RANGELY | Ten students and two teachers from Rangely High School participated in the 2023 Drone Aviation Pathways Summer Program at CSU in Fort Collins, a groundbreaking initiative aimed at high school students and instructors across Colorado.
The 2023 Drone Aviation Pathways Summer Program empowered high school students and educators, giving them a unique opportunity to dive into the exciting world of drone aviation. Generously funded by grants, this program came at no cost to the participating institutions and students. It encompassed transportation reimbursement, on-campus accommodation, meals, tuition, equipment expenses, and all fees associated with the FAA Part 107 exam, which participants took upon completing the program.
Our students and teachers embarked on a comprehensive educational journey that combined classroom instruction, hands-on flight training, captivating lectures, and real-world mission-planning scenarios using various UAV aircraft. Our teachers also received curriculum development materials to enrich our educational offerings here in Rangely.
Participants engaged in intensive classroom lessons and practice tests, meticulously preparing them for the FAA Part 107 exam. Each day, they had the opportunity to take drones of varying types and sizes to the skies at Christman Airfield, gaining invaluable practical experience. In the evenings, the program transitioned to the CSU indoor practice arena, allowing participants to hone their skills in a controlled environment.
Exploring Aviation Diversity:
Beyond drone technology, this program sought to introduce participants to both Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS) and manned aviation. Students experienced the thrill of an introductory flight in a manned aircraft at Northern Colorado Regional Airport, courtesy of Aims Community College Aviation Program. Furthermore, they attended informative breakout sessions shedding light on a multitude of aviation career opportunities, ranging from Commercial Pilot to UAV Technician.
Certification and Community Support:
The culmination of the program was the FAA Part 107 exam, a milestone that almost every participant successfully achieved, granting them certification to operate drones commercially. As part of the program, two drones were donated to Rangely High School, facilitating the establishment of a drone program and enabling students and educators to capture stunning images of sports events and picturesque surroundings.
