Southeast’s drone program is partnering with Southeast Missouri Modelers Association (SEMMA) for the Drone Safety Day activities.

The Federal Aviation Administration’s Drone Safety Day is an annual campaign designed to promote safe drone operation, certification, responsibility and awareness. This year’s event is the first hosted by Southeast promoting drone safety and will comprise a variety of activities including:

• SEMO Drone program information
• Racing drone demonstration
• Remote sensing drone demonstration
• RC aircraft demonstrations
• Hands-on "fly-a-drone" opportunity
• Hands-on "fly-an-RC-airplane" opportunities
• Information about safe drone operation 

Galaxy Park is the remote control (RC) airfield and it is located at 440 Gizmo Lane off Highway 177 in Cape Girardeau.

The Southeast Department of Engineering and Technology will also be offering a Part 107/Remote Pilot Certification workshop to help prepare participants to take the FAA Remote Pilot Exam. The workshop is open to anyone.

Remote Pilot Certification is required for any drone pilots who fly their drones for commercial purposes, including surveys, video production, agriculture, education, journalism, safety, and more. Certification ensures pilots are knowledgeable and aware of the rules and regulations governing safe drone use.

The workshop costs $60 and will include four days of instruction. The course will take place 4 – 7 p.m. each evening May 1-4.

The FAA Remote Pilot Certification exam is offered at the Career and Technology Center Testing Center and must be scheduled and paid for separate from this workshop. The fee to take the exam is $175

For more information about Drone Safety Day or to register for the certification workshop contact Andrew Chronister at achronister@semo.edu or call (573) 986-7451.