Submitted to. Texas Workforce Commission. January 31, Center for Innovation at Arlington LLC 505 E Border St. Arlington, TX 76010

Transcription

1 Center for Innovation At Arlington, LLC TWC Contract Number 0514WPB000 Comprehensive Listing of Unmanned Systems Educational Offerings within Texas and Programs Needed for the Education System to be Responsive to the Needs of the UAS Industry Submitted to Texas Workforce Commission January 31, 2015 Center for Innovation at Arlington LLC 505 E Border St. Arlington, TX 76010

2 Table of Contents I. Introduction... 3 II. Unmanned Systems Identification of Need... 3 III. Unmanned Systems Educational Offerings within Texas... 3 IV. Public Education Table 1 Unmanned Systems Education Programs in Public Schools 5 Table 2 Unmanned Systems Education Programs in Community Colleges... 7 Table 3 Unmanned Systems Education Programs in Universities V. Industry Response to Programs needed for the Education System to be Responsive to the Needs of the UAS Industry VI. Table 4 Education Programs Needed for K-12, Certificate, Two-Year Degree, and Four- Year Degree Levels Acronyms P a g e

3 I. Introduction The Center for Innovation at Arlington LLC was asked to provide a comprehensive listing of unmanned systems educational offerings within the state of Texas, and to identify of programs that are needed for the education system to be responsive to the needs of the UAS industry. Throughout the project, discoveries were found related to aerospace and aviation programs. The findings conclude that there are limited UAS programs operating in the state. The UAS research discovery conducted by CFI, Tarrant County College and the University of Texas at Arlington found that limited UAS programs existed at a K-14 level, although there are several foundational programs in the aviation/aerospace industry. Texas A&M University Corpus Christi offers a course on UAS Operations, and Embry Riddle Aeronautical University- Fort Worth, offers a UAS degree program. Our general findings of aviation/aerospace educational programs in Texas include 8 high schools; 19 community colleges; and 12 universities. Texas is encouraged to adopt UAS programs at K-12 and beyond to position itself as having existing programs relevant to this emerging industry which has strong potential to promote job growth for the Texas economy. II. Unmanned Systems Identification of Need Unmanned aircraft systems provide a method of obtaining aerial imagery without the added risk of putting a human life in the air. Unmanned systems offer a new platform for observing, monitoring, and measuring the landscape. They fill the gap between satellite and manned aircraft imagery and ground based observations. Aerial platforms efficiently cover large areas of land, particularly when ground operations are difficult or dangerous. The comprehensive listing of UAS Programs within Texas found existing programs for civil application in the aerospace/aviation industry. While there is no official ruling as of yet that determines UAS as an industry, Texas is smart to move forward to discover programs that currently exist. III. Unmanned Systems Educational Offerings within Texas On June 13, 2014, the UAS Consortium industry provided recommendations to the types of education programs needed to fill the gap to create an Unmanned Aircraft System within Texas. More than 70% of the respondents felt that an Introduction to UAS Operations course is needed to fill the gap to develop an Unmanned System Technology Education Pathway of education programs in Texas. Each course in a pathway is designed to build on knowledge and skills learned in previous courses. Industry summarized a list of course sequences and prerequisites needed to be responsive to this emerging industry. 3 P a g e

