Name: Drone 101 + Safety Workshop
Start: 2025-02-08T10:00:00-05:00
End: 2025-02-08T13:00:00-05:00
Location: University of Michigan Detroit Center

Learn how to fly drones like a pro and stay safe while doing it at our Drone 101 + Safety Workshop!
About this Event

This workshop is part of the FREE Saturdays in the D adult learning program offered by the City of Detroit and University of Michigan.

We are thrilled to have Ally Financial as our sponsor for Saturdays in the D, supporting our mission to provide valuable educational opportunities and resources to the community.

Description:

The Drone 101 + Safety workshop from Drone Pilot Academy introduces participants to the basics of drone operations, combining essential knowledge with hands-on practice. The workshop includes FAA TRUST Certification prep, covering drone regulations, safety, and airspace rules. Participants also practice flying drones, learning key skills for safe and responsible operation. It’s perfect for beginners wanting to gain confidence and skills in drone piloting.

Notes:

No prior experience or equipment needed.

About Your Instructors:

UM Mario Swaidan, Founder of Drone Pilot Academy, Lead Instructor

Mario Swaidan is a neuroscientist and Michigan State University graduate specializing in neural engineering, who began building drones in his dorm room and founded AerBots, a Detroit-based drone manufacturing company. As the first person to receive a Part 107 certification at the Michigan Institute of Aviation Technology (MIAT) in 2016, Mario has since taught drone pilot training across Michigan and launched Drone Pilot Academy, a subsidiary of AerBots, to standardize training with AR simulators and FAA prep tools. He graduated from the third year of the Apple Developer Academy, where he specialized in coding in Swift and received additional support for his AR drone training app. He is currently collaborating with Michigan Works, Henry Ford Health, and Newlab to provide workforce development through innovative drone education programs.

UM Angelo Brown, Instructor

Angelo, a Detroit native and instructor for Drone Pilot Academy, received his FAA Part 107 certification at just 16 years old, achieving a near-perfect score with only two questions wrong. With several years of experience teaching drone pilot training at various levels, he is passionate about sharing his expertise. Currently, Angelo is a student in the Renaissance Program at the Apple Developer Academy in Detroit and is working toward earning his private pilot certification at the age of 19.