Drone Pilot Flight Training Courses

Drone training courses are taken for a number of reasons. Whether you’re preparing for a specific test through the FAA, wanting to learn how to operate a drone for commercial purposes, or even a simple course to help you learn how to fly a drone, there are courses out there for everything related to drones.

Some of these courses are specific to either residential drone pilot training or commercial pilot training. Although, there are aspects of commercial courses that a residential user could still benefit from, so it’s worth it to see what you’d like to learn and which course is offering it, even if it may be a commercial course.

#1 Ranked Drone Course: Drone Pilot Ground School

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Drone Pilot Ground School’s flagship course, the section 107 certification, is the best way to get a drone certification – more than 99% of the students who have taken this drone have passed the FAA Part 107 Aeronautical Knowledge Test! The course is available online and was created in a partnership with a former Chief Pilot of a Part 141 Flight School and a Gold Seal Certified Flight Instructor.

But Drone Pilot Ground School is more than just the certification program they’re best known for. They also offer current breaking news and in-depth reporting to keep you up-to-date on all the latest changes to drone-related laws. And what really sets them apart from a lot of the other options on this list is that they have photography courses, too! You can learn post-production, mapping and 3D modeling, and aerial filmmaking. This is great if you want to become a professional drone pilot or if you just take your aerial photography to the next level! This is the best course on this list and we highly recommend it as our #1 choice for anyone who’s looking for great drone training.

The course teaches the following:

1. Covers the 127 knowledge concepts required by the FAA published in the UAS Airman Certification Standards
2. Support from your instructor by email or phone
3. Over 30 text and video lectures for multiple styles of learning
4. Bonus modules on flight proficiency and insurance and legal considerations for drone businesses
5. Practice quizzes along the way to test your understanding
6. PDFs, printable and downloadable, to keep the lectures for offline study
7. Self-paced learning for your specific speed and style of learning
8. Study guides mapping out FAA knowledge for each lecture

You can view UAV Coach Drone Training Courses for yourself by clicking here!

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Check out our article on the remote pilot certificate!

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#2 Ranked Drone Course: Drone U

Check out the Drone U Training Courses here!

Drone U is an online series of drone training courses focused largely on video content supplemented with written tutorials.  They update their content obsessively to make sure it’s always up-to-date and their team researchs and tries out all the latest drones so that they can have guides up as soon as possible. They also have a really awesome community of more than 100,000 users, so you don’t have to feel like you’re going through the course alone.

Unlike the other options in this list, they don’t charge a large up-front price – instead, the cost is a much more manageable $47 per month. You can also cancel your payments at any time, so that rather than paying for a whole year, you’re only paying for the courses you actually want to take. With great courses, a great work ethic, and a great price, it’s not hard to see why Drone U is our #2 pick for drone training courses.

Drone U has videos, tutorials, and daily podcasts on the following topics:

• Drone Systems
• Flying Technique
• Photography
• Videography
• Business & Commercialization
• Motion & Cinematography
• Industries
• Optics
• Pilot Certification

DARTDrones Drone Training Courses

DARTDrones was featured on “Shark Tank” from ABC and has grown rapidly since then. They have 5 new drone training courses, 6 consulting offerings, run courses in over 40 cities all over America, and even have over 30 custom training programs.

Listed below is a list of courses, other than the customized ones, that DARTDrones has available:

1. Drones for Beginners
2. Phantom Inspire Flight Training
3. In-Person Part 107 Test Preparation
4. Online Part 107 Test Preparation
5. Starting a Drone Business
6. Online Aerial Photography
7. Professional Drone Pilot Bundle
8. Drone Certification Program
9. Flight Training
10. Professional Package
11. Government Training
12. Corporate Training

You can view the DARTDrones Drone Pilot Training Courses for yourself by clicking here!

Fly Robotics Ground School (AMA Flight School)

Fly Robotics Ground School course, promoted by one of the biggest drone manufacturers, DJI, and the Academy of Model Aeronautics (AMA), is designed to follow and keep up with the FAA’s regulations as they are introduced. The drone training course is created and updated by career educators and UAS pilots for commercial operation purposes.

This course caters to drone users of all skill levels and, while it’s mainly for commercial operation purposes, recreational and hobbyist users can benefit from a lot of what is taught.

