About This Offering

This 2-day bootcamp will prepare learners to successfully earn their FAA Part 107 Remote Pilot certificate (aka drone pilot license) by building a strong foundation in core sUAS regulations, airspace classification, sectional chart interpretation, aviation weather products, human factors, and safe operational procedures.

Registration form

Toby Dogwiler

Dr. Dogwiler is a professor of geosciences in the School of Earth, Environment, and Sustainability at Missouri State University. Prior to joining MSU, he served as Director of the Southeastern Minnesota Water Resources Center at Winona State University. He earned his Ph.D. in Geological Science from the University of Missouri and brings more than 25 years of experience in applied water resources and environmental assessment.

Dr. Dogwiler specializes in site assessment and characterization using geospatial and remote sensing technologies. An early adopter of drones for environmental and water‑resource applications, he has been a consistent innovator in drone‑based mapping for over a decade. His research group at Missouri State University focuses on advancing drone methodologies and applying them in real‑world environmental projects. 
  • Registration: Open until May 25, 2026
  • Course Dates: June 4 & 5, 2026
  • PDH: 16
  • Price: $1,499
  • Location: 2127 Innerbelt Business Center Drive, St. Louis, MO 63114

The Drone Pilot Remote Airman FAA Part 107 Certification Preparation Bootcamp, the second in our Drone Mapping series, will prepare learners to successfully earn their FAA Part 107 Remote Pilot certificate (aka drone pilot license) by building a strong foundation in core sUAS regulations, airspace classification, sectional chart interpretation, aviation weather products, human factors, and safe operational procedures. Through hands‑on practice with FAA charts, METARs/TAFs, and real‑world operational scenarios, participants will develop the knowledge and decision‑making skills emphasized on the exam. The workshop will conclude with a full-length 60‑question practice test and guided review to help learners identify remaining gaps and build confidence ahead of test day.

By the end of the course students should be able to:

  •         Understand key FAA Part 107 rules and operating limitations.
  •         Identify airspace classes and authorization requirements.
  •         Read and interpret FAA sectional charts and elevation data.
  •         Interpret METARs, TAFs, and other aviation weather products.
  •         Apply ADM principles and recognize human‑factor risks.
  •         Perform preflight checks, site assessments, and risk mitigation.
  •         Respond appropriately to system malfunctions and emergencies.
  •         Be prepared to pass the FAA Part 107 Remote Airman Certification exam

Day 1 — Core FAA Regulations, Airspace & Charts

1. Orientation & Test Overview

  • What the Part 107 certificate allows & does NOT allow
  • Exam format, registration, retake policies
  • Recommended study materials (FAA ACS, Study Guide, Sample Questions)
  • High‑frequency exam topics emphasized in 2026 prep guides

2. FAA Regulations for sUAS (14 CFR Part 107)

  • Operating limitations (altitude, VLOS, yield rules, speed limits)
  • Operations over people, vehicles, moving structures
  • Remote ID basics
  • Waivers: when you need one & common waiver types
  • Emergency procedures & accident reporting requirements (NTSB/FAA)

3. Airspace Classification & Operating Requirements

  • Controlled vs uncontrolled airspace
  • Class B, C, D, E, G characteristics
  • Special Use Airspace (MOAs, Restricted, Prohibited, Warning, Alert)
  • Airspace authorization, LAANC, facility maps
  • Common ATC instructions & communication basics

Hands‑On Practice:
Identify airspace classes on FAA sectional charts.

4. Sectional Charts & UASFM Interpretation

  • Reading symbology
  • Airport information, frequencies, tower vs non‑towered layouts
  • Determining max altitudes, MSL vs AGL
  • Understanding obstacles, terrain elevation, special chart markings

Exercise:
Participants decode several “exam‑style” sectional chart prompts.

5. Aircraft Performance, Loading & Weight Considerations

  • Center of gravity considerations
  • Effects of loading on battery life & flight performance
  • Density altitude & environmental effects

Day 2 — Weather, Human Factors, Operations, and Exam Review

6. Aviation Weather (METARs, TAFs & More)

  • Weather theory relevant to sUAS
  • Cloud types, stability, fog, microbursts, wind shear
  • Reading METARs, TAFs, SIGMETs & AIRMETs
  • Visibility & cloud clearance requirements

Hands‑On Practice:
Interpret actual METAR/TAF examples modeled after current test items.

7. Crew Resource Management & Human Factors

  • ADM (Aeronautical Decision Making)
  • Hazardous attitudes & mitigation
  • Fatigue, stress, situational awareness
  • Physiological conditions (vision, medications, alcohol rules)

8. UAS Operational Procedures

  • Preflight: aircraft inspection, control link checks, battery management
  • Site assessment & risk mitigation
  • Lost‑link procedures & flyaway management
  • Operating around people, buildings, and in urban environments
  • Night operations & lighting requirements

9. Emergency & Abnormal Procedures

  • System malfunctions (GPS loss, compass error, battery issues)
  • Emergency landings
  • Reporting requirements (injury thresholds, property damage)  

10. Test‑Focused Reinforcement

  • Review of high‑frequency topics
    (airspace, sectional charts, weather, regulations)
  • Test‑day strategy: interpreting tricky FAA exam wording
  • Mini practice quizzes

11. Capstone Practice Exam (Full 60‑Question Simulation)

  • Students complete a full-length practice test
  • Group review of missed questions
  • Strategy tuning: identifying weak areas