HAYDEN, Idaho—Officials with locally based Empire Unmanned will start offering classes soon through two Idaho community colleges to build a pool of pilots for the growing commercial drone industry.
Western businesses using drones to provide an array of services, including imaging for precision-agriculture, say they are poised for significant expansion this season, thanks in part to the recent easing of regulations governing their pilots.
Late last summer, the FAA eliminated a requirement that drone operators also be licensed to pilot manned aircraft. The new rules allow those without a pilot’s license to take a 16-hour course and pass a test in order to get a remote pilot’s license.
Empire Unmanned President Brad Ward will teach the first class at North Idaho College Feb. 11-12. The company’s co-founder, Steve Edgar, will teach another course, with a date yet to be set, at Treasure Valley Community College. Ward anticipates offering courses every other month, depending on demand.
Source: www.capitalpress.com