707) 527-4011

University of California – Santa Cruz

FAA UAS-CTI member institution with drone/UAS coursework.

Santa Cruz, CA
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Southern Connecticut State University

FAA UAS-CTI member. Minor offering study of drone operations, aerial imaging, and applications in journalism, environmental sciences, and other professional fields.

Haven, CT
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(203) 392-7278

Florida State University

FAA UAS-CTI member institution with drone/UAS coursework.

Tallahassee, FL
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Pinellas Technical College

FAA UAS-CTI member institution with drone/UAS coursework.

St. Petersburg, FL
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Tallahassee State College

FAA UAS-CTI member. 8-week hands-on Drone Technology program covering FAA Part 107 licensing, flight operations, media editing, and commercial drone pilot training.

Tallahassee, FL
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amtc@tsc.fl.edu (850) 201-9720

Athens Technical College

FAA UAS-CTI member. Emerging Technologies program with hands-on labs including DJI drones and drone simulators; Associate degree or Certificate.

Athens, GA
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706-355-5000

Southern Crescent Technical College

FAA UAS-CTI member. Technical certificate in drone operations; FAA Remote Pilot certification prep for small unmanned aircraft systems.

Griffin, GA
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770-228-7348

Idaho State University

FAA UAS-CTI member. Mechanical engineering degrees with drone and unmanned systems project work in the Department of Mechanical and Measurement & Control Engineering.

Poncatello, ID
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engineering@isu.edu (208) 282-2902

Harper College

FAA UAS-CTI member. Drone Essentials and Drone Technology and Applications certificates through FAA UAS Collegiate Training Initiative.

Palentine, IL
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847.925.6000

Cloud County Community College

FAA UAS-CTI member. FAA Part 107 flight training, autonomous systems, and infrastructure/agriculture drone operations in the UAS & Autonomous Technology degree and certificate programs.

Concordia, KS
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785-243-1435

Wichita State University Campus of Applied Sciences and Technology

FAA UAS-CTI member. Unmanned Aircraft Systems students will obtain a Part 107 license and rating while developing a safety-oriented mindset.

Wichita, KS
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316-677-9680

Eastern Kentucky University

FAA UAS-CTI member. Unmanned aircraft systems minor teaching safety regulations, flight operations, and geographic information systems; also bachelor of science in aviation degree.

Richmond, KY
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aviation@eku.edu 859-622-1014

University of Louisiana Monroe

FAA UAS-CTI member. Bachelor of Science degree in Unmanned Aircraft Systems Management offered through the College of Business and Social Sciences.

Monroe, LA
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business@ulm.edu (318) 342-1100

Chesapeake College

FAA UAS-CTI member institution with drone/UAS coursework.

Wye Mills, MD
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Hagerstown Community College

FAA UAS-CTI member institution with drone/UAS coursework.

Hagerstown, MD
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University of Maine at Augusta

FAA UAS-CTI member institution with drone/UAS coursework.

Augusta, ME
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Central Michigan University

FAA UAS-CTI member institution with drone/UAS coursework.

Mt. Pleasant, MI
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Western Michigan University

FAA UAS-CTI member. 15-credit UAS certificate combining aviation and geoscience, open to Part 107 pilots or those completing a prerequisite course.

Kalamazoo, MI
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(269) 964-6375

Hennepin Technical College

FAA UAS-CTI member institution with drone/UAS coursework.

Eden Prairie, MN
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Minnesota State University – Mankato

FAA UAS-CTI member. Bachelor of Science in Unmanned Aircraft Systems focusing on drone design, operation, management, and applications in mapping, agriculture, public safety, and inspection.

Mankato, MN
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507-389-1000

Northland Community & Technical College

FAA UAS-CTI member institution with drone/UAS coursework.

Thief River Falls, MN
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University of Missouri School of Journalism

FAA UAS-CTI member institution with drone/UAS coursework.

Columbia, MO
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Beaufort County Community College

FAA UAS-CTI member. Nine UAS training courses including FAA Part 107 commercial pilot certification, flight operations, mapping with Pix4D, and public safety applications.

