Berks County Drone Academy
Through a newly established partnership between Alpha Aviation, Reading Regional Airport, ÌÇÐÄvlog¶ÌÊÓƵ University's O'Pake Institute for Economic Development, and other regional workforce development leaders, Berks County is building a local pipeline into commercial drone aviation. Together, we are expanding access to a rapidly growing industry, creating a local pathway into commercial drone aviation for students, career changers, veterans, and entrepreneurs.
No prior flight experience is required. This initiative creates structured access to FAA Part 107 certification, hands-on flight training, and emerging career pathways — right here in our community. We're not waiting for the future to arrive. We're building it.
Aim For The Sky
Course Details
Length
8 weeks
Format
Hybrid Classroom + Live Flight Training
Location
24 Liberator Way, Reading, PA 19605
Certification
FAA Part 107 Exam Preparation
What This Program Offers
Structured instruction covering:
- Airspace classifications
- Weather and performance
- Regulations and compliance
- Safety protocols
- Practice testing and exam readiness
- Real-world flight exercises
- Equipment orientation
- Risk assessment and safety
- Operational planning
- Industry application guidance
- Workforce connections
- Entrepreneurial pathway advising
This program is designed for motivated individuals ready to enter a high-growth technical field.
- Career changers
- Veterans
- High school graduates exploring technical careers
- College students
- Entrepreneurs
- Construction and engineering professionals
- Media professionals expanding into aerial production
Cost
We are committed to making this program accessible. Funding options may include:
• Workforce development grants
• Veteran benefits
• Sponsorships
• Payment plans
Who Can Apply?
- Current high school student (rising sophomores, juniors, or seniors)
- Minimum age of 16 at program start
- Interest in aviation, technology, or STEM careers
- Able to commit to the full 6-week program schedule
- No prior drone experience required
Attend a Free Information Session
No commitment required. Meet instructors. Ask questions. Understand the commitment before enrolling.
- What certification involves
- What the FAA exam requires
- Career opportunities in drone aviation
- Tuition and funding options
O'Pake Institute for Economic Development and Entrepreneurship
The O’Pake Institute is ÌÇÐÄvlog¶ÌÊÓƵ’s transformational engine for changing the model and execution of higher education, creating public and private partnerships that develop a talent pipeline needed to aid business growth in the region.