Drone flying lessons for QLD students during National Science Week

Year 5 and 6 students from 33 Queensland schools have received training and experience in flying drones during National Science Week.

Minister for Innovation, Science and the Digital Economy and Minister for Small Business Leeanne Enoch said a specialist training provider had been contracted to deliver The Drone Experience for 10 students from each participating school.

“In the past three years, we have seen a huge increase in the number of certified drone positions in Australia and we will need to ensure that young Queenslanders are equipped with the knowledge and experience needed to fill these exciting jobs of the future," she said.

The Drone Experience included flight training, safety procedures, a presentation on real-world applications and a hands-on flying challenge. It was held on weekdays during National Science Week (August 14-18) at South Brisbane’s Kurilpa Park.

Nineteen one-hour Drone Experience sessions were provided for schools outside Brisbane by Brisbane-based drone education provider Ace Aviation.

Darra State School Principal Julia Bailey seized the opportunity to be part of the experience. “To select the 10 to go, we designed an application process that allowed our students to be independent, investigative and creative. I am passionate about providing boys and girls with the opportunity to realise they can do anything they put their minds to."