One-day class on drones set for OSU-OKC

Tuesday, April 1, 2025

Media Contact: Matt Price | Director, Marketing and Communications | 405-945-6733 | matthew.l.price@okstate.edu

Look, up in the sky!

What you might be seeing is a drone. Drone flying technology leads to breakthroughs in many areas, including first responder operations.

Oklahoma State University-Oklahoma City will host a “Drone Discovery Day” course from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., April 26, on the OSU-OKC campus. There are no prerequisites to sign up, and drone owners can bring their own drones, or Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs), if they would like. The flying device is known as a UAV; the entire flying system is known as a UAS, or Unmanned Aircraft System.

Darren Hensley, owner of American Drones, will be one of the program's instructors.

“In the discovery drones class, one of the things we're going to provide you with is an option to bring your own drone and, you know, we can get you flying your own drone, or we could teach you something new about the drone you have.”

Kevin Stoneking, a former first responder, is the other instructor for the program. He first became involved with drones after retiring from the Oklahoma City Fire Department.

“When I retired from the Oklahoma City Fire Department, I got into it, recreational playing with the drones, just for the camera drones, and then I saw the benefits of how this could be used for emergency services, and I think that's where my heart lies, is with the emergency services.”

The one-day class at OSU-OKC will provide a high-level overview for those interested in learning how drones work and the business opportunities they offer.

“We're wanting to give people a shot at seeing what it's about,” Stoneking said. “See what drones are. We heard them all in the news and for the good and bad, but the industry is exploding.”

Future classes could include pilot training, maintenance, repair, robotics and other industry-related courses.

To use your drone for commercial purposes, you will need a license under the Small UAS Rule (Part 107). Pilots must obtain a Remote Pilot Certificate from the FAA, demonstrating knowledge of the regulations, operating requirements, and procedures for safely flying drones. Training for the Part 107 certification is also among the classes being developed at OSU-OKC. 

To register for the class, visit:  https://apply.osuokc.edu/register/Drones