New partnership brings industry-recognized certifications, professional flight training and flexible career preparation to Coastal Georgia
SAVANNAH, Ga. - Savannah Technical College and Unmanned Safety Institute (USI) today announced a new partnership to expand professional drone training and career preparation throughout Coastal Georgia.
The collaboration will bring USI's 12-week Professional Remote Operator Program to Savannah Tech, giving students, working professionals and career changers a direct path from FAA Part 107 preparation to industry-recognized safety certifications and hands-on flight training. Designed around a "Beginner to Pro" progression, the program starts with foundational knowledge and advances participants toward professional mission planning, risk management and flight operations.
The partnership strengthens Savannah Tech's commitment to delivering market-driven training in emerging technologies. As an ASTM Approved Training Provider, USI aligns its remote operator curriculum with ASTM F3266, an internationally recognized workforce standard for UAS remote pilots.
"The industries driving Coastal Georgia are changing quickly, and our responsibility is to make sure our workforce is ready," said Tal Loos, Vice President of Economic Development at Savannah Technical College. "This partnership with USI gives students and working professionals access to high-quality, industry-aligned drone training without requiring them to leave the region. It's another way Savannah Tech is turning emerging technology into real economic opportunity."
The market signals are significant. The Federal Aviation Administration currently reports 837,513 registered drones and 481,760 certificated remote pilots nationwide. In Georgia, more than 500 aerospace-related companies generated $8.8 billion in gross domestic product in 2024, according to the Georgia Department of Economic Development.
Participants will receive a combination of live, instructor-led education, flexible online coursework and hands-on flight training. Students will have the opportunity to prepare for or earn:
• Preparation for the FAA Remote Pilot Certificate under Part 107
• USI's Safety Level 3 Certification (Ground School)
• 32 hours of hands on Flight Training and a UAS Level 2 flight training micro-credential
• A Savannah Technical College certificate of completion
"Savannah isn't waiting for the future of work to arrive - it's already here," said Roberto Torreggiani, Director of Academic Partnerships at USI. "Drones are becoming essential tools across aviation, logistics, construction, public safety and infrastructure. By expanding beyond Part 107 test preparation into a complete professional pathway, Savannah Tech is giving people the practical skills and credentials they'll need to put this technology to work throughout Coastal Georgia."
The flexible delivery model is designed to make professional UAS training accessible to traditional students, adult learners and people currently in the workforce. Savannah Tech and USI will also work with area employers interested in training employees or developing customized drone workforce cohorts.
"Professional drone operations demand more than technical skill; they demand aviation discipline," said Brad Tucker, Chief Commercial Officer at USI. "USI's status as an ASTM Approved Training Provider means Savannah Tech learners will train within an independently reviewed, industry-recognized framework. That's how you develop professionals who can make sound decisions, manage risk and operate safely when the mission matters."
The partnership also establishes a foundation for Savannah Tech and USI to explore additional UAS training opportunities based on student interest and the evolving needs of Coastal Georgia employers.
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