GENIUS NY Finalist SkyOp Offers Drone Training Class this Summer at The Tech Garden

​SkyOp, one of six GENIUS NY finalists, is offering an introduction to Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS) course beginning August 1 at CenterState CEO’s The Tech Garden. The 18-hour hands-on course takes students from learning to fly drones all the way through to preparing for FAA certification. To legally operate a drone for any business purpose, FAA regulations now require remote pilot certification. 

“This course provides drone operators the skills and knowledge they need to enter the exciting new world of commercial drone operations, whether they’re starting a new business or integrating it into an existing business,” said Brian Pitre, CEO and co-founder of SkyOp.  

The course is designed for anyone looking to use a drone whether it be for hobby or for commercial use, including real estate, construction, inspection, agriculture, and photography/videography. Drone trained certified pilots are in high demand, with more jobs expected to be created as the industry continues to grow over the next several years. 

Thanks to the GENIUS NY program, which awarded $250,000 to SkyOp earlier this year, the company has been able to expand its team with one full-time hire, revamp marketing efforts and launch a new website, and offer its courses to more colleges and organizations around the country. 

The course fee includes a workbook, a quadcopter with camera, a computer flight simulator with radio controller, 50 FAA sample test questions and 18 hours of instruction. Actual FAA testing must be administered at an authorized Knowledge Testing Center and is not included in the course fee. Topics covered throughout the course include regulations relating to UAS; airspace classification, interpretation of sectional navigation charts, operating requirements, flight restrictions, among other topics. 

The course will be held over three weeks, Tuesdays and Thursdays from 6 to 9 p.m. at The Tech Garden, 235 Harrison St., Syracuse. To sign up for the course visit https://www.skyop.com/classes/syracuse/ or contact Brian Pitre at brian@skyop.com.   

About SkyOp: SkyOp is an unmanned aerial systems training company. It delivers classes directly and through workforce development partnerships at colleges and universities throughout the country.