As I write this, if you have you’re heart set on a UAV-specific college degree, there is only one school in the state with a UAV degree program. Fortunately, it’s a good one.
Lewis University (in Romeoville, Illinois)
http://www.lewisu.edu/academics/unmanned-aircraft-systems/index.htm
Lewis offers a Bachelor of Science degree program in Unmanned Aircraft Systems. This program promises that its “Operations-focused curriculum combines aviation and Computer Science. You will learn how to design, develop and operate individually-tailored UAS to meet mission objectives through an interdisciplinary curriculum”. They also claim that by graduation, “you will be qualified for a career as a professional UAS/UAV pilot and operator,” having earned your: Private Pilot Certificate (Single Engine Land), Instrument Rating, and Commercial Pilot Certificate (Single Engine Land). Lewis even boasts an on-site airport for hands-on training.
Or maybe you don’t need a college degree, and simply want to learn how to fly UAVs. In that case, DARTdrones offers classes in Chicago on certain days throughout the year.
Their classes offer to help you “learn to fly safely, better understand the FAA rules and regulations, learn the no fly zones, and handle your equipment and software like an expert.” They will also give you a discount off the price of their training courses, if you click on the link above and enter the coupon code: DRNHQ10.
There is also a new Chicago-based UAV service company you should know definitely know about, called Aerovista Innovations. One of their services is training through their Drone Academy, which offers a variety of programs: everything from 1-hour classes for people who have never touched a drone before, to 2-day courses for commercial operators.
It also worth noting that crop researchers at the University of Illinois have been experimenting with the use of drones on the university’s farms, but so far offer no classes. I’ll let you know if the situation changes.
Hi , i’m interested in having a UAV pilot license, do you have any course that doesn’t need a Bachelors Degree to obtain it,
Hi Sal,
Actually there is no such thing as a UAV pilot license in the United States. As of right now, the FAA is still working out the details on their final regulations governing UAVs, but it appears from their draft regulations that the proposed rules would require little more than an operator’s “certificate”, at least for small drones. Think of it as a kind of driver’s license for UAVs, with a similar kind of testing process. It is believed that applicants for a small drone operator’s certificate would simply have to pass a written knowledge test covering basic aeronautical information such as radio communications, emergency procedures and airspace classification.
As for drone training opportunities in Illinois, I’m afraid I am only aware of what is listed above.
I see that reply is almost 8 months old, has anything changed?
I’m with Central Illinois Rural Region # 425, and I’m looking for contact information for training for my teachers in high school with their drones that they use in their classroom. Is there any contact info you could provide me of an individual or group that would do a training/workshop for teachers? We are located around the Jerseyville, IL area.
I have a BA degree in media studies and cinematography from DePaul University in Chicago but am interested in learning about UAV’s and job opportunities in that field. Can anyone help me out as to where the best training can be had in the Chicago area and what the career opportunities look like ? Thanks.