Spring 2027 Enrollment Open

Drone Pilot Program
for High School & College Students

Explore Drone Aviation. Get Certified as a Drone Pilot from FAA.

Discover drone technology, understand flight safety and airspace regulations, and develop practical mission-planning skills through iStart Valley’s beginner-friendly Drone Pilot Program.

Jan 23 – May 8, 2027 Grades 9–12 16 Weeks | Live Online

Why Learn Drone Aviation?

Drones are transforming industries such as - agriculture, engineering, environmental monitoring, filmmaking, infrastructure inspection, and public safety. Understanding how they work can open doors to exciting opportunities in science, technology, and aerospace.

iStart Valley’s Drone Pilot Program introduces high school and college students to drone aviation, flight regulations, weather conditions, safety procedures, and real-world mission planning. The main objective of the program is to help students prepare for Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Drone Pilot certification. Students develop a foundation in responsible drone operations while exploring how drones are used to solve practical problems.

Whether you are interested in aviation, robotics, engineering, or emerging technologies, this program offers an opportunity to explore the field and strengthen your technical knowledge and problem-solving skills.

Program Overview

This 16-week program combines foundational instruction with applied learning activities. Students begin with drone aviation, airspace regulations, weather, performance, and safety before progressing to real-world mission planning and risk assessment.

The program also introduces students to the knowledge areas covered by the FAA Part 107 Remote Pilot exam, helping eligible students prepare for the certification process.

Program Highlights

✔ FAA Part 107 Exam Preparation: Explore key knowledge areas covered by the FAA Remote Pilot exam.
✔ Drone Aviation Fundamentals: Understand drone operations, flight principles, and performance.
✔ PITSCO Drone Maker Kit Shipped to your doorstep: Design, build, test, and fly your own drone with this award-winning Engineering Project Kit.
✔ Airspace and Flight Safety: Learn about airspace classifications, flight restrictions, weather, and operating regulations.
✔ Real-World Mission Planning: Apply concepts to practical drone-use scenarios.
✔ Risk Assessment: Identify potential hazards and explore appropriate safety measures.
✔ Final Demo Day: Present a mission-planning project and receive feedback.

Note: Completing the program does not automatically award an FAA Remote Pilot Certificate. Separate FAA eligibility and certification requirements apply.

What Students Will Learn

By the end of the program, students will be able to:

✔ Explain fundamental drone aviation concepts and applications.
✔ Identify key airspace classifications and flight restrictions.
✔ Recognize how weather conditions affect operations.
✔ Understand drone performance, regulations, and safety.
✔ Develop structured plans for realistic drone missions.
✔ Identify operational risks and consider mitigation strategies.
✔ Present a drone mission plan and explain their decisions.
✔ Understand the next steps toward pursuing an FAA Certificate.

Who Should Enroll?

The program is designed for high school and college students who are interested in exploring drone technology and aviation. It is ideal for students who:

✔ Are curious about drones, aviation, robotics, engineering.
✔ Want to understand how drones are used in real industries.
✔ Want to strengthen technical and problem-solving skills.
✔ Are exploring future pathways in related STEM fields.

No prior drone piloting experience is required.

16-Week Curriculum

A step-by-step journey from fundamental aviation concepts to real-world drone mission planning.

Module 1: Introduction to Drone Aviation Week 1

Explore drone types, common applications, basic flight principles, and the role of drones across industries.

Module 2: Airspace and Flight Restrictions Weeks 2–3

Learn about airspace classifications, flight restrictions, operating requirements, and responsible drone use.

Module 3: Weather and Flight Conditions Weeks 4–5

Understand how wind, visibility, temperature, and other weather conditions can affect drone operations and flight safety.

Module 4: Drone Performance, Regulations, and Safety Weeks 6–8

Explore drone performance factors, operational limitations, applicable regulations, and essential safety practices. Review key knowledge areas relevant to the FAA Part 107 exam.

Module 5: Real-World Drone Mission Planning Weeks 9–13

Apply foundational concepts to realistic scenarios. Consider mission objectives, operating environments, airspace requirements, and planning decisions.

Module 6: Risk Assessment and Emergency Planning Weeks 14–15

Identify potential operational hazards, evaluate risks, and develop appropriate safety and contingency plans.

Module 7: Final Demo Day Week 16

Present a drone mission-planning project, explain key decisions, and receive feedback on the final work.

What Students Receive

✔ 16 weeks of structured program instruction.
✔ Learning materials covering drone aviation, regulations, and safety.
✔ A Drone Maker Kit shipped to your address for hands-on drone building and engineering activities.
✔ Practice questions and FAA Part 107 exam preparation resources.
✔ Experience developing a structured drone mission plan.
✔ An opportunity to present their work during the final Demo Day.
✔ Guidance on further learning and pathways related to drone aviation.

