NCDOT Hosts Drone Workshop in Wilmington

Third in a Series of Workshops Geared Towards Government and Commercial Operators

WILMINGTON –  Drones are good for more than just photography and racing, so the N.C. Department of Transportation wants to help educate local agencies and businesses on some of those potential practical applications.

A capacity crowd was on hand Thursday as NCDOT’s Division of Aviation Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS) Program Office hosted a free workshop for government and commercial drone operators at the Cape Fear Community College North Campus in Castle Hayne.

150 attendees learned about the use of drone technology in emergency response efforts, data management, safety, and other practical applications of drones.  Presenters also provided updates on the latest changes in federal and state regulations and gave live flight demonstrations.

“Drone technology is quickly advancing, and so are the possibilities for a business or government organization interested in using one,” Said Basil Yap, UAS Program Manager for NCDOT.  “Attendees should now have a better understanding of the possible applications for drone technology, and what it takes to effectively implement drones into their operations.”

NCDOT hopes to use these free workshops to show how safe and beneficial this emerging technology can be.

This was the third in a series of drone workshops NCDOT is hosting across the state.  The next will be inThomasville on October 12.