The course teaches the following:

1. Aerodynamics, scientific principles of flight and aviation meteorology
2. Atmospherics and how the wind and moisture in the air affect drone operation
3. METARs, the fundamentals of sUAS and the modern system and characteristics of unmanned flight systems
4. The fundamentals of radio communications, control and general operation through multiple practices
5. Aviation phraseology
6. The national airspace system, types and classes of airspace, sectional aeronautical charts and terminal charts
7. Aviation safety and general record keeping
8. Flight inspections, safety standards and procedure with Lithium Polymer batteries and fuel safety
9. Airfield safety guidelines, weight and balance factors and aeromedical physiology and factors
10. Self-certification and physiology factors that directly affect flight operation
11. Operation while inebriated under the influence of alcohol and/or drugs
12. Ethical actions and responsibilities of airmanship
13. Aviation decision making (ADM), selecting an area for operation and mission planning
14. First Person View (FPV) flight operation
15. Ethical guidelines for aerial data collection, photography, and videography
16. Part 107 of FAA regulations
17. General and operational guidelines
18. Remote PIC requirements and certification process

You can view the Fly Robotics Ground School course for yourself by clicking here!

Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS) and Drone Training – A-Cent Aviation

A-Cent Aviation, Inc. offers a number of aerial services and activities, including a drone training program designed for commercial drone operation. The Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS) and Drone Training course not only teaches you everything about drone operation for those at a professional level, but you also earn your Light Sport Pilot License by taking it. Residential users looking to master their skills and/or earn the license for business purposes will benefit from this course, too!

Because 20 hours of flight is required for a Light Sport Pilot License, the course is 20 hours total through 5 hours of solo flight and 15 hours of dual flight. You can take the course any time you like, considering the training location is open 7 days a week and the course is one that is set to your personal pace.

The course teaches the following:

1. All of the rules and regulations in effect by the FAA, especially Section 333 for relevance with the use of commercial drones
2. General safety standards of drone operation
3. Remaining in full compliance with all laws, FAA’s aside, regarding drones
4. The resources and helpful information you’ll need to pass the FAA Written Pilot Knowledge Test, if applicable

You can view the Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS) and Drone Training course for yourself by clicking here!

UAS Operations: Part 107 Drone Ground School Study Guide

Tim Trott offers the UAS Operations: Part 107 Drone Ground School Study Guide course for those who are looking to earn the Remote Pilot Certification for those who operate small drones for commercial purposes. Recreational and hobbyist drone users can also benefit from this course if they are looking to expand basic operation understanding, as well.

The course teaches the following:

1. A strong understanding of the 12 different knowledge areas that are listed in the 14 CFR 107.73
2. Regulations applicable to small drone limitations, flight operation, and rating privileges
3. Small drone performance, loading, and emergency procedures
4. Operating requirements, airspace classification, obstacle clearance requirements, and flight restrictions that affect the operation of small drones
5. Airport operations and radio communication procedures
6. General inspection and maintenance procedures
7. Aeronautical judgment and decision-making situations

You can view the UAS Operations: Part 107 Drone Ground School Study Guide course for yourself by clicking here!

Lunken Flight Training Center Drone Courses

Lunken Flight Training Center offers two different courses, one for beginners and one for those who want a more advanced course on operating a drone. Additional training and guidance can be requested without having to enroll in one of their courses, too.

Beginner Drone Training Course

This course takes place at the Lunken Airport facility and has been designed for users who have little to no experience or general knowledge of operating a drone. This course runs for a single day and up to 8 hours.

The course teaches the following:

1. Aircraft aerodynamics
2. FAA regulations, safety practices, and weather considerations
3. Flight simulator orientation
4. Tips on selecting the best drone for you personally from UAV flight instructors from Hobby Express
5. Assistance with registering drones with the FAA if needed
6. With this course, you will also have the opportunity to test and even buy a drone on site

Professional UAV Training Program

This drone training course also takes place at the Lunken Airport facility but in a separate area. It’s designed for those who have either taken the first course already or those with previous knowledge of drones, whether it be basic or extensive. It lasts for 2 days and a total of 16 hours.

The drone training course teaches the following:

1. All of the curriculum covered in the first course, even if it wasn’t already taken
2. The more extensive FAA rules that surround commercial drone operations
3. Information about the FAA Section 333 Exemption for legal operations for commercial drones, and help with filing an application if applicable
4. Both flight and simulator operation
5. Camera operations
6. Advanced flight maneuvering
7. Detailed maintenance practices

You can view the Lunken Flight Training Centers Drone Courses for yourself by clicking here!

