Looking for drone schools in Florida? You’re in luck. The Sunshine State boasts a top-notch Aviation school, which in turn offers a first-class UAV degree program…
Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University (Daytona Beach, FL campus)
Bachelor of Science in Unmanned Aircraft Systems Science
http://daytonabeach.erau.edu/degrees/bachelor/unmanned-aircraft-systems-science/index.html
The Unmanned Aircraft Systems Science degree gives graduates the expertise they need for employment as operators, observers, sensor operators, and operations administrators of unmanned aircraft systems. The coursework covers several UAS applications areas, including hazardous operations, surveillance and data collection, secure operations, long duration operations, highly repetitive operations, and autonomous operations. Students also learn about the engineering aspects of these aircraft systems and the regulations governing their operation.
Students entering this program should have a basic background in math and physics. Students will select one of two specialty tracks, Pilot Track or the Non-Pilot Track.
Master of Science in Unmanned and Autonomous Systems Engineering
http://daytonabeach.erau.edu/degrees/master/unmanned-autonomous-systems-engineering/index.html
The Master of Science in Unmanned and Autonomous Systems Engineering is one of the first — and still one of the few — programs to offer the opportunity to study the engineering of unmanned and autonomous systems. The program prepares students to work in an industry developing systems that operate along a spectrum of autonomy, from unmanned aircraft and autonomous cars to robotic surface water and underwater vessels, spacecraft and industrial robots.
Other UAV Training Options in Florida
Ocean Helicopters offers Basic, Advanced, and FAA Part 107 Unmanned Aerial Systems training courses. These 1-day classes are taught in West Palm Beach.
Florida State University’s Emergency Management and Homeland Security program (Tallahassee) now offers an “Application of Unmanned Aircraft Systems” course with more drone-related classes, such as “Unmanned Aircraft Systems in Emergency Management”, on the way.
Unmanned Vehicle University (though based in Arizona) runs a flight training center in Sarasota, for its UAV Pilot Training Certificate program.
Or… if you’re simply looking to learn how to fly small UAVs or perhaps just want to get your feet wet, DARTdrones could be a great option. They offer 1-day courses throughout the year in Orlando. Also, if you enter the coupon code, DRNHQ10, they will give you a discount off the price of their classes.
DSLRPros Drone Flight School in Fort Lauderdale. They offer a one-day, 9-hour course that includes both ground school and hands-on flight training, aimed to teach you the basics on a Phantom 2 drone.
Miami-Dade College also offers a non-credit, 15-hour “Introduction to Unmanned Aerial Systems” course.
Do you offer a Certificate to fly drones? I would like more information on how to receive a certificate by email.
Hi Michael,
Thanks for your interest, but we’re not a school. We just try to help people find UAV training programs.
any certificate school in broward or Miami??
Miami-Dade College now offers a drone course, but it is non-credit.
could a foreign non USA resident, to take this non credit course over Miami-Dade College?
FSU in Tallahasse has a new program under Public Administration/homeland security.
Thank you for the information, Francis! FSU’s program has now been added above.
Francis,
Does FSU give credits for UAV?
I live in Tampa, FL. I am looking for drone training in the Tampa Bay area. Any suggestions.
Thanks
Hi Terry,
Right now, the only drone training options I know of in Florida are listed above. If I hear of any courses or programs that become available in Tampa Bay, I will be sure to post them here. For now, Unmanned Vehicle University in Sarasota (see above) might be the closest alternative.
What about UAV university online? Supposedly you can earn a drone pilot certificate for $3,500
What kind of credentials or certificates are employers looking for?
Great question Mike! I had originally meant to write an article on this very subject, but my research kept leading me down more and more paths. I’m at the point now where I think I would need a whole series of articles to answer this one question. The problem is that the industry is evolving so quickly, and so many new UAV applications are being developed, that training requirements are both highly varied and in an almost constant state of flux. Basically, right now there are too many factors for me to come up with one nice, neat set of answers. For example: What is the general type of UAV job desired (fly, build, develop, program, and/or maintain?); what is the specific type of job (which industry, what application?). Another factor is that the employers themselves aren’t yet sure what they need. I know this isn’t a lot of help, but unfortunately that’s usually how it is with industries that are still in their infancy – the rules often get made up along the way. The flip side of this is that young industries also seem to offer a lot of opportunity for people willing to learn.
Thank you for the info.
Curious, which clubs, discussion groups or forums would you recommend to me to become more educated on the industry? I would really like to become involved.
I appreciate your time in providing this site.
I need a school in broward. Do you know in where school can I study
hi ! i would like to know how to fly a drone , there is any course in miami beach aventura or around Miami ?
thanks for the help
fran
Looking for a UAV Pilot program that will satisfy the FAA requirements to fly commercially in Palm Beach County
The Florida Department of Ed will be offering several drone classes and certifications through USI and Embry Riddle
I live in Orlando Florida and would love info on getting training with repairs And Building UAV’S anything to know about them I would like to know. Knowledge is power and want to know how do go about how to do this. Please let me know.
UAVSIC, llc, offers UAV courses privately and also through a certificate course in partnership with Tallahassee Community College- Wakulla Environmental Institute.
Hi, my name is Troy Jesse and I was watching the news last week and just caught a segment about Drone operators and how there is going to be a demand. I am one of the top scorers on a game called Battlefield Vietman. I am very good at flying all of the helicopters and planes. I would like to know if you have any information on where I could get certified, schools etc. I live in Boynton Beach Fl (Palm Beach County) Thanks for any help.
Looking for a course in Orlando, or an instructor that would come to Orlando, to teach a group of students, professors, and UAV enthusiasts the necessary information to obtain the Remote Pilot LICENSE!
Also looking for the most convenient way to have a group of individuals take the licensing test
PREFER to have the course/test at University of Central Florida… or close by.
Hello Lance,
I’d like to join that group if possible. If something does come to the Orlando area. Especially if its in Winter Haven
Im looking for a school near the sarasota fl area.