Program Schedule & Fees

Duration (16 Weeks) Jan 23 – May 8, 2027

Choose Your Session (Every Saturday):

Session 1

10:00 AM – 11:00 AM CST

Session 2

11:30 AM – 12:30 PM CST

The program is delivered online. Students should select one session when registering.

Program Fee $800

Payable in installments:

First installment $600

Second installment $200

Meet the Instructors

Akanksha Anand

Drone Pilot Programme Instructor | Robotics & Emerging Technologies

Akanksha Anand is an engineering professional, technology leader and educator with over 14 years of experience across software engineering, robotics, artificial intelligence and emerging technologies. She brings a multidisciplinary perspective to technical education, combining strong engineering fundamentals with a passion for making complex concepts accessible through practical, application-oriented learning.

Akanksha has completed the Commercial Remote Pilot preparation course offered by the Unmanned Safety Institute (USI), covering key areas of remote pilot education, including aviation regulations, airspace and airport operations, meteorology, aircraft performance, operational safety and aeronautical decision-making.

As an instructor for the iStart Valley Drone Pilot Programme, she helps students develop an understanding of the principles and responsibilities of drone operations. Her teaching encompasses FAA Part 107 knowledge preparation, airspace awareness, weather assessment, flight safety, risk management and real-world drone mission planning. The programme encourages students to apply their learning by developing a structured mission plan, from assessing a location and identifying potential hazards to planning equipment requirements and preparing for operational contingencies.

With professional experience in robotics development, AI and technology education, Akanksha is passionate about nurturing curiosity, analytical thinking and problem-solving skills among young learners. Her approach combines technical concepts with practical scenarios, empowering students to understand not only how emerging technologies work, but also how to use them safely and responsibly.

Navya R Nandi

Drone Pilot Programme Instructor | Robotics & AI Educator

Navya R Nandi is a technology enthusiast, developer and educator with over 8 years of experience in Robotics, Artificial Intelligence, Python programming and technology education. With a background in building intelligent systems and developing AI-driven solutions, she brings a practical, hands-on approach to teaching. She has trained students from school to college level, helping them explore technology through interactive learning and real-world projects.

Navya has completed the Commercial Remote Pilot preparation course offered by the Unmanned Safety Institute (USI), covering essential topics such as aviation regulations, airspace, meteorology, aircraft performance and flight safety.

As an instructor for the iStart Valley Drone Pilot Programme, she combines her robotics expertise and passion for teaching to introduce students to drone technology, FAA Part 107 knowledge preparation, risk assessment and mission planning. She encourages learners to think critically, understand operational safety and apply engineering concepts to practical drone scenarios.

Navya is passionate about inspiring young minds to experiment, innovate and discover how technologies such as drones, robotics and AI can solve real-world problems.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Do students need prior drone experience?

No. The program is designed for beginners and introduces drone aviation concepts step by step.

2. Is the program suitable for high school and college students?

Yes. It is designed for students in Grades 9–12, college and anyone who are interested in drones, aviation, engineering, robotics, or related STEM fields.

3. Will students earn an FAA Remote Pilot Certificate?

The program introduces students to the knowledge areas covered by the FAA Part 107 Remote Pilot exam. Completing the program does not automatically grant the certificate. Students must meet FAA eligibility requirements and complete the applicable testing and certification process.

4. What is the minimum age for the FAA Part 107 knowledge test?

Applicants must be at least 16 years old to qualify for the initial FAA Remote Pilot knowledge test. Younger students may participate in the program but will not yet meet this age requirement.

5. Is prior coding or engineering knowledge required?

No. Prior coding or engineering experience is not required. An interest in drones and technology is helpful.

6. Is the program conducted online?

Yes. The program is offered live online. Details about any hands-on flight activities, simulator sessions, or equipment requirements will be shared if applicable.

7. How much time should students set aside each week?

Students should attend their scheduled weekly session and allow additional time for review and project work.

8. What will students do during the final Demo Day?

Students will present a drone mission-planning project, explain their approach, and receive feedback on their work.

9. What are the program dates and fees?

The Spring 2027 program runs from January 23 through May 8, 2027. The program fee is $800. Students can choose from two Saturday sessions:
- Session 1: 10:00 AM – 11:00 AM CST
- Session 2: 11:30 AM – 12:30 PM CST

10. How can students enroll?

Students and parents can register through the registration section on this page and select their preferred Saturday session.

READY TO EXPLORE DRONE AVIATION?

Build a foundation in drone technology, understand the principles of safe flight, and explore how drones are used to solve real-world problems.

Join iStart Valley’s Spring 2027 Drone Pilot Program and take your first step toward exploring the future of drone aviation.

Drone Pilot Programfor High School & College Students