Kahiau Kiyuna, part of the first cohort class in 2023 and a certified commercial drone pilot, hovers (courtesy University of Hawaiʻi)

(BIVN) – Spring registration is now open for the first drone certification program at Hawaiʻi Community College.

The program started with a test cohort in fall 2023, and is backed by a $650,000 National Science Foundation grant. Hawaiʻi CC officials say the program “emphasizes practical applications of drone technology across industries, including agriculture, civil defense and environmental conservation.” In fall 2024, the introductory course ENGT 107 reached capacity almost immediately.

The program will prepare students for the FAA Part 107 certification required to become a licensed commercial drone pilot.

“Students are fascinated by how drones revolutionize traditional methods of observation,” said Paul Agamata, program administrator and instructor. “Tasks that once took days on foot, such as surveying 50-acre fields, can now be accomplished in just 30 minutes with drones. The accuracy is astounding—down to 2 centimeters or better.”

The first community college drone certification program in the state is at Hawai‘i Community College (courtesy University of Hawaiʻi)

From a University of Hawaiʻi system news release:

Addressing real-world challenges

The program’s interdisciplinary approach ensures students can apply drone technology across multiple sectors, addressing real-world challenges on Hawaiʻi Island and beyond.

After ENGT 107, there are three courses needed to complete the certificate. Graduates of the program will be prepared for careers in a variety of fields, including construction surveying, public safety, environmental management, agriculture, and media production. The program also emphasizes data analysis.

“Learning to fly is the easy part,” Agamata said. “The challenge lies in collecting and interpreting data—skills we teach so students can use drones effectively in their industries.”

(L-R) Isaac Mandaloniz, Thomas Costa and Khayden Kahihikolo insert batteries in the DJI Matrice 350 (courtesy University of Hawaiʻi)

Community partners

The program has also attracted interest from community partners such as Hawaiʻi County Civil Defense, the U.S. Department of Agriculture, and the Hawaiʻi Department of Land and Natural Resources. These partnerships provide students with opportunities to apply their skills in real-world scenarios, from disaster response to agroforestry management.

“Having knowledgeable, licensed drone pilots who can help make observations and collect data during emergency situations lessens the human risk,” said Talmadge Magno, Hawai‘i County civil defense administrator. “This technology gives us many advantages.”

Visit hawaii.hawaii.edu for more information about ENGT 107 and take the first step toward becoming a certified drone pilot. For more information, contact Agamata at (808) 934-2686.