Drone Training

 Drone Training at New Mexico Junior College

 drone over pump  sUAS Training at NMJC

              Drone hovering near NMJC pumping unit

 overview

    Aerial view of NMJC Oil and Gas Training Ground

New Mexico Junior College offers training to learn to safely operate a small Unmanned Aircraft System (sUAS) commonly referred to as a drone

Our training currently consists of two classes: 

The first class is "Basic Drone Operation".  This takes a student from a level of "no experience" to being able to safely and effectively operate a drone.  After completing the one-day Basic Drone Operation class, a student should be very competent to launch, land, maneuver, and take photographs/videos with the drone.  After learning the FAA's recreational rules and regulations, training progresses to a flight similator, and then outdoors to fly.  The flying skills begin with preflight inspection followed by a one minute takeoff/landing.  They progress throughout the day to flying routes and using the camera.  It is an easy and fun class taught by an experienced instructor.  Completion of this training qualifies for 0.6 CEUs.

NMJC now utilizes DJI Mavic 3 Classic drones.  These state of the art drones are common for both business and personnel use.  The techniques used to fly this sUAS will be similar to other DJI drones as well as those from most other manufacturers. 

The second class, "Drone Operation Part 107" is a two-day class with much more detailed classroom information presented.  It is focused on preparation for the FAA's sUAS Pilot's test "Unmanned Aircraft General".  A "Remote Pilot" certification (license) is required by the FAA when flying a drone for commercial use.  This includes any type of business activity or activity where the pilot receives any type of compensation.  The FAA test is difficult as it contains a significant number of questions requiring a knowledge of airport operations, flight physics, weather, and sectional maps.  This class provides instruction in these areas along with those that are obviously applicable to safely and legally operating a drone.  The regulations regarding drone operations are numerous.  Completion of this training qualifies for 1.0 CEUs.

Drone applications in our area include:

Oil and Gas Industry (certification required)

  • Safe, complete, timely inspection of flowlines and pipelines from a central area.  A 5 minute drone flight can eliminate a 30 minute walk to inspect a flowline.  One hour of flight time can eliminate a full day of walking.  A drone flight can enhance safety and environmental compliance by minimizing exposure to wildlife and fauna.

  • Inspection and documentation of events on oilfield locations.  An aerial photograph/video provides visual evidence of a job well done.

  • Monthly (or annual) photographic record of wellsites, roads, flowlines, pipelines, etc. can be utilized in part to document safety, environmental, and regulatory compliance.

General Business (certification required)

  • Aerial photography to enhance advertising.

  • Inspection of structures without climbing.

  • Documentation of quality work:  before, during, and after.

Personal

  • Improve your photography capabilities.  Aerial photography gives you the ability to take great pictures of all types.  You will find this unique and useful during events with family/friends, sports, vacations, etc.

  • Visually check your property from your porch.  Drones can quickly and effectively be used to monitor your areas of interest.  Routes can be programmed to allow the drone to follow and even video a specific route with a single touch.  This is a great tool for those that live in the country.

  • Fly for fun.  A drone is a type of RC aircraft.  It is simply fun to fly.

 

campus construction drone

 

 

 

$140

Next Class:
January 14, 2025

8 AM to 4 PM

Basic Operation

Register with blue link below

Drone Operation: Basic Level

Class Schedule

October 29, 2024

January 14, 2025

April 8, 2025

June 24, 2025

 

$150

Next Class:
      January 15 and 16      

8 AM to 3 PM both days

FAA Part 107 Prep

Register with blue link below

Drone Regulations: Part 107

Class Schedule
October 30 & 31, 2024
January 15 & 16, 2025
April 9 & 10, 2025
       June 25 & 26, 2025        

For information please contact:
Director of Oil and Gas Technology
5317 N Lovington hwy
Hobbs, NM 88240
575-492-4703
ktooker@nmjc.edu

Return to Oil and Gas Training Home Page