Edison High School’s Drone Program Is Taking Off

Edison High School in Richmond is giving students a head start in one of the fastest-growing technology fields. Its drone program, now in its second year, is helping juniors and seniors gain real-world flight skills and a path toward FAA certification.

The program is led by engineering teacher Derek Gulling, who launched the class during the 2023–24 school year. Today, it includes 11 students, and the interest keeps growing. Every year, Gulling says, the class fills to capacity. Herald Star Online told us about it.

“The school started the drone program to boost interest in exploring drone flying as a career,” Gulling explained. “It has been a very popular elective. I teach them how to fly drones safely and responsibly, and I also instruct them in U.S. regulations and airport operations to prepare them to take their Part 107 certificate, which allows them to fly drones for jobs.”

Learning with DJI and Skydio

Students in the program use DJI Mavic 3 Pro and Skydio drones to complete their lessons. They learn to read aeronautical charts, plan missions, and practice flight maneuvers that mimic real-world scenarios.

The use of professional-grade drones gives students hands-on experience that many can’t afford on their own.

“Many students can’t afford to independently purchase these drones as they can range from a few hundred to several thousand dollars,” Gulling said. “They appreciate being able to learn to fly higher-quality drones, and many continue to pursue the certificate.”

The goal is to prepare students for the FAA Part 107 Remote Pilot Certificate, which is the legal requirement to operate drones commercially in the United States. Gulling says the certification process also teaches responsibility and situational awareness, both critical traits for anyone working in aviation or technology.

Opening Doors to New Careers

The drone program isn’t just about flying for fun. Students are learning about how drones are used across different industries — from electric utilities and search and rescue operations to law enforcement, agriculture, and public safety.

“We want students to see that this can be a serious career,” Gulling said. “There are so many opportunities out there. Every year we see new applications for drones.”

One of those opportunities might even lead to the military. Senior Brady Wells says the skills he’s learning are helping him prepare for a future in the Air Force.

“It gives us an opportunity to expand our abilities in the workforce and we can do so much with our drone license,” Wells said. “I hope to maybe go into the Air Force and will already have a license.”

For others, the hands-on experience is what makes the class so engaging.

“I think it’s fun because we get to go out and fly them and it’s hands-on learning,” said senior Kyle Long. “It’s not just sitting in a classroom. We actually get to go outside and fly.”

A Model for Other Schools

Programs like Edison’s are becoming more common as schools look for new ways to connect STEM education with real-world job opportunities. The drone industry continues to expand rapidly, with roles emerging in inspection, mapping, cinematography, and even environmental monitoring.

By the time Edison students graduate, many will already have the technical knowledge and certification needed to enter the workforce or continue studying aviation and robotics in college. Gulling hopes that success stories from his class will inspire other districts to follow suit.

“Once students see drones in action and realize they can make a career out of it, it changes everything,” he said. “They go from playing with technology to mastering it.”

DroneXL’s Take

Edison High School’s program shows how accessible drone education can change futures. Giving students hands-on experience with professional drones like the DJI Mavic 3 Pro and guiding them toward FAA certification provides a clear path from the classroom to real careers. As drone jobs continue to grow in the U.S., this kind of program could easily become the model for schools nationwide.

Photo credit: Edison High School, DJI, Skydio.