NASA Guam Space Grant
NASA Guam Space Grant
NASA Guam Space Grant
University of Guam Drone Corps
Our Mission
NASA Guam Space Grant and NASA Guam EPSCoR invite students to fly high with the UOG Drone Corps! Launched in 2021, the program aims to build technical capacity for drone services on the island by creating a cadre of Federal Aviation Administration-licensed, informed, and responsible remote pilots.
The program introduces members to the fundamentals of drone technology through an intensive knowledge course, gives them hands-on experience with technological applications, and inspires them to create their own drone-based solutions in addressing the island’s unique issues.
A significant goal of the UOG Drone Corps program is to teach the upcoming generation of drone pilots the proper regulations and remote flying operations that they need to know to ensure our skies are safe.
Program Overview
The UOG Drone Corps program was designed to be completed within one full academic year with further opportunities beyond. In addition to the application process, the program spans three primary sections: completion of the FAA Part 107 examination knowledge course, FAA Part 107 certification, and accumulation of flight hours through internships and missions. Upon completing each section, students are eligible for monetary stipends.
Knowledge Course
Students are enrolled in a Knowledge Course that prepares them to pass the FAA Part 107 Remote Pilot written examination. The course consists of two components: a ground school and a practicum. Scheduling, time, and materials may vary depending on the instructing organization.
In the ground school portion, students learn various drone-related topics, including flight regulations, weather systems, loading, performance, and operations.
In the practicum portion, students get hands-on experience flying a drone in a controlled environment to simulate real-world applications.
Areas include:
- Basic maneuveurs
- Virtual flight simulators
- Search-and-rescue
- Aerial mapping
- Videography
- FPV drone piloting
Part 107 Certification
Flight Hours
Funding Agencies
NASA Guam Space Grant
Through UOG Drone Corps, NGSG aims to support its goal of training future generations of professionals in STEM areas concerned with the understanding, utilization, exploration, and investigation of both earth and space—including the local island environments of Guam and Micronesia. Among its primary programs, NGSG also manages the NGSG University Research Internship and Fellowship, which awards undergraduate and graduate students at UOG with Space Grant funding to allow them to pursue research projects relevant to NASA's goals. UOG Drone Corps is aligned with NASA Guam Space Grant’s role in spearheading interdisciplinary careers in STEM, inspiring students to pursue careers in fields that will continue to heavily rely on the incorporation of drone technology as the respective industries advance into the future.
NASA Guam EPSCoR
“Drones Corps will be a fantastic supplement to the NASA Guam EPSCoR Program. We see Drone Corps as directly building research capacity at UOG by allowing researchers to incorporate drone-acquired imagery into their projects, when they might not have done so otherwise due to lack of expertise or an experienced drone operator.” – Dr. Leslie Aquino, NASA Guam EPSCoR Executive Director
Milestones
- April 2021 – UOG Drone Corps launches to UOG students
- August 2021 – Knowledge Course begins in partnership with Tech Center Guam
- September 2021 – First batch of 12 Drone Corps members get FAA-licensed
- April 2022 – UOG Drone Corps enters second year to include GCC students
- July 2022 – Knowledge Course expanded to include practicum session in partnership with Bella Wings Aviation
Become A Drone Pilot
Applications for the UOG Drone Corps are currently closed and expected to re-open in April 2023. To learn more about eligibility requirements and program benefits, please see below.
Program benefits
Successful applicants will be able to:
Upon acceptance into the UOG Drone Corps program, members will receive stipends while undergoing a three-step certification process:
- Completion of the FAA Part 107b knowledge course
- FAA Part 107b examination
- Accumulation of flight hours
This year, UOG Drone Corps has partnered with the local UAV company Bella Wings Aviation to offer drone flight and test preparation training including hands-on practicum sessions. The three-week preparatory knowledge course was held in Summer 2022. The course provided students with the necessary skills to understand remote flight regulations and safety procedures.
Licensed pilots will be granted opportunities throughout the year to earn flight time by pursuing internships and simulator experience with private corporations, government agencies, or NGOs requiring drone services.
The program will be augmented by workshops that explore the wide-ranging applications of drones. Through these opportunities, students can apply their remote-piloting skills in drone operation missions such as search-and-rescue, remote sensing, mapping, and aerial photography.
Eligibility
All applicants must be:
- Citizens of the United States.
- 18 years or older
- A student or faculty member at the University of Guam or Guam Community College
Both novice and experienced students are encouraged to apply!
Request A Mission
Need a research area mapped? Or a real estate site captured from way-up above? The University of Guam Drone Corps has you covered!
Our UOG Drone Corps pilots are eager to offer their remote piloting services to agencies and professional researchers seeking non-commercial drone assistance. These missions are perfect opportunities for our pilots to gain experience while helping you out.
Services Include:
- Aerial imagery
- Orthomosaic mapping
- LiDAR sensing
- Videography
- Inspections
To request a mission, please complete the application here:
For more information, please contact dronecorps@triton.uog.edu
Responsibility Statement
The UOG Drone Corps services are for educational purposes. While we are responsible
for our equipment and personnel during field activities, the requestor must ensure
that the scope of work and location are both reasonable and lawful. This includes
making sure that the Drone Corps is allowed to enter and conduct field work at the
target site, and that the surroundings are suitable for entry and flight. We are currently
not taking any recreational requests.
While the UOG Drone Corps team will practice utmost safety, there are risks associated
with drone flight, such as physical injuries and/or personal property damages. These
risks may arise from the drone operator's or other’s actions or negligence, or from
elements where the drone flight activity will take place.
Certain weather conditions, such as rain and heavy winds, may affect drone flight
assignments and lead to cancellations or delays. This is beyond our control. Upon
receiving your request, we will assess the weather for the target date to determine
if flight conditions are acceptable.
UOG Drone Corps is an education-based program. Any materials such as images, video,
or mapping data that is produced from UOG Drone Corps should be used for research
or educational purposes only. Requesting products for commercial use will not be accepted.
By submitting your request, you acknowledge the risks involved with drone flight and
accept the above statements.
Pre-Flight Safety Guide
View this special clip featuring our UOG Drone Corps members as they share best tips and practices to consider before you take flight.
Featuring: Jonelle Sayama, Maria Seanna Minas, and Ulysses Story
Got A Question?
General Inquiries:
For general questions or inquiries regarding the program, please contact dronecorps@triton.uog.edu
Fausto A. Keanno Lawrence
Office Hours: 
Office Location: Expertise
Borja I. John
Office Hours: Office Location: Expertise
