Soaring into the Future: UTA's Groundbreaking Drone Course for Engineering Students

In a remarkable fusion of technology and education, students at the University of Texas at Arlington (UTA) are taking to the skies—literally. Inside the enclosed basketball court at the Maverick Activities Center, aspiring civil engineers are piloting drones in a course designed to equip them with cutting-edge skills vital for the construction industry.

The Thrill of Drone Operation

Under the guidance of Zhe Yin, an assistant professor in civil engineering, students are mastering the art of drone maneuvering. "It needs to be really stable," Yin advises, emphasizing the importance of control. He reassures students that if they lose control, the drone is programmed to hover until they regain composure.

Pioneering Education in North Texas

This semester marks the first offering of UTA's drone course, "Drones and Advanced Construction Technology," tailored specifically for upper-division civil and architectural engineering students. Notably, it's the only drone course in North Texas certified by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). All UTA students can also enhance their skills by joining the Construction Drone Club.

Building a Drone Facility

UTA's commitment to drone education doesn't stop at the classroom. The university is in the process of constructing a state-of-the-art outdoor netted drone facility in north Fort Worth, with a budget of $2.3 million. Scheduled for completion in January 2025, this facility will serve not only UTA students but also local governments and businesses seeking to invest in drone technology.

Preparing for the Future

The FAA-approved course is one of the few in Texas that prepares students for the FAA commercial drone license exam. As students gear up for the exam in November, they are gaining hands-on experience and knowledge about federal regulations, weather impacts on flight, and drone operation techniques.

A Unique Curriculum

• Hands-on drone operation experience
• Understanding aerospace regulations
• Effects of weather conditions on drone flights
• Minimum of 15 hours of flight time for certification

Yin has designed a comprehensive 480-slide presentation as the course's main resource, aiming to ensure that students are fully prepared for their upcoming FAA exams. Having spent a decade in civil engineering, he recognizes the transformative role of drones in the industry, from surveying to creating 3D models of construction sites.

Industry Impact

Local construction firms, like Byrne Construction Services, have already integrated drone technology into their operations. "Before drones, we would hire helicopters," says Leo Escobedo, the director of virtual design and construction at Byrne. Now, drone technology allows for quick inspections and progress tracking, enhancing efficiency on job sites.

The Path Ahead

Students like Cassandra Sauceda are eager to leverage their skills in the field. As a senior civil engineering student interning at a land development firm, she sees the potential of drones for site visits in challenging terrains. With the opportunity to earn a commercial drone license, Sauceda is excited about the career prospects that lie ahead.

Engaging the Community

UTA's drone initiatives are not just about education; they also aim to address community needs. This spring, Arlington launched a pilot program in partnership with the Tarrant Area Food Bank to explore drone deliveries for food distribution, showcasing the practical applications of drone technology in everyday life.

What do you think?

• Do you believe drone technology will revolutionize the construction industry?
• Should drone operation training be mandatory in engineering programs?
• What are your thoughts on using drones for food delivery in urban areas?
• How do you see drone regulations evolving in the next decade?

As UTA continues to innovate in the realm of drone education, the future looks bright for students poised to enter a rapidly evolving job market. With the right tools and training, these future engineers are ready to soar.