USI at
Central Arizona College
Fast Track Program Details
Starts April 13, 2026 | 12-Week Hybrid Professional Remote Operator Program
Program Overview
The Fast Track Drone Pilot Program at Central Arizona College is a hybrid program that includes in-depth instruction on UAS safety, regulatory certifications, and provides hands-on flight experience to prepare participants for a career in UAS. Multiple industry certifications will be earned from this streamlined curriculum, which can be completed in as few as 12 weeks.
Certifications Available:
1 - Remote Pilot Certificate (From the FAA)
2 - VLOS System Operation Ground Certification (From USI)
3 - VLOS System Operation Flight Certification (From USI)
4 - Certificate of Completion (From CAC)
Program Duration / Schedule
-
- Duration: 12 weeks of intensive, full-time study
- Structure: Combination of online and instructor-led activities, including an on-site training residency at Central Arizona College
Cost: $4,500*
*Financing is available through Shop Pay and includes payment plan options.
Certification is valid for 24 months; recertification is accomplished by completing recurrent training.
Overview
Starts April 14, 2026 | 12-Week Hybrid
UAS Maintenance Technician Program
Program Overview
The Primary UAS Technician Program at Central Arizona College is a hybrid, fast-track program designed to provide foundational knowledge and practical skills in the maintenance of small Unmanned Aircraft Systems (sUAS). The curriculum emphasizes Group 1 aircraft weighing less than 20 pounds and aligns with lower-risk operations conducted under FAA Part 107 regulations. Students receive in-depth instruction on sUAS classification, control systems, data links, payloads, electrical theory, inspections, and preventative maintenance, paired with hands-on experience to prepare participants for entry-level and advancing careers in UAS maintenance. Multiple industry certifications are earned through this streamlined program, which can be completed in twelve weeks..
Certifications Available:
1 - UAS Technology and Safety Fundamentals Certification (Safety Level 1 from USI)
2 - Principles of Maintenance Certification (Safety Level 2 From USI)
3 - Certificate of Completion (From CAC)
Program Duration / Schedule
-
- Duration: 12 weeks of intensive, full-time study
- Structure: Combination of online and instructor-led activities, including an on-site training residency at Central Arizona College
Cost: $4,500*
*Financing is available through Shop Pay and includes payment plan options.
Certification is valid for 24 months; recertification is accomplished by completing recurrent training.
Overview
Commercial Remote Pilot (FAA Part 107) Workshop Details
April 13-17, 2026 | 5-Day Workshop
Workshop Overview
This Part 107 Workshop provides the required aeronautical knowledge for remote pilots operating systems flown within Visual Line-of-Sight (VLOS) and weighing less than 55 pounds. The curriculum addresses pertinent aeronautical knowledge, including regulations, meteorology, operations withing the National Airspace (NAS), and Aeronautical Decision Making (ADM).
This course covers all topics the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) requires to pass the Unmanned Aircraft General (UAG) examination. It augments those topics with safety concepts and practices to develop well-informed and responsible remote pilots. Students who complete the course receive a certificate of completion from CAC and are well-prepared to pass the UAG exam.
Cost: $550
Skills You'll Gain:
- Regulations
- Meteorology
- Airspace
- Aeronautical Decision Making (ADM)
- Safety Best Practices
- Full Prep for the FAA Part 107 UAG exam
Great For:
- Entry-level employees or individuals seeking employment in the unmanned aviation industry
- Professionals in Public Safety, Construction, Agriculture, Real Estate, Emergency Response, Academia, and beyond!