The New UAS Maintenance Technician Programs are Launching at Central Arizona College, Horry-Georgetown Technical College, and West Georgia Technical College
ORLANDO, Fla. – Unmanned Safety Institute (USI) is excited to announce the launch of three new UAS (Unmanned Aircraft Systems) Maintenance Technician programs across the country, offered in partnership with Central Arizona College (Arizona), Horry-Georgetown Technical College (South Carolina), and West Georgia Technical College (Georgia). These 12-week, accelerated programs are built to help learners step into high demand technician roles as drone operations grow rapidly across public safety, utilities, construction, agriculture, logistics, and media.
As commercial drone fleets expand and scale, organizations increasingly rely on skilled maintenance professionals to keep aircraft safe, reliable, and mission ready. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) forecasts show steady growth in drone operations nationwide, and as pilots oversee multiple aircraft, the need for dedicated maintenance support becomes even more essential. Through these new programs, USI provides curriculum, standards, and nationally recognized certifications that enable colleges to deliver accelerated, workforce focused training aligned with real industry expectations.
“Across every region, we’re hearing the same thing: employers are scaling up their drone operations, and maintenance is becoming a key part of that expansion,” said Josh Olds, President & CEO at USI. “These programs give students practical, job ready experience grounded in global standards, and we’re proud to partner with CAC, HGTC, and WGTC to bring this training directly to the communities where it’s needed most.”
All three institutions provide the opportunity for students to receive a foundational understanding of UAS components, flight dynamics, electrical systems, and communication links. Lab-based learning allows them to practice real inspection techniques, diagnose technical issues, perform component replacements, and complete maintenance documentation to professional standards. Programs are aligned to ASTM International F3600 standards and manufacturer recommended maintenance practices to prepare graduates for the workforce on day one.
Each student also earns the UAS Maintenance Technician Designation, which includes USI’s Safety Level 1 and Safety Level 2 Certifications. These credentials are widely recognized by employers and signal that graduates understand both safety expectations and the technical responsibilities involved in maintaining drone fleets.
“These programs are built for impact – helping students gain the skills and confidence they need while giving employers access to trained technicians who can support expanding operations,” Olds added.
Enrollment is open now at all three partner colleges, with new cohorts beginning February 23, 2026. Learn more at: https://www.flyusi.org/fast-track-drone-programs
About USI
Unmanned Safety Institute (USI) is the industry’s most widely recognized leader in flight safety solutions for individuals, academia and organizations focused on integrating and operating UAS for civil or commercial purposes. USI provides UAS flight safety training and certification to operational standards based on the adoption and modification of time-honored aviation safety practices.
With more than 300 instructors and over 20,000 USI Certifications awarded around the world, USI works with large commercial enterprises and nearly 500 schools in all 50 states. USI is the global leader in commercial and academic UAS training and certification, delivering the most highly regarded training program of its kind. USI offers Primary, Advanced and Complex training and certification programs that are applicable to VLOS, BVLOS and Advanced Air Mobility (AAM) operations.
USI’s training and certification programs are endorsed by major aviation insurance providers and implemented nationwide as a workforce pathway program from secondary or post-secondary to the career field to align skill sets to industry pay scales.
Discover more at www.FlyUSI.org.
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