Western Illinois University's School of Law Enforcement and Justice Administration (LEJA) and the GIS Center are sponsoring a free, virtual FAA Part 107 training course from 5-9 p.m. Monday-Thursday, Oct. 14-17. The course, conducted online via Microsoft Teams, is designed for emergency managers, first responders, police, fire, EMS, conservation officers, GIS professionals and students in public safety-related fields. This training is not intended for commercial applications and participants are responsible for the $150 certification exam fee.

Participants who successfully obtain their FAA Part 107 certification or already hold it will be eligible for an in-person, hands-on drone training class from 8 a.m.-4 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 14, at the WIU Macomb campus. This advanced training will focus on practical UAS flight skills, essential for operations in public safety, natural disasters, emergencies and search and rescue missions.

The FAA Part 107 certification is mandatory for professionals using drones in public safety operations. This course ensures that practitioners have the foundational knowledge required to operate Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS) legally and effectively.

Registration is on a first-come, first-served basis and proof of FAA Part 107 certification is required for future advanced UAS training.

Attendees must agree to schedule and take the FAA Part 107 exam during the course, providing proof of certification to qualify for future UAS training.