Part-Time Drone Pilot Instructor
Quick overview
Job description
Schedule: 10–12 hours per week
Program Year: 36 weeks per year
Estimated Annual Hours: 360–432 hours
Position Summary
The Drone Pilot Instructor will lead a hands-on, career-focused drone education program for high school students. The instructor will teach students the knowledge, safety practices, flight skills, and professional skills needed to pursue an FAA Remote Pilot Certificate under Part 107.
The instructor will combine classroom instruction with practical drone activities, helping students understand how drones are used in fields such as construction, forestry, agriculture, public safety, real estate, environmental science, photography, surveying, and other emerging careers.
The FAA currently requires applicants for a Part 107 Remote Pilot Certificate to be at least 16 years old and to pass the initial aeronautical knowledge examination.
Key Responsibilities
- Introduce students to drones, unmanned aircraft systems (UAS), and aviation.
- Teach basic drone components, controls, batteries, maintenance, and pre-flight procedures.
- Introduce students to safe and responsible drone operations.
- Teach weather, airspace, flight restrictions, and emergency procedures.
- FAA rules and regulations
- Airspace classification and operating requirements
- Weather and its effects on drone operations
- Aircraft performance and loading
- Emergency procedures
- Crew resource management
- Radio communication procedures
- Airport operations
- Maintenance and pre-flight inspections
- Night operations
- Aeronautical decision-making and judgment
- Demonstrate safe drone flight techniques.
- Supervise student flight activities.
- Teach takeoff, landing, hovering, maneuvering, and mission planning.
- Provide opportunities for students to practice photography, mapping, inspection, and other appropriate applications.
- Establish and enforce safe flight procedures for all student activities.
- Forestry and environmental conservation
- Construction
- Agriculture
- Surveying and mapping
- Real estate
- Photography and videography
- Infrastructure inspection
- Public safety
- Engineering
- Environmental science
- Technology and entrepreneurship
- Professional communication
- Teamwork
- Problem-solving
- Time management
- Project planning
- Workplace safety
- Professionalism
- Résumé development
- Career exploration
- Presentation skills
1. Teach Drone & Aviation Fundamentals
2. Prepare Students for the FAA Part 107 Exam
Develop instruction and practice activities covering FAA Part 107 knowledge areas, including:
3. Provide Hands-On Flight Training
4. Connect Learning to Careers
Help students understand how drone technology is being used in the workplace.
Potential career applications include:
5. Develop Student Career Skills
Incorporate workforce-development skills into the program, including:
6. Support Student Certification Goals
Track student progress toward the FAA knowledge examination and help students understand the certification process.
The FAA process includes obtaining an FAA Tracking Number (FTN), scheduling and passing the initial aeronautical knowledge test, completing the FAA application through IACRA, and completing the required security vetting/application process.
Qualifications
- FAA Part 107 Remote Pilot Certificate
- Demonstrated experience safely operating drones/UAS
- Ability to work effectively with high school students
- Strong communication and classroom-management skills
- Ability to explain technical information in an age-appropriate way
- Commitment to aviation and student safety
- Experience teaching, coaching, mentoring, or training youth
- Experience with drone photography, mapping, surveying, GIS, inspection, forestry, construction, or another UAS application
- Experience preparing students for FAA Part 107 testing
- Knowledge of FAA airspace and LAANC procedures
- Experience developing hands-on STEM or career-and-technical education activities
Required
Preferred
Schedule
- Classroom instruction
- Hands-on flight sessions
- Student project development
- Individual student support
- FAA exam preparation
- Career exploration activities
- Program planning and documentation
10–12 hours per week for 36 weeks per year
The schedule may include:
Some outdoor instruction may require flexibility based on weather, daylight, and safe flying conditions.
Student Outcomes
By the end of the program, students should have:
KNOWLEDGE
A strong understanding of drone operations, safety, aviation, and FAA requirements.
SKILLS
Hands-on experience operating drones and completing drone-related projects.
CAREER AWARENESS
An understanding of how drone technology is used across multiple industries.
WORKFORCE SKILLS
Experience with teamwork, communication, problem-solving, and professional conduct.
CERTIFICATION PREPARATION
Preparation to pursue the FAA Part 107 Remote Pilot Certificate for eligible students.
Important: The program prepares students for the FAA certification process; the FAA establishes the eligibility and certification requirements. Students must meet FAA requirements and successfully complete the required process to receive a Remote Pilot Certificate.
Position Mission
Teach. Train. Fly. Prepare students for the future.
The Drone Pilot Instructor will help high school students turn an emerging technology into real-world skills, career exploration, and a pathway toward professional drone operations.