UAV Drones: Introduction to 3D Mapping

The UAV Drones: Introduction to 3D Mapping course by Enrique Toro Lira Quinones is a drone training program designed for those who want to further their knowledge and skills in drone photography and videography. This course is beneficial for residential, commercial, and even agricultural users. It’s all about learning how to perfect 3D mapping and “Photogrammetry”.

Photogrammetry, to be precise, is surveying and mapping typically larger areas to measure specific information. For example, measuring the distance between a number of objects, or a specific route from a certain area. Drones are able to do 3D mapping when paired with the technology and equipment to do so.

The course teaches the following:

1. Business models for drones that use 3D mapping
2. Equipment and specifications to consider for using a drone to map areas
3. Available software used for image processing and overall control
4. The process of using a drone for 3D mapping
5. Using processors such as PH2V+ & Pix4D, 123D Catch online, relevant applications and Agisoft Photoscan
6. Demo data sets that allow you to work without actually being in the field
7. Safety, battery, and payload recommendations

You can view the UAV Drones: Introduction to 3D mapping course for yourself by clicking here!

Stunning Aerial Videography and Photography Using Drones

The Stunning Aerial Videography and Photography Using Drones course by Dr. Bruce Geddes is an exceptional drone training choice for all levels of skill, whether you’re a beginner straight out of the box or a pro who has been flying for years.

The course teaches the following:

1. Legal and safety considerations
2. Choosing the right software and hardware options for aerial productions
3. Different options for launching, landing, different flying modes, and key handling skills that impact productions
4. Maintaining mental orientation and line of sight flying skills
5. Poor reception and First Person View (FPV)
6. 4 gimbal skills to master
7. Flight patterns and geographical and flight dramatics to get great footage
8. Flight day management and pre-flight planning
9. Design principals for editing your footage

You can view the Stunning Aerial Videography and Photography Using Drones course for yourself by clicking here!

Master Drone Pilot in 2 Weeks and Start a Business

The Become a Master Drone Pilot in 2 Weeks and Start a Business course offered by Umair Vanthaliwala is a course perfect for how drones are growing with the times. Finding a course that helps you in learning everything about drones and the business aspect of them is like finding a gold mine.

The course teaches the following:

1. Detailed walkthroughs of video options, the best time-lapse modes, your options with megapixels, and methods to fly for as long as possible
2. Drone safety, basic flights, advanced aerial cinematography and correct camera positioning techniques
3. Learn how to use select features and techniques such as Ground Up, Tilt, Pan, Narrow Discover, Fly to Space, Fly From Space and Orbit Rotate
4. How to professionally edit and maintain footage, import media, project media, and add extras such as text, music, etc
5. How to use Adobe Lightroom for aerial photos and selective advance editing gradient tools
6. How to start your own aerial filming business by creating a logo, website, business cards, set the right price for services, attract clientele, etc

You can view the Become a Master Drone Pilot in 2 Weeks and Start a Business course for yourself by clicking here!

Wild Rabbit Introduction to Aerial Videography: Creative Direction for Drone Filming

Wild Rabbit Aerial is a is a company who not only provides advanced aerial cinematography gear for productions, but they also have a course for those interested in aerial photography drones.

Their Introduction to Aerial Videography: Creative Direction for Drone Filming course requires that you have a DJI Phantom 2 Vision Plus, or the equivalent, and some basic knowledge of editing software for videos.

The course teaches the following:

1. The “why” and the “what” of aerial cinematography
2. The 5 best practices for staying safe
3. 8 essential maneuvers with a camera drone
4. Shot selection
5. Tips for camera and drone control
6. Lessons on certain gear
7. And much more

You can view the Introduction to Aerial Videography: Creative Direction for Drone Filming course for yourself by clicking here!

Unmanned Experts TIER Courses

Unmanned Experts have a wide variety of courses that are very thorough. They offer Tier courses that suit everyone’s level, no matter what drone you may have or are looking to get. Their courses range from residential, hobbyist fliers, all the way to fliers in the government sector.

Their courses are partnered with the Roswell Flight Test Center, which ensures that you get an appropriate area to learn everything that is involved with your in-person course.

TIER 1: Hobbyists & Amateur Fliers

This is a double package for the 2.5 Day Boot Camp under the Be Flight Ready program. Not only do you learn a lot of valuable starter skills and information, you also get qualification for pilots insurance through some of the leading brokerages in aviation.

During this TIER course you will learn the following:

1. Basic flight physics
2. Aircraft mechanism
3. Proper pre/post flight procedures
4. FAA rules and regulations
5. Ethics and safety procedures when flying

This course is an in-person curriculum.

