Drones
Learn to fly, build, modify, repair, compete and use your drone safely, responsibly and successfully.
See our drone programs from Beginner to Advanced.
Drones Programs
Activities & training for all levels.
Intro to Drones
The demand for drones is growing so rapidly that there is already a shortage of qualified pilots.
This introductory class addresses proper drone operation safety, including new FAA guidelines & regulations. Try your hand at both flying and programming with our fleet of trainers.
Also, learn about the many advanced training options STAR Academy has to offer along with really cool career and industry opportunities with these amazing aircraft.
Sign-up today!
Level 1 Drones
Join the next age of aviation with drones!
This 4 session course will get you started understanding how to control a drone in flight, as well as programming autonomous drone flights! We will start you on your way to using drones safely, and with confidence!
Course Outline:
- Week 1 (Class 1.1): The Basics of Drone Flight, Safety, and Care
- Week 2 (Class 1.2): Controlling a Drone Through Obstacles
- Week 3 (Class 1.3): Autonomous Flight Basics
- Week 4 (Class 1.4): Programming Autonomous Flights
This Level 1 course starts the first week of every month and is offered on both on Tuesday evenings or Saturday mornings.
If you are unable to make a session of the class it can be made up on the alternate day it is offered. Please register online to reserve your space or make us aware of the change so we may do so for you.
COMPLETION OF LEVEL 1 DRONES IS A PREREQUISITE FOR ANY LEVEL 2 SESSIONS
Level 2 Drones
Weekly 90-minute classes on Tuesdays from 7:00 – 8:30pm. and Saturdays from 12:30pm – 2:00pm. (Level 2 courses enable students improve from basic understanding to proficiency.)
Expand your skills and experience with our Level 2 Drone Course!
Applications for drones are expanding in all directions.
Here are just some of the projects we offer in Drones: Level 2:
2.1 Next-Level autonomous flight.
- Take your basic programming skills to the next level with intermediate challenges.
- Improve your skills and experience as you prepare for advanced autonomous flight.
2.2 Build a training drone (for yourself, or for the STAR Academy fleet)
- Learn the purpose and assembly of essential quadcopter components.
- Buy the kit and keep the drone or build one of ours for the STAR Academy training fleet.
- Test and prove your finished drone with free-flight and autonomous programming challenges.
2.3 Introduction to First Person View (FPV)
- Experience the thrill of FPV flight. Just like you’re in the cockpit!
- Learn the pro’s and cons of different types of FPV equipment
- Build your skills with our progressive drone challenges
2.4 Let’s Go RACING!
- A three-week course on the basics of drone racing
- Learn about strategy and tactics
- Different types and levels of drone racing available and the equipment necessary to compete.
- Practice a variety of course configurations to prepare you for future races.
2.5 Basic Photography Use your drone or ours. Learn about:
- the many different types of drones and cameras available today.
- controls and tactics for aerial photography.
- the rules and restrictions on outdoor flight and privacy of others.
- basic composition (how to set-up for great shots)
- capturing, downloading and sharing your work using new software.
- practice your skills to become a reliable aerial photographer.
2.6 Shooting video Use your drone or ours.
- Just like basic photography, but now we’re shooting video!
- Learn about the many different types of drones and video options available today.
- Learn to capture and edit compelling shots into useful and interesting finished spots.
Topics run for 3-weeks or more with projects that students complete to improve their skills and experience. Each theme offers a certificate of completion. When the full course is completed, students will receive a Level 2 Drone Certification, recognized by area schools and employers as a valuable achievement, and prerequisite to register for Level 3 training at STAR Academy.
This Level 2 course offers rolling enrollment. With a STAR Membership, you may start at any time and register for any of the scheduled sessions, regardless if you had completed any prior Level 2 sessions.
Classes take place on Tuesday evenings or Saturday afternoons. If you are unable to make a scheduled session, it can be made up on the alternate day of the week it is offered. Please register online to reserve your space or make us aware of the change so we can do so for you.
COMPLETION OF DRONES: LEVEL 2 IS A PREREQUISITE FOR THE LEVEL 3 TRAINING PROGRAM.
Private Training for Students or Workforce Development Programs
Part 107 Remote Pilot Certification Test Prep Course
This is the local Part 107 test prep course you have been waiting for! Our 2-day class will arm you with all the knowledge you will need to pass your FAA Part 107 Remote Pilot Certification test. Receive a printed official FAA Part 107 Study Guide along with in-person training from experienced UAV operators and top drone service provider in the Mid-Atlantic region, Elevated Element.
- Class size is small to allow participants ample time to engage in discussion and ask all of the questions they may have.
- With this course, you will learn everything needed to ensure you pass the 60-question, 2-hour Part 107 Remote Pilot certification test.
- Please note, you must be 16 years old to take the test.
Build & Apply
Learn prototyping, iteration, collaboration, sourcing and solutions when you design and build your own robot for:
- Scholarship projects
- Commercial and community service applications
- Competition
- Create and document a truly remarkable project!
- Private or Group Training Only
These courses are only available by request
Request Private Training
Intro to Drones
The demand for drones is growing so rapidly that there is already a shortage of qualified pilots.
