Unmanned Aircraft Systems
Unmanned Aircraft Systems prepares students to pilot drones under the Federal Aviation Administration’s (FAA) Part 107 guidelines for small unmanned aircraft systems (sUAS). Students get an overview of the national airspace system, FAA regulations, and the design and operation of small drones. Students monitor weather, address loading and performance of drones, and coordinate flight operation logistics. They perform administrative tasks, train, and pilot sUAS. Contextual instruction and student participation in co-curricular career and technical student organization (CTSO) activities will develop leadership, interpersonal, and career skills. High-quality work-based learning (HQWBL) will provide experiential learning opportunities related to students’ career goals and/or interests, integrated with instruction, and performed in partnership with local businesses and organizations.
Notes
This course has specific state laws and regulations from a governing agency. Please contact the Virginia Department of Education, Office of Career, Technical, and Technical Education prior to implementing this course. All inquiries may be sent to cte@doe.virginia.gov.
Use this to download a zipped Common Cartridge file containing your course and resources. If your PC asks you to select an app to open the file, simply click away from the app selection window. You do not need to unzip or open the file.
You will import the file into your learning management system. For further instructions on importing your course, see the FAQ section of our website for step-by-step instructions.
Course Sequences
A combination of this course and those below, equivalent to two 36-week courses, is a concentration sequence. Students wishing to complete a specialization may take additional courses based on their career pathways. A program completer is a student who has met the requirements for a CTE concentration sequence and all other requirements for high school graduation or an approved alternative education program.
Industry Credentials (Only apply to 36-week courses)
Virginia’s High Demand Occupations and Apprenticeable Occupations
Section § 2.2-2472 of the Code of Virginia requires the Virginia Board of Workforce Development (VBWD) to publish a list of jobs, trades, and professions for which a high demand for qualified workers exists or is projected. The Virginia Office of Education Economics (VOEE) collaborated with the VBWD and related stakeholders to develop the high demand occupations list. VOEE’s mission is to leverage data to inform educational programming, policy, and workforce partnerships across the Commonwealth. See also the Virginia 2024 High Demand Occupations Dashboard.
Standard Occupational Classification (SOC) Code, Occupation Description, and Active Apprenticeable Occupation status (Yes/No per the Virginia Department of Labor and Industry).
| SOC Code | Occupation Description | Apprenticeable Occupation |
|---|---|---|
| 172081 | Environmental Engineers | No |
| 173029 | Engineering Technologists and Technicians, Except Drafters, All Other | Yes |
| 194042 | Environmental Science and Protection Technicians, Including Health | No |
| 192041 | Environmental Scientists and Specialists, Including Health | No |
| 194071 | Forest and Conservation Technicians | No |
| 499051 | Electrical Power-Line Installers and Repairers | Yes |
| 172051 | Civil Engineers | No |
| 173022 | Civil Engineering Technologists and Technicians | No |
| 173023 | Electrical and Electronic Engineering Technologists and Technicians | Yes |
| 172121 | Marine Engineers and Naval Architects | Yes |
Career Clusters
| Pathway | Occupation |
|---|---|
| Agribusiness Systems |
|
| Environmental Service Systems |
|
| Natural Resources Systems |
|
| Plant Systems |
|
| Pathway | Occupation |
|---|---|
| Design/Pre-Construction |
|
| Pathway | Occupation |
|---|---|
| A/V Technology & Film |
|
| Performing Arts |
|
| Visual Arts |
|
| Pathway | Occupation |
|---|---|
| Energy Sustainability and Efficiency |
|
| Fuels Production |
|
| Power Generation |
|
| Transmission and Distribution |
|
| Pathway | Occupation |
|---|---|
| National Security |
|
| Planning |
|
| Regulation |
|
| Revenue & Taxation |
|
| Pathway | Occupation |
|---|---|
| Information Support & Services |
|
| Network Systems |
|
| Pathway | Occupation |
|---|---|
| Engineering & Technology |
|
| Science & Mathematics |
|
| Pathway | Occupation |
|---|---|
| Health, Safety, & Environmental Management |
|
| Transportation Operations |
|
| Transportation Systems/Infrastructure Planning, Management & Regulation |
|
