Schedule
Advanced UAS Operations runs October 19 - December 14
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Prepare for a Specialized Career in Uncrewed Aircraft Systems (UAS)
Advanced UAS Operations moves you beyond the Part 107 Remote Pilot certification into real-world drone work. You’ll learn how drones are used in infrastructure inspection, public safety, mapping, agriculture, and media production, alongside advanced aircraft systems, mission planning, and data collection. The course also covers launching a drone business including client acquisition, pricing, legal considerations, and risk management. Finish with a university-issued advanced UAS badge that demonstrates industry-ready expertise on your resume.
TECP State Grant Funding
The Technology Employment in Colorado Partnership (TECP), a workforce initiative of the City and County of Denver, may help cover the cost of this program for eligible Colorado residents pursuing a career in remote pilot (drone) operations.
Getting Started
1. Review eligibility criteria to determine if you might qualify.
2. Create a Connecting Colorado Account and complete the initial assessment form.
3. Once you have created your Connecting Colorado account, email [email protected] and share what career pathway you are interested in pursuing. A resume and information on previous experience is appreciated to help determine eligibility. Afterwards, you will be connected with a case manager who will support you moving forward.
3. Eligible students can secure grant funding and enroll in Commercial Remote Pilot Certificate courses with no out-of-pocket cost.
Want to apply or have questions? Contact [email protected].
Who Qualifies / Eligibility
- Age 17 or older
- Colorado resident, any county
- Unemployed, underemployed, or looking to transition to a tech career
- All backgrounds welcome, no prior IT experience required
Format
Self-paced course that is 100% online to fit into your busy schedule.
Cost
Course cost is $850 plus a $35 registration fee.
Why take Advanced UAS Operations?
Professional Career Advisement
Receive a personal advising session with your instructor and gain confidence in your future career.
Receive Specialized Training
Whether you are in search and rescue or law enforcement, drone operators need specially trained skills to operate efficiently and safely.
Grant Funded for Eligible Students
Those who are eligible for TECP funds will pay no out-of-pocket cost.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes! Take your drone skills to the next level with Advanced UAS Operations, a career-focused course designed for those ready to move beyond certification and into real-world applications.
Building on foundational knowledge from Part 107 ground school, this course explores how drones are used across high-demand industries such as infrastructure inspection, public safety, mapping and surveying, agriculture, media production, and more. Students will gain exposure to advanced aircraft systems, mission planning, data collection techniques, and operational best practices used by professionals in the field.
In addition to technical skills, the course introduces the fundamentals of launching and managing a drone-based business, including client acquisition, pricing strategies, legal considerations, and operational risk management. Whether you’re looking to specialize in a particular industry or start your own drone services company, this course provides the tools and insight to succeed.
By completing this course, you’ll earn a university-issued advanced UAS badge that strengthens your resume, signals industry-ready expertise, and demonstrates your ability to apply drone technology in professional and commercial settings.
By completing this course, you’ll earn a Metropolitan State University of Denver issued badge that enhances your resume, showcases a higher level of professional credentialing, and demonstrates the knowledge, competence, and confidence expected of a skilled and responsible drone pilot.
You will also gain confidence in your newly learned tactical skills when it comes to uncrewed aircraft systems (UAS).
Meet Your Instructor
Casey Phinney
Casey Phinney is an Assistant Professor of Aviation and Aerospace Sciences at MSU Denver, specializing in uncrewed aircraft systems (UAS) and real-world drone operations. With a background as a helicopter pilot and extensive experience in UAS technology, he brings a powerful combination of traditional aviation expertise and cutting-edge drone knowledge to every course he teaches.
Casey has worked across a wide range of drone applications, giving him a deep understanding of how UAS are used in today’s fast-growing industries. He is passionate about helping students and professionals turn drone skills into real opportunities, building confidence, earning credentials, and standing out in a competitive field. His courses are designed to go beyond theory, equipping learners with the practical knowledge and industry insight needed to succeed as professional drone pilots.
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Email usPhone: 303-615-1234
Office Location:
Jordan Student Success Building
3rd Floor – #330
Auraria Campus
Mailing Address:
Metropolitan State University of Denver
Innovative and Lifelong Learning
P.O. Box 173362
Campus Box 6
Denver, CO 80217-3362