The UAV/UAS Drone program options include the UAV/UAS Basic and Advanced Certificates and an Associate in Science Degree. Current pilots seeking to earn a UAV/UAS certificate or degree may also receive credit for up to 12 units toward an advanced certificate or degree. Contact the department coordinator for additional information. All courses are degree applicable and transferable to a four-year university.

You may attend full-time or part-time. Full-time students typically take between 12 to 18 units per semester. The basic certificate (16 units) typically takes 1-2 semesters while the advanced certificate takes 2-3 semesters and an AS Degrees (60 units) can be earned in two years. Courses are offered on campus, online, during the day and in the evenings.

The program is $46 per unit for California residents, not including books, fees, and supplies. Units vary by course, but the average is three units per course. Unit fees for an Aviation Certificate 1 or 18-units would be $828; a 35-unit Commercial Pilot Certificate would be $1,610; and a 60-unit Commercial Pilot Associate in Science Degree would be $2,760. Most students also qualify for some form of financial aid.

UAV Operator, $37,083 average salary

Drone operators, $59,793 average salary

Electro-mechanical (drone) technicians $55,610 median salary

Graduates of the program may find employment at leading technology businesses, news channels, sports franchises, and commercial enterprises.

The main industries that UAS Pilots are currently employed in include:
•Aerial Cinematography
•Aerial Photography
•Mapping
•Asset Inspections
•Defense operations
•Agriculture
•Mining
•Environmental monitoring
•Fire Fighting
•Police/Security
•Construction site inspections

Please know that there are no academic prerequisites to begin this program; however, there are job requirements that you should review before you begin your coursework. Some of the job requirements are specific and limiting; for example, if you want to be a flight attendant, and an airline says you cannot be taller than 5’9″ and you are 5’10” then you will not receive an offer employment because the airline operates smaller aircraft, and you would be constantly hitting your head. We want to make sure you are aware of some of these requirements before you devote time and money to the career listed below, so we have listed a SAMPLE job announcement. While some companies will have different requirements, you may want to investigate your options and talk privately to your instructor if you have any concerns or questions.

Commercial Drone (Heavy Payload) Operator

Minimum Qualifications:
•FAA Private Pilot Certificate, Single Engine Land privileges with Instrument Rating
•Current Class II or higher FAA medical certificate
•500 flight hours as pilot-in-command of an unmanned or manned aircraft
•Ability to deploy OCONUS
•Secret Clearance

Preferred Qualifications:
•Experienced with radio controlled aircraft and Piccolo-based UAVs
•Currently Qualified UAS Pilot
•200 hours of pilot-in-command time with UAS

Drone Engineering

Required Skills:
•Obtained or currently pursuing a degree in Aeronautical, Mechanical, or Electrical Engineering.
•Familiarity with computer programming (specifically Python, JavaScript, and C++).
•Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
•Ability to work efficiently and meet deadlines.
•Unquestionable ethics and commitment to excellence.

Desired Skills:
•Experience with robotics and basic electronics.
•Experience with UAVs and/or RC piloting.
•Keen understanding of civilian airspace and aeronautical charts.
•FAA Remote Pilot Operator license.

Drone/Unmanned Aircraft/Pilot/Airport Inspector

Three years professional experience in the following areas:
•Aviation safety and legal compliance inspector for a governmental agency; OR Manager of a fixed base operation; OR Instructor or professor of aviation management or aviation sciences at an accredited university/college; OR Aviation program administrator for a large education, business or governmental organization.
•Experience with Model or other unmanned aircraft operations.
•Extensive knowledge of Federal Aviation Regulations sufficient to research, ensure compliance, educate and train pilots and unmanned aircraft operators and other airport operations.
•Computer knowledge and experience sufficient to create training materials, manage database of airport information, analyze reports and issue data to stakeholders.
•Written and oral communication skills sufficient to write, prepare and present technical information.

Required Certifications:
•FAA Remote Pilot – small unmanned aircraft systems certificate;
•Commercial Pilot Certificate with Instrument rating or Airline Transport Pilot Certificate;
•Single Engine Land rating with FAA certification to operate high performance and complex aircraft;
•1,000 hours pilot time and 500 hours as pilot-in-command; AND
•Current First Class Medical Certificate by the time of appointment.

Cypress College ATC students have many transfer options, including the B.S. Aviation Administration Program at California State University, Los Angeles: http://www.calstatela.edu/ecst/tech/bs-aviation-administration

If you are interested in transferring and earning a 4-year degree, please visit the Counseling Center or make an appointment with our CTE Counselor Jane Jepson at jjepson@cypresscollege.edu.

Students are also encouraged to visit the Cypress College Transfer Center website at http://www.cypresscollege.edu/services/transfer