Nebraska Extension continues to expand its Part 107 Remote Pilot Exam Prep Course to meet growing demand for certified drone pilots in agriculture, public safety and business. The one-day course prepares participants to pass the FAA Aeronautical Knowledge Exam required to earn a Remote Pilot Certificate.
Taught by Dirk Charlson, statewide extension educator of digital agriculture, the program has trained more than 300 students from Nebraska and surrounding states. Approximately one in 40 FAA-certified remote pilots in Nebraska have participated in the course. Since 2024, more than 45 training sessions have been delivered statewide.
Charlson brings more than a decade of drone instruction experience, with a background in real estate photography, aerial crop scouting and conservation. He has been teaching drone certification courses since 2016.
“This course is designed to be efficient and effective,” Charlson said. “Our evaluation data shows that 93% of students felt the course helped them prepare, and 85% went on to take the exam within two months.”
According to Charlson, participants typically invest 12 to 15 hours in preparation through a combination of in-class instruction and independent study with final test results ranging from 80–85% — well above the 70% score required to pass the exam.
Program Highlights
- One-day (eight-hour) training; no prior aviation experience required
- Prepares participants for FAA Part 107 Aeronautical Knowledge Exam
- Includes study materials and step-by-step guidance for exam registration and FAA certification
- Covers real-world applications, including airspace authorization and regulatory compliance
- Lunch provided
Course participants report benefits across multiple sectors, including new revenue opportunities through drone services, improved efficiency for public safety agencies, and expanded scouting and imaging capabilities in agriculture. Many also note career advancement and increased responsibilities after certification.
The course is designed for a wide range of participants, from agricultural producers, crop consultants and agronomists to entrepreneurs, real estate professionals and emergency responders. It’s also a fit for anyone interested in using drones commercially, whether to expand an existing operation or explore new business opportunities.
The program has also supported training for emergency responders, including a recent session with Minatare Volunteer Fire Department near Scottsbluff, Nebraska.
Upcoming Summer Training Dates
- May 7 — Omaha (Register by May 4)
- May 22 — Grand Island (Register by May 18)
- June 12 — Grand Island (Register by June 8)
- June 19 — Ord (Register by June 15)
- June 26 — Lincoln (Register by June 22)
- July 10 — Grand Island (Register by July 6)
- Aug. 7 — Alliance (Register by Aug. 3)
- Aug. 14 — Grand Island (Register by Aug. 10)
- Aug. 21 — Lincoln (Register by Aug. 17)
More information is available on the course registration page.
An educational discount is available for students and educators. Organizations interested in hosting a training or sponsoring a session may submit a request form or contact Dirk Charlson, 402-460-0742 (call or text).
This Part 107 Remote Pilot Exam Prep Course is offered by Nebraska Extension of the University of Nebraska–Lincoln. It is not affiliated with programs offered by Nebraska Innovation Campus, Nebraska Innovation Studio, or the University of Nebraska at Omaha.
