Aviation

This course focuses on the meanings of common basic words and phrases used in the aviation field. This includes spelling, prefixes, suffixes, word roots, derivations and usage. Focus will be on vocabulary development and reading strategies for understanding the Code of Federal Regulations 14 part 107, airspace classifications, aeronautical chart reading, emergency procedures, conditions affecting flight, and aeronautical decision-making. This course is designed to support successful completion of aviation courses including AVIT 140, operating a small-unmanned aircraft system (sUAS) and passing the Federal Aviation Administration’s Unmanned Aircraft General (UAG) examination.

Includes actual flying experience with an FAA approved flight instructor. Students will receive 70 hours of flight instruction including dual and solo, 25 hours of pre/post flight briefing, and 60 hours of ground training. It may be necessary for the student to purchase additional time to meet proficiency and completion standards. Successful completion will result in earning a Private Pilot Certificate. This course facilitates students in developing the knowledge and skills needed to safely exercise the privileges and obligations of a Private Pilot acting as Pilot-in-Command of a single-engine airplane. This is a Pass/Fail course.

This course introduces students to the foundational concepts and practical applications of aerial image analysis, with a focus on machine vision, photogrammetry, and advanced image processing techniques. Students will learn how to plan and execute drone missions for high-quality image acquisition, process and analyze aerial images to extract meaningful information, and create 3D models and orthomosaic imagery using photogrammetry software. Emphasis will be placed on classifying objects and detecting patterns through machine vision techniques, as well as presenting analysis results through visualizations and comprehensive reports. The course also covers ethical considerations, privacy concerns, and regulatory requirements in various industries using drone-acquired imagery. By the end of the course, students will be equipped with the skills to interpret aerial imagery for applications in sectors such as agriculture, environmental monitoring, and infrastructure management.

Includes actual flying experience with a FAA approved flight instructor. Students will receive 40 hours of flight instruction, 15 hours of pre/post flight briefing, and 40 hours of ground instruction. The course is designed for students to gain the necessary aeronautical skill and knowledge to meet the requirements of an Instrument Rating with an Airplane category and a Single-Engine Land class rating. This is a Pass/Fail course.

This course focuses on data management and cybersecurity principles, as they relate to small Unmanned Aircraft Systems (sUAS). Students will explore the unique cybersecurity challenges associated with sUAS, including their vulnerabilities, potential threats, and the various attack surfaces. Special emphasis will be placed on data validation, quality assurance, and risk mitigation for both drone operations and the data they acquire. The course will also cover sUAS system interfaces, ground control systems, telemetry, radio controllers, and the security measures necessary to protect these systems from cyber threats.

Includes 90 hours of flight instruction, 20 hours of simulator flight, 13 hours of pre/post flight briefing, and 35 hours of ground instruction with an FAA approved flight instructor. It may be necessary for the student to purchase additional time to meet proficiency and completion standards. The course is designed for students to gain the necessary aeronautical skill and knowledge to meet the requirements of a Commercial Rating with an Airplane category and a Single-Engine Land class rating. This is a Pass/Fail course.

This hands-on course focuses on advanced techniques for aerial data collection using small Unmanned Aircraft Systems (sUAS). Students will explore the use of a variety of sensors, including active and passive technologies such as infrared, LiDAR, ground-penetrating radar, hyperspectral, and multispectral imagers. The course emphasizes practical applications, flight planning, sensor integration, and data collection. Students will design and execute flight missions, collect data, and analyze results in real-world scenarios.