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It's A Bird, It's A Plane It's... A Drone Over Paramus?

PARAMUS, N.J. — Bergen Community College in Paramus received approval from the federal government to launch an informational session on drone courses.

The FAA granted Bergen Community College clearance to operate drones on campus, making it one of only three community colleges to receive such an exemption from the federal government, according to a press release.

The FAA granted Bergen Community College clearance to operate drones on campus, making it one of only three community colleges to receive such an exemption from the federal government, according to a press release.

Photo Credit: Special To Daily Voice

The two-part drone class offers students a path to a Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) remote pilot’s license, a requirement to operate an unmanned aerial system (drone). 

In 2016, the FAA granted Bergen Community College clearance to operate drones on campus, making it one of only three community colleges to receive such an exemption from the federal government, according to a press release.

Taught by instructor Scott Strimple, a United Airlines pilot for 25 years and an experienced drone operator, the course includes FAA exam preparation as well as hands-on flying experience after students complete and pass the exam.

The Association for Unmanned Vehicle Systems International estimates that the drone industry could create nearly 2,000 jobs in New Jersey by the end of 2025, with projections of more than 100,000 new jobs across the U.S. 

The FAA estimates that nearly five million drones will be sold in 2017, almost twice the amount that flew off shelves last year.

The public session will be on Sat., Feb. 4 from 10 to 11 a.m. in the Technology Education Center at the main campus in Paramus, 400 Paramus Road. 

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