Training to use drone technology
THE use of drones or Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) have been gaining steady popularity.
Recognising the opportunities the disruptive technology is opening up in industries, Limkokwing University of Creative Technology has entered into a strategic partnership with Strat Aero Plc, a United Kingdom commercial drone training provider, to provide its students and the public with the Applied Unmanned Technology Qualification.
The varsity’s vice-president of corporate relations Datuk Fajura Juffa Mohd Mustafa Kamal said drones can be used in various areas such as agriculture, humanitarian aid, intelligence and surveillance, traffic control and wildlife protection among others.
“It is a short course that runs over two weeks and is accredited by the UK’s Civil Aviation Authority.
“Students can also take it up as an elective in addition to their major,” Fajura added.
The course will be open to the public in November this year she said, adding that the students can start signing up from February 2018.
Strat Aero Plc training director Mark Wharry said as technology advances and becomes more prevalent across the world, it becomes more important that people who want to use this technology in their own industries, understand what it means to be a pilot.
“The Applied Unmanned Technology Qualification teaches people to use drones from the point of view of a professional pilot, how to develop that understanding of what it means to be in airspace and how to integrate safely with other airspace structures and users.
“There is a safety focus throughout the entirety of the course, to make sure people who use these aircrafts and technology, are able to deploy it in the safest and most effective manner possible.
“Importantly, it gives them a grounding on what it means to be involved in aviation,” he added.
Wharry has trained some 10 staff from the university to deliver the course.