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A portion of Nunez Community College’s campus (shaded in orange in the photo above) has been approved by the Federal Aviation Administration for drone flights. Drone instruction is part of the curriculum for Nunez’s Coastal Studies and GIS Technology program and is also offered to the community through the college’s STEAM Division.
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has recognized a portion of the Nunez Community College campus in Chalmette as a FAA Recognized Identification Area (FRIA) for drone flights.
According to FAA.gov, “a FRIA is a defined geographic area where drones can be flown if they don’t have Remote ID equipment.” Only community-based organizations and educational institutions are eligible to establish a FRIA. Nunez joins Chalmette High School as the only FRIAs in St. Bernard Parish.
All drones flown outside of a FRIA are required to broadcast Remote ID, which identifies the drone, its location and the drone’s control station. The ability to operate drones without Remote ID will allow Nunez greater flexibility in which drones it uses for various courses. Drone piloting is part of the curriculum for students enrolled in Nunez’s Coastal Studies and GIS (Global Information Systems) Technology program. Drone classes are also offered to non-students through Nunez’s STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, Math,) Division as a community enrichment activity. Both students and non-students receive instruction to prepare them for the FAA’s Part 107 license exam to become Certified Remote Pilots.
Nunez Coastal Studies professor Dr. Mahtab Lodhi spearheaded the effort to designate a portion of the Nunez campus as a FRIA. The area spans the length and width of the retention pond in front of Nunez’s Arts, Sciences and Technology Building as laws prohibit drones from flying over buildings and parking lots.
Information about Nunez’s Coastal Studies program and STEAM community courses can be found at Nunez.edu.
About Nunez Community College
Nunez Community College is a student-centered institution that delivers relevant and innovative curriculum integrating the arts, sciences, and humanities leading to academic credentials and workforce opportunities. Nunez serves a vital role in the community by engaging with partners to support student success and personal growth. Nunez Community College is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC) to award associate degrees, technical diplomas, and certificates. Degree-granting institutions also may offer credentials such as certificates and diplomas at approved degree levels. Questions about the accreditation of Nunez Community College may be directed in writing to the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges at 1866 Southern Lane, Decatur, GA 30033-4097, by calling (404) 679-4500, or by using information available on SACSCOC’s website (www.sacscoc.org). Nunez is located at 3710 Paris Road, Chalmette, LA. For more information, visit www.nunez.edu.
