UAS/Drones
Meet the Instructor
Ray Sharp, UAS/Drones Instructor
ray.sharp@jonesboroschools.net
(870) 933.5891 ext. 28240
Office Hours: 2:25pm - 3:05pm
Mr. Ray Sharp – UAS/Drone Instructor, NEACTC
Mr. Ray Sharp brings energy, expertise, and a true passion for unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) to NEACTC. With over five years of hands-on drone experience and a deep enthusiasm for aerial technology, he is dedicated to guiding students through the ever-expanding world of drones and aviation careers.
Mr. Sharp’s journey into the drone industry began with a simple Christmas gift for his son—an experience that quickly evolved into a personal passion. Encouraged by a local educator and mentor, he transitioned into teaching, finding NEACTC to be the perfect launchpad to share his knowledge with the next generation of drone professionals.
A certified expert, Mr. Sharp holds both the FAA TRUST Certificate and the FAA Part 107 Remote Pilot License. His skill behind the controller has even earned national recognition—his drone footage capturing the aftermath of the Wynne tornado was featured by CNN.
In the classroom, students can expect an engaging blend of hands-on flying, real-world applications, and a welcoming environment that values effort, communication, respect, and integrity. Mr. Sharp is committed to helping students successfully navigate their FAA Part 107 certification and prepare for drone-related careers with confidence.
And while he takes drone education seriously, Mr. Sharp is also known for his good-natured humor and one particularly unexpected talent—he's a master of farm animal impressions, with a rooster crow that's sure to entertain!
About UAS/Drones
Get ready to take flight, pun intended, in the captivating world of drones with our pilot course study in Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS) at NEACTC! This cutting-edge program will provide you with an exhilarating journey into the realm of drones, also known as Unmanned Aerial Systems.
Throughout this course, you'll gain a comprehensive understanding of the current aviation landscape, including regulations, flight safety, flight planning, and flight simulators. While the course will not focus on building drones, you'll still develop a strong foundation in avionics, aeronautics, and aerodynamics. You'll gain insights into how drones fly, why they fly, and the electronic and radio systems they utilize. Additionally, you'll acquire knowledge in video production and explore the various business models associated with drone services. Most importantly, you'll gain hands-on experience in piloting both recreational and commercial drones, taking your skills to new heights.
The objective of the UAS course is to prepare you to pass the FAA part 107 certification while in high school, which is required for becoming a commercially licensed UAV drone pilot and receiving compensation for your piloting services. This certification will also open countless doors to exciting career opportunities in the field of drones, allowing you to pursue your passion or even gain credentials for university applications to major engineering colleges with drone programs. Furthermore, it positions you as a top candidate for prestigious programs such as the US Air Force drone pilot program, where you can truly soar to new heights.
By the end of this course, you'll be equipped with the skills, knowledge, and certification necessary to pursue a career in the drone industry, further your education at renowned engineering colleges, or even excel in specialized drone pilot programs. Your future in the world of drones starts here, and the sky's the limit!
So, if you're fascinated by the potential of drones, eager to explore the possibilities of this emerging field, and ready to embrace an exciting future, our UAS course is the perfect choice for you. Join us and take off on an exhilarating adventure in the world of drones. Your journey to becoming a skilled and licensed drone pilot awaits!
What You'll Learn
UAS/Drones 2024-2025 Curriculum Map
Concurrent Credit
Unfortunately, our UAS/Drones program does not offer any concurrent credit at this time. We hope to align soon! Follow us on social media for updates.
Certifications
By taking our UAS/Drones course, you'll have the opportunity to obtain the following certifications: FAA Part 107, Remote Pilot Airman Certificate and FAA TRUST.