Oklahoma City Community College’s (OCCC) Professional Development Institute (PDI) has a number of technical continuing education classes ranging from pharmacy technician to CFEST to now include piloting Small Unmanned Aerial Systems (sUAS), or drones. PDI is currently accepting enrollment in the upcoming sUAS for First Responders and Emergency Personnel class.

Public safety, fire and law enforcement agencies use drones for accident investigation, photographing and processing crime scenes, hot spot detection and to assist with search and rescue missions. The need for timely information during these instances is critical. Using a drone could be the difference between life and death. sUAS provide real-time video to assist incident commanders during large events to view areas that are not easily accessible by a person on the ground. sUAS grant an elevated visual perspective and scene accessibility at a significantly less cost and greater efficiency than manned platforms.

Designed for the first responder, the course will impart the skills needed to be a better UAV pilot. The 40-hour course will cover:

• Drone Aircraft Systems
• Know Your Aircraft Sensors
• sUAS Flight Operations
• National Airspace System (NAS)
• Drone Laws & FAA Regulations
• Weather & Micrometeorology
• Agency Integration
• Standard Operating Procedures

The cost for the course is $1,595 per registrant. Classes will occur May 15 – 19 from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

For questions about the course, or to enroll, contact Patrick Clanin by phone at (405) 682-7854 or via email at patrick.a.clanin@occc.edu. Students can also view courses and other PDI information online by visiting www.occc.edu/pdi. The sUAS course will be held at the Professional Development Institute, located at 7124 I-35 Service Road, Oklahoma City, OK.

OCCC enrolls more than 20,000 students and has more than 90,000 participants in its various community programs annually. OCCC offers a full range of associate degree programs that prepare students to transfer to baccalaureate institutions while other degree and certificate programs prepare students for immediate employment. At OCCC, students receive a quality education with small class sizes, dedicated professors and leadership opportunities. Students can choose from more than 80 major fields of study and participate in any of the 40+ clubs and organizations. For more information about OCCC, visit www.occc.edu.