During the months of June, July and August 2024, Nebraska Extension will be offering one-day (eight hour) courses across the state to prepare individuals to pass the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Aeronautical Knowledge Exam. This exam is required to receive a Part 107 remote pilot certification or license to fly drones for commercial applications.

“The Part 107 Test Prep Course has been very successful, and students have been doing very well,” said Dr. Dirk Charlson, statewide extension educator of digital ag and course instructor, referring to the same course offered in early 2024. “Students have been sharing with me their successes of passing the FAA Aeronautical Knowledge Exam with scores in the upper 80% to 90%’s.”

To pass the FAA written exam, students only need to answer 70% or more of the questions correctly.

During the months of January through March, Charlson taught this course across the state at six locations from the Nebraska Panhandle to Lincoln. The course had a total attendance of 87 students, who represented a mix of backgrounds from growers, educators, real estate accessors, professional photographers, and individuals involved in emergency management. In addition to Nebraska, students traveled from several states to attend, including Wyoming, Kansas, Iowa and Missouri.

This course covers aviation topics such as regulations, airspace, radio communication, weather, aircraft performance, and other basic aviation concepts necessary to pass the Part 107 knowledge exam. The exam is taken at an FAA designated location and consists of 60 multiple-choice questions.

The Part 107 Remote Pilot Exam Prep Courses are available to the public. Aviation experience is not essential to be successful in the course. The course will be offered at seven locations across the state from June through August, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. local time:

• June 7 — UNL Panhandle Research, Extension and Educator Center, 4502 Ave. I, Scottsbluff.
• June 14 — Syracuse Public Library, 480 Fifth St., Syracuse.
• June 21 — Hall County Extension Office, 3180 W. Hwy 34, Grand Island.
• June 28 — Gage County Extension Office, 1115 W. Scott St., Beatrice.
• July 10 — Henry J. Stumpf International Wheat Center, 76025 Rd. 329, Grant.
• Aug. 8 — Dodge County Extension Office, 1206 W. 23rd St., Fremont.
• Aug. 16 — UNL West Central Research, Extension and Education Center, 402 W. State Farm Rd., North Platte.

Registration is available online for each location. Pre-registration is required with a $275 registration fee. Study materials, and light breakfast and lunch will be provided. An educational discount is available to students and educators through an application process available on the registration link.

Please contact Dirk Charlson for more information on this course at 402-460-0742 (text or call).

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