{"id":206708,"date":"2024-11-21T08:00:11","date_gmt":"2024-11-21T18:00:11","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.hawaii.edu\/news\/?p=206708"},"modified":"2024-11-20T15:33:04","modified_gmt":"2024-11-21T01:33:04","slug":"hawaii-cc-drone-certification-program","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.hawaii.edu\/news\/2024\/11\/21\/hawaii-cc-drone-certification-program\/","title":{"rendered":"Hawai\u02bbi <abbr>CC<\/abbr> launches first community college drone certification program"},"content":{"rendered":"<span class=\"span-reading-time rt-reading-time\" style=\"display: block;\"><span class=\"rt-label rt-prefix\">Reading time: <\/span> <span class=\"rt-time\"> 2<\/span> <span class=\"rt-label rt-postfix\">minutes<\/span><\/span><div class=\"responsive-video-wrap-post\"><figure class=\"wp-block-embed wp-block-embed-youtube is-type-video is-provider-youtube epyt-figure\"><div class=\"wp-block-embed__wrapper\"><div class=\"epyt-video-wrapper\"><iframe  id=\"_ytid_46921\"  width=\"620\" height=\"465\"  data-origwidth=\"620\" data-origheight=\"465\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/cXXlwhM-ecs?enablejsapi=1&origin=https:\/\/www.hawaii.edu&rel=0&autoplay=0&cc_load_policy=0&cc_lang_pref=&iv_load_policy=1&loop=0&fs=1&playsinline=0&autohide=2&theme=dark&color=red&controls=1&disablekb=0&\" class=\"__youtube_prefs__  no-lazyload\" title=\"Hawai\u02bbi CC launches first community college drone certification program\"  allow=\"fullscreen; accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share\" referrerpolicy=\"strict-origin-when-cross-origin\" allowfullscreen data-no-lazy=\"1\" data-skipgform_ajax_framebjll=\"\"><\/iframe><\/div><\/div><\/figure><\/div>\n<p>Spring registration for the first drone certification program in the state\u2019s community college system is now open at <a href=\"https:\/\/hawaii.hawaii.edu\/\"><span aria-label=\"Hawaii\">Â鶹´«Ã½<\/span> Community College<\/a>. The program, backed by a $650,000 National Science Foundation grant, emphasizes practical applications of drone technology across industries, including agriculture, civil defense and environmental conservation.<\/p>\n<figure id=\"attachment_206713\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-206713\" style=\"width: 300px\" class=\"wp-caption alignright\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.hawaii.edu\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/11\/hawaii-drone-certificate-1-300x169.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"169\" class=\"size-medium wp-image-206713\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.hawaii.edu\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/11\/hawaii-drone-certificate-1-300x169.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.hawaii.edu\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/11\/hawaii-drone-certificate-1-130x73.jpg 130w, https:\/\/www.hawaii.edu\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/11\/hawaii-drone-certificate-1.jpg 676w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px\" \/><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-206713\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">From left, Isaac Mandaloniz, Thomas Costa and Khayden Kahihikolo insert batteries in the <abbr>DJI<\/abbr> Matrice 350.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p>Debuting with a test cohort in fall 2023, the program quickly gained traction, equipping students with a comprehensive introduction to drone operations, including preparation for the <abbr title=\"Federal Aviation Administration\">FAA<\/abbr> Part 107 certification required to become a licensed commercial drone pilot, and combining classroom learning with hands-on lab experiences.<\/p>\n<p>Students practiced flying both racing drones and advanced commercial models. In fall 2024, the introductory course <abbr>ENGT<\/abbr> 107 reached capacity almost immediately.<\/p>\n<figure id=\"attachment_206715\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-206715\" style=\"width: 300px\" class=\"wp-caption alignright\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.hawaii.edu\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/11\/hawaii-drone-certificate-3-300x169.jpg\" alt=\"two people looking at drone\" width=\"300\" height=\"169\" class=\"size-medium wp-image-206715\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.hawaii.edu\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/11\/hawaii-drone-certificate-3-300x169.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.hawaii.edu\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/11\/hawaii-drone-certificate-3-130x73.jpg 130w, https:\/\/www.hawaii.edu\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/11\/hawaii-drone-certificate-3.jpg 676w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px\" \/><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-206715\" class=\"wp-caption-text\"><abbr>ENGT<\/abbr> 107 students Avery Bryce and Tiala-Ann Kailianu-Carvalho inspect the Mavic 3 Multi-spectral drone.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p>&ldquo;Students are fascinated by how drones revolutionize traditional methods of  observation,&rdquo; said Paul Agamata, program administrator and instructor. &ldquo;Tasks that once took days on foot, such as surveying 50-acre fields, can now be accomplished in just 30 minutes with drones. The accuracy is astounding\u2014down to 2 centimeters or better.&rdquo;<\/p>\n<h2>Addressing real-world challenges<\/h2>\n<p>The program\u2019s interdisciplinary approach ensures students can apply drone technology across multiple sectors, addressing real-world challenges on <span aria-label=\"Hawaii\">Â鶹´«Ã½<\/span> Island and beyond.<\/p>\n<figure id=\"attachment_206714\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-206714\" style=\"width: 300px\" class=\"wp-caption alignright\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.hawaii.edu\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/11\/hawaii-drone-certificate-2-300x169.jpg\" alt=\"person working on drone\" width=\"300\" height=\"169\" class=\"size-medium wp-image-206714\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.hawaii.edu\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/11\/hawaii-drone-certificate-2-300x169.