Drone Assembly, Operation, and Programming Course

Course Objectives

By the end of this course, students will:

• Assemble a drone from individual parts and components.

• Master soldering techniques for connecting electrical components.

• Understand drone flight controllers and basic programming principles.

• Safely handle, charge, and store LiPo batteries used in drones.

• Operate and test a fully assembled drone.

• Apply problem-solving techniques for troubleshooting assembly and flight issues.

• Develop an understanding of safety procedures during assembly and operation.

Course Format

This course is delivered in a hybrid format:

1. Face-to-Face Course:

• Duration: 7 weeks

• Schedule: Every Wednesday, 8:00 AM - 4:00 PM.

• Instruction: 18 hours of hands-on training and 3-4 hours of classroom instruction across the course duration.

• Additional Provisions: Drinks, snacks, and lunch are provided for all face-to-face sessions.

• Platform: All course materials and assignments will be managed through Canvas.

2. Online Course:

• Duration: 7 weeks

• Schedule: Weekly live instruction every Wednesday (30 minutes - 1 hour), plus 1 hour of hands-on work at home.

• Platform: Canvas Learning Management System

1. Instructional Approach

• Hands-On Learning: The course is primarily hands-on, with practical drone assembly, soldering exercises, and real-world applications.

• Lecture: Targeted lectures will explain key methods and principles (e.g., soldering techniques, programming basics).

• Independent Study: Students are expected to complete readings, online tutorials, and lab progress outside of class hours.

2. Prerequisites

• Part 107 Remote Pilot Certificate (Required prior to course enrollment).

• Basic computer literacy and comfort working with tools.

3. Required Equipment

   For All Students (Required):

• Drone assembly kit (available for purchase through DroneXperts for $1,050):

• Frame

• Flight controller

• Raspberry Pi

• Camera

• ESCs

• Motors

• Batteries

• Charger

• Additional drone components.

• Personal laptop with programming software installed.

• Soldering station and soldering tools:

• Soldering Iron & Power Supply

• Solder & Flux

• Solder-Sucker

• Fan with Carbon Filter

• Copper Wool

• Third Hand Tool

• Wire Strippers

• Tweezers

• Heat-Shrink & Heat Gun

• Workspace for hands-on assembly.

4. Cost-Saving Collaboration: To help reduce course costs, students are encouraged to team up with another student (in class or at home) to share a single drone kit. Teams can work together on the build, programming, and operation of the drone.

   For Face-to-Face Students (Provided):

• Soldering station and tools (see above list).

• Battery station for safe charging and operation.

• Open Source software for Drone build

• Drinks, snacks, and lunch for all face-to-face sessions.

5. Course Content

   The course is divided into modules, including both in-person and online instruction:

   Module 1: Introduction to Drone Components and Tools

• Overview of drone parts (motors, ESCs, flight controllers, batteries, frames).

• Safety procedures for handling equipment and tools.

• Introduction to soldering tools and techniques.

6. Module 2: Soldering Essentials and Electrical Connections

• Hands-on soldering practice (connecting wires, motors, and ESCs).

• Techniques for clean and reliable soldering connections.

• Troubleshooting bad connections.

7. Module 3: Assembling the Drone

• Step-by-step assembly of the drone frame and components.

• Integrating motors, ESCs, and power distribution.

• Attaching flight controllers and testing connections.

8. Module 4: Safely Handling, Charging, and Storing LiPo Batteries

• Introduction to LiPo batteries and their importance in drone systems.

• Safety procedures for handling and storing LiPo batteries.

• Proper charging techniques to avoid fire hazards.

• Best practices for maintaining battery longevity and performance.

• Hands-on practice with battery charging tools and equipment.

9. Module 5: Programming the Drone

• Introduction to flight controller software (e.g., Pixhawk setup).

• Configuring flight parameters and programming basic operations.

• Understanding drone stability, flight modes, and calibration.

10. Module 6: Drone Operation and Testing

• Pre-flight safety checks.

• Testing drone systems and troubleshooting common issues.

• Hands-on drone flying exercises.

11. Course Evaluation

    Student progress and understanding will be assessed through:

• Weekly Lab Progress Reports: Documenting hands-on assembly progress and results.

• Quizzes: Testing knowledge on key concepts (tools, components, programming basics).

• Written Assignments: Reflecting on assembly techniques and problem-solving methods.

• Participation: Engaging in classroom and online discussions.

• Final Presentation: Demonstrating and explaining the assembled drone.

• Certificate of Completion: Students who successfully complete the course will receive a certificate recognizing their achievements.

12. Schedule

    Face-to-Face Course (7 Weeks):

• Every Wednesday: 8:00 AM - 4:00 PM.

13. Online Course (7 Weeks):

• Week 1: Introduction to components and tools.

• Week 2: Soldering basics and electrical connections.

• Week 3: Assembly step-by-step.

• Week 4: Safe handling, charging, and storing of LiPo batteries.

• Week 5: Flight controller setup and programming basics.

• Week 6: Troubleshooting and testing.

• Week 7: Pre-flight checks and first flight (at home).

14. Course Start Dates

• Face-to-Face Course: Begins April 22, 2026 (7-week duration, every Wednesday).

• Online Course: Begins June 3, 2026 (7-week duration).

15. Annual Schedule:

• Courses will be held on approximately the same dates year after year to maintain consistency for students and instructors.

16. Course Cost

• Face-to-Face Course: $1,500 (includes tools, battery station, drinks, snacks, and lunch).

• Online Course: $800 (students must purchase or have their own equipment).

• Drone Assembly Kit: $1,050 (required for all students, available for purchase through DroneXperts).

17. Instructor

    This course will be led by DroneXperts instructors with extensive experience in drone assembly, operation, and programming.

    Registration Information

    To register, contact DroneXperts at [email address] or visit our website [website link].

    Recommendations for Web Developer

• Include a purchase option for the Drone Assembly Kit priced at $1,050 on the course registration page.

• Highlight the provided equipment for face-to-face students and required equipment for online students.

• Clearly display the course schedule (dates, times, and format) and pricing.

• Offer a bundled registration option for the course and drone kit.

• Implement a section for FAQs addressing kit details, prerequisites, cost-sharing options, and payment options.