Alabama College Receives FAA Approval to Offer Drone Courses

Alabama’s Auburn University aviation center plans to offer courses about how to fly drones.

The school said last week it has received federal approval to operate a new Unmanned Aircraft Systems Flight School as part of its aviation center.

Auburn says it’s the first school in the nation to receive FAA approval for such a program.

The FAA didn’t immediately have any comment on the planned course.

Auburn aviation center director Bill Hutto says Auburn will administer written exams and flight tests for would-be pilots of unmanned aircraft. FAA rules require both for licensed operators.

Drones are considered a tool of increasing importance in areas including agriculture, building science and engineering.

Auburn has been training pilots for almost 75 years. The school offers three degrees in aviation and aerospace.