Project Overview
This project involved the development and implementation of risk-based trainings for current and future commercial users of an emerging technology, small unmanned aircraft systems (sUAS). The educational efforts filled the void between the recent (2016) release of permanent flight regulations by the FAA and the pent up demand for critical information. The proposed project covered platforms and sensor systems, agricultural uses, data processing, risk & liability, and flight regulations. The target audience was producers and agriculture information providers from the 13 states in the Southern Region and beyond. To accomplish this objective we offered five workshops in collaboration with existing regional conferences. The trainings included a flight demonstration and a workflow demonstration since most initial users are uneasy about the technology. Based on evaluations, participants achieved an improved understanding of flight regulations, types of platforms & sensors, data processing, potential agricultural uses, and liability issues related to sUAS. Participants also left with an awareness of how to fly and manage the workflow process from data acquisition to processing. Participants felt better prepared to make informed decisions to match the best sUAS with their needs. We exceeded that goal (250) by informing over 350 participants through our in-person and on-line efforts. Based on evaluations, attendees reported that they anticipate saving nearly $21,000/yr as a result of participating in the workshops.
Number of Participants: 351
PROMOTIONAL MATERIALS
There are no promotional materials available for this project.
EDUCATIONAL MATERIALS
There are no educational materials available for this project.
REPORTS & EVALUATIONS
There are no reports or evaluations available for this project.