4 Industry Input on Wagner-Peyser Project In your best forecast, what sequence of courses or prerequisites is needed to fill the gap to develop an Unmanned System Technology Education Pathway of education programs in Texas? Please note that this list is not exhaustive. Answer Options 4 P a g e Response Percent Response Count Advanced Computer Information Applications / Computer Science 45.0% 9 Aerodynamics - Airplanes 45.0% 9 Aerospace Law 35.0% 7 Aircraft Accident Investigation 20.0% 4 Aircraft Systems 60.0% 12 Algorithms & Data Structures 20.0% 4 Analytical or Scientific Software 30.0% 6 Aviation Insurance 20.0% 4 Aviation Safety 60.0% 12 Basic Attitude Instrument Flying 30.0% 6 Basic Computer Skills 40.0% 8 Basic Graphic Design 15.0% 3 Calculus 15.0% 3 Computer Aided Design Software 40.0% 8 Computer Networking Technology 30.0% 6 Computers and Electronics (knowledge of circuit boards, processors, chips, electronic equipment, and computer hardware and software, including applications and 40.0% 8 programming) Concepts of Engineering, Technology & Science Applications 45.0% 9 Crew Resource Management 30.0% 6 Cyber Security and Information Assurance 25.0% 5 Digital Imaging 35.0% 7 Digital Systems 35.0% 7 Electronics 25.0% 5 Flight Physiology 20.0% 4 Gas Turbine Engines 25.0% 5 General Aviation Operations and Management 35.0% 7 Human Factors 30.0% 6 IFR Regulations and Procedures 15.0% 3 International and Long-Range Navigation 20.0% 4 Intro to Air Traffic Control 45.0% 9 Intro to Aviation 50.0% 10 Intro to Computer Maintenance 15.0% 3 Intro to Computer Science and Engineering 40.0% 8 Intro to Engineering 40.0% 8 Intro to Programming 45.0% 9 Intro to Software Engineering 35.0% 7

5 Intro to UAS Operations 70.0% 14 Mathematics 25.0% 5 Mechanical Computer and Electronics 15.0% 3 Meteorology 35.0% 7 Multi-Engine Systems and Procedures 15.0% 3 Object-Oriented Programming 15.0% 3 Operating Systems 30.0% 6 Professional and Technical Communication 35.0% 7 Safety Management Systems (SMS) 40.0% 8 Science 20.0% 4 Technical Physics 20.0% 4 Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS) 60.0% 12 UAS Comm/Telemetry Systems 60.0% 12 UAS Ground Systems 65.0% 13 UAS Operations 65.0% 13 UAS Sensor Systems 65.0% 13 Other (please specify) 30.0% 6 answered question 20 skipped question 0 IV. Public Education Of the eight (8) independent school districts throughout Texas, none reported having an existing UAS program. Since 2001, the Arlington Independent School District (AISD) has offered students an introductory course in engineering through their Project Lead the Way courses. More than 4,000 AISD students since its inception have been helped with post-secondary level interest in engineering. AISD offers a Career and Technical Education (CTE) program of study in Manufacturing which allows students beginning in their freshman year of high school to take course work in the Concepts of Engineering, Technology & Science Applications, Welding, Advanced Welding, and a Career Preparation I. The comprehensive report list schools, community colleges, and universities with existing aviation/aerospace programs in the State of Texas. The research conducted by CFI and Tarrant County College found no known Texas public or private school operating an existing UAS program. Our general findings recommend Texas to act quickly with an alignment of foundational STEM programs in aviation and aerospace that could easily be aligned with a UAS program, similar to other states. Table 1 Unmanned Systems Education Programs in Public Schools City School Program(s) Dallas Skyline High School Introduction to Aeronautics Aircraft Science and Shop Practices Aircraft Ground Operations and Basic Practices 5 P a g e

6 Weight and Balances Federal Aviation Regulations (FARs) Reciprocating Engine Maintenance and Repair DeSoto DeSoto High School Aviation Technology Fort Worth Dunbar High School Aviation Technology Gold Seal Program Houston Irving Justin Sterling Aviation High School of Aviation Science Aviation & Biomedical Science Academy Northwest Independent School District Certificate Programs: o Airframe Mechanic o Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Power plant o Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) Careersafe Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) Careersafe Principals of Transportation, Distribution, and Logistics Aircraft Technology Advanced Aircraft Technology Practicum: o Flight certification o Airframe Technology 1 o Exploratory Airframe Technology 2 Aviation Operations Management Aviation Science Aerospace Engineering Concepts of Engineering and Technology Engineering Design and Presentation: AutoCAD (Computer-aided design) Engineering Design & Problem Solving: Aerospace 1 Practicum Year 4 Robotics Engineering Design and Development: 3D Design Scientific Research and Design: Aerospace II 6 P a g e

