Warren County Community College has established a new drone certification program that’s a hit with those looking to create a bird’s-eye view of things. PBS39’s Karishma Desai gives us a look.
Phillipsburg, N.J. (WLVT) - Ever wanted to get a bird’s eye view of the city?
Warren County Community College (WCCC) is offering a drone technology certificate program that can give people a top-down perspective, literally.
The planning process started two years ago in the parking lot of the college’s Phillipsburg, N.J. campus.
WCCC President Will Austin said, “We began our first classes this fall, and in one class, you can get your FAA pilot’s license from the federal government.”
Austin says the Federal Aviation Association (FAA) pilot’s license is beneficial for those looking to operate drones for commercial purposes.
Student Dennis Florentine said, “And for me, I would like to get the commercial pilot’s license, because it would be another tool in my toolbox.”
Florentine is a real estate agent and wants to use his license to take pictures of houses for his business.
He said, “With a building like this, you can take a drone...if you’re having a problem on the roof, you can go up and take some pictures, zoom in, see what’s going on. Do a quick analysis before you send somebody up there to take a look.”
“I know that it’s a fast-growing technology and I know it’s just a matter of time before the government catches up to it, in terms of regulation,” Florentine added.
Just last week, the FAA Reauthorization Act of 2018 was signed into law. There is a provision in the new law that allows the federal government the authority to take down private drones deemed as a “credible threat.” This bill was sponsored by Republican Congressman Bill Shuster who represents the Pennsylvania’s ninth district.
Austin said there are several industries that could benefit from drone technology, including construction, communication and bridge inspection.
According to Austin, drones with attached infrared cameras can be used in search-and-rescue operations.
“Let’s say somebody was lost in the woods, you can find anything with heat on it,” said Austin.
“They’re also using this to control deer population, bears, livestock management. You could fly over your steers, goats and if anybody is off-temperature, then you would know to take that animal to the vet.”
Through the degree program at Warren County Community College, Austin said students will
learn everything they need to know from safety to the software.
“You might have picked it up while we were flying. We have a hospital in Phillipsburg, and a helicopter came through at that point. We immediately brought the drone to the ground,” said Austin.
“Not many people realize that an unmanned aircraft has to give way to a manned aircraft.”
The degree program can be from one to two years, depending on how much a student wants to learn. For those who want to learn how to fly and build drones, the program is two years.
“If something was damaged, all the students would learn 3D printing and they would operate and create the drone components here as well. Many of these components are plastic, so they can be re-fabricated here,” said Austin.
Florentine said, “I find it fascinating learning all the aspects of how to read a sectional chart, weather, latitude/longitude, how it all comes to play.”
Austin said the students range in age from 16 to 60, and some even have masters degrees in technology.
“We have wedding videographers who want to take pictures and be safe.”
He also said that he would like to see some graduates of the drone program to work for the county and other local government agencies.
“Things like mosquito control. It’s difficult to find the pockets of water where mosquitoes come. And with West Nile Virus, we need to be more effective in killing those mosquitoes. You could drop packets that would kill those mosquitos,” Austin said.
If you’re interested in trying a class during the spring semester, you can call the college at (908)-835-9222.