Who: Students Ages 16-18

When: July 14^th- July 27^th, 2027

Where: Daytona Beach, FL

Tuition: TBD (Includes supervised housing, daily instruction, classroom materials, on-campus meals, a personal drone to bring home, and up to 4 guests for the graduation dinner.)

Graduation Dinner Date: July 26th, 2027

Camp Description

Take controls. Think like a pilot. Discover your future in aviation.

Turn your interest in drones into practical skills during this two-week camp at Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University. Through hands-on flight time, advanced simulators, and interactive classroom instruction, campers will discover what it takes to operate uncrewed aircraft safely, responsibly, and with purpose.

Flying is only part of the experience. Before every mission, remote pilots must understand the airspace, evaluate the weather, assess their aircraft, and decide whether conditions are right to fly. Campers will explore these responsibilities and put their knowledge into practice through activities that connect aviation concepts with real operational decisions.

The program also provides focused preparation for the FAA Part 107 knowledge test, with the goal of campers taking the test by the end of camp. Eligible campers who pass can pursue their FAA Remote Pilot Certificate, building a foundation for future opportunities in uncrewed aviation.

During camp, participants will:

• Develop flight skills through hands-on drone operations and advanced simulator training
• Learn to interpret airspace information and understand where drones can operate
• Explore how aviation weather affects flight planning and safety
• Apply Federal Aviation Regulations to drone operations
• Assess airworthiness, aircraft readiness, and operational risks
• Strengthen aeronautical decision-making through practical scenarios
• Prepare for the FAA Part 107 knowledge test
• Connect with collegiate researchers and leading professionals to explore drone applications in emergency response, public safety, engineering, transportation, and aviation

Earn college credit while exploring your future.

Campers will complete UNSY 100: Remote Pilot Operations, earning two college credits upon successful completion. The course brings together aviation regulations, airspace, weather, flight safety, airworthiness, and aeronautical decision-making to support their development as remote pilots.

Whether campers are drawn to flying, engineering, or the technology behind uncrewed systems, this camp offers a chance to explore those interests, build practical knowledge, and experience college-level learning at Embry-Riddle.

FAA remote pilot certification requires applicants to be at least 16 years old and meet all applicable eligibility, testing, application, and security review requirements. Passing the knowledge test and receiving certification are not guaranteed, and certification processing may extend beyond camp.

ERAU cannot guarantee that another college or university will accept the two credits earned through this program. Credit transfer decisions are determined by the receiving institution.

Registration

Registration opens November 30^th, 2026.

Cancellation Policy

Cancellations must be received in writing to summer@erau.edu. Cancellation fees vary based on the cancellation dates listed below.

International Students

If you are not a U.S. citizen, you are required to obtain the appropriate student visa, such as an F-1 visa, to participate in this program. A visitor visa is not sufficient. Once your registration has been processed and your file has been reviewed, our office will contact you with instructions regarding any additional required documents and how to request your Form I-20.