FARMINGTON – San Juan College in Farmington announced earlier this week that the first semester of the college’s new drone program was a success in that every student completed the program and passed their Federal Aviation Administration remote pilot licensing exam.

The program’s instructor Brian Seavey said the college is pleased with the 100% pass rate.

“This is great news for our students in the program,” Seavey said. “Passing the FAA remote licensing exam puts our students on track to become a drone pilot and be able to work in a variety of high-paying industries.”

According to the college, the FAA requires the remote pilot certificate in order to fly drones. That certificate also says the pilot knows and understands the regulations, operating requirements and procedures for safely flying drones.

The drone program at the college, called the Small Unmanned Aerial Systems program, offers students the learning opportunity to gain skills and FAA licensing. The program with the FAA license qualifies students for employment as drone pilots or operations administrators, according to San Juan College.

“The program allows people of all ages to embrace this new technology, while preparing them for a career in multiple business sectors,” Seavey said. “SUAS graduates can work in many career fields such as real estate, forestry, energy, education, archaeology and construction, to name a few. Forecasts predict the drone industry is expected to continue to grow and expand in numerous areas.”

For more information about the Small Unmanned Aerial Systems program, visit sanjuancollege.edu/smallunmannedaerialsystems or call (505) 566-3320.

mmitchell@durangoherald.com