By Andi Anderson
The Digital Ag Innovation Lab at Iowa State University and Terraplex Ag have partnered to offer a comprehensive training program designed to help individuals become certified commercial drone operators. The two-day FAA Part 107 Test Prep Course will provide participants with the knowledge and practical skills needed to prepare for the FAA Remote Pilot exam.
The course is scheduled for November 30 and December 1, 2026, and will take place from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. each day. Training sessions will be held in person at the Alliant Energy Agriculture Innovation Lab in Ames, Iowa.
Drones are becoming increasingly important in modern agriculture. Farmers and agricultural professionals use drone technology for crop monitoring, field mapping, spraying operations, and other precision agriculture tasks. To operate drones commercially in the United States, individuals must obtain FAA Part 107 certification, making specialized training highly valuable.
The program will cover essential topics required for success on the FAA Remote Pilot exam. Participants will receive instruction on federal regulations, airspace classifications, operational limitations, and safe drone practices. The course also includes study materials, practice examinations, hands-on review sessions, and lunch during both training days.
Training will be led by Sam Welton, Terraplex Ag's director of compliance, who brings significant experience in both military and agricultural drone operations. Welton has six years of military experience operating the U.S. Army's RQ-7B Shadow unmanned aircraft systems and an additional five years of experience flying agricultural spray drones. His expertise will help participants better understand both the technical and practical aspects of drone operation.
Registration offers an early enrollment discount for participants who register before November 13, 2026. The early bird fee is $449, while registrations submitted after that date will cost $500. Registration closes on November 20, 2026.
To ensure quality instruction and personalized attention, enrollment is limited to between 10 and 30 participants. Organizers encourage interested individuals to register early, as available seats may fill quickly. After registration is submitted, members of the Terraplex Ag team will contact participants to confirm enrollment details.
The Digital Ag Innovation Lab works closely with Iowa State University Extension and Outreach to support agricultural communities through technology, innovation, and education. Through programs like this drone certification course, the organization helps connect producers, students, and industry professionals with emerging technologies that can improve agricultural efficiency and workforce development.
As drone adoption continues to grow across agriculture, this training program provides a valuable opportunity for participants to gain industry-recognized certification and develop skills that can support careers in farming, agribusiness, and precision agriculture technology.
Photo Credit: istock-psisa
Categories: Iowa, Education