RALEIGH – The N.C. Department of Transportation’s Division of Aviation is bringing back its popular series of drone workshops for 2018.

In 2017, more than 500 people attended four free workshops to learn about drone flight operations, data management, and dozens of applications for government and commercial users. Presenters also provided updates on changes in federal and state drone regulations and gave live flight demonstrations.

The first workshop of the year will be in Dallas in Gaston County on Jan. 24. It will focus on the use of drones by public safety agencies such as police and fire departments and will only be open to people who work in the public safety sector.

“Drone technology is quickly advancing, and so are the possibilities for a business or government organization interested in using one,” said Basil Yap, unmanned aircraft systems program manager for the DOT. “The folks in attendance can expect to come away with a realistic understanding of the possible applications for drone technology and what it takes to effectively implement drones into their operations.”

DOT hopes to continue to use the workshops to show that this emerging technology can be safe and beneficial.

Location and dates for other workshops are still being determined. Anyone interested in attending a future workshop can sign up for DOT emails.