7 McKinney McKinney North High School Introduction to Aviation Industry Airplane Technology I Private Pilot Ground Training San Antonio Krueger Middle School Robotics and Measurement Applied Rocketry and Aviation Applied Radio/Satellite Communication Applied Aerospace Studies Community Colleges Tarrant County College (TCC) offers a series of certificate level course and degreed programs in aviation. TCC offers a course in Aircraft Technology designed to teach the theory of operation of aircraft airframes, power plants, and avionics systems and associated maintenance and repair practices. An advanced level aircraft technology course is taught to students as early as 12 th grade. The advanced aircraft technology course is designed to apply theory of operation, repair, and maintenance of aircraft airframe, power plant, and avionics systems, and knowledge of aircraft services as governed by federal aviation regulations. TCC conducted a Texas community college survey to identify UAS programs in Texas. There were no known UAS programs existing in Texas. The research identified 19 community colleges that offer aviation and aerospace programs at a certificate level and associate degree level. Table 2 Unmanned Systems Education Programs in Community Colleges City Community College Program(s) Allen Frisco McKinney Plano Rockwall Online Collin College Aviation Courses: o Advanced Weather for Pilots o Commercial Ground School o Instrument Rating Ground School o Private Pilot Ground School Programs: o CE - Advanced Weather for Pilots o CE - Private Pilot Ground School o CE - Commercial Ground School for Pilots o CE - Instrument Rating Ground School Amarillo Dumas Hereford Amarillo Colleges Certificate Programs: o Aviation Maintenance Technology Certificates: General 7 P a g e

8 Airframe Mechanic o Aerospace Manufacturing Courses: o Aviation Science o Federal Aviation Regulations o Powerplant Mechanic o Introduction to Aviation o Weight and Balance o Federal Aviation Regulations o Ground Operations o Aircraft Propellers o Wood, Fabric and Finishes o Instruments and Navigation/Communication o Airframe Auxiliary Systems o Aircraft Welding o Aircraft Structural Manufacturing o Aerospace Manufacturing o Basic Electricity o Aviation Science o Airframe Electrical Systems o Hydraulic, Pneumatic and Fuel Systems o Landing Gear Systems o Aircraft Turbine Engine Theory o Aircraft Sheet Metal o Aircraft Composites o Aircraft Powerplant Electrical o Cooperative Education: Aircraft Mechanic/ Technician Airframe o Special Topics in Fasteners o Aircraft Sheet Metal o Airframe Inspection o Assembly and Rigging o Powerplant and Auxiliary Power Units o Aircraft Turbine Engine Overhaul o Aircraft Powerplant Inspection o Advanced Composite Repair o Aircraft Reciprocating Engine Overhaul o Aircraft Systems o Aircraft Electrical and Electronic Systems Installation 8 P a g e

9 o Aircraft Electrical/Electronic o Systems Installation II Austin Cedar Park Austin Community College Courses: o Ground Instructor Training Elgin Level 1: Private Pilot Series Kyle Level 2: Instrument Pilot Series Round Rock Level 3: Commercial Pilot Series Baytown Lee College Courses: o Advance Aviation Meteorology o Aviation Safety Program: o Career Pilot Training Courses: o Private Pilot Ground School o Instrument Ground School o Commercial Ground School o Advance Aviation Meteorology o Advance Air Navigation o Aerodynamics o Aircraft Systems o Private Flight o Instrument Flight o Intermediate Flight o Commercial Flight Beeville Alice Kingsville Pleasanton 9 P a g e Coastal Bend College Certificate Program: o Airframe and Power Technology Degree Program: o Airframe and Power Technology (AAS) Program: o General Aviation Courses: o Introduction to Aviation o Shop Practices o Weight and Balance o Federal Aviation Regulations o Wood, Fabric, and Finishes o Instruments and Navigation/Communication o Aircraft Welding o Aircraft Composites o Ground Operations o Basic Electricity o Aviation Science o Aircraft Propellers o Airframe Electrical Systems

