Drone Career Pathways: How High Schools Can Prepare Students for FAA-Certified Drone Careers/
- Scott Buell
- Nov 2
- 6 min read
Introduction
The use of unmanned aircraft systems (UAS), commonly referred to as drones, has expanded rapidly across the global economy. Once associated primarily with hobbyists or military applications, drones are now integral to commercial, industrial, and scientific operations. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) forecasts steady growth in the number of certified commercial drone pilots in the United States, signaling the establishment of a new and sustainable workforce sector.
For high schools seeking to align with national Career and Technical Education (CTE) priorities, the drone industry presents an opportunity to prepare students for emerging technology fields while integrating STEM education. Programs that combine flight operations, regulatory knowledge, and hands-on technical skills can serve as entry points into multiple high-value career pathways. Drone Legends’ FPV Initiator and FAA Part 107 Classroom Curriculum represent two such pathways, providing both foundational and credentialed preparation for students.
The Expanding Drone Industry
The drone industry now touches nearly every sector of the economy. Construction, agriculture, real estate, energy, and emergency management are among the top users of UAS technology. The National Business Aviation Association (NBAA) describes the drone sector as “on the verge of needing thousands of new pilots, engineers, data experts and others to make maps, shoot videos and perform inspections.” This rapid growth is reflected in the FAA’s increasing volume of Part 107 certifications, which are required for commercial drone operation.
Beyond piloting, the integration of sensors, artificial intelligence, and data analytics has broadened the professional landscape. Drones are not only tools for flight but platforms for advanced data collection and analysis. This has created demand for professionals in software engineering, data science, systems design, and GIS analysis.
According to Indeed’s 2024 report on drone industry careers, the roles most in demand include drone pilots, remote sensing specialists, data analysts, hardware engineers, and UAS operations managers. Each role requires distinct competencies, from technical piloting to computational modeling, all of which fall under the broader STEM education umbrella.
Career Pathways in the Drone Sector
The drone industry provides several interconnected career tracks that extend well beyond piloting. These can be grouped into six primary categories relevant to education and workforce preparation.
1. Drone Pilot and Commercial Operator
Drone pilots conduct aerial missions for mapping, surveying, photography, inspections, and logistics. To operate legally in the United States, commercial pilots must hold an FAA Part 107 certification. This certification validates understanding of UAS regulations, airspace classifications, safety, and mission planning. Drone pilots are employed by engineering firms, agricultural operations, law enforcement, and public safety agencies.
2. Inspection and Infrastructure Specialist
Inspection specialists use drones to evaluate critical infrastructure such as bridges, roads, wind turbines, and pipelines. Equipped with LiDAR, thermal imaging, or multispectral sensors, these drones enable safe, efficient, and precise data collection. Positions in this field require technical knowledge of sensor calibration, image processing, and data interpretation.
3. Data Analyst and GIS Specialist
Drones generate large datasets that must be processed and interpreted. Geographic Information Systems (GIS) specialists and remote sensing analysts use specialized software to convert aerial imagery into actionable insights. These professionals support sectors such as environmental monitoring, precision agriculture, and urban planning. Data literacy, statistical reasoning, and computational mapping are key competencies in this pathway.
4. Software and Autonomy Engineer
Autonomous drone operations rely on software developers and robotics engineers. These professionals create control systems, navigation algorithms, and artificial intelligence models that allow drones to operate safely and independently. Computer programming, electrical engineering, and systems integration are foundational disciplines.
5. Hardware and Maintenance Technician
The physical design and performance of drones depend on the work of hardware technicians and engineers. They construct, maintain, and modify aircraft to meet specialized mission needs. Skills in electronics, mechanical systems, soldering, and diagnostics are required. Maintenance technicians are essential for ensuring fleet reliability and compliance with FAA safety standards.
6. Drone Instructor and Program Manager
As drone technology becomes more common in education and industry, there is growing demand for instructors, trainers, and program managers. These professionals teach flight operations, safety, and regulatory compliance. They also oversee institutional drone programs, ensuring that operations meet FAA standards and local regulations.
Foundational Skills and Certifications
Regardless of specialization, nearly all drone career pathways begin with a baseline understanding of flight operations and FAA regulations. The FAA Part 107 certification is the standard entry credential for anyone seeking to operate drones commercially. Students who prepare for and pass the FAA Part 107 exam gain a competitive advantage and demonstrate industry-recognized proficiency.
