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MiraCosta TCI Drone Pilot & Technician Program

Course Description

180 Hours. Focus on advanced applications, workforce readiness, and professional credentials. Ideal for students pursuing a career pathway in drone operations, inspection, or technical integration. Students will learn basic essential soldering skills to prepare for hands-on work as drone technicians in assembling and repairing drone electronics. Subjects include:

• Drone flight safety and risk management

• System integration and hardware basics

• Software operations and data management

• FAA certification prep and emerging regulations

• Hands-on flight training and field operations

• Industry insights and guest speakers (based on availability)

• OSHA-10 Training and Certification

• Lean Process Improvement for workplace efficiency

• Intro to Drone Photography and Videography

• Intro to Drone Mapping, Surveying, and Aerial Data Processing

• Intro to Multispectral Drone Use in Agriculture

• Career Readiness and Networking modules

The goal is to develop certified pilots who can operate safely, capture and analyze aerial data, and step directly into industry roles across construction, utilities, environmental monitoring and agriculture.

Notes

 GI Bill®, Sallie Mae funding available.

Prerequisites

  • Complete application by clicking here --> Work Skills Application.
  • Upon approval of the Work Skills Application, students will receive an email outlining the next steps: which will include a discussion about your career goals.
  • After prerequisites are completed, students will be notified by email of their acceptance into the program.

Testimonials

“I sincerely appreciate the vote of confidence you all gave me by accepting me into this program. Without your generosity, there is no way I could have done this. I am thrilled at the challenges that were the fruit of this course. I will always remember the challenges and mistakes. They allowed me to actually love learning again and grow. Cohort 5 has opened up a new family for me. I shall always be grateful.”  Student from Cohort 5

“You are a valuable institution to this community and that you are thoughtful about those industries that are most current and will lead into the future. Keep doing what you do and continue to grow good leaders and neighbors.”  Student from Cohort 5

Applies Towards the Following Certificates or Course Series

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Application

Name
Work Skills Application
Instructions
Application must be completed and reviewed by MiraCosta College Technology Career Institute staff prior to acceptance into the program.  If you need assistance with the application, please CALL 760.757.2121 ext 6528.

Enroll Now - Select a section and enroll

Section Title
Drone Pilot & Technician Program
Type
Class
Days
M, T, W, Th
Time
6:30PM to 9:30PM
Dates
Feb 23, 2026 to Jun 04, 2026
Type
Class
Days
Sa
Time
10:00AM to 1:00PM
Dates
Apr 18, 2026
Type
Class
Days
Sa
Time
10:00AM to 1:00PM
Dates
May 02, 2026
Type
Class
Days
Sa
Time
10:00AM to 1:00PM
Dates
May 09, 2026
Schedule and Location
Contact Hours
165.0
Delivery Options
Lecture/Lab  
Course Fee(s)
Fee not-for-credit $3,000.00 Click here to get more information
Instructors

Section Notes

Mon-Thurs, 2/23-6/4, 6:30-9:30PM (Mon-Wed at OC T510, Thurs at TCI) and 3 Sat, 4/18, 5/2,  and 5/9

 

GI Bill® and Sallie Mae funding available funding available.

Section Title
Drone Pilot & Technician Program
Type
Class
Days
M, T, W, Th
Time
5:30PM to 8:30PM
Dates
Aug 31, 2026 to Dec 03, 2026
Type
Class
Days
Sa
Time
10:00AM to 1:00PM
Dates
Sep 26, 2026
Type
Class
Days
Sa
Time
10:00AM to 1:00PM
Dates
Oct 03, 2026
Type
Class
Days
Sa
Time
10:00AM to 1:00PM
Dates
Oct 24, 2026
Type
Class
Days
Sa
Time
10:00AM to 1:00PM
Dates
Nov 14, 2026
Type
Class
Days
Sa
Time
10:00AM to 1:00PM
Dates
Nov 21, 2026
Schedule and Location
Contact Hours
165.0
Delivery Options
Lecture/Lab  
Course Fee(s)
Fee not-for-credit $3,000.00 Click here to get more information
Instructors

Section Notes

GI Bill® and Sallie Mae funding available funding available.

Additional steps required to enroll, see page 38.

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