Updating Our Drones

Olathe High School

Olathe, CO

Requested Amount: $2,500

Donation Amount: $500

Our drones that we use in my Drones 101 class are aging a bit and like any tech they become outdated. Along with that I need a drone that meets new federal requirements for remote ID.

I teach a course called Drones 101. In that course I take students from 9th through 12th grade and teach them as much as possible about drones in a semester. We learn about the laws, airspace, science of flight, history of flight, careers that involve drones, battery technology and care, photography, videography, etc. We have done projects that involve mapping different areas and taking photos for real estate listings. This past summer I even took 6 students to Colorado State University for a drones class where they got their federal part 107 remote pilot license. The drones I have are aging, but more importantly there is a new federal law going into effect this September where drones (other than tiny indoor drones) will need remote ID broadcasting capability. None of my current drones have this capability. Newer drones made after a certain date in 2022 have integrated remote ID capability, so I am asking for these funds to buy a new Mavic 3 pro bundle which will allow me to legally keep my program running while upgrading my old equipment with a new drone at the same time. The program so far has been very successful; to the point where we are having too many kids signing up. I suppose that is a good problem. I would like to guide my program in a direction where kids are possibly able to take the part 107 test and become federally licensed remote pilots after taking my course. The requested money for the new Mavic 3 pro will be a huge asset in continuing this program. Thank you for your consideration.

Our school/community of Olathe is roughly 56 percent free and reduced lunch and 52 percent Hispanic.