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.hawaii.edu\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/11\/hawaii-drone-certificate-2-130x73.jpg 130w, https:\/\/www.hawaii.edu\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/11\/hawaii-drone-certificate-2.jpg 676w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px\" \/><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-206714\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Thomas Costa attaches the <abbr>LIDAR<\/abbr> payload to the <abbr>DJI<\/abbr> Matrice 350 <abbr>RTK<\/abbr> drone.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p>After <abbr>ENGT<\/abbr> 107, there are three courses needed to complete the certificate. Graduates of the program will be prepared for careers in a variety of fields, including construction surveying, public safety, environmental management, agriculture, and media production. The program also emphasizes data analysis.<\/p>\n<p>&ldquo;Learning to fly is the easy part,&rdquo; Agamata said. &ldquo;The challenge lies in collecting and interpreting data\u2014skills we teach so students can use drones effectively in their industries.&rdquo;<\/p>\n<h2>Community partners<\/h2>\n<figure id=\"attachment_206721\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-206721\" style=\"width: 300px\" class=\"wp-caption alignright\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.hawaii.edu\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/11\/hawaii-drone-certificate-5-6-300x169.jpg\" alt=\"2 people flying drones\" width=\"300\" height=\"169\" class=\"size-medium wp-image-206721\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.hawaii.edu\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/11\/hawaii-drone-certificate-5-6-300x169.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.hawaii.edu\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/11\/hawaii-drone-certificate-5-6-130x73.jpg 130w, https:\/\/www.hawaii.edu\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/11\/hawaii-drone-certificate-5-6.jpg 676w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px\" \/><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-206721\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">From left, Kahiau Kiyuna and MJ Crandall<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p>The program has also attracted interest from community partners such as <span aria-label=\"Hawaii\">Â鶹´«Ã½<\/span> County Civil Defense, the U.S. Department of Agriculture, and the <span aria-label=\"Hawaii\">Â鶹´«Ã½<\/span> Department of Land and Natural Resources. These partnerships provide students with opportunities to apply their skills in real-world scenarios, from disaster response to agroforestry management.<\/p>\n<p>&ldquo;Having knowledgeable, licensed drone pilots who can help make observations and collect data during emergency situations lessens the human risk,&rdquo; said Talmadge Magno, <span aria-label=\"Hawaii\">Â鶹´«Ã½<\/span> County civil defense administrator. &ldquo;This technology gives us many advantages.&rdquo;<\/p>\n<p>Visit <a href=\"https:\/\/hawaii.hawaii.edu\">hawaii.hawaii.edu<\/a> for more information about <abbr>ENGT<\/abbr> 107 and take the first step toward becoming a certified drone pilot. For more information, contact Agamata at (808) 934-2686.<\/p>\n<figure id=\"attachment_206716\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-206716\" style=\"width: 676px\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.hawaii.edu\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/11\/hawaii-drone-certificate-4.jpg\" alt=\"group of students\" width=\"676\" height=\"381\" class=\"size-full wp-image-206716\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.hawaii.edu\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/11\/hawaii-drone-certificate-4.jpg 676w, https:\/\/www.hawaii.edu\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/11\/hawaii-drone-certificate-4-300x169.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.hawaii.edu\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/11\/hawaii-drone-certificate-4-130x73.jpg 130w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 676px) 100vw, 676px\" \/><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-206716\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">The first community college drone certification program in the state is at <span aria-label=\"Hawaii\">Â鶹´«Ã½<\/span> Community College<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>You can become a certified drone pilot through <span aria-label=\"Hawaii\">Â鶹´«Ã½<\/span> <abbr>CC<\/abbr>.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":16,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[25,12],"tags":[1660,61,71,56],"class_list":["post-206708","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-academic-news","category-video","tag-drone-certification","tag-hawaii-community-college","tag-uh-community-colleges","tag-video-2","entry","has-media"],"aioseo_notices":[],"jetpack_featured_media_url":"","_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.hawaii.edu\/news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/206708","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.hawaii.edu\/news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.hawaii.edu\/news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.hawaii.edu\/news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/16"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.hawaii.edu\/news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=206708"}],"version-history":[{"count":6,"href":"https:\/\/www.hawaii.edu\/news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/206708\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":206710,"href":"https:\/\/www.hawaii.edu\/news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/206708\/revisions\/206710"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.hawaii.edu\/news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=206708"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.hawaii.edu\/news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=206708"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.hawaii.edu\/news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=206708"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}