UAS Vocation
Start Your Journey with UAS Vocation
UAS Vocation is the cornerstone of our comprehensive UAS training program and serves as the perfect entry point for those new to drone technology or experienced pilots looking to maximize its potential. Designed to build a strong foundation in UAS operations, this fully online course spans 8 weeks, featuring in-depth instruction, practical exercises, and personalized feedback from Dr. Burgett to prepare you for a wide range of drone applications.
During Weeks 1 and 2, develop the expertise required to pass the FAA Part 107 exam. Week 3 introduces regulatory compliance tools, such as requesting ATC authorization, while also beginning flight training with a cutting-edge drone simulator and included controller. Week 4 continues to build on these flight skills, culminating in students earning their APSA BPERP Flight Proficiency Certification. In Week 5, learn to create professional-grade maps and models using DroneDeploy. Weeks 6 through 8 are dedicated to UAS thermography, culminating in earning the Level 1 UAS Thermography Certification. The course includes pre-recorded lessons, real-world lab exercises, and weekly Zoom calls with Dr. Burgett. Tuition covers software, a flight controller, and all materials. Eligible for post-9/11 Chapter 33 VA benefits, UAS Vocation is offered five times a year. A UAS is not required for this course. Enroll Now!!!
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Part 107
License
Earning your Part 107 Remote Pilots Certificate is required by the FAA for all commercial drone operations. This course walks you through everything you need to know to pass the exam. 98% pass rate.
Infrared Thermal Imagery
There is more to infrared thermography than just taking a picture. It is critical to understand the science behind it to correctly interpret thermograms. Strengthen your credibility & set yourself apart with the ASNT SNT-TC-IA Level 1 Thermography Certificate.
3D Models and
As-Builts
Drones can provide great marketing material but that is just the tip of the iceberg. Create and share 3D as-builts, maps and orthophotos to update your clients and document progress. Software included.
Compliance
Tools
Passing the Part 107 test is one thing but knowing how to maintain compliance is another. Learn about professional tools to request ATC authorization, airspace, drone-specific weather, and much more. All apps and online tools included.
Learn to Fly with our Simulator
Our cutting-edge flight simulator teaches you how to fly. You'll learn stick control, how to gauge distance and feel confident operating a drone before putting an actual aircraft at risk. Software and controller included.
APSA Flight Certification
Would you want someone to have a driver's license with only a knowledge test? Then why is the Part 107 test enough for drones? Earn the the APSA flight proficiency certificate. The certification exam is given online with the simulator.
UAS Mission Administration
Lead the Industry with UAS Mission Administration
UAS Mission Administration is the second course in our comprehensive UAS Training program and is perfect for current UAS pilots looking to enhance their proficiency or administrators building a multi-crew UAS program. This fully online course spans 8 weeks and includes four engaging modules that integrate advanced knowledge, practical mission planning, and hands-on assessments to prepare you for real-world drone operations. Individual feedback from Dr. Burgett is provided for the assignments.
In Module 1, expand your understanding beyond the FAA Part 107 requirements with enhanced general knowledge, covering crew management, safety systems, maintenance, insurance, and more. Module 2 offers four immersive simulated missions using 360-degree virtual walkthroughs of real-world scenarios, including bridge inspections, construction projects, and marketing imagery. These missions provide an interactive environment to master mission planning from feasibility studies to post-flight procedures, all without leaving your home. Module 3 guides you through the creation of a customized standard operating procedure (SOP) tailored to your organization, with expert instruction and cutting-edge AI tools. Finally, in Module 4, showcase your practical flight skills by completing a NIST-based flight assessment using testing materials delivered to your location. Upon completion, students earn the industry-leading AUVSI Level 3 Trusted Operator certification, recognized as the gold standard for UAS professionals. A Part 107 certificate and access to a drone are required before enrolling. Enroll Now!!!
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($3,000 when purchased with UAS Vocation)
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Enhanced General Knowledge
Expand your expertise in UAS operations with advanced instruction on mission-critical concepts, regulations, and best practices essential for effective UAS program management.
Flight Assessment Submitted Online
Demonstrate your flight proficiency through a streamlined online submission process, ensuring your skills meet the rigorous standards of NIST-based evaluations.