This introductory class addresses proper drone operation safety, including new FAA guidelines & regulations. Try your hand at both flying and programming with our fleet of trainers.
Also, learn about the many advanced training options STAR Academy has to offer along with really cool career and industry opportunities with these amazing aircraft.
Sign-up today!
Level 1 Drones
Join the next age of aviation with drones!
This 4 session course will get you started understanding how to control a drone in flight, as well as programming autonomous drone flights! We will start you on your way to using drones safely, and with confidence!
Course Outline:
- Week 1 (Class 1.1): The Basics of Drone Flight, Safety, and Care
- Week 2 (Class 1.2): Controlling a Drone Through Obstacles
- Week 3 (Class 1.3): Autonomous Flight Basics
- Week 4 (Class 1.4): Programming Autonomous Flights
This Level 1 course starts the first week of every month and is offered on both on Tuesday evenings or Saturday mornings.
If you are unable to make a session of the class it can be made up on the alternate day it is offered. Please register online to reserve your space or make us aware of the change so we may do so for you.
COMPLETION OF LEVEL 1 DRONES IS A PREREQUISITE FOR ANY LEVEL 2 SESSIONS
Level 2 Drones
Weekly 90-minute classes on Tuesdays from 7:00 – 8:30pm. and Saturdays from 12:30pm – 2:00pm. (Level 2 courses enable students improve from basic understanding to proficiency.)
Expand your skills and experience with our Level 2 Drone Course!
Applications for drones are expanding in all directions.
Here are just some of the projects we offer in Drones: Level 2:
2.1 Next-Level autonomous flight.
- Take your basic programming skills to the next level with intermediate challenges.
- Improve your skills and experience as you prepare for advanced autonomous flight.
2.2 Build a training drone (for yourself, or for the STAR Academy fleet)
- Learn the purpose and assembly of essential quadcopter components.
- Buy the kit and keep the drone or build one of ours for the STAR Academy training fleet.
- Test and prove your finished drone with free-flight and autonomous programming challenges.
2.3 Introduction to First Person View (FPV)
- Experience the thrill of FPV flight. Just like you’re in the cockpit!
- Learn the pro’s and cons of different types of FPV equipment
- Build your skills with our progressive drone challenges
2.4 Let’s Go RACING!
- A three-week course on the basics of drone racing
- Learn about strategy and tactics
- Different types and levels of drone racing available and the equipment necessary to compete.
- Practice a variety of course configurations to prepare you for future races.
2.5 Basic Photography Use your drone or ours. Learn about:
- the many different types of drones and cameras available today.
- controls and tactics for aerial photography.
- the rules and restrictions on outdoor flight and privacy of others.
- basic composition (how to set-up for great shots)
- capturing, downloading and sharing your work using new software.
- practice your skills to become a reliable aerial photographer.
2.6 Shooting video Use your drone or ours.
- Just like basic photography, but now we’re shooting video!
- Learn about the many different types of drones and video options available today.
- Learn to capture and edit compelling shots into useful and interesting finished spots.
Topics run for 3-weeks or more with projects that students complete to improve their skills and experience. Each theme offers a certificate of completion. When the full course is completed, students will receive a Level 2 Drone Certification, recognized by area schools and employers as a valuable achievement, and prerequisite to register for Level 3 training at STAR Academy.
This Level 2 course offers rolling enrollment. With a STAR Membership, you may start at any time and register for any of the scheduled sessions, regardless if you had completed any prior Level 2 sessions.
Classes take place on Tuesday evenings or Saturday afternoons. If you are unable to make a scheduled session, it can be made up on the alternate day of the week it is offered. Please register online to reserve your space or make us aware of the change so we can do so for you.
COMPLETION OF DRONES: LEVEL 2 IS A PREREQUISITE FOR THE LEVEL 3 TRAINING PROGRAM.
Private Training for Students or Workforce Development Programs
Part 107 Remote Pilot Certification Test Prep Course
This is the local Part 107 test prep course you have been waiting for! Our 2-day class will arm you with all the knowledge you will need to pass your FAA Part 107 Remote Pilot Certification test. Receive a printed official FAA Part 107 Study Guide along with in-person training from experienced UAV operators and top drone service provider in the Mid-Atlantic region, Elevated Element.
- Class size is small to allow participants ample time to engage in discussion and ask all of the questions they may have.
- With this course, you will learn everything needed to ensure you pass the 60-question, 2-hour Part 107 Remote Pilot certification test.
- Please note, you must be 16 years old to take the test.
Build & Apply
Learn prototyping, iteration, collaboration, sourcing and solutions when you design and build your own robot for:
- Scholarship projects
- Commercial and community service applications
- Competition
- Create and document a truly remarkable project!
- Private or Group Training Only
These courses are only available by request
Request Private Training
Don’t see the course you are looking for?
Contact us to indicate your interest. →
Other Ways to Participate
PRIVATE EVENTS
Many companies and schools choose STAR Academy for their events – whether on-site, or at their location.
Learn More →
CAMPS
Learn to assemble robots, design robot creatures, program robotic movements, and fly drones and more with our various STEM camps hosted by the STAR Academy!