News

Boynton Beach, October 24, 2016:  Barely old enough to drive a car or get their first job, three Boynton Beach High School Students are qualified to fly drones and get paid for it!  Since school began this year, each of them have been taking a course in Unmanned Aerial Systems (a.k.a drones) at Boynton Beach High School, through the partnership with Embry Riddle Aeronautical University and their Gaetz Aerospace Institute.   They have studied the different subjects covered by the Federal Aeronautical Regulation Part 107 including; airspace classifications, weather, safety, aeronautical decision making and registration requirements.  All of this studying came to use last week when they went to the local testing center at Lantana Airport and sat for their 60 question, 2 hour long, computer-based, FAR Part 107 Remote Pilot’s Written Exam.  Upon passing the exam, they went on-line to complete their FAA application and wait 7 days to get their FAA Remote Pilot’s Certificate with Small Unmanned System Rating.  Most of the people you see flying drones around town are doing so as recreational pilots and aren’t allowed to earn money for their efforts.  With their Part 107 certifications, these students can now go to work for many of the companies in our area that want to use drones (typically with cameras) to capture amazing shots of real estate properties and sports events, inspect roofs and infrastructures and work with public agencies to assist with search and rescues and many other purposes.  “Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University’s is excited about partnering with the Palm Beach County School District and Boyton Beach High School to expose and prepare students to the unmanned systems industry” said Colleen Conklin, Associate Professor and Director of Embry Riddle’s Gaetz Aerospace Institute. “As this emerging industry moves at warp speed, we must not forget the importance of safety operations, rules and regulations when handling and operating unmanned aerial systems.”
If you have a Palm Beach county student and would like to get your chance to learn about aviation subjects including Private Pilot, Aircraft Maintenance, Unmanned Systems and more as well as earn Dual-Enrollment College Credit with Embry Riddle Aeronautical University, contact your school’s guidance counselor and ask about the Boynton Aerospace Science Academy Choice Program.