Purdue University announced today that the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has selected its Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS) program for the Unmanned Aircraft Systems-Collegiate Training Initiative (UAS-CTI).

“This partnership with the FAA validates the rigorous, safety-focused curriculum we have built at Purdue,” said Damon Lercel, assistant professor and researcher in the School of Aviation and Transportation Technology (SATT). “Being part of the UAS-CTI ensures that our students are not only learning the technology of today but are also aligned with the future regulations and operational standards of the National Airspace System. It connects our classroom directly to the industry’s governing body.”

The FAA’s UAS-CTI program recognizes institutions that prepare students for careers in unmanned aircraft systems, commonly referred to as drones. In order to qualify for the initiative, schools must offer a bachelor’s or associate degree in UAS or a degree with a minor, concentration, or certificate in UAS. Schools must provide curriculum covering various aspects of UAS training, including hands-on flight practice, maintenance, uses, applications, privacy concerns, safety, and federal policies concerning UAS.

“Our goal is to produce graduates who are ready to lead in this sector, whether that is in commercial delivery, public safety, or advanced research,” said Brian Dillman, head of SATT and associate professor. “This collaboration provides a framework for us to share best practices with the FAA and other institutions, ensuring Purdue remains at the forefront of aviation education.”

Purdue Polytechnic offers a comprehensive Bachelor of Science in Unmanned Aerial Systems and is charting the path toward Advanced Air Mobility (AAM) technologies and large-scale, autonomous mission applications. The program aims to provide students with an impactful learning experience focused on next-generation autonomous aviation. This includes advanced aircraft technologies, Unmanned Traffic Management System, sensor suites, AI-driven data analysis, and Geographic Information Systems (GIS). Advanced UAS labs, such as the Center on AI for Digital, Autonomous, and Augmented Aviation (AIDA3), the Purdue Augmented Aviation Lab and Data Analysis Center, provide students with opportunities to engage in cutting-edge research and hands-on experience with advanced autonomous operations.

Additional information

• Learn more about the FAA UAS-CTI Program
• Explore Purdue’s Unmanned Aerial Systems major
• Discover Purdue’s UAS Research and Test Facility (PURT)