TIER 2: Prosumers and Commercial Start-Ups

The 7-Day Academy training and Be Flight Ready program/package teaches everything you need to know about aerial photography and drone videography. Like the first TIER, this course also qualifies those who take it for pilots insurance.

The course is designed for residential users and those who are looking to gain more experience in golf course overflying, filming in the media, and even wedding photography.

TIER 3: Industrial, Government and Inspection Service Providers

This course is specifically for those using UAVs within the workplace. Unmanned Experts have brought on specialists from HAZMAT, Infrastructure Inspections, Public Safety and Public Law Enforcement for this course.

During this TIER course you will learn the following:

1. Forensic Accident Scene Reconstruction
2. Cell Tower Inspections
3. Bridge Inspections
4. Law Enforcement Tactical Operations
5. Mapping, GIS, and Photogrammetry
6. Power & Gas Transmission Inspections
7. Oil & Gas Facility Inspections

The course takes place over a period of 5 days and teaches you about everything you will need to know where drones and your specific area of work are considered.

The Drones:Learn Aerial Photography and Videography Basics

The Drones: Learn Aerial Photography and Videography Basics course is offered by Mark Richardson, an individual with extensive knowledge of drones and drone flight. It’s a comprehensive drone pilot training course that even the experts could learn a thing or two from.

The course teaches the following:

1. Safety procedures
2. Part 107 of the FAA
3. FAA regulations and laws
4. Flight logs and how to use them
5. Basic controls of your drone
6. Maintaining and regaining orientation
7. Maneuvers to practice
8. Building or buying in regard to which is better
9. Multirotor configurations
10. DJI Phantom versions comparison
11. Longer range options for First Person View (FPV) – Dragon Link and LightBridge
12. Updating drone firmware
13. Limits of a gimbal
14. Advanced IMU calibration
15. Fail-safes
16. Advanced modes
17. GoPro video and photo settings
18. Equipment check and packing
19. Compass calibration
20. Takeoff and hover check
21. Ground and catch landing
22. Fail-safe demonstration
23. Situations where fail-safe fails
24. Lightroom, Photoshop and Final Cut Pro X Workflow
25. Aerial video shot list – tips and supplementing using aerial perspective
26. Best cases and multirotors and airline travel
27. Troubleshooting tips

You can view The Drones: Learn Aerial Photography and Videography Basics course for yourself by clicking here!

FAA ALC-451: Part 107 Small Unmanned Aircraft Systems (sUAS)

All other courses aside, the FAA offers the free ALC-451: Part 107 Small Unmanned Aircraft Systems (sUAS) course for those who currently have an existing flight review who want a Part 107 remote pilot certificate with a small drone rating.

Because the course is free, anyone can take it to learn more about 14 CFR Part 107, Aviation Safety Inspectors (ASIs) information, and even those who want to study on the certificate before they go for it or for a Part 61 pilot certificate.

The course teaches the following:

1. Requirements for obtaining a Part 107 remote pilot certificate for a small drone rating
2. Characteristics that make a small drone in accordance with Part 107
3. Exclusions from Part 107 requirements
4. Requirements that must be met for small drone registration and visible markings
5. Inspection requirements for verifying the small drone is in a safe operating condition
6. The effect of weather conditions on a drone
7. Procedure for requesting a waiver of eligible requirements in Part 107
8. Procedures and restrictions for safe loading of a small drone
9. Operational limitations and requirements for small drones
10. Emergency and abnormal situations that may occur during operation
11. Possible supporting roles for crew in small drone
12. Beneficial practices during crew management
13. Requirements for alerting authorities or reporting, in general, should an accident occur as a result of a small drone’s operation

You can view the FAA ALC-451: Part 107 Small Unmanned Aircraft Systems (sUAS) course for yourself by clicking here!

Drone Training Courses for Every User

Drone training courses, as you now know, are virtually everywhere. You can do them both online and in person depending on your schedule and preference, and they are more often than not definitely worth looking into.

There are drone training courses in almost every state! Take a look at some of the Best Drone Pilot Training Programs in Texas!

Further Reading

Los Angeles Drone Pilot Training

Kennedy Martinez

kennedy@dronethusiast.com

Kennedy Martinez is a resident writer who joined Dronethusiast at the beginning of 2019. She has years of experience reviewing drones and other tech products. When it comes to flying drones, Kennedy loves the ability to create artistic videos from a unique point of view. Kennedy enjoys researching new drones and other exciting products that are available to consumers which is why she is committed to creating the best buyer's guides for our readers.