10 o Airframe Auxiliary Systems o Hydraulic, Pneumatic, and Fuel Systems o Landing Gear Systems o Aircraft Turbine Engine Theory o Aircraft Sheet Metal o Fuel Metering and Induction Systems o Aircraft Reciprocating Engines o Aircraft Powerplant Electrical o Airframe Inspection o Assembly and Rigging o Aircraft Turbine Engine Overhaul o Aircraft Powerplant Inspection o Aircraft Reciprocating Engine Overhaul Corpus Christi Del Mar College Courses: o Federal Aviation Regulations o Aviation Science Programs: o Aviation Maintenance - Airframe Applied Technology o Aviation Maintenance - Power Plant Applied Science o Professional Electronics - Avionics Electronics Technology Specialty Dallas Mountain View College Course: o Aviation Technology Programs: o Airline o Commercial o Professional Pilot and Flight Crew o Aviation - Airway Management Operations o Air Traffic Controller Fort Worth Arlington Hurst 10 P a g e Tarrant County Colleges Certificate Programs: o Advanced Composite Technology o Aviation Maintenance Technology Airframe o Aviation Maintenance Technology Powerplant, Avionics Line Maintenance

11 o Commercial Pilot - Airplane, o Commercial Pilot - Helicopter o Flight Instructor - Airplane o Flight Instructor Helicopter Degree Programs: o Airframe Maintenance and Avionics Technology (AAS) o Aviation Maintenance Technology (AAS) o Aviation Technology Profess. Pilot - Airplane (AAS) o Aviation Technology - Professional Pilot-Helicopter Courses: o Introduction to Aviation o Weight and Balance o Federal Aviation Regulations o Aircraft Propellers o Wood, Fabric, and Finishes o Instruments & Navigation/Communication o Aircraft Welding o Aircraft Composites o Shop Practices o Ground Operations o Basic Electricity o Aviation Science o Aircraft Reciprocating Engines o Airframe Electrical Systems o Airframe Auxiliary Systems o Hydraulic, Pneumatic, and Fuel Systems o Landing Gear Systems o Aircraft Turbine Engine Theory o Fuel Metering and Induction Systems o Sp Top Aircraft Mech/Tech Airframe o Aircraft Sheet Metal o Aircraft Powerplant Electrical o Oral and Practical Exams, General Spec Topics Aircraft Mech/Tech Airframe o Oral and Practical Exams, Airframe & Powerplant o Airframe Inspection 11 P a g e

12 o Assembly and Rigging o Aircraft Powerplant Inspection o Advanced Composite Repair o Aircraft Turbine Engine Overhaul Turbine Engine Overhaul o Aircraft Reciprocating Engine Overhaul o Private Flight o Intermediate Flight o Private Flight, Helicopter o Intermediate Flight, Helicopter o Air Navigation o Aviation Meteorology o Introduction to Aviation o Advanced Air Navigation o Aerodynamics o Human Factors in Aviation o Instrument Ground School o ST Aircraft Pilot/Navigator Profession o Private Pilot Ground School o Certified Flight Instructor - Airplane o Commercial Flight o Flight Instructor - Instrument Airplane o Instrument Flight o Commercial Flight, Helicopter o Certified Flight Instructor, Helicopter o Flight Instructor-Instrument Helicopter o Aircraft Systems o Commercial Ground School o Instructor Ground School o Turbine Aircraft Systems Ground School o Intro to Aviation Electronic Systems o Aircraft Communication Systems Line Maintenance o Aircraft Navigation System Line Maintenance o Aviation Electric/Electron system 12 P a g e

