It’s been a busy few months for WarrenUAS. Recently, the drone training and education program from New Jersey’s Warren Community College hired a respected industry consultant and instructor, entered into an agreement with a leading aviation strategic advisory firm, and received an exemption from the FAA to operate drones over 55 pounds in the National Airspace. In addition, Warren UAS has brought on a specialist to oversee the programming and maintenance of Warren’s approximately 90 drone systems and develop new courses.
Warren President Will Austin explained these new developments as responses to how the drone industry and drone-focused education has changed over the years. “When we started the program, it was hard to tell what direction the drone industry was going to go. So, we offered robotics, drone pilot training, photogrammetry, GIS, and aviation safety, all in one two-year program,” he stated. “What's become clear to us over time is we needed to differentiate. So, we started to focus on two areas—one for pilots and the other for technicians.”
For pilots, training around larger drones is an area of focus at WarrenUAS. “We know that pilots will ultimately end up flying drones over 55 pounds, and I’m happy to say that we have received a Section 44807 exemption from the FAA to fly and train students on these drones,” Austin told Commercial UAV News. “We’re one of only a handful of organizations in the country that have that permission.”
With this waiver, WarrenUAS intends to expand its programming and give students targeted training in all aspects of working with these larger UAVs. To this end, WarrenUAS has brought on Ed Celiano, the past executive director of the New Jersey Unmanned Aviation Systems Test Site (NJUASTS). Working as a consultant and instructor, Celiano will focus on the safe planning and operations of large UAS within the National Airspace System. He aims to enhance the program’s ability to acquire more complex UAS authorizations, as well as train students to navigate the larger, more sophisticated class of unmanned systems.
In addition, the program has entered into a collaborative agreement with the Tactien Group LLC. A leading aviation strategic advisory firm serving clients around the world, Tactien will provide WarrenUAS with important insights and support as it navigates changes in the overall aviation industry, as well as developments related to commercial drone operations.
In a statement announcing the partnership, Austin said, “Tactien is one of the leading aviation service providers, successfully integrating unmanned systems technology into its services. Knowing that our faculty and students will have an opportunity to work with these experts only ensures that WarrenUAS remains a cutting-edge enterprise.”
As WarrenUAS strengthens its work around larger drones and pilot education, the program is also looking to expand its technical expertise. Central to this effort is the hiring of drone industry veteran Andew Bieniek. An Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University graduate with several years of experience in the drone industry, Bieniek will be in charge of monitoring and maintaining WarrenUAS’ some 90 uncrewed systems. Moreover, he will be engaged in training and research around drones in precision agriculture and developing courses involving AutoCAD and 3D printing.
“I've always loved teaching people and helping people. It's something I have a passion for,” Bieniek said. “I want to help shine the light and do good for others so they can, in turn, keep doing good for others, and that's one of the main reasons why I'm here.”
In discussing his program’s recent developments and expansions, Austin emphasized WarrenUAS’ mission as an educational institution established to support its local citizens.
“We're a community college, and our goal is to serve our local community,” he asserted. “It's wonderful that we have national exposure, and it's wonderful that the program is respected across the country, but at the end of the day we need to serve the people of our community and help them get the training they need to work in this field.”
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