USI at Horry-Georgetown Technical College
Fast Track Program Details
12-Week Accelerated Remote Operator Program
Next Cohort Starts April 13, 2026
Program Overview
The Fast Track Drone Pilot Program at Horry-Georgetown Technical College (HGTC) includes instruction on UAS safety, the fundamentals of drone technology, mission planning, and provides hands-on flight experience to prepare participants for a career in UAS. This program integrates multiple industry certifications into a streamlined curriculum that can be completed in as few as twelve 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)
Scholarships may be available for those over the age of 18 who have resided in the state of South Carolina for at least one year.
Program Duration / Schedule:
Duration: 12 weeks of intensive, full-time study
Structure: Combination of online and instructor-led activities along with self-paced coursework, including one week of on-site training at Horry-Georgetown Technical College (HGTC).
Certification is valid for 24 months; recertification is accomplished by completing recurrent training.
Students will also receive a Certificate of Completion from Horry-Georgetown Technical College upon successful completion of the program.
Overview
UAS Maintenance Technician Program
Starts April 14, 2026 | 12-Week, Hybrid Format
Program Overview
The Primary UAS Technician Program at Horry-Georgetown Technical 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 HGTC)
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 Horry-Georgetown Technical College
Certification is valid for 24 months; recertification is accomplished by completing recurrent training.
Students will also receive a Certificate of Completion from Horry-Georgetown Technical College upon successful completion of the program.
Overview
Interested? Apply Today
Seating is limited and is first-come, first-serve, with priority given to transitioning military members, veterans, and their family members.
