Where Job Seekers Grow Skills and Careers Take Flight.
Pathway to Careers connects motivated job seekers with the skills, training, and hands‑on experience they need to step confidently into the workforce. Through industry‑aligned courses and immersive camps, we equip learners of all ages with practical knowledge, real‑world exposure, and a clear path toward high‑demand career opportunities.
We are proud to serve these following organizations:
eAviation & Drone Academy is partnering with New Horizons Regional Education Center to offer the Unmanned Aircraft Systems Program to high school students (18 college credits).
Remote Pilot Certification Preparation Course (FAA Part 107)
register today!
Tuesdays, Jan 20 - Mar 3 | 5:30 to 8 PM
Anyone flying a drone for business, commercial enterprise, or non-profit work needs to operate under Part 107 rules and must have a Part 107 Remote Pilot Certification from the FAA. This certificate is legal proof that the drone pilot complies with the knowledge and safety standards of the FAA.
Upon successful completion of this course, the student will be prepared to take the FAA Part 107 Exam at an approved FAA Testing Center. The instructor has taught over 850 students this course and 98.5% of the students have passed the exam. Tuesdays 5:30 - 8 PM at Smithfield High School or attend the live instruction online (via ZOOM) | COST: $350.00
No Drones required. Live online Zoom (also recorded)
Mon and Wed, Jan 26 - Feb 25 | 9 - 11 am
Anyone flying a drone for business, commercial enterprise, or non-profit work needs to operate under Part 107 rules and must have a Part 107 Remote Pilot Certification from the FAA. This certificate is legal proof that the drone pilot complies with the knowledge and safety standards of the FAA.
Upon successful completion of this course, the student will be prepared to take the FAA Part 107 Exam at an approved FAA Testing Center. The instructor has taught over 850 students this course and 98.5% of the students have passed the exam. Mondays and Wednesday from 9 - 11 am in City Center (Newport News) or attend the live instruction online (via ZOOM) | COST: $350.00
No Drones required. Live online Zoom (also recorded)
Manual Flight Training - Private Lessons
Want to learn how to plan drone flights safety? Want to try flying drones, but don't have one yet? We can provide drones for you to try or you can bring your own. $60/hour (2 hour minimum required)
Drone Photography and Video
This combination course is great for beginning drone pilots who are interested in earning their FAA Part 107, learning basic flight maneuvers and beginning photography skills. This course is offers at Tidewater Community College, Workforce Development.
Explores the aesthetic principles of framing & movement for photographers & videographers. This course applies cinematography principles in photography & videography(frame rates, formats, composition, rule of thirds, symmetry, perspective, parallex) to sUAS operations. Class time will be used to fly the drone to capture images and videos, and to edit using Adobe products
Drones provided. Students will receive Adobe Creative Cloud license to edit images and videos.
Upcoming sessions: (Select 1)
UPCOMING 2026 COURSES
Check Back Often for Dates & Times for the Following Drone Certification Courses for 2026!
Advanced Maneuvering
Coming Summer 2026
- Simulate emergency scenarios (sudden loss of GPS signal).
- Teach advanced flight maneuvers (orbits, figure eights, precision landings).
- Emphasize smooth transitions and precise control.
- Obstacle Avoidance and Tight Spaces (trees, buildings).
- Hand-on practice obstacle avoidance techniques.
- NIST training.
Drones provided. | Cost $500
Drone Components & Repair Course
This course is intended to prepare students to work with drones by building them from the base up. This course provides coverage of the maintenance, repair, performance measurement, and upgrade of sUAS platforms.
Autonomous Flight Course
This course builds on the introductory operational concepts provided in the Manual Flight, Safety and Crew Resource Management Course. You will learn how to collect drone images and turn them into 3D maps, models and surveys.
ADVANCED AIR MOBILITY COURSES
Beyond Visual Line of Sight Course
Beyond Visual Line of Sight (BVLOS) addresses maintaining direct unaided visual contact with a remotely piloted UA. Students learn to meet collision avoidance and separation responsibilities. Topics cover extended distance flying, weather, factors affecting flight, system management, regulations, safety protocols, risk assessment, and emergency response.
Advanced Air Mobility Course
Topics covered in this course include: E-VTOL aircraft, rotors and distributed electric propulsion, E-VTOL battery systems, brushless permanent magnetic motors, hybrid electric propulsion (HEP), E-VTOL avionics systems, and certifications.