Written By: Jeffries F. Epps, Staff Writer
Certifying high school students as FAA Remote Pilots is rapidly becoming a key initiative in many school districts. At Bartlett Yancey High School in Caswell County, NC, this effort has become more than just a goal—it’s a passion project for Career and Technical Education (CTE) instructor Brian Totten.
As a seasoned educator, Totten is no stranger to the challenges of preparing students for the FAA Remote Pilot Exam. However, this year, he noticed a significant obstacle: students were struggling with reading airport maps and understanding the intricacies of the National Airspace.
“Students really struggle with reading airport maps and understanding The National Airspace,” Totten remarked. Recognizing that traditional methods weren’t enough, he sought out innovative solutions to enhance his students’ learning experience. Enter STEMERALD City, a company that specializes in creating hands-on educational tools that make complex concepts more accessible.
Totten partnered with STEMERALD City to develop custom, supplemental activities designed to help students better grasp the nuances of airspace classifications. Through the use of coding and indoor drones, students were able to visually engage with the material in a dynamic and interactive way.
“The level of engagement was amazing,” said Totten. “But the true value was evident as the students themselves declared how the activities helped them better understand airspace.”
Jeffries Epps, CEO of STEMERALD City, explained the motivation behind the partnership. “Today’s learners require hands-on experiences and visualization to make their learning tangible. Our goal for Brian and Bartlett Yancey High School is a 100% passing rate.”
By incorporating cutting-edge technology into the classroom, Totten and STEMERALD City are not only helping students pass their exams but are also preparing them for the future of aviation. As more schools and districts across the country follow their lead, it’s clear that this innovative approach is paving the way for a new generation of certified remote pilots.
In Caswell County, Brian Totten and his students are proving that with the right tools and teaching methods, the sky is truly the limit.