Long Island youth become future drone pilots

Long Island youth are charting a new course for their futures at a dynamic aviation camp through the Cradle of Aviation museum.

The Drone Aviators of Tomorrow program provided 12 participants ages 17 to 19 from towns across Long Island with six weeks of instruction and training on “drone operation, construction, and business development,” according to the news release. They graduated on Aug. 15 with the skills to move forward with their certifications to join the workforce.

“The Drone Aviators of Tomorrow program is more than just technical training. It is an investment in the future of our community,” Andy Parton, president of the Cradle of Aviation, said in the news release. “By providing these young people with exposure to STEM education and career opportunities, we are empowering them to become the next generation of leaders and innovators.”

Participants were taught drone technology and the way it’s used in multiple sectors. They went on multiple field trips to see how drones are used and operated, and they received hands-on instruction throughout the six weeks.

They even started the process to obtain their FAA Part 107 drone pilot license, which is required for people aspiring to work in the field. 

“I think it’s something, especially as a group, that’s going to impact our future greatly,” Andrew Alameda, a program participant said.

The Cradle of Aviation was the “work site” for this program, said Kurt Rockensies, deputy commissioner of occupational resources for HempsteadWorks, and this was the first year HempsteadWorks partnered with the museum. Rockensies said that each participant was paid $17 per hour, with weeks totaling up to 30 hours, to take part in the program.

HempsteadWorks is one of 30 career centers across New York state, and it services the Town of Hempstead and the city of Long Beach. They “offer career services to youth and adults,” Rockensies said, including interview skills, resume writing, and career readiness.

Their Student Youth Employment Program has grown over the past few years, with increasing sponsors, more community involvement, and new programs, like the drone camp. It runs throughout the summer to connect young people with “career exploration opportunities,” according to the news release.

Other organizations partnered with HempsteadWorks and the Cradle of Aviation to sponsor the program, including the Institute for Workforce Advancement, Vaughn College of Aeronautics and Technology and the Haugland Group LLC.

“I hope that [the participants] realize that there are so many opportunities in the composites manufacturing industry,” Susan McQuillan, administrative and operations coordinator for the Institute for Workforce Advancement, said.