Atlantic Cape Community College announced that the Federal Aviation Administration has selected the college for its Unmanned Aircraft Systems-Collegiate Training Initiative program, or UAS-CTI.
“Since offering our first UAS course in 2014 and beginning the program in 2016, Atlantic Cape has been a leader in drone education in New Jersey,” said Tim Cwik, chairman of the Aviation Studies program at Atlantic Cape.
He continued, “Qualifying for inclusion in the FAA CTI program will enable us to exchange ideas and connect with other colleges and universities across the country to better prepare our students to enter the rapidly growing UAS job market. We are proud to be the first and only college in New Jersey to join this initiative.”
The FAA’s UAS-CTI program recognizes institutions that prepare students for careers in unmanned aircraft systems, commonly referred to as drones. In order to qualify for the initiative, schools must offer a bachelor’s or associate degree in UAS or a degree with a minor, concentration, or certificate in UAS.
Schools must provide curriculum covering various aspects of UAS training, including hands-on flight practice, maintenance, uses, applications, privacy concerns, safety and federal policies concerning UAS.
Atlantic Cape is at the forefront of this growing industry, especially in New Jersey, according to a college news release.
The use of drones spans various industries including public safety, traffic management, construction, public works and land surveying, filmmaking, photography, structural inspections and real estate. As more industries adopt this technology, the need for service and aircraft operators is steadily rising, the release said.
The college expanded its UAS curriculum to include a program that exclusively trains students in the operation and maintenance of drones.
