Aerial Operators: Rising 7th & 8th graders – Mission 28

Aerial Operators is a four-day, immersive drone operations camp designed to move students beyond basic flight into purposeful, team-based aerial missions.

Offered by the Challenger Learning Center of Northeast Alabama (CLCNA), this program emphasizes safety, communication, engineering decision-making, and real-world aviation practices rather than recreational flying. Students learn that successful drone operation depends not only on piloting skill, but on preparation, coordination, and shared responsibility.

Throughout the camp, students work in structured flight teams and rotate through authentic aviation roles such as Pilot in Command (PIC) and Visual Observer (VO). They develop foundational knowledge of drone systems, flight readiness, and line-of-sight requirements before progressing into structured maneuvers, precision control, and mission planning.

Each day builds intentionally toward increased complexity, ensuring that students gain confidence while maintaining a strong focus on safety and operational discipline.