Technical preparation should also include knowledge of:
Flight planning and mission execution
Navigation and airspace awareness
Data acquisition and processing
Sensor technology, including LiDAR and thermal imaging
Basic computer programming and automation principles
Regulatory compliance and risk management
These areas directly align with STEM disciplines such as physics, computer science, and engineering technology. Integrating them into secondary education curricula supports both workforce readiness and academic rigor.
Preparing Students Through Drone Legends Programs
Drone Legends offers two programs that align directly with these workforce and certification needs.
FPV Initiator and the Unified Scholastic Drone Racing Association (USDRA)
The FPV Initiator curriculum introduces students to First-Person View (FPV) drone flight and precision piloting. Through structured modules, students learn flight mechanics, control systems, and team collaboration. The associated USDRA league transforms these skills into competitive learning experiences. FPV flight develops hand-eye coordination, spatial awareness, and applied physics understanding, serving as an engaging entry point for CTE students.
FAA Part 107 Classroom Curriculum
The FAA Part 107 Classroom Curriculum provides a structured path for students to prepare for the FAA Part 107 certification exam. This course covers regulatory content, airspace classification, weather interpretation, mission planning, and risk assessment. Unlike asynchronous online courses, it is designed specifically for classroom delivery, with educator guidance and formative assessment built in.
Together, these two programs form a comprehensive drone education pathway. The FPV Initiator builds practical and technical engagement, while the FAA Part 107 course provides the credential required for commercial operation. This combination positions high school graduates for immediate employment or further study in drone technology, engineering, or aviation science.
Download the FPV + 107 pacing guide
Implementation in High School CTE Programs
Incorporating drone education within CTE frameworks supports multiple state and federal education objectives. Schools can align drone courses with career clusters such as Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM); Information Technology; and Transportation, Distribution, and Logistics.
Key implementation strategies include:
Integrating the FPV Initiator as a hands-on introduction to drone flight within existing STEM or robotics programs.
Offering the FAA Part 107 Classroom Curriculum as a capstone or certification course.
Providing dual-credit options through partnerships with local community colleges or aviation programs.
Building connections with regional employers in infrastructure, agriculture, and inspection services for internship opportunities.
Administrators can justify CTE funding by demonstrating that these programs lead directly to industry credentials, align with workforce projections, and promote equity in access to high-growth technology fields.
The Economic and Educational Rationale
The drone industry is projected to continue expanding as automation, logistics, and data services evolve. Workforce studies estimate thousands of new jobs in the coming decade across both public and private sectors. For educators, this represents a chance to bridge academic learning with employable skills.
Drone curricula foster interdisciplinary learning, combining science, mathematics, and digital literacy. They also engage students through experiential learning, which is linked to higher retention and career motivation. Schools that offer such programs not only enhance student outcomes but also position themselves as innovators in STEM education.
Conclusion
Drone technology represents one of the most dynamic and accessible gateways into modern STEM careers. With pathways extending from piloting and data analysis to engineering and education, the field offers students a range of opportunities to apply their learning in practical, future-focused contexts.
By adopting Drone Legends’ FPV Initiator and FAA Part 107 Classroom Curriculum, schools can equip students with both the technical expertise and formal credentials needed to enter this expanding workforce. The result is a CTE program that aligns with industry standards, supports FAA compliance, and inspires students to pursue careers in science, technology, and aviation.
Educators and administrators seeking to establish a drone curriculum or drone course within their high school CTE program can contact Drone Legends to learn more about implementing the FPV Initiator and FAA Part 107 Classroom Curriculum. Both courses are designed for classroom integration and include educator training, student resources, and ongoing technical support.
Contact Drone Legends today to get your drone Career Technical Education program started!
References
National Business Aviation Association. The Drone Industry Offers Viable, Lucrative, and Exciting Careers. NBAA.org
Indeed. 9 Jobs in the Drone Industry (With Salaries and Duties). Indeed.com
Raising Drones. The Drone Job Boom: Career Opportunities in the 2024 Industry. RaisingDrones.com
Flying Magazine. How to Get Your First Drone Job. FlyingMag.com
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