The Master of Science in Operations Management program is offering an interdisciplinary Unmanned Aircraft System, or UAS and commonly referred to as drones, course in Spring 8-week-1 from 6-9 p.m. Mondays. If you have ever thought of becoming a professional UAS pilot, then consider this course the first step toward that goal. Students will complete this course prepared to pass their FAA examination, and will also learn the basics of data processing software and demonstrate practical proficiency with hands-on flying.

Students will perform risk analysis, demonstrate knowledge of types of platforms and sensors appropriate and match the appropriate system to notional mission profiles. Graduates will be prepared to participate in University of Arkansas research using UAS. Students must meet FAA eligibility requirements.

The FAA exam must be scheduled by the student by week 2 and passed no later than the last day of week 7. The FAA fee is separate from other fees and typically costs $150.

The course is graduate level, but interested undergraduates may attend with consent of their adviser and the instructor.

Remote students must have access to UAS with first-person view, included simulation mode, external sim card memory, at least 12 MP still and 720P video streaming to popular platforms such as facebook.com or youtube.com. The UAS must have typical failsafe features such as return to home and low-battery mode. Remote students must submit model type to instructor for approval except for the following manufacturers: DJI, 3DR and Yuneec models meeting criteria above.

Weekly Schedule:

Session 1: Live and video synchronous course schedule weekly course time.

Session 2: Asynchronous course work.

Session 3: Asynchronous course work.

Session 4: Live and video synchronous course during scheduled weekly course time.

Session 5: Asynchronous course work.

Session 6: Asynchronous course work. Optional video synchronous Q&A preparing for FAA exam.

Session 7: Take and pass FAA Exam.

Session 8: Live students practical on Saturday prior

Any student interested in this course should contact their adviser and Ashley Reeves ayoungbl@uark.edu to enroll in OMGT 5903 Unmanned Aircraft Systems.