13 13 P a g e o Install Installation Houston Alvin Community College Courses: o Helicopter Pilot Training o Aviation Maintenance Technology o Airframe Mechanic Certificate o Powerplant Mechanic Certificate Killeen Central Texas College Aviation Science Programs: o Aircraft Powerplant Technology o Technician o Airline o Commercial, Professional Pilot and Flight Crew Courses: o Intermediate Flight 2 o Aircraft Science 3 o Aviation Meteorology 3 o Private Flight 3 o Advanced Air Navigation 3 o Aerodynamics 3 o Private Pilot Ground School 4 o Instrument Ground School 4 o Commercial Flight 2 o Instrument Flight 2 o Commercial Ground School 3 o Propulsion 3 o Propulsion Systems 3 o Airline Management 3 Midland Midland College Certificate Programs: o Airframe o Powerplant Courses: o Aviation Meteorology o Aviation Maintenance Programs: o Airline o Commercial o Professional Pilot and Flight Crew Pasadena San Jacinto College Courses: o Introduction to Aviation Management o Aviation Meteorology o Aviation Safety

14 14 P a g e o Human Factors in Aviation San Antonio Palo Alto College Certificate Program: o Aviation Maintenance Level 1 Course: o Aviation and Airway Management Programs: o Airline o Commercial o Professional Pilot and Flight Crew San Antonio Hallmark College School of Aeronautics Degree Programs: o Aviation Maintenance Management (BS) o Aviation Technician (Diploma) San Antonio St. Phillips College Certificate Programs: o Aviation Science o Aviation Electrical and Electronic System Installation I o Aviation Electrical and Electronic Systems II Courses: o Introduction to Aviation o Weight and Balance o Federal Aviation Regulations o Wood, Fabric, and Finishes o Instruments and Navigation/Communication o Aircraft Welding o Aircraft Composites o Aircraft Structures Practicum o Shop Practices o Ground Operations o Aviation Science o Aircraft Propellers o Aircraft Electrical and Electronic Systems Installation o Aircraft Auxiliary Systems o Landing Gear Systems o Aircraft Turbine Engine Theory o Fuel Metering and Induction Systems o Basic Electricity o Aircraft Reciprocating Engines o Aircraft Electrical Systems

15 San Antonio Universal City o Hydraulic, Pneumatic and Fuel Systems o Aircraft Sheet Metal o Powerplant Electrical o Airframe Inspection o Assembly and Rigging o Aircraft Turbine Engine Overhaul o Aircraft Power Plant Inspection o Aircraft Reciprocating Engine Overhaul o Internship - Airframe Mechanics and Aircraft Maintenance Technology/Technician o Aircraft Reciprocating Overhaul Alamo Colleges Certificate Programs: o Aircraft Mechanic Airframe o Aircraft Mechanic Power plant o Aircraft Structures Mechanic o Aircraft Turbine Mechanic o Aviation Management Level I o Avionics o Aircraft Technology o Certified Flight Instructor Level I Preparation o Commercial Pilot Level I o Instrument Pilot Level I o Multi-Engine Pilot Level I o Private Pilot Level I Degree Programs: o Aircraft Technical Airframe (AAS) o Aircraft Technician Power plant (AAS) o Aircraft Dispatcher (AAS) o Air Traffic Control (AAS) o Aviation Management (AAS) o Professional Pilot (AAS) Aerospace Academy Programs: o Airline o Commercial o Professional Pilot and Flight Crew o Aviation - Airway Management Operations 15 P a g e

