Kean University Named to FAA Drone Training Program

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) recently selected Kean University as the only four-year institution in New Jersey to join its Collegiate Training Initiative focused on the use of unmanned aircraft systems, or drones.

Kean, which offers a minor in drone piloting and applications, is one of approximately 140 higher education institutions in the country named to the Collegiate Training Initiative. 

“Being part of the College Training Initiative benefits our program immediately with increased visibility. We now also have more direct contact with the FAA,” said Kean Lecturer Joseph Sarnoski of the Department of Environmental and Sustainability Sciences. “The FAA provides information about development of UAS (drone) regulations, scholarship opportunities, and collaboration with other universities and private entities.”

Kean began offering the drone minor two years ago, with classes held at both the main campus in Union and Kean Skylands campus in Jefferson. All drone flights take place at Skylands. 

Kean Skylands also hosts community days for the public, including drone demonstrations that regularly draw crowds of interested onlookers. Students in the Kean Scholar Academy, a pre-college program, have also learned about drones during a class on the Skylands campus.

The University offers non-matriculating classes to prepare drone users for the FAA Part 107 licensing exam. The license is required to operate a drone for commercial use.

Kean Assistant Vice President of Strategic Initiatives John Raue said as drone usage becomes more widespread, Kean has responded by developing programs for students and the community.

“It’s been a great experience,” Raue said. “The use of drones is definitely growing and impacting different industries, from fire and first responders to real estate photography and search and rescue. This minor is a unique option, and having the FAA recognition allows us to continue building our academic program and new initiatives.”

Kean’s undergraduate drone program includes a class  concentrated on regulations and licensing, and another on drone hardware and software. To complete the 15-credit minor, students take courses in either environmental science or criminal justice that utilize drones. 

In an FAA news release, the agency said its collegiate initiative “recognizes institutions that prepare students for careers in unmanned aircraft systems.”

To qualify for the initiative, higher education institutions must offer a bachelor’s or associate degree in UAS or a degree with a minor, concentration or certificate. Schools must provide curriculum covering various aspects of UAS training, including hands-on flight practice, maintenance, uses, applications, privacy concerns, safety and federal policies concerning the use of drones. 

Several dozen students have taken Kean’s undergraduate drone courses. 

Kean senior Jahonel Parra of Perth Amboy, a criminal justice major with a minor in drone operation,  who hopes to enter federal law enforcement, is one.

“I am taking it because it will potentially benefit my future career in the world of criminal justice, branching to the technology aspect of it,” Parra said. “I hope to become a federal agent, either for the Federal Air Marshals Service or for Homeland Security. The program is effective and concise, which makes it convenient.”