This post was provided by News Now Warsaw
News Release
WARSAW — A student from the Warsaw Area Career Center (WACC) has passed the Federal Aviation Administration Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS) Certification exam and has applied for a commercial drone license.
Sophomore Beau Goshert earned certification to operate small unmanned aircraft systems under 55 pounds while completing the WACC’s Precision Agriculture pathway and earning college dual credit.
To become certified, students must be at least 16 years old and pass a comprehensive knowledge exam at an FAA-approved testing center. The exam covers topics such as drone regulations, emergency procedures, radio communications, airport operations, and maintenance. More information about drone licensing and regulations can be found at faa.gov/uas.The Warsaw Career Center launched the Precision Agriculture pathway during the 2023-24 school year to provide students with hands-on experience and career opportunities in the growing precision agriculture industry. Courses within the pathway include Principles of Agriculture, Precision Agriculture, and Crop Management.
The Precision Agriculture and Crop Management courses introduce students to modern agricultural technologies, including drone usage and licensing, GPS, Geographic Information Systems (GIS), and Variable Rate Technology (VRT).
Agricultural drones allow for precise monitoring of crop growth and early detection of issues such as weeds, disease, and pests.
Instructor Jacob Riley completed additional training at Ivy Tech Lafayette and Purdue University to teach these dual credit courses. Students can earn up to 18 college credits through successful completion of the program. Riley is also FAA-certified to operate unmanned aircraft systems.
“Students earning this certification have opportunities to start right away in many career fields such as agronomy, animal agriculture, turf and golf course management, and real estate,” Riley said. “Many companies and organizations have asked for this type of pathway, and we are proud to provide opportunities that meet those workforce needs.”
The mission of Warsaw Community Schools is to inspire and equip all students to acquire and apply knowledge and skills while pursuing their dreams and enriching the lives of others.
