High School FPV Drone Racing Meets Career-Tech: A Pathway to FAA Part 107
- Scott Buell
- Oct 23
- 6 min read
Imagine a high school STEM classroom where students don first-person-view (FPV) goggles, pilot drones through obstacle courses, and then channel that excitement into real-world credentials. That is precisely the opportunity. For schools seeking to engage students, build technical skills, and deliver career readiness outcomes, FPV drone racing is the ideal entry point into a full Career Technical Education (CTE) pathway. In the world of drone education, the journey looks like this: FPV racing → participation in the Unified Scholastic Drone Racing Association (USDRA)™ → curriculum by Drone Legends → preparation for the FAA Part 107 Remote Pilot Certificate. Let’s walk through how your school can make that happen.
What Is FPV Drone Racing in a High School Setting?
Defining FPV (First-Person-View) Drone Racing
FPV drone racing places a pilot behind the goggles or screen, seeing live video from the drone’s camera as it zips through gates, turns, and loops. This immersive view gives students a thrilling hands-on experience of flight. In the high-school environment it becomes a club, class, or after-school activity where teams design, build, fly, and repair drones.
Why It Resonates With High School Students and Educators
FPV racing captures attention like few other STEM options. Students who might not participate in traditional sports or electives are drawn in by the excitement of piloting drones. Programs like Drone Legends’ FPV Initiator engage students through competition, hands-on repairing and tuning, and team roles like pilot, spotter, technician and strategist. For educators this means increased motivation, better attendance, and richer engagement in STEM and CTE classes. Moreover FPV racing leverages real-world technology and teamwork in a way that aligns with modern educational goals.
Connecting FPV Racing to CTE and Career Readiness
What Is Career Technical Education (CTE) in High School?
CTE refers to courses and pathways in high school that prepare students for technical careers, certifications, and workforce readiness. These programs blend academic learning with hands-on application so students leave with both knowledge and credentials. They are becoming increasingly important as industries look for technically skilled workers who can hit the ground running.
How Drone Programs Fit Into CTE Pathways
Drone programs are a natural fit for CTE for several reasons. First drones cross many STEM fields: engineering, computing, aeronautics, data analysis and more. Second drones offer tangible certifications and job-ready skills. For example students can work toward the FAA Part 107 certificate and other industry credentials. Third programs like FPV racing introduce teamwork, problem solving, hardware maintenance and systems thinking—skills demanded by high-value technical workforce roles. In short implementing an FPV drone racing program becomes a gateway into a full career-tech pathway rather than just an extracurricular.
Introducing the Remote Pilot Certificate: FAA Part 107
What Is FAA Part 107?
The FAA Part 107 Remote Pilot Certificate is the credential required by the Federal Aviation Administration for commercial drone operations (for unmanned aircraft systems weighing under 55 pounds). Individuals must pass a knowledge exam covering airspace, weather, regulations and drone operations to earn this certificate. Once certified they can operate drones for commercial applications, inspection, media, agriculture and more.
Why High School Students and Programs Should Care
For high school students earning or preparing to earn Part 107 certification means a credential that employers recognise. Programs that include Part 107 readiness set students apart and serve as legitimate workforce pathways. Schools with such programs demonstrate value to students, parents and potential funding agencies. For example sources say high school students who prepare for Part 107 gain a “distinct advantage in the workforce”. Also from a program perspective including Part 107 readiness shows alignment with CTE goals of career-tech credentials, not just fun activities.
The Pathway: FPV Racing → USDRA → Drone Legends FPV Initiator → FAA Part 107
What USDRA Brings to the Table
USDRA is a scholastic drone racing league designed for high school-aged teams. Participation gives students the competitive experience, team roles and structure of a racing league. This elevates the program from classroom club to nationally-recognised competition, which increases student buy-in and school recognition.
