VINCENNES, Ind. – As the use of drones continues to grow, Vincennes University will offer a drone certification course open to the public in January.

The Federal Aviation Administration requires commercial drone operators to have a Remote Pilot Certificate. Having a drone license also can make individuals more marketable to employers.

VU’s five-week course is open to the public and VU students. It will help operators prepare for the 107 Unmanned Aircraft General - Small test to become a FAA-certified drone pilot. VU’s course will teach the regulations of drone usage, and address safety and liability.

“There are a lot of people using drones,” VU Agribusiness Program Chair Susan Brocksmith said. “Legally, everyone who flies a drone on a farm to make management decisions has to have their drone certification. It also covers firemen, policemen, photographers, real estate, surveyors, and movie makers to name a few.”

AGBS 187 is a Special Instruction one-credit hour course. Classes will be on Wednesday evenings from Jan. 15 to Feb. 12 at VU’s new Agricultural Center, along U.S. 41 at 4207 N. Purdue Road. The cost of the class is $195 plus book.

Students who wish to enroll in the class and not earn a certificate or degree from VU can submit a simple non-degree seeking form. The form is available at https://www.vinu.edu/apply and should be submitted to the VU Admissions Office.

VU also will offer a three-credit hour course, AGBS 240, to students only. The course examines drones and unmanned aircraft systems in both private and commercial settings. Students will learn the rules and regulations of owning and flying drones and unmanned aircraft systems, and will receive information to help them pass the FAA 107 UAS license examination. They’ll also learn how to incorporate drones into their business ventures through scientific and popular literature, case studies, discussion, and learning opportunities.

Contact:

Susan Brocksmith

Agribusiness Program Chair

Office: 812-888-5718

Email: sbrocksmith@vinu.edu

VINCENNES UNIVERSITY - Indiana’s First College

VU is state-supported with campuses in Vincennes and Jasper, the Aviation Technology Center and American Sign Language program in Indianapolis, Early College Career and Technical Education Centers, and additional sites such as the Gene Haas Training and Education Center in Lebanon, the Logistics Training and Education Center in Plainfield, and the Gibson County Center for Advanced Manufacturing and Logistics in Fort Branch. A leader in developing Early Colleges statewide, VU also offers instruction at military sites throughout the nation.

In addition to offering a wide range of associate degree and certificate programs, VU also offers bachelor’s degree programs in technology, homeland security, nursing, secondary education programs in mathematics and science, and special education/elementary education.

VU enrolls students from throughout Indiana, 36 other states, and 21 other countries. Tuition and fees are the lowest among Indiana campuses with residence halls. VU is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.

Founded in 1801, VU is Indiana’s first college and is the only college in the nation founded by an individual who would later become President of the United States. William Henry Harrison, the ninth U.S. President, founded VU while serving as governor of the Indiana Territory. More information is available at www.vinu.edu.

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Vincennes University Newsroom

MARCIA MARTINEZ, University Life Reporter & Sports Information Director
   812-888-4164 office, 314-599-1519 cell, VUNews@vinu.edu, mmartinez@vinu.edu
VINCENNES UNIVERSITY, Department of University Relations, www.vinu.edu/newsroom