Washington, NC
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(252) 946-6194

University of North Carolina Wilmington

FAA UAS-CTI member institution with drone/UAS coursework.

Wilmington, NC
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910.962.3000

Vance-Granville Community College

FAA UAS-CTI member institution with drone/UAS coursework.

Henderson, NC
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Dakota College

FAA UAS-CTI member. Certificate of completion in small unmanned aircraft systems with drone flight, pre-flight planning, and data processing skills.

Bottineau, ND
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701-228-2277

Nebraska Indian Community College

FAA UAS-CTI member institution with drone/UAS coursework.

Macy, NE
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Southern New Hampshire University

FAA UAS-CTI member institution with drone/UAS coursework.

Manchester, NH
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Warren Community College

FAA UAS-CTI member. Associate degree and one-year certificates in UAS including drone pilot training, maintenance, precision agriculture, and photogrammetry concentrations.

Washington, NJ
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908-835-9222

Northern New Mexico College

FAA UAS-CTI member institution with drone/UAS coursework.

Espanola, NM
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College of Southern Nevada

FAA UAS-CTI member institution with drone/UAS coursework.

North Las Vegas, NV
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Pace University

FAA UAS-CTI member institution with drone/UAS coursework.

Pleasantville, NY
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Clark State College

FAA UAS-CTI member institution with drone/UAS coursework.

Springfield, OH
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Kent State University

FAA UAS-CTI member. B.S. in Unmanned Aircraft Systems Flight Operations; B.S. in Air Traffic and Airspace Management; UAS minor.

Kent, OH
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cae@kent.edu 330-672-2892

Ohio State University

FAA UAS-CTI member institution with drone/UAS coursework.

Columbus, OH
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College of Muscogee Nation

FAA UAS-CTI member institution with drone/UAS coursework.

Okmulgee, OK
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Rogers State University

FAA UAS-CTI member institution with drone/UAS coursework.

Claremore, OK
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Blue Mountain Community College

FAA UAS-CTI member. Non-credit training certificates in UAS Professional Pilot and Flight Lab with hands-on multirotor and fixed-wing operations.

Pendleton, OR
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(541) 276-1260

Columbia Gorge Community College

FAA UAS-CTI member. Technology and Trades pathway with UAS operator as career option; no standalone drone program page found on site.

The Dalles, OR
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soar@cgcc.edu (541) 506-6000

Portland Community College

FAA UAS-CTI member institution with drone/UAS coursework.

Portland, OR
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Clemson University

FAA UAS-CTI member institution with drone/UAS coursework.

Clemson, SC
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Lake Area Technical College

FAA UAS-CTI member. Uncrewed Aerial Systems certificate with drone training, GIS courses, and workforce experience.

Watertown, SD
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1-605-882-5284

Mitchell Technical College

FAA UAS-CTI member. One-year diploma program in Drone Aviation & Geospatial Technologies including UAS operation and FAA Remote Pilot Certificate training.

Mitchell, SD
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605-995-3025

Middle Tennessee State University

FAA UAS-CTI member institution with drone/UAS coursework.

Murfreesboro, TN
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LeTourneau University

FAA UAS-CTI member. Unmanned Aircraft Systems minor and concentration in the College of Aviation & Aeronautical Science with dedicated drone lab facility.

Longview, TX
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1-903-233-3000

Palo Alto College Alamo Colleges District

FAA UAS-CTI member institution with drone/UAS coursework.

San Antonio, TX
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210-212-5266

University of Texas at Arlington

FAA UAS-CTI member. Undergraduate and graduate certificates in Unmanned Vehicle Systems from the Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering.

Arlington, TX
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maeundergrad@uta.edu 817-272-2561

Laurel Ridge Community College

FAA UAS-CTI member. Career Studies Certificate in small unmanned aircraft systems flight operations on Middletown and hybrid campuses.

Middletown, VA
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800-906-5322

Richard Bland College of William and Mary

FAA UAS-CTI member. Comprehensive drone pilot training programs with NIST standardized proficiency evaluations, from beginner to advanced tactical operations.

Petersburg, VA
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kbenson@uascentersbd.com (909) 677-2012

Other countries in North America

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