Part-Time Drone Pilot Instructor

The Lansing School District serves over 10,000 PreK-12 students across 25 school buildings in the increasingly diverse urban community of Lansing, MI. We are unique compared to other districts because of the wide variety of exciting and innovative educational options from which families and staff members can choose. All of Lansing School District’s team members are dedicated to our mission to provide an excellent education to all students in a safe and nurturing environment.

Position Type:
Part-Time

Schedule:

10–12 hours per week
Program Year: 36 weeks per year
Estimated Annual

Hours:

360–432 hours

The Drone Pilot Instructor will lead a hands-on, career-focused drone education program for high school students. The instructor will teach students the knowledge, safety practices, flight skills, and professional skills needed to pursue an FAA Remote Pilot Certificate under Part 107.

The instructor will combine classroom instruction with practical drone activities, helping students understand how drones are used in fields such as construction, forestry, agriculture, public safety, real estate, environmental science, photography, surveying, and other emerging careers.

The FAA currently requires applicants for a Part 107 Remote Pilot Certificate to be at least 16 years old and to pass the initial aeronautical knowledge examination.

1. Teach Drone & Aviation Fundamentals

• Introduce students to drones, unmanned aircraft systems (UAS), and aviation.
• Teach basic drone components, controls, batteries, maintenance, and pre-flight procedures.
• Introduce students to safe and responsible drone operations.
• Teach weather, airspace, flight restrictions, and emergency procedures.

2. Prepare Students for the FAA Part 107 Exam

Develop instruction and practice activities covering FAA Part 107 knowledge areas, including:

• FAA rules and regulations
• Airspace classification and operating requirements
• Weather and its effects on drone operations
• Aircraft performance and loading
• Emergency procedures
• Crew resource management
• Radio communication procedures
• Airport operations
• Maintenance and pre-flight inspections
• Night operations
• Aeronautical decision-making and judgment

3. Provide Hands-On Flight Training

• Demonstrate safe drone flight techniques.
• Supervise student flight activities.
• Teach takeoff, landing, hovering, maneuvering, and mission planning.
• Provide opportunities for students to practice photography, mapping, inspection, and other appropriate applications.
• Establish and enforce safe flight procedures for all student activities.

4. Connect Learning to Careers

Help students understand how drone technology is being used in the workplace.

Potential career applications include:

• Forestry and environmental conservation
• Construction
• Agriculture
• Surveying and mapping
• Real estate
• Photography and videography
• Infrastructure inspection
• Public safety
• Engineering
• Environmental science
• Technology and entrepreneurship

5. Develop Student Career Skills

Incorporate workforce-development skills into the program, including:

• Professional communication
• Teamwork
• Problem-solving
• Time management
• Project planning
• Workplace safety
• Professionalism
• Résumé development
• Career exploration
• Presentation skills

6. Support Student Certification Goals

Track student progress toward the FAA knowledge examination and help students understand the certification process.

The FAA process includes obtaining an FAA Tracking Number (FTN), scheduling and passing the initial aeronautical knowledge test, completing the FAA application through IACRA, and completing the required security vetting/application process.

Required

• FAA Part 107 Remote Pilot Certificate
• Demonstrated experience safely operating drones/UAS
• Ability to work effectively with high school students
• Strong…