A camera that flies — and how to earn the license to use it.
The advent of drone technology gives journalists and filmmakers a powerful new tool — a camera that flies! We will teach you how to fly a drone to achieve the best aerial shots and other uses within the field of journalism. But most importantly, this module will cover how this new tool comes with a slew of legal and ethical questions. You must be licensed by the federal government to operate as a drone journalist. The biggest part of this course will be preparation for the FAA's remote pilot exam. It will also introduce you to a variety of local laws and ethical guidelines that are crucial to how you fly as a drone journalist.
Each week of class will be structured around one or more topics and there will be work expected before each class.
You are required to buy a textbook for this course. ASA's Remote Pilot Test Prep 2026-2027 will form the backbone of the module and we will use the included maps extensively in the course. There is no way to complete the course without the book. Please let me know asap if you are unable to purchase the book for any reason.
You will need a new, physical copy of the current edition. No used or digital options can be used.
Two of our class sessions will be dedicated to flying in person on the weekend, and you'll take your FAA exam off site in lieu of your final class. Because of these additional time requirements, we meet on campus for seven weeks — the first seven Fridays of the semester.
There will be several available slots for in-person flying at Calvert Vaux Park, Brooklyn, 9:30am–4pm. You are expected to come to just one of them. Flight dates are TBD — I'll announce them early in the semester along with a sign-up sheet, and we can add additional dates if needed.
The dates we meet in the field could easily change based on weather and FAA TFRs (temporary flight restrictions), so I will verify in writing each session. Please note, the meeting point at Calvert Vaux isn't close to public transport, so please allow enough time to walk there. If this is a problem for you for whatever reason let me know and we'll work it out. Please plan ahead!
It is the most important outcome of the course that you pass the official FAA test at the end of the module. Newmark is graciously covering the exam fee ($173). I'll provide you with your unique voucher number at the final class. You then will need to schedule the exam at an FAA testing center. Your score on that test counts as the final test score for the course. You'll be able to book the location and time of the exam here. Please review the test requirements.
No. I'm not using zoom anymore.
FAA Part 107 regulations. Chapter 1.
The National Airspace System. Identify where you can and can't fly (Chapter 2, part 1). Quiz.
Longitude, latitude & airport operations. Chapter 2, part 2. Quiz.
Weather. How weather affects drone flight, the restrictions on flying in certain conditions and how to read old-fashioned FAA weather reports. Chapter 3. Quiz.
Aircraft performance. How aircraft perform in different situations based on the specific qualities of air and angles of wings, etc. If you've heard of airplanes stalling, you'll finally understand why it happens. Chapter 4. Quiz.
Pilot operations. What is expected of you as a pilot other than flying your aircraft, including inspections, crew management and what the FAA describes as hazardous attitudes. Chapter 5. Quiz.
Local laws & ethics. All the rules that are not included in federal drone regulations, such as state and local laws, including NYC's rules — plus the ethics around flying in journalistic situations. Quiz. You'll receive your FAA exam voucher today.
Flight training. Calvert Vaux Park, Brooklyn. Dates TBD — sign-up sheet to come. Attend one session.
FAA Part 107 exam. Taken at an FAA testing center in lieu of a final class — schedule yours at faa.psiexams.com.
This syllabus may be updated. I'll let you know if anything is added or changed.
Your grade will be determined based on your scores on the final test, weekly quizzes and practice tests.
Extra credit: extra practice tests beyond the 4 assigned tests, completed before the Part 107 test.
Late work receives a 50% reduction in grade.
No course incompletes will be given. You must complete the FAA Part 107 test by the time I need to submit grades in December. Failure to do so will result in a failure in the course.
Unlike other equipment, we cannot check out drones to students. All of our flying will be done with Travis at Calvert Vaux Park. The only time we would be agreeable to lend a drone is if a student is both insured and Part 107 licensed.