Join Our Commercial UAS (Drone) Pilot Programs
Transform Your Passion into a Lucrative Career!
At Carroll, we’re dedicated to propelling your dreams sky-high with our comprehensive Commercial UAS (Drone) Pilot programs. Whether you’re a novice or an experienced enthusiast, our array of options cater to your needs, ensuring you soar into the future of unmanned aviation.
Choose Your Path to Success
In our UAS non-credit workforce training program, you will:
- Gain hands-on experience learning from industry professionals.
- Fly a variety of commercial drones in real-world scenarios, including the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) course and night flight training.
- Learn essential software applications to manipulate photos, video and data captured by the drones, leaving with a portfolio of captured footage to show potential clients or employers.
- Earn a Workforce Certificate and Digital Badge to effectively market yourself.
Program length: 4 months
Program cost: $2,187
If you don’t need a degree but want to expand your knowledge about UAS safety, then consider our Pilot Safety Certificate:
- Specialize in UAS safety with a focus on practical applications.
- Complete the program in just 3 semesters and stand out in the job market.
- Opportunity to earn up to 4 industry-recognized safety certifications.
Program length: 18 months
Program cost: $3,096 (in-county tuition for 18 credits)
Want to make yourself even more marketable to potential employers? Our newly revised sUAS (Drone) Associate of Applied Science (A.A.S.) degree program features opportunities to get more flight time than the non-credit or Pilot Safety certificate programs.
In addition to this, in the degree program you will:
- Acquire a comprehensive understanding of UAS policies and regulations.
- Enhance your skills in digital video/cinematography and data mapping/modeling.
- Earn up to 4 additional industry-recognized UAS certifications through the Unmanned Safety Institute (USI).
Program length: 2 years
Program cost: $5,160 (in-county tuition for 60 credits)
Learn more about Associate Degree in Small Unmanned Aircraft Systems.
Financial Assistance
Careers in Commercial Drone Operations
By 2023, the FAA predicts the commercial drone market will consist of 835,000 aircraft—three times the number in 2018. Subsequently, demand for certified pilots will grow significantly, offering a wide variety of jobs as well as opportunities for students to start their own businesses in this rapidly evolving field.
The Association for Unmanned Vehicle Systems International (AUVSI) forecasts more than 100,000 drone-related jobs will be created by 2025 in such important industries as:
- Infrastructure & Construction
- Agriculture
- Real Estate
- Insurance
- Law Enforcement & Military
- Media & Entertainment
Starting pay for entry-level drone operator jobs (e.g., shooting photos/videos for realtors, hotel and resort ads) is around $35,000 per year, while more advanced applications such as power line inspections, aerial surveillance and disaster relief can earn individuals as much as $200,000 annually.
Unlock Your Potential with Carroll
- Credit for Credit: Receive credit for prior learning with FAA Remote Pilot Certificate (Part 107) and sufficient flight hours.
- Expert Instruction: Learn from industry-leading professionals who provide hands-on training and invaluable networking opportunities.
- Testimonials Speak Louder: Join satisfied learners like George Colonna, who found success and fulfillment in our programs.
The instructors at Carroll provided the material and context needed to get current with today’s drone aircraft, what’s needed to fly commercially and succeed. They provided hands-on training, were excellent morale officers while simultaneously keeping my expectations anchored to what’s realistic. This wasn’t just a course; for me it was that AND about networking with enthusiasts and professionals.