NU-AIRE Unmanned Aircraft Lab Delivers Extension Workshops Involving Hands on Experiences

NU-AIRE Extension Workshop Attendees
NU-AIRE Extension Workshop Attendees

Unmanned aircraft technologies offer compelling new opportunities for a diverse array of disciplines, with interest and the marketplace continuing to expand at a rapid rate. As a result of this demand for information on UAVs, the Nebraska Unmanned Aircraft Innovation, Research and Education (NU-AIRE) lab has been developing and delivering "hands on" Extension workshops. These workshops include: a review of unmanned aircraft systems technologies, autopilot and sensor systems, data processing methods, rules and regulations, as well as flight operations in which field data is collected during flight, and processed by each participant into an end product. The flight operations provide an opportunity to connect theory with the aircraft and sensor systems in a real-world setting. Surveys of participants indicate that the workshops are providing the types of information and experiences that they were looking for, with evaluations indicating that they are more knowledgeable about UAVs and plan to use their knowledge to help advance their interests in UAVs. The workshops have a duration of 6 hours, and participants represent a diverse array of expertise; from consultants, to governmental agencies, and GIS professionals, cropping system managers, to faculty and students. These Extension workshops and associated surveys, have provided a great deal of information to the NU-AIRE lab on successful delivery of educational content focused on unmanned aircraft, and will provide the basis for delivery of additional workshops and subsequent training.