Advanced Mission Planning
​Learn to plan and execute complex missions with confidence using advanced tools and real-world scenario training, preparing you for leadership in multi-crew UAS operations.
AUVSI Levels 1, 2 and 3 Certificates
Earn all three AUVSI Trusted Operator certifications, recognized as industry-leading credentials that validate your expertise and operational readiness.
360° Virtual Walkthroughs
Immerse yourself in mission scenarios with state-of-the-art 360° virtual walkthroughs, enabling you to practice and refine your skills in a realistic, risk-free environment.
Create a Custom SOP
Create a fully customized Standard Operating Procedure tailored to your organization’s needs, using powerful AI tools that simplify and enhance the process.
More Course Options
Looking to expand your knowledge or gain a certification without committing to the full program? Clemson Drone offers four specialized courses—Part 107 Exam Prep, UAS Essentials, UAS Essentials Plus, and Applied UAS Thermography—designed to fit the needs, schedules, and budgets of busy professionals. These targeted courses incorporate elements of the UAS Vocation curriculum, focusing on key areas such as FAA certification, flight simulation, 3D mapping, and thermal imaging.
Course Descriptions
Part 107 Exam Prep
This online and self-directed course prepares you to take and pass the FAA CFR 14 Part 107 knowledge test to earn your remote pilot certificate. Having this certificate is an FAA requirement for all non-recreational UAS operations. The course includes narrated presentations, an electronic copy of the FAA study guide, 3 sample quizzes, multiple sample exams, hundreds of sample questions, and other study tools. Emailed questions are responded to within 24 hours. While the Part 107 remote pilot certificate is critically important for commercial missions, there is significantly more you need to know. You are encouraged to look at this course as an important first step in your UAS training. Immediate enrollment. 10-week duration.
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UAS Essentials
As the name suggests, this fully online course provides comprehensive instruction on the essential aspects of operating a UAS in the national airspace. The course starts with the same curriculum and content as the Part 107 Exam Prep course. You will then move into flight training with our cutting-edge simulator. You will fly over 50 unique missions to learn stick control and how to operate a UAS. There are 14 drones in our library simulating how different aircrafts navigate real-world environments. The software and USB-connected controller are provided with the course. Finally, you will learn how to collect drone images and turn them into 3D maps, models, and surveys. You will also learn how to determine quantities from the data and share digital 3D as-builts with clients and customers. The course is not robo-graded. Dr. Burgett reviews your assignments and provides customized feedback unique to you. Classes start monthly. Enrollment is for 10-weeks.
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UAS Essentials Plus
This online course has the same curriculum and learning objectives as the UAS Essentials class with several key differences. First, your license to the flight simulator will be extended to 6 months after the course ends so you can continue to hone your piloting skills. You will also be invited to five weekly online zoom calls with Dr. Burgett. During the weekly calls with the class, Dr. Burgett reviews the key concepts covered in the week's learning module, answers questions, and provides real-time help with any challenges you may be experiencing. The course is structured around an accelerated 5-week curriculum; however, students have a full 10-weeks to complete the course material. Another difference is that students will take the APSA flight proficiency exam with the simulator. This added credential shows that you have sufficient flight skills to safely operate a small UAS. The exam fee is included with the course. An additional $75 fee is required by APSA to receive their certification. This class is offered five times a year.
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Applied UAS Thermography
This online self-paced course provides 16 modules preparing UAS operators to collect, tune, and interpret thermograms. The first modules explain the science of infrared radiation and how its measurement can be used to determine thermal patterns. Next, the course teaches you how to tune the images with post-production software to more accurately determine true temperatures. Finally, the course teaches you how to interpret the data and filter out embarrassing false positives. The course includes 11 individual labs to reinforce the concepts taught. The use of your own thermal drone is encouraged but not required. Sample data is provided so everyone can participate in the lab exercises. Dr. Burgett reviews each of your lab exercise submissions and provides customized feedback. Those interested in receiving a Level 1 UAS Thermography Certificate will need to pass an online proctored exam for an additional $300. The duration of the course is 10-weeks with new classes starting every month.
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