Last month, The Fortune Society’s Digital Equity (DE) program offered its first drone training workshop with Charles, a Fortune staff member and licensed drone pilot. Through workshops like this, DE equips participants with valuable tech skills needed to thrive in a digital society, while providing opportunities to explore other digital interests and hobbies further.  

Participants learned key concepts for successful recreational drone flying over a series of three training workshops, including two classroom discussions and an opportunity to practice drone flying at a nearby flying field.  

To fly drones recreationally, individuals must first complete the Recreational UAS Safety Test (TRUST), and the primary goal of the drone training workshop is to prepare participants for the exam. Upon passing the TRUST, individuals receive a certificate stating their proof of passage, allowing them to safely and legally fly a drone. 

In preparation for the exam, the drone training workshop included topics such as safety procedures, airspace guidelines, weather, operating limitations and more.  

Charles emphasized the importance of teaching laws and safety measures for recreational drone flying, including identifying areas in New York City that are considered “no-fly zones.”  

“Even a toy drone could be a hazard if you get a fly-away,” Charles said. “You share an airspace with real aircraft, so you have to make sure that people know at least the basic stuff about safety. That is the main thing. My goal is to assist everybody in passing the TRUST and getting that document at the end so they can fly.” 

Charles shared that many participants in the workshop expressed interest in receiving a Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Drone License. Some individuals plan to pursue a career that would require a Drone License, and others want to explore photography with drone cameras with fewer flying restrictions.   

Mark, a Fortune participant, attended the drone training workshops to learn more about using a drone for filmmaking. He intends to take the exam for an FAA drone license, but first decided to learn the fundamentals of drone flying at the workshop.  

“It was always in the back of my mind because I know that has a lot to do with some filmmaking today,” Mark explained. “For my own interest, if I want to make car videos or something. Drone flying can help me get different aerial shots.”  

As a self-proclaimed cinephile, Mark is passionate about documentaries, and he got involved with DE to learn the technical skills he needed to help him create his films. He is interested in photography and photo editing, and he wants to explore different online editing tools. 

Since connecting with Fortune, Mark has learned essential tech skills that will help him as he pursues filmmaking and photography. However, the most valuable skill he has gained is confidence in himself.  

Before Fortune, Mark struggled with mental health challenges that prevented him from exploring and practicing his current hobbies. Now, he has found an unwavering support system and a community that encourages him to take advantage of the growth opportunities. Mark was proud to share that he has found a feeling of purpose, and that is in gratitude to the staff at Fortune who stand behind him.