Implementation Guide
Implementation Guide
High School Drone Program Implementation Guide
A Professional Framework for Launching Compliant, Career-Focused Drone Programs in High Schools
Strategic Planning
Why Implement a Drone Program?
The UAS industry is expanding rapidly, creating strong workforce development opportunities for students.
A well-planned high school drone program can support career readiness, technical skill development,
and industry-aligned learning experiences.
Best Practice
Establish an advisory board with industry, higher education, and community partners to help support
internships, career awareness, and workforce pipeline connections.
Legal Framework
- FAA Part 107 required for commercial or government operations
- TRUST required for recreational flyers
- Remote ID required unless operating in a FRIA
- State and local regulations may apply
Program Planning Essentials
- Airspace identification using Aloft Air Aware, B4UFLY, and LAANC
- Written drone use policy covering users, permissions, and violations
- Liability and hull insurance coverage
- Operational Procedures Manual for safety and compliance
Teacher Training & Curriculum
| Area | Current Page Content |
|---|---|
| Instructor Requirements | Intro Level: TRUST recommended; Intermediate: TRUST required, Part 107 recommended; Advanced: TRUST + Part 107 required |
| Certification Pathways | LAPSEN Basic Drone Pilot, FAA Part 107 Remote Pilot, NFPA 2400 UAS Flight Skills, Aerial Mapping & DSM Certifications |
| Curriculum Levels | Intro: indoor flight, terminology, TRUST, block coding; Intermediate: outdoor flight, Part 107 prep; Advanced: autonomous flight, mapping, NFPA 2400 skills |
Instructor Requirements
- Intro Level: TRUST recommended
- Intermediate: TRUST required, Part 107 recommended
- Advanced: TRUST + Part 107 required
Certification Pathways
- LAPSEN Basic Drone Pilot
- FAA Part 107 Remote Pilot
- NFPA 2400 UAS Flight Skills
- Aerial Mapping & DSM Certifications
Curriculum Levels
- Intro: Indoor flight, terminology, TRUST, block coding
- Intermediate: Outdoor flight, Part 107 preparation
- Advanced: Autonomous flight, mapping, NFPA 2400 skills
Equipment & Technology
| Equipment Area | Recommendations |
|---|---|
| Indoor Training Drones | 10+ minute flight time, multiple batteries per drone, block programming capability, example: DJI Tello EDU |
| Outdoor Training Drones | 25-minute flight time, GPS, return-to-home, 3-axis gimbal, 1080p or 4K camera, MicroSD storage |
| Recommended Aircraft | DJI Air 2S, DJI Mini 3, Anzu Raptor, Parrot Anafi Ai / USA Thermal |
Safety & Compliance
Recommended Safety Equipment
- High-visibility vests
- Cones
- Helmets
Flight Skills Assessment
- NIST sUAS Skills Testing Lanes
- NFPA 2400 skill-based flight evaluations
Safety First
All student flight activities should be documented, supervised, and aligned with national standards.
Implementation Support
Blue Ridge Mountain Drones provides full implementation support including strategic planning,
teacher training, curriculum alignment, safety compliance, and certification pathways.
Contact Information
Dr. David Barbour
Director K12 Drone Piloting Programs
Blue Ridge Mountain Drones
Phone: (919) 524-7834