ISU program helps students become drone pilots

You might be familiar with drones, the small unpiloted aircrafts. But did you know you can actually make a career out of flying drones?

Idaho State University is in its first year of offering a new program, called the Unmanned Aerial Systems certificate.

And while controlling drones might sound fun, jobs in this field are actually in demand.

Charles McNeel, the Program Coordinator said they work with a lot of departments in the area.

“Been working with the sheriff’s department, Bonneville County, we got different Pocatello water and soil conservation districts, flying [drones] to collect data,” said McNeel.

Drones can be used to locate someone, assess damages from natural disasters, monitor wildlife and help with public safety.

But to have a career in this field, you need to be certified to fly drones.

“Yea so there is a couple of different ways to be certified to fly. One way is getting your certification with the FAA. Basically a drone license,” said Preston St. John, a student in the Unmanned Aerial Program at ISU.

Thankfully the program at ISU prepares students to get certified.

“It’s a very hands on program. Some of the things we study and work on is electronics. We do a lot of circuit work. We also do a lot of flights,” St. John added.

If you are interested in learning more about the program ISU offers, click here.