From Aircraft Maintenance to UAS / Drone Maintenance
Turn airframe, powerplant, and avionics maintenance experience into a UAS maintenance technician career keeping commercial and defense drone fleets airworthy — the fastest-growing hands-on role in the UAV/UAS/RPA sector.
- Airframe & mechanical troubleshooting
- Avionics, wiring & electronics repair
- Inspection discipline & maintenance documentation
- Regulatory compliance & airworthiness mindset
FAA Part 107 Remote Pilot Certificate
Most UAS maintenance roles expect you to legally test-fly after a repair — Part 107 is the standard credential.
Small-UAS systems knowledge
Drones are electronics-heavy: brushless motors, ESCs, LiPo battery packs, flight controllers, gimbals, and payloads.
Platform / manufacturer training
UAS maintenance is highly platform-specific — pursue manufacturer or employer type-specific maintenance programs.
Programs that get you there
9 matching programs from our directory, ranked for this path.
The premier UAS maintenance degree in the country. This applied associate program trains technicians to inspect, repair, and maintain unmanned aircraft and their payloads, sensors, and ground control systems — the technician backbone of the drone industry.
Industry-standard small-UAS safety certifications used by universities, agencies, and employers to validate operator competency beyond the FAA Part 107 knowledge test. A widely recognized professional credential for drone operators.
An applied associate program combining Part 107 remote-pilot preparation with hands-on UAS operations, maintenance, and data workflows. Aimed at students entering commercial drone operator and technician roles.
A nationally recognized, technician-focused UAS program offering an applied associate degree and short-term certificates, including maintenance, operations, and sensor/data pathways. Strong industry ties in the Dayton aerospace corridor.
The nation's first UAS degree program. Trains students as unmanned aircraft operators and mission commanders with heavy flight, sensor, and airspace-integration content. A flagship pathway into commercial and defense UAS operations.
One of the most established UAS bachelor's programs, with tracks in UAS flight & operations and UAS design & integration. Strong emphasis on hands-on flight, maintenance, and payload work at a dedicated applied-aviation campus.
A rigorous UAS science degree covering unmanned systems operations, sensing, autonomy, and regulation. Backed by Embry-Riddle's aviation reputation and pathways into engineering, operations, and program management roles.
A full undergraduate-through-graduate UAS pathway (including Ph.D.), pairing operations with strong unmanned-systems engineering and research. OSU operates its own UAS flight station and research airspace.
An unmanned-systems bachelor's covering air, ground, and maritime platforms with operations, data, and integration coursework. Prepares graduates for commercial UAS operator and program roles.
SkillBridge fellowships
For transitioning service members — gain aerospace experience before separation.
DoD SkillBridge internship at one of the largest privately-owned business aircraft service providers. Train in avionics installation, airframe maintenance, and paint/interior on business jets.
DoD SkillBridge program for transitioning military maintainers to gain civilian aviation maintenance experience on Cessna, Beechcraft, and Hawker aircraft. Strong pathway to FAA A&P certification and full-time employment.
A DoD SkillBridge corporate fellowship for transitioning service members interested in defense electronics, systems engineering, and platform sustainment. Clearance-friendly roles with strong veteran retention.
DoD SkillBridge program that helps transitioning maintainers convert military experience into an FAA Airframe & Powerplant (A&P) certificate through accelerated, structured instruction.