LocoRobo's Ohio Student FAA Part 107 Training Part Of BVLOS Drone Demo

Last week, LocoRobo, in collaboration with Eagle Robotics and Ottawa County, Ohio, launched an innovative program integrating drone education and practical experience. The three-day event, held at the Liberty Aviation Museum, focused on training high school students for the FAA Part 107 certification exam and included a hands-on BVLOS (Beyond Visual Line of Sight) drone delivery demonstration.

Educational Program and BVLOS Demonstration

The event, held at the Liberty Aviation Museum, was spearheaded by Pramod Abichandani, founder of LocoRobo and Eagle Robotics. LocoRobo's innovative curriculum focused on preparing high school students for the FAA Part 107 certification exam, while the hands-on drone demonstration was coordinated by Eagle Robotics. Over three days, students learned about the four fundamental forces affecting drone flight—thrust, drag, weight, and lift—as well as piloting techniques, safety regulations, and aeronautical decision-making. They also gained insights into the real-world application of drones in logistics, emphasizing the operational and safety standards required for BVLOS operations.

The training concluded with "Operation Lollipop Drop," a hands-on drone delivery demonstration across Lake Erie, led by Eagle Robotics co-founder Craig Iaboni. The name “Operation Lollipop Drop” originated from the unique cargo delivered—a package of Dum-Dum lollipops, donated by the Ohio-based Spangler Candy Company to celebrate their 100th anniversary. The fully autonomous drone, followed by a chase boat led by Nikolai Blumensaadt, Director of Unmanned Systems at Ottawa County Improvement Corporation, departed from Catawba Island State Park and successfully delivered its cargo to the South Bass Island Lighthouse in just over 17 minutes. This demonstration showcased the practical application of the skills taught during the program and the capabilities of BVLOS drone technology.

Collaborative Efforts and Future Impact

The program was a joint effort of LocoRobo and Eagle Robotics with the Erie-Ottawa International Airport and the Ottawa County Improvement Corporation, aiming to equip students with the knowledge and hands-on experience needed for a future in drone technology. The curriculum, developed by LocoRobo in alignment with FAA regulations, provided students with foundational skills that mirror those required for private pilot training, including aeronautical decision-making and understanding when and where it is safe to fly.

Students like Rose Fanning, who attended the program, expressed enthusiasm for the comprehensive training they received. "I've learned so much valuable information," said Fanning, who now aspires to pursue a career in aviation and drone piloting. This hands-on experience has fueled her passion for both planes and drones, highlighting the effectiveness of LocoRobo and Eagle Robotics' approach to integrating STEM education with emerging technologies.

Driving Regional Innovation in Drone Technology

The success of this program and the demonstration underscores the importance of community collaboration in fostering innovation. As Ohio continues to integrate emerging drone technology, the efforts by LocoRobo and Eagle Robotics serve as a model for how education and practical application can come together to prepare a skilled workforce ready to meet future technological demands. Ottawa County officials, including Chris Singerling Executive Director of the Ottawa County Improvement Corporation, and Clay Finken, Director of the Erie-Ottawa International Airport, emphasized the significance of such initiatives for local economic development and the potential for broader applications of drone technology. "This is the first of many steps," said Finken, highlighting the ongoing commitment to integrating this technology into everyday life and ensuring that Ohio remains at the forefront of drone innovation.

By blending education with real-world application, LocoRobo and its partners are setting a new standard for STEM learning, ensuring that students are not only prepared for today's certification exams but are also inspired to lead tomorrow's technological advancements.