This spring, the University of Nevada, Las Vegas (UNLV) will launch a new UAS Certificate Program at UNLV Continuing Education. The 40-hour training course meets the requirements of AUVSI’s Trusted Operator Program (TOP) Levels 1 and 2.

​During the course, a variety of topics will be addressed, including operation, policy, safety, and the different applications of this technology within the UAS industry.

UNLV says that those who complete the program will be eligible to become FAA-licensed commercial UAS pilots, ultimately putting them at the forefront of Nevada’s growing UAS industry. The first session is scheduled over two weekends, Feb. 22-24 and March 1-3.

“Demand is growing rapidly for licensed operators in both the commercial and public sectors, including search and rescue, construction, agriculture, photography and 3-D mapping, environmental monitoring, and more,” UNLV says.

“According to FAA forecasts, the fleet of available commercial drones could grow from 110,000 to more than 450,000 by 2022, increasing the need for licensed pilots.”

UNLV says that with its new certificate, participants will be able to build strong technical understanding of UAS operation through classroom and online instruction, while also gaining valuable experience through hands-on, interactive flight instruction.