16 Uvalde Southwest Texas Junior College Programs: o Airline o Commercial o Professional Pilot and Flight Crew Waco Harlingen Houston Houston C Colleges Texas State Technical College Courses: o Aircraft Pilot Training o Aircraft Dispatch Technology o Avionics Technology o Aviation Maintenance Technology Houston Community Programs: o Aircraft Powerplant Technology Technician o Airframe Mechanics and Aircraft Maintenance Technology o Technician o Airline o Commercial o Professional Pilot and Flight Crew Programs: o Airframe Mechanics o Aircraft Maintenance Technology, Technician UTA conducted a survey to identify and catalog existing Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS) education programs at institutions of higher learning in Texas. The survey include institutions offering Bachelor of Science degrees and/or higher. There were 12 universities found in Texas of which Texas A&M University Corpus Christi and Embry Riddle Aeronautical University has a UAS Operations program and degree program in Unmanned Systems. Universities Table 3 Unmanned Systems Education Programs in Universities City University Program(s) Arlington University of Texas at Arlington Courses: o Introduction to Aviation o Aviation Maintenance o Aviation Safety o Aviation Law o Public Policy and Regulatory Environment o Aerospace Engineering 16 P a g e

17 o Civil Engineering o Electrical Engineering Austin University of Texas at Austin Courses: o Aerospace Engineering o Engineering Mechanics College Station Texas A&M University Degree Programs: o Aerospace Engineering (BS, Minor, MS, MEngr, PhD) Corpus Christi Texas A&M University - Corpus Christi Lone Star UAS Center of Excellence UAS Operations Mission Control Center Texas A&M Engineering 17 P a g e Experiment Station (TEES) Center for Autonomous Vehicles and Sensor Systems Denton University of North Texas Degree Program: o Aviation Logistics (BS) o General Aeronautics (BS) o Aviation (BS) o Aerospace Science and Technology (BS) Fort Worth Embry Riddle Aeronautical University Courses: o Introduction to Aviation Industry o Aviation Maintenance Programs o Aviation Safety o Aviation Law o Public Policy and Regulatory Environment o Cooperative Education in Aerospace Studies o Electrical Engineering Certificate Program: o Aviation Maintenance Technology Part 65 Degree Programs: o Unmanned Systems (MS) o Aviation Business Admin. (AS, BS, MS) o Aviation Maintenance (AS, BS) o Aviation Security (BS) o Aeronautics (AS, BS)

18 Aviation Maintenance Systems Engineer Project Management Houston Texas Southern University Degree Programs: o Aviation (BA) o Aeronautics o Aerospace Science and Technology (BS) Houston University of Houston Degree Programs: o Aerospace Engineering (PhD) o Aerospace Aeronautical and Astronautical Engineering (MS) o Aerospace Engineering - Non-Thesis (MS) o Aerospace Engineering - Thesis (MS) Killeen Tarleton State University Aviation Science Stephenville Fort Worth Killeen Stephenville Fort Worth Texas A&M University - Central Texas Degree Programs: o Aviation Science (AAS) o Aviation History I (BS) o Aviation History II (BS) 18 P a g e o Aviation History III (BS) Courses: o Aviation Law o Aviation Safety Longview LeTourneau University Degree Programs: o Mission Aviation o Aviation Studies o Business Administration in Aviation and Airway Management o Business Management in Aviation Management (BS) o Aviation o Aeronautical and Aerospace Engineering Technology o General Aeronautics o Aerospace Science and Technology o Business (BS) Waco Baylor University Aviation Science

