As the demand for skilled operators continues to grow across the country, Savannah Technical College and the Unmanned Safety Institute (USI) are partnering to provide a new 12-week Professional Remote Operator Drone Program that includes FAA Part 107 preparation, industry-recognized safety certifications and flight operations training.  

Built on a "Beginner to Pro" progression, the new program rapidly advances participants from foundational knowledge into professional mission planning, risk management, and flight execution. 

The Federal Aviation Administration reports over 480,000 certificated remote pilots nationwide, and in Georgia alone, aerospace-related companies generated $8.8 billion in GDP in 2024. As an ASTM Approved Training Provider, USI aligns this remote operator curriculum with ASTM F3266, an internationally recognized workforce standard for Unmanned Aircraft Systems remote pilots.  

Through a flexible hybrid model of live online instruction, self-paced coursework, and hands-on flight training, Savannah Tech participants will prepare for the FAA Remote Pilot Certificate under Part 107 and earn USI's Safety Level 3 (Ground School) & Level 4 (Flight Training) certifications.  

The flexible delivery model is designed to make professional UAS training accessible to traditional students and adult learners alike, while Savannah Tech is also working directly with area employers to develop customized drone workforce cohorts. 

"Drones are becoming essential infrastructure tools across logistics, construction, public safety, and aviation, and our responsibility is to make sure our workforce is ready," said Tal Loos, Vice President for Economic Development at Savannah Technical College. "This partnership with USI gives students and working professionals access to drone training without requiring them to leave the region." 

Program Details & Registration: 

• Mondays and Wednesdays 
• 2:00PM to 4:00PM 
• Class Dates: October 26 – January 13 
• Registration Deadline: October 22 
• Tuition: $4,500 

To register and learn more, please visit https://www.savannahtech.edu/workforce-training/continuing-education-courses/.. 

Brad Tucker, Chief Commercial Officer at USI, said, "Professional drone operations demand aviation discipline as well as technical skills. USI's status as an ASTM Approved Training Provider means Savannah Tech learners will train within an independently reviewed, industry-recognized framework. That's how you develop professionals who can make sound decisions, manage risk, and operate safely when the mission matters." 

Unmanned Aircraft Systems Demo Day  

Savannah Tech and USI will showcase the new pathway and technology during a live Demo Day. The event will give attendees a closer look at the equipment and the real-world skills students will develop for career-ready drone operations. 

• Date: Thursday, October 8, 2026 
• Time: 10:00 a.m. to Noon 
• Location: Savannah Technical College, Crossroads Campus 
• Address: 190 Crossroads Parkway, Savannah, GA 31407 

For additional information for the Unmanned Aircraft Systems Demo Day, contact [email protected] or 912-443-3012.