Remote Pilot Achievement with MWUAS Help!
Mountain West UAS was created as a user group with the goal of promoting the positive, legal and safe use of drone technology in society. Part of that initiative is to help folks who want to become pilots achieve that goal. This is a story of a member who did just that in 2023.
Rich Mumm had several reasons for pursuing drones, both personal and professional. Knowing that Taylor Albrecht of TNL Aviation, a long-time sponsor of MWUAS, was involved in the industry, he reached out for advice. He ended up taking TNL’s “Remote Pilot Ground School” course, passed his FAA Remote Pilot Knowledge Exam, and then pursued his Colorado Department of Public Safety (CDPS) UAS certification. The CDPS certification course is what was used in the Certification Zone of the Buena Vista Drone Training Park.
Rich Mumm
Here is Rich’s story.
“I have wanted to fly a UAS for a couple years. Always fascinated since hearing about them quite a while ago. I have known Taylor Albrecht for a few years and knew he was involved with MWUAS and drones in general. I reached out to him and spent a couple hours visiting and learning what it would take to fly recreational, and commercial, (Part 107). Shortly afterwards, I made the decision to sign up for a course he was instructing for Part 107. Once I started to receive the course materials, outline and schedule, I became a bit overwhelmed. I called Taylor to drop the course, but he recommended that I at least sit through one class and if I still felt the same, I could drop at that time. Obviously, I continued with the class and after several weeks of incredible instruction and encouragement, I had completed the course.
I registered for the Part 107 test in Colorado Springs and after a couple weeks took it and passed, obtaining my Part 107 UAS pilot's license. I am by no means a great student or test taker, so it goes to show that with good encouragement, instruction and a willingness to listen and learn, anyone can succeed in getting their Part 107.
FAA Remote Pilot Certificate
Part of the reason for wanting to fly a UAS was for personnel reasons. We like to explore the mountains in Colorado and surrounding states by off-road vehicles. Using a UAS to visually see what lays ahead as well as getting some incredible pictures and video from above was a cool thought. The other reason was for my work. With my work, it was required to obtain a Part 107 as well as a CDPS UAS Certificate. So, I registered for The CDPS UAS course.
Living in Buena Vista, CO has a lot of advantages. Being so close to the mountains that we love to explore is one of the main ones. The other is the incredible privilege of the MWUAS drone park near the fairgrounds. Before starting this process , I had never even visited the park. Taylor mentioned that there was a CDPS/NIST practice course at the park, which I immediately went out to see and use. Part of the CDPS UAS certification is to show proficiency in flying. This along with the classroom instruction is what is required to pass. After spending several hours in the classroom, again with great instructors, and passing a written exam at the Center of Excellence (CoS) facility in Rifle Colorado, it was on to the flying test. With the knowledge, confidence and skills that I was able to gain from using the course at the MWUAS drone park, I passed my proficiency portion of the course and obtained my CDPS UAS Certification.
Certification Zone at Buena Vista Drone Training Park
In closing, I want to thank those that have encouraged me through this process as well as those that are a part of and support MWUAS. Because of all of you, there is a local UAS park to safely practice and fly our drones at and not just us, but for the whole community.”
Congratulations, Rich! Best of luck as you pursue success with your aviation credentials!