What Drone Legends’ FPV Initiator Curriculum Includes
The Drone Legends FPV Initiator curriculum is a school-ready, turnkey program designed for grades 9-12. It covers drone flight dynamics, special equipment, software applications, and more. It also supports the transition from FPV racing into career pathways and prepares students for advanced work and certifications. Using this as the driver means the school gets a structured sequence: race preparation, team roles, technical skills, then certification prep.
How Schools Can Implement the Pathway
Here is a high-level sequence for schools:
Launch the FPV racing club or class using the FPV Initiator curriculum.
Enter USDRA events so students get experience, team roles and competition.
Introduce the FAA Part 107 prep curriculum (such as Drone Legends’ classroom curriculum) so students move toward certification.
Leverage the credential and competition experience for student portfolios, internships or job readiness.This pathway blends engagement with real outcomes.
How to Launch This Program in Your School
Step 1: Gauge Interest & Secure Buy-in
Talk with your STEM/CTE coordinator, club leads and administration. Describe the benefits: student engagement, technical skills, career readiness, recognisable credential. Provide your leadership team with the Drone Legends FPV Program Proposal Guide.
Step 2: Select Curriculum & Equipment
Choose a curriculum that is turnkey and aligned to CTE outcomes. Drone Legends’ FPV Initiator is one option. It includes everything you need to start: drone kits, simulators, race tracks, and more. Budget space/time for students to practice. Also select a Part 107 prep curriculum for the next phase of the program.
Step 3: Form the Team / Class / Club
Launch as an elective class or club. Define roles for students: pilot, spotter, technician, strategist. Use the FPV curriculum to teach flying mechanics, drone repair, rules and team coordination.Engage students early with fun practices, simulators and small races.
Step 4: Prepare for USDRA Events & Part 107 Readiness
Register teams for USDRA competitions. Use the team experience to build a sense of community, competition and achievement. Simultaneously launch the Part 107 preparation module so students over age 16 can begin studying for the Remote Pilot Certificate. Ensure instructional time for regulations, charts, weather, flight operations. Use mock exams, review sessions and support teacher training.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can a High School Student Earn the FAA Part 107 Certificate?
Yes. Any applicant who meets the FAA criteria (including being at least 16 years old) may take the knowledge exam for the Remote Pilot Certificate under Part 107. Your program can position students to prepare for the exam while still in high school.
What Skills Do Students Gain Through FPV Drone Racing?
Students gain a combination of hard and soft skills. Hard skills include piloting drones, understanding aerodynamics, configuring flight systems, repairing hardware and reading flight data. Soft skills include teamwork, communication, resilience, competition mindset and technical problem solving. Studies show FPV racing builds confidence and real-world readiness.
How Does a Drone Program Build CTE Credentials?
A drone program aligned with FPV racing and Part 107 certification integrates into CTE by delivering technical skills, industry recognition and career pathways. It is not just entertainment but structured education with credentials and workforce relevance. This meets key criteria for CTE programs.
Why Now Is the Time to Start
The unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) industry is expanding rapidly. The global commercial drone market is projected to reach tens of billions of dollars in coming years. Because of this growth schools that begin drone programs now position students for future-proof careers. Meanwhile the competition among high schools for at-risk or disengaged students is intensifying. A program that offers excitement and credentials gives your school a competitive advantage.Investing in a curated pathway from FPV racing to Part 107 certification is a strategic move toward real student outcomes and program differentiation.
Move Forward with Drone Legends’ FPV Initiator
If you are a high school STEM or CTE leader looking for a high-engagement program that leads to real credentials, then Drone Legends is ready to support you. The FPV Initiator curriculum offers a turnkey solution for FPV drone racing in grades 9-12. Through team competition, technical skills and the path to FAA Part 107 certification you can deliver a program that excites students and satisfies school leadership. Visit the Drone Legends site, request a curriculum overview, schedule a demo or connect with our team to map out your launch plan.
Let’s put your students in the pilot seat of their future!
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