About US
"A training organization built on experience, operations, and real-world application."
Who We Are
Southern Drone Academy is a professional training organization dedicated to preparing drone pilots for real-world operations, FAA certification, and applied industry workflows, backed by over 20 years of combined experience across military, government, and commercial drone and geospatial operations. Our programs are built on practical knowledge, operational discipline, and industry-aligned standards, combining structured instruction, operational insight, and hands-on learning pathways designed for beginners, career changers, and working professionals. We emphasize not only how to pass the FAA Part 107 exam, but how to operate drones safely, responsibly, and effectively in real operational environments, specializing in FAA Part 107 training, instructor-led and in-person flight education, and drone-enabled mapping and data workflows that extend beyond certification into real-world applications across multiple industries.
Our Mission
Our mission is to provide accessible, high-quality drone and geospatial training that builds confidence, competence, and operational readiness. We focus on teaching not just how to pass an exam, but how to fly safely, think critically, and apply drone technology responsibly across industries.
“From first flight to professional application, we focus on building capable, confident pilots.”
What Makes Us Different
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 Instruction informed by industry, field experience, and geospatial workflows
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Multiple learning formats: self-paced, instructor-led online, and in-person
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Clear pathways from certification to advanced training
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Programs built for teens, adults, professionals, and organizations
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Our Training Philosophy
We believe effective training should be structured, practical, and adaptable. Our programs are designed to meet learners where they are—whether they are flying for the first time or building toward specialized industry applications. We emphasize safety, accountability, and professional standards across every course we offer.
Who We Serve
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Teen learners (15–19) preparing for early certification
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Adult learners and working professionals
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Schools, organizations, and institutions
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Workforce development and public-sector teams
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Individuals seeking certification, upskilling, or career transition
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