19 V. Industry Response to Programs needed for the Education System to be Responsive to the Needs of the UAS Industry Results from the June 13, 2014 UASC Industry Demand Occupation survey provided input in support of the development of the necessary and desired UAS workplace skills sets. For example, survey question #5 asked, What education programs are needed in Texas to fill the gap to create an Unmanned Aircraft Systems Education? The responses to this question were sorted by levels K-12, Certificate, Two-Year Degree and Four-Year Degree. Table 4 Education Programs Needed for K-12, Certificate, Two-Year Degree, and Four-Year Degree Levels Level Need K-12 More robotics-focused classes/clubs/activities to spur interest in elementary and secondary schools. Certificate Training for guidance and vocational counselors on the career opportunities in UAS and aviation in general. Junior high and high school curriculum Aerial Robotics and Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) based programs. UAS school competitions. Community-based aerial robotics for Boy Scouts/Girl Scouts, science technology centers, and summer STEM programs. Training for K-12 that consists of general unmanned education focusing on STEM with emphasis on UAS and unmanned systems in the land, marine, and submarine domains. Programs that should inspire students to pursue certificates while in high school. Certification program for UAS flight instructors and small UAS repair. Combine existing education programs with UAS focus to obtain specific certifications and degrees for industry requirements. Operating the equipment is important and training will be required. However, the biggest growth opportunity is the development of the systems used to fly UAS. The key to UAS will be engineering the aircraft, ground station, and computer systems. Airworthiness certification process education, UAS related system overview training, UAS related historical perspective education, and current/emerging 19 P a g e

20 UAS related system education. Two-Year Degree Four-Year Degree 20 P a g e Training certification programs by an accredited institution in which certificates are recognized by state and federal agencies such as the FAA. Certificate programs for FAA certification of airspace controllers regarding UAS capabilities, airspace policy, and management. There is likely a need for UAS education programs in a number of areas, some of which may require a two or four year degree program, while others may only require a certification of defined skills and completion of a requisite amount of experience. Each state will have to determine its UAS industry needs, and then design education to meet those stated needs. Programs should include track to prepare students for continued unmanned education at community college level. There will obviously be a need for these programs as well as shorter-term training for specific systems' development, manufacturing, piloting, maintenance and operation. There are a number of UAS degree programs, as well as other training, offered in a number of other states. Their program content would likely be identical, or at least very similar, to what our state needs, so it would be helpful to collect information on what is already being offered. UAS introductory classes focused on safety for the general public offered through continuing education programs and the secondary and postsecondary levels. Also, UAS introductory classes that include information on aerodynamics, weather, radio communications, and flight operations. AAS degrees for the following: o AAS Degree for Tier 1 - Tier 3 systems: Operator Maintainer Communications specialist o AAS Degree for Tier 1 - Tier 3 systems: A&P technician - leverage existing piloted aircraft courses and develop specialty courses for the curriculum Communications technician Programs should include track to prepare students for continuing education at University level. There are a number of universities that have UAS specialties in their engineering departments. But in reality a UAS is not much different than a manned aircraft, except the cockpit element is on the ground - which actually

21 simplifies things. Courses needed in conceptual aircraft design. Most universities fail miserably in this area. Kansas State University has a UAS training program. I'm not sure if Texas schools have a similar program, but if not, then a UAS training program must be started. The program should include manufacturing technologies as well as flight training. BS degrees for the following: o BS Degree for Tier 4 & 5 systems: Pilot Flight Engineer Payload Systems Operator o BS Degree for All Tiers: Software Engineer - simulation, payload, communications, encryption There is likely a need for UAS education programs in a number of areas, some of which may require a two- or four-year degree program, while others may only require a certification of defined skills and completion of a requisite amount of experience. If you are talking about hardware and software development (i.e. sensors, batteries, or other power sources, engines, etc.), you probably need a degree program. Oklahoma State University, for example, has a graduate degree program in Unmanned Systems for vehicle design and engineering. This is one of only a handful of degree programs in the U.S. that I am aware of, either graduate or under-graduate. Both Spartan School of Aeronautics and Embry-Riddle University are located in Oklahoma, but I am unaware of any UAS-specific training they are providing in Oklahoma, at this time. Each state will have to determine its UAS industry needs, and then design education to meet those stated needs. 21 P a g e

22 VI. Acronyms AS AAS BA BS MEngr MS PhD FAA FAR STEM UAS Associate of Science Degree Associate of Applied Science Degree Bachelor of Arts Degree Bachelor of Science Degree Master of Engineering Master of Science Degree Doctorate Degree Federal Aviation Administration Federal Aviation Regulation Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics Unmanned Aircraft System 22 P a g e