DACC launches drone course with real-world applications

Dona Ana Community College has launched a new drone course this semester that is designed to give students on campus a hands-on experience with unmanned aircraft systems and prepare them for eventual careers in technology-driven fields. 

The three-credit hybrid course offered at DACC’s East Mesa campus, combines the learning with in-person instruction and flight practice at the Workforce Center. The college offers an introduction and advanced level classes. Students learn about drone safety, licensing, aerial data, and real-world applications in industries like media, construction, and engineering.  

Emmanual Moreno, interim department chair for architecture and construction technology, said the course was developed in response to the ever-growing demand for drone skills in the local workforce and industries. 

“In order to be able to get paid for a job, you need to have the certification,” Moreno said. “For example, real estate. If you get into Zillow or one of those places and they have all these arial views, that is taken by a drone. So, you want to be able to charge for those services.”. 

Josh Hunt, a drone instructor at DACC and licensed drone operator, brings over a decade of experience to his class. He initially began flying drones as a hobby, later joining the Dona Ana Search and Rescue drone team.  

“Our class goal is to familiarize our students to the many ways drones will create jobs and to make a plan as to how you might make money with a drone,” Hunt said. 

Outside of teaching, Hunt is a dedicated photographer, small business publisher, and pastor at a local church. 

Jacob Banegas, a film major at DACC who is working towards a degree in the new drone technology program, already holds his Part 107 UAS license, which is a requirement to fly drones commercially.  

“I’m trying to utilize my film background along with my license to get into being an independent contractor,” Banegas said. “So' I’m not stuck in one area.”  

With drones becoming more useful in everything from film production to emergency response, DACC’s new course offers students the chance to turn a growing technology into an aspiring career.