Colleges Begin Offering Degrees in Drone Flying

Wednesday, January 30, 2013

Drone (US Air Force/Wikipedia Commons)

When we think of drones, we imagine the war on terror, unmanned surveillance planes dropping bombs on tribal regions of Pakistan or Afghanistan.

Yet the future of drones may look quite different than what we think of today. Many organizations are piloting drones for local police precincts, or animal surveillance. Between the Department of Defense and the contractors hoping to revolutionize the drone for domestic uses, the United States will need a number of pilots certified to operate these unmanned vehicles. 

Nickolas Macchiarella developed a Bachelor's of Science program to train the next generation of drone pilots and developers. He is chair and professor of Aeronautical Science at Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University, and he explains this new academic program.

Guests:

Nickolas Macchiarella

Produced by:

Jillian Weinberger

Comments [3]

SILAS from BROOKLYN

I HOPE THEY REPLACE TRAFFIC COPTERS! PLEASE REPLACE TRAFFIC HELECPOTERS!

Jan. 30 2013 03:46 PM
Larry Fisher from Brooklyn, N.Y.

I'm gonna get my kid a drone model kit and then we are going to paint some pin-up on the nose like they did in World War 2 fighter planes. Right now the Drone plane looks like an eyeless insect.
The Drone Phone, might be an interesting land line design novelty item.

Jan. 30 2013 01:23 PM
Peg from Gardens USA

I want a Garden Drone - programmed to attack and chase off or destroy all garden pests. No more nasty molds, bugs, birds, rodents, deer... Plus extra programming for super pollination and as needed irrigation and fertilization. Now that would be my idea of a super handy pet drone!

Jan. 30 2013 10:08 AM

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