Month: November 2025

Youth Drone Program Series: Understanding Airspace for Drone Pilots (Part 2 of 6)

By: Meghan Thoreau, OSU Extension Educator, Community Development & STEM, Pickaway County

Airspace 101 – Rules of the Sky. Graphic by the Federal Aviation Administration.

This week in our Core Curriculum-based Youth Drone Program Series, we’re diving into Airspace 101—a crucial topic for every young drone pilot. Airspace is the sky we all share, and in the U.S., the FAA makes sure aircraft—from jumbo jets to tiny drones—move safely within it. Click here to access the Ohioline Fact Sheet: Understanding Airspace for Drone Pilots.

Why Airspace Matters for Drone Pilots

Flying a drone isn’t just about takeoff and landing. It’s about knowing where you’re allowed to fly, when you need FAA permission, and how to avoid airspace that could put you—or others—at risk. Accidentally flying into controlled airspace near an airport without authorization can lead to dangerous situations and serious penalties.

Controlled vs. Uncontrolled Airspace

Think of controlled airspace like a busy highway and uncontrolled airspace like a quiet back road.

  • Controlled Airspace (Classes B, C, D, and parts of E):
    Found around airports and cities. Drone pilots must get FAA authorization—often through the LAANC app—to fly here.
  • Uncontrolled Airspace (Class G):
    Open, low-traffic skies are typically found in rural areas. Great for drone flying and rarely requires special permission—follow the Part 107 rules and stay under 400 feet.

Tools That Keep Pilots Safe

Youth pilots learn to use apps like B4UFLY to check airspace in real time, just like professional pilots. Mapping safe routes, scanning for temporary flight restrictions (TFRs), and checking nearby airports all become part of smart pre-flight habits.

Looking Ahead: Sectional Charts

This fact sheet also introduces sectional charts—special aviation maps that display airspace boundaries, airports, elevations, and other relevant information. They’re the next step in becoming a confident and responsible drone operator. The upcoming Part 3 in this series will take us deeper into how to read and use these charts.

Sectional chart excerpt of Watertown Regional Airport (ATY), Class E Airspace, (ATY). Map by vfrmap.com (vfrmap.com, n.d.).

Bottom line: Understanding airspace is key to safe flight. Whether we’re filming aerial videos, racing drones, or practicing maneuvers at the Westfall Drone Club, knowing the “rules of the sky” makes every pilot better—and keeps our skies safer for everyone.

Stay tuned for Part 3 Reading Sectional Charts!

Westfall Drone Program Awarded $5,000 Grant from Pickaay County Community Foundation

By: Meghan Thoreau, OSU Extension Educator, Community Development & STEM, Pickaway County

Strengthening Youth Pathways in Aviation, STEM, and UAS Careers

OSU Extension, Pickaway County is proud to announce that the Westfall Drone Program has been awarded a $5,000 grant from the Pickaway County Community Foundation (PCCF). This philanthropic investment will significantly strengthen our ability to deliver high-quality, hands-on aviation and drone education for Westfall High School students.

Expanding Opportunities in STEM and Aviation

This funding directly supports the expansion of the Westfall Drone Club and its integration with the district’s new in-school FAA Part 107 Remote Pilot Certification course. Together, these programs create a unified pathway that allows students to:

  • Engage in hands-on drone flight, simulation, and mission planning
  • Learn the aviation principles required for FAA Remote Pilot Certification
  • Explore workforce applications in precision agriculture, sustainability, surveying, public safety, and data science
  • Strengthen technical, analytical, and 21st-century skillsets needed in emerging STEM careers

With PCCF’s support, students will have access to:

  • Commercial-grade drones
  • FAA-aligned curriculum
  • Flight simulation software
  • Structured exam preparation
  • A dedicated Remote Piloting Supervisor to oversee after-school operations and flight safety

A Community-Driven Effort

The Westfall Drone Program is made possible through strong partnerships with:

  • Pickaway County Community Foundation
  • Westfall Local School District
  • Pickaway Educational Service Center
  • Pickaway-Ross Career & Technical Center
  • OSU Extension, Pickaway County
  • Unmanned Safety Institute (USI)

Each partner plays a critical role in creating opportunities for rural youth to earn industry-recognized credentials and explore high-demand career pathways right here in Pickaway County.

Impacting the Next Generation

The program aims to serve up to 20 high school students each year, offering more than 250 hours of instruction, drone practice, and supervised flight activities. With the support of the PCCF grant, students will be better prepared to sit for the FAA Part 107 Remote Pilot Exam—a nationally recognized credential that opens doors to aviation, unmanned systems, agricultural technology, and rapidly growing drone-related industries.

By investing in this program, PCCF is helping to:

  • Reduce economic barriers to certification
  • Expand rural access to STEM programming
  • Strengthen local workforce pipelines
  • Inspire the next generation of aviation and technology professionals

A Bright Flight Path Ahead

We extend our sincere gratitude to the Pickaway County Community Foundation for recognizing the importance of drone education and supporting the growth of innovative youth STEM programming in our county. Together, we are expanding opportunities, elevating student potential, and preparing young people for meaningful futures in technology and aviation.

To learn more about the program, visit:
u.osu.edu/westfalldroneclub