Unmanned Aircraft Systems in North Carolina
North Carolina's unmanned aircraft systems (UAS/drone) pathway prepares students for careers in drone operations and services. Students develop expertise in drone operation, maintenance, airspace regulations, and commercial applications. Growing commercial drone industry creates career opportunities.
Curriculum covers drone fundamentals, flight operations, regulations and licensing, maintenance, and commercial applications (surveying, agriculture, inspection). Students operate drones in realistic scenarios and understand FAA regulations. Learning emphasizes safety and regulatory compliance.
Graduates work as drone pilots, UAS technicians, aerial surveyors, and commercial operators for agriculture companies, surveying firms, infrastructure inspectors, and media companies. Many establish independent commercial drone services.
Unmanned Aircraft Systems at a Glance
3
Courses
8
Credentials
4
Career Paths
State Standards & Framework
North Carolina's UAS curriculum aligns with FAA regulations and drone industry standards. Students complete 4-6 pathway units covering drone operations and applications as defined by NC DPI.
Programs teach FAA regulations and drone operations. Students prepare for FAA Part 107 Commercial Pilot License.
Typical Course Sequence
| Course | Code |
|---|---|
| Technology Engineering and Design | TE11 |
| Technological Design | TE12 |
| Engineering Design | TE13 |
Industry Certifications & Credentials
- ✓First Aid/CPR/AED
- ✓ASE Student Certification
- ✓ASE Entry-Level Certification
- ✓NOCTI Automotive Technology
- ✓NOCTI Automotive Collision and Body Repair
- ✓EPA 609 Certification
- ✓OSHA 10-Hour General Industry
- ✓Forklift Operator Certification
Career Opportunities
Salary data from U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (May 2024). Growth projections from BLS Employment Projections (2023-2033). Cost-of-living adjustment uses BEA Regional Price Parities (2023). Entry-level salaries reflect the 25th percentile; experienced salaries reflect the median.
Drone Operator
Entry LevelSalary range: $30,440 - $45,290
Adjusted for cost of living: $32,335
Aerial Surveyor
ExperiencedSalary range: $56,570 - $86,170
Adjusted for cost of living: $72,095
UAS Safety Officer
ExperiencedAdjusted for cost of living: $59,486
Commercial UAS Business Owner
ExperiencedSalary range: $64,450 - $158,460
Adjusted for cost of living: $105,364
Work-Based Learning Opportunities
Students intern with surveying firms, agriculture companies, media companies, and infrastructure inspection services throughout North Carolina.
Career & Technical Student Organization
Students in this pathway can participate in SkillsUSA, gaining leadership experience and competing in career-related events.
How Sage Helps North Carolina CTE Programs
AI-Powered Curriculum
Generate standards-aligned lesson plans in minutes, not months
North Carolina Standards Built In
Pre-loaded with North Carolina's CTE standards and frameworks
Teacher Customization
Teachers personalize content while maintaining standards alignment
Ongoing Updates
Curriculum stays current as North Carolina standards and industry needs evolve
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