Texas A&M-RELLIS and the Unmanned Safety Institute marked the conclusion of their inaugural Professional Remote Operator Program on Thursday by honoring three graduates. The ceremony took place at the Bryan campus, located on the grounds of the former Bryan Army Air Field, a site with deep military aviation roots.
The students finished 12 weeks of online coursework before attending three days of in-person training from August 18 to 20. This final phase focused on hands-on flight instruction and practical operations at the facility.
The location holds historical significance for military aviation. Activated in 1943, the airfield originally served as a U.S. Army Air Forces instructors’ school designed to standardize instrument flying protocols. It was later reactivated as Bryan Air Force Base, where future astronauts Edwin “Buzz” Aldrin and Virgil “Gus” Grissom served as instructors.
John Barton, executive director of Texas A&M-RELLIS, noted the continuity between the site’s past and present mission. He stated that just as the airfield once prepared military aviators for national service, the current program aims to equip aviation professionals with skills needed in an economy increasingly reliant on unmanned aircraft systems.
The curriculum extends beyond standard preparation for the Federal Aviation Administration’s Part 107 examination. Participants learned to conduct safe flight operations and assist organizations in establishing professional drone programs.
Graduates received four credentials: the FAA Remote Pilot Certificate under Part 107, USI Visual Line of Sight Operations Ground Certification at Safety Level 3, USI Visual Line of Sight Operations Flight Certification at Safety Level 4, and a Texas A&M-RELLIS Certificate of Completion.
Brad Hall, director of operations at Texas A&M-RELLIS, emphasized that employers seek professionals who can manage drone programs, not just pass exams. He said the graduates now possess the necessary foundation for these roles.
