Launch Your Drone Career: Laurel Ridge to Offer Fall Boot Camps at Fauquier Campus

Laurel Ridge Community College offers a unique opportunity this fall for those interested in a fast-growing career field—drones. The college’s upcoming Drone Pilot Boot Camps, held at its Fauquier Campus, provide a quick and affordable way to become certified in drone operations. These boot camps are designed to prepare students to pass the FAA Part 107 exam, enabling them to operate drones commercially.

The UMS (Unmanned Systems) 195: Drone Pilot Ground School course boot camps are scheduled for October and November. Classes will be held online on weekday evenings, with three hours of hands-on drone flying on Saturdays at the campus. The first session runs from October 7 to 19, and the second from October 28 to November 9.

Rachel Dodson, Assistant Dean of Professional Programs at Laurel Ridge, explains that the course covers essential aeronautical knowledge for operating drones commercially. “The coursework in these boot camps aligns with the aeronautical knowledge required for FAA-approved commercial operations as a remote pilot with a small-unmanned-aircraft-systems (sUAs) rating and prepares students to take the FAA Part 107 exam,” she said. “Drone/sUAS operators are in demand in various industries with potential commercial uses, including disaster response, police, fire, and EMS response and investigation, scientific research, agriculture, industrial inspection, and aerial photography.”

The course covers FAA regulations for drones, airspace classifications, emergency procedures, and crew resource management, which are vital for safe and legal drone operations. Upon completing the boot camp, students can take the FAA Part 107 exam, a key requirement for commercial drone pilots.

For those interested in pursuing further studies in drones, students who complete the boot camp and pass the FAA exam will receive credit toward a career studies certificate in sUAS flight operations at the college. Laurel Ridge’s drone program is nationally recognized, having won first place in the Workforce Development category of the XCELLENCE Awards by the Association for Uncrewed Vehicle Systems International (AUVSI). Additionally, the program has received funding from GO Virginia, a business-led economic development initiative.

One of the instructors for the boot camps is Cody Williams, a Laurel Ridge alumnus who initially earned an associate degree in general studies before pursuing a career studies certificate (CSC) in drones. Williams, now a drone photographer, has found the field rewarding and full of potential. “I was always interested in drones because it is a fairly new discipline,” said Williams. “I figured it would be a fun career.”

Brandon Doores, another Laurel Ridge alum, shared a similar experience. After taking the drone pilot course earlier this year, Doores has begun to take on drone-related work, including aerial photography for real estate and social media. He sees drones as a profitable side job and plans to further his skills by learning drone repairs. “You can make some good, fast-side money,” Doores said. “I have friends who are real estate agents, so I’ve taken numerous photos for friends.”

The boot camps are open to adults and students aged 16 and older. The cost for in-state students is $169, while out-of-state participants will pay $384. This fee includes a voucher for the FAA Part 107 credential exam, which costs approximately $175. Each boot camp is capped at 12 students to ensure personalized instruction and plenty of hands-on experience.

The growing demand for drone operators across various industries makes this boot camp an excellent investment for those looking to enter a dynamic field. Drones are being used for everything from agricultural surveys to real estate marketing, and the opportunities are expanding quickly.

Visit Laurel Ridge’s website to learn more about its drone program and sign up for upcoming boot camps.