Lake Area Technical College becomes test site for drone operators

June 29, 2021

WATERTOWN, S.D.—Lake Area Technical College has been officially recognized as a Federal Aviation Administration (FFA) approved Test Administrator of The Recreational UAS Safety Test, and is the first and only such site in South Dakota and one of 16 across the United States.

The FAA’s 2018 Reauthorization Bill introduced new requirements for recreational drone pilots which requires all recreational flyers pass an aeronautical knowledge and safety test and carry proof of passage when flying.

As drones become more popular and accessible, the FAA is committed to ensuring that the public is aware of regulations and how to operate safely in the nation’s airspace.

To make the test accessible and available to the largest possible audience, the FAA and Lake Area Technical College will provide it online to all Recreational Flyers at no cost.

Upon completion of the test, Recreational Flyers will print or save a digital copy of their completion certificate and keep it on their person when they are flying drones.