Cochise Technology District JTED and Cochise College have partnered to bring a Drones (sUAS--small Unmanned Aircraft System) Program to high schools in Cochise County. We started with a small group of students at Buena and Benson high schools. Students are learning about drones technology, FAA rules and regulations and how to fly a drone safely and legally.

The Drones Program will prepare students to take their FAA Remote Pilot Certification exam later this spring. The program will continue next year as students gain skills in drones flight, photography, mapping, filming and presentation for commercial purposes. 

Drones pilot positions are expected to grow by 70,000 in the next three years. Drones are being used in real estate, agriculture, mining, inspection, film & tv, law enforcement, fire science and are being tested for delivery services.  

Cochise County is one of the first counties in the nation with a program to train and prepare high school students to become licensed commercial drone pilots. We are very excited about this new program and opportunity for our students!