Remote Aircraft Pilot: Program Overview, Universities, Careers & Salaries
Program Overview
Designed for aspiring professionals in the rapidly evolving field of aerial technology, this program equips learners with the technical expertise and regulatory knowledge required to operate unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) safely and effectively. Graduates are prepared to pursue certification through the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) as a Remote Pilot with a small UAS (sUAS) rating, opening pathways in commercial, industrial, and public service applications.
- Unmanned Aircraft System (UAS) Design and Performance: Explores the structural, aerodynamic, and operational characteristics of drones, including payload integration, endurance, and environmental adaptability.
- Flight Systems and Control Mechanisms: Covers telemetry, remote piloting interfaces, autopilot functions, and real-time data feedback essential for precise aircraft operation.
- Airway Safety and Air Traffic Regulations: Focuses on airspace classification, flight planning protocols, collision avoidance, and coordination with manned aviation systems.
- Regulatory Compliance and Aviation Law: Examines federal, state, and local policies governing UAS operations, including privacy considerations, operational limitations, and enforcement standards.
Remote Aircraft Pilot Graduate Trends (2010-2024)
Remote Aircraft Pilot Career Pathways & Salary Outlook
The following table presents salary data for occupations typically aligned with Remote Aircraft Pilot degrees, including . These career paths represent common employment outcomes but are not guaranteed for all graduates. Salary ranges vary by location, employer, experience level, and specific role requirements.
Career salary data is not available for this program.
Top Universities for Remote Aircraft Pilot by Graduate Enrollment
Below are the top 20 institutions offering Remote Aircraft Pilot programs for the 2023-2024 academic year (the most recent data reported as of 2025), ranked by the number of graduates. The highest graduate enrollment in Remote Aircraft Pilot is found at University of North Dakota (UND) (31 graduates), Parkland College (23 graduates), Southern Crescent Technical College (SCTC) (17 graduates), Aims Community College (9 graduates), and Sauk Valley Community College (SVCC) (8 graduates). Combined, these colleges produced 127 graduates across all degree levels. Program availability varies by award level, including Associate, Bachelor's, Master's, and Doctoral degrees at participating universities and schools.
| College Name | Award Levels | Graduates | Location | Control | Website |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| University of North Dakota (UND) |
Bachelor's
|
31 | Grand Forks, North Dakota | Public | und.edu |
| Parkland College |
Residency
Other Award
|
23 | Champaign, Illinois | Public | parkland.edu |
| Southern Crescent Technical College (SCTC) |
Other Award
|
17 | Griffin, Georgia | Public | sctech.edu |
| Aims Community College |
Residency
|
9 | Greeley, Colorado | Public | aims.edu |
| Sauk Valley Community College (SVCC) |
Residency
|
8 | Dixon, Illinois | Public | svcc.edu |
| Oakton College |
Residency
|
5 | Des Plaines, Illinois | Public | oakton.edu |
| Atlantic Cape Community College |
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
Associate's
Other Award
|
5 | Mays Landing, New Jersey | Public | atlanticcape.edu |
| Olney Central College (OCC) |
Associate's
Other Award
|
4 | Olney, Illinois | Public | iecc.edu |
| Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University |
Other Award
|
4 | Daytona Beach, Florida | Private | worldwide.erau.edu |
| Park University |
Other Award
|
3 | Parkville, Missouri | Private | park.edu |
| South Dakota State University (SDSU) |
Other Award
|
3 | Brookings, South Dakota | Public | sdstate.edu |
| Carroll Community College |
Associate's
Other Award
|
3 | Westminster, Maryland | Public | carrollcc.edu |
| William Rainey Harper College |
Other Award
|
2 | Palatine, Illinois | Public | harpercollege.edu |
| University of Massachusetts |
Postbac Cert.
|
2 | Amherst, Massachusetts | Public | umass.edu |
| Montana Technological University (Montana Tech) |
Other Award
|
2 | Butte, Montana | Public | mtech.edu |
| University of Wyoming (UW) |
Postbac Cert.
|
2 | Laramie, Wyoming | Public | uwyo.edu |
| Morgan Community College (MCC) |
Other Award
|
1 | Fort Morgan, Colorado | Public | morgancc.edu |
| Central Michigan University (CMU) |
Other Award
|
1 | Mount Pleasant, Michigan | Public | cmich.edu |
| Bismarck State College (BSC) |
Residency
|
1 | Bismarck, North Dakota | Public | bismarckstate.edu |
| Southern Utah University (SUU) |
Other Award
|
1 | Cedar City, Utah | Public | suu.edu |
Frequently Asked Questions
Find answers to the most common questions about Remote Aircraft Pilot programs
Which universities have the largest Remote Aircraft Pilot programs?
Currently 20 accredited institutions offer Remote Aircraft Pilot degrees across the U.S. Programs with the highest enrollment include University of North Dakota (UND) (31 graduates), Parkland College (23 graduates), and Southern Crescent Technical College (SCTC) (17 graduates).
Program size doesn't necessarily indicate quality—consider factors like faculty expertise, production opportunities, location, and available degree levels when choosing a school.
Data based on IPEDS program completions for 2023-2024 academic year. Numbers reflect programs where students graduated.
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