Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Chooses Park University for Training Initiative

Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Chooses Park University for Training Initiative

Park University Joins FAA's Unmanned Aircraft Systems - Collegiate Training Initiative

Park University has made a significant stride in its Unmanned Aerial System (UAS) education and research capabilities, as it has been selected to join the Federal Aviation Administration's (FAA) Unmanned Aircraft Systems - Collegiate Training Initiative (UAS-CTI). This programme is designed to prepare students for careers in the rapidly growing field of unmanned aircraft systems.

The undergraduate certificate programme at Park University comprises three core courses and one elective course, focusing on remote drone piloting, capturing and post-processing aerial imagery, and conducting safe, legal, and effective aerial flight operations. The programme prepares students to become FAA-certified small UAS remote drone pilots.

To qualify for the FAA's UAS-CTI, colleges and universities must offer a bachelor's degree, associate degree, or a degree with a minor, concentration, or certificate in UAS. The curriculum for the UAS training offered by these institutions must cover various aspects, including hands-on flight practice, maintenance, uses, applications, privacy concerns, safety, and federal policies.

Park University's collaboration with the FAA has resulted in a continuous dialogue with stakeholders, connecting the University with general industry, local governments, law enforcement, and regional economic development entities. This partnership aims to address labor force needs, as emphasised by Katie Ervin, Ed.D., Park's associate vice president of strategic alliances.

To become a member of the FAA's UAS-CTI, colleges or universities must apply and meet several key requirements. The institution must deliver an FAA-approved curriculum that aligns with the FAA Academy training standards, including providing FAA Academy-equivalent training on campus. Faculty members involved in teaching FAA-approved air traffic control (ATC) courses must have relevant professional experience, typically at least three years of fully credentialed service.

The institution must submit comprehensive documentation, including course lists, details, learning objectives, testing blueprints, and scenario mappings, to the FAA as part of a formal application and review process. The FAA conducts a virtual curriculum review and an on-site evaluation of the programme to verify compliance with FAA training standards. Once the FAA approves the application, the institution and the FAA sign a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to formalize the partnership.

Graduates of the programme must successfully pass the Air Traffic Skills Assessment (ATSA), meet FAA medical and security requirements, and pass performance verifications to receive official FAA endorsements and certification to begin on-the-job training at FAA facilities. The institution must maintain records and ensure continuous adherence to FAA curriculum and evaluation standards.

Park University is the first college or university in the State of Missouri to be a part of the FAA's UAS-CTI program. The FAA's Part 107 certification is accepted for small UAS-drone commercial and municipal operations. Students who complete Park's Commercial Drone Pilot Certification Prep Course (UAS 107) are prepared to sit for the FAA's Part 107 UAS Remote Pilot Certification Exam.

For more information about Park University's undergraduate certificate in Unmanned Aerial System Drone Application, visit our website here. The FAA's UAS-CTI programme recognizes institutions that prepare students for careers in unmanned aircraft systems, commonly known as drones, and signifies a significant step towards advancing UAS education and research capabilities.

• Park University's participation in the FAA's UAS-CTI underscores its commitment to technology alongside education-and-self-development, as it focuses on preparing students for careers in the field of unmanned aircraft systems.
• The FAA's recognition of Park University as a member of the UAS-CTI program demonstrates the institution's dedication to advancing technology in education, particularly in the area of unmanned aerial systems and self-development.

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