By Blake Jackson
The Kentucky Agriculture Training School (KATS), part of the University of Kentucky Martin-Gatton College of Agriculture, Food and Environment, will offer a two-day Drone Pilot Certification Workshop and Exam on July 8-9.
The program is designed to help participants prepare for the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Part 107 certification required for commercial drone operations.
“This is an intense prep course for the Drone Pilot Certification Exam as required by the FAA, for those who plan to use drones commercially,” KATS Coordinator Lori Rogers said.
“Drones are an increasingly popular tool in agriculture to help save time and increase production. They are used in mapping, spraying, scouting, crop and livestock monitoring and more.”
The course is intended for individuals who already have drone flight experience and want to earn the certification needed to provide professional agricultural drone services.
Instruction will be led by Mandy Briggs from the Institute of Aviation at Parkland College, whose students have achieved a 99% pass rate on the FAA certification exam. Flight training is not included in the workshop.
Day one will take place from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. on CDT at the Hopkins County Extension Office in Madisonville, Kentucky, with evening practice exams recommended.
On the second day, participants will return for additional instruction before taking the optional FAA exam at Madisonville Community College’s North Campus after lunch.
Registration costs $400, while the on-site exam requires a separate $175 fee. Enrollment is limited to 18 participants, and registration closes July 1.
For more information, contact Lori Rogers at lori.rogers@uky.edu or 270-365-7541 ext. 21317.
For registration, visit https://www.eventbrite.com/e/drone-pilot-certification-workshop-july-2026-tickets-1990117501018.
Photo Credit: istock-psisa
Categories: Kentucky, Crops, Education, Equipment & Machinery