AMES, IOWA (October 30, 2026) — Iowa State University’s Digital Ag Innovation Lab, in partnership with Terraplex Ag, will host a two-day course designed to prepare participants for the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Part 107 Remote Pilot Certification exam. The workshop will take place November 30 to December 1, 9AM-4PM each day, at the Alliant Energy Agriculture Innovation Lab, located at 3800 University Blvd.
The workshop is geared toward agricultural professionals, drone operators, and others interested in using unmanned aerial systems commercially. Participants will receive in-depth instruction on FAA regulations and operations, including Part 107 rules and limitations, airspace classifications and requirements, and key concepts needed to successfully pass the Part 107 exam.
The course will include hands-on review sessions, group discussions, FAA-style practice tests, and time for a Q&A session. Study materials, including practice exams, are included with registration, and lunch will be provided both days. In-class instruction will also guide participants through the process of registering for the FAA Part 107 exam at an FAA-designated testing center. The FAA exam fee is not included in the workshop registration cost.
The workshop will be led by Sam Welton, director of compliance at Terraplex Ag. Welton brings six years of military experience flying the U.S. Army’s RQ-7B Shadow unmanned aircraft system, five years of operating agricultural spray drones, and extensive experience assisting operators with FAA certifications and licensing.
Registration
Early registration is $449 through November 13, increasing to $500 after. Registration closes on November 20. Enrollment is limited to a minimum of ten and a maximum of thirty participants.
To register, visit FAA Part 107 Test Prep Course.
For more information, contact Doug Houser, digital agriculture extension specialist at Iowa State, at dhouser@iastate.edu.
