Savannah Tech Launched Drone Certification Program
Local businesses in logistics and construction can now train staff for federal drone pilot certification.
Updated on Oct. 9, 2026 in Remote Work
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Savannah Technical College and the Unmanned Safety Institute have introduced a 12-week drone training program. The initiative aims to equip the workforce for drone operations in sectors like logistics, construction, and public safety.
Why it matters
The program addresses a growing demand for certified pilots as local aerospace activity expands in Georgia. With Georgia's aerospace sector generating $8.8 billion in GDP in 2024, specialized training helps regional operators integrate drone technology into their existing workflows.
The 12-week certification program requires $4,500 in tuition per student. It joins a national population of over 480,000 FAA-certificated remote pilots.
The players
Savannah Technical College
A public post-secondary institution providing technical education and workforce development in the Savannah region.
Unmanned Safety Institute
An ASTM-approved training provider specializing in safety and certification protocols for unmanned aircraft systems.
The details
The curriculum adheres to ASTM F3266 standards and uses a hybrid model of self-paced coursework and live instruction. Classes meet every Monday and Wednesday from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. to provide a combination of theoretical knowledge and hands-on flight training.
Timeline
The 2024 aerospace industry generated $8.8 billion in Georgia GDP.
The registration deadline for the training program is October 22, 2026.
Program classes begin on October 26, 2026.
The initial training session concludes on January 13, 2027.
Market Landscape
The training curriculum aligns with ASTM F3266 standards to maintain consistency with industry-recognized safety protocols. This reflects a broader trend of technical schools aligning programs with national standards to support local workforce integration.
Operators in logistics and construction should evaluate whether in-house drone pilot certification reduces their reliance on third-party aerial service providers. Factor the $4,500 tuition into your Q4 training budget if you intend to secure a spot before the October 22 deadline.
The takeaway
The addition of structured drone training provides a local pipeline for businesses looking to adopt autonomous aerial technology. Monitor the program's outcomes to determine if internal training provides a faster ROI compared to hiring external certified contractors.
What happens next
Registration for the first cohort must be completed by the deadline of October 22, 2026.
Further reading
For more on evolving workforce requirements, view our Remote Work section.
More information
Find Program registration and additional information on the local news portal.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Wtoc.
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