Pinellas Co. 11-year-old becomes youngest in US to get drone safety certification
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In a remarkable achievement, 11-year-old Rhys Marriott from Pinellas County has become the youngest student in the U. S. to earn a USI Safety Level (1) Industry Certification in drone safety. This certification was obtained through a rigorous college-level accredited course offered at Azalea Middle School's Academy of Engineering program. Rhys's teacher, Willis Reese, expressed his pride, noting that many adults find the material challenging, making Rhys's success even more impressive.
Rhys showcased his knowledge of drones and their various applications, stating their utility in monitoring air conditioning units and aiding in search and rescue missions. The Unmanned Safety Institute's certification process involved passing 13 modules and both a pre-test and final test, which Rhys managed to accomplish with ease. With the drone industry expected to create over 100,000 jobs by 2025, Rhys's achievement positions him favorably in a growing field. His ambition to work for NASA as a rocket engineer demonstrates the long-term impact of such educational programs. Currently, 19 students participate in the drone program at Azalea Middle School, which also features an airplane flight simulator for hands-on learning.