Professional Instruction Built on Experience
Live Training for Serious Drone Operations
3rd Rock Air provides live, instructor-led drone training focused on safety, operational readiness, and professional standards.
Unlike automated online programs, our students train directly with experienced educators and operators who provide real-time instruction, mentorship, and practical guidance. Our background in aviation education, technical instruction, and safety training spans more than four decades.
We understand that professional drone operations — especially in public safety, infrastructure inspection, and enterprise environments — require more than memorizing regulations. They require sound decision-making, risk assessment, mission planning, and operational discipline.
That is why our training emphasizes:
- Safety-First Operations
- FAA Compliance
- Real-World Flight Readiness
- Professional Standards
- Continued Instructor Support
Our goal is not simply to help you pass a test. Our goal is to help you become a capable, confident, and responsible drone operator prepared for real-world missions.
WHAT WE OFFER
Hands-On Drone Flight Training Focused on Safety and Real-World Operations
This comprehensive 8-hour training program combines live virtual classroom instruction with hands-on outdoor flight training to provide students with both operational knowledge and practical flight experience.
Training is conducted by experienced UAV instructors who guide students through professional flight procedures, mission planning, aircraft systems, airspace awareness, and safe flight operations.
Students gain exposure to multiple aircraft platforms to better understand the capabilities and operational differences between various drone systems.
Course training includes:
- Live instructor-led classroom sessions
- Outdoor flight operations
- Safety procedures and risk management
- Aircraft familiarization
- Flight planning and mission execution
- Review of the complete 3rd Rock Air Flight Manual
Each student receives:
- A detailed 140-page training guide
- High-visibility safety vest
- Continued instructor support during training
Cost $499
Professional FAA Part 107 Training — Wherever You Are
Get the advantages of a live, instructor-led classroom without the time and expense of travel.
Our FAA Part 107 Review Course is taught live by experienced UAV pilots and educators who guide you through the material in real time, answer your questions, and help simplify complex topics such as airspace interpretation and sectional charts.
Your course includes a comprehensive 200-page student manual featuring:
- Detailed explanations
- FAA reference material
- Charts and diagrams
- Sectional chart exercises
- Study and review resources
We focus on practical understanding — not memorization alone — so you can develop the confidence and knowledge needed to operate safely and professionally.
Students also receive continued support throughout their preparation process, and if you are not successful on your FAA exam, you may attend the course again at no additional charge.
Cost $349
Professional Thermal Drone Training for Real-World Operations
Thermal imaging technology is rapidly becoming an essential tool in public safety, infrastructure inspection, agriculture, energy management, search and rescue, and industrial operations. Understanding how to properly capture and interpret thermal data is critical for producing accurate and reliable results.
This course covers:
- Thermal imaging fundamentals
- Camera setup and optimization
- Automated flight planning
- Thermal data interpretation
- Heat signature analysis
- Environmental and operational considerations
- Mission planning and safety procedures
Students learn how thermal technology is applied in real-world environments including:
- Search and rescue operations
- Roof and infrastructure inspections
- Agricultural analysis
- Utility and energy inspections
- Public safety operations
- Industrial assessments
Whether you are new to thermal imaging or an experienced UAV pilot expanding your capabilities, this course provides the technical understanding and operational skills needed to use thermal drone systems effectively and professionally.
Cost $349
Drone Photography & Cinematography (Live Virtual Classroom)
Stop using the Auto mode and learn how to control your Drone’s camera to give exciting results to your photos and videos. Post processing plays a big part too and we’ll get you started and help make your work stand out.
Cost $199
Aerial Photography & Videography Services
Show off your property by including videos and photos of their best attributes. We offer aerial videos and photos as well as 360 virtual tours. Check out our demo reel.
Prices start at $500
What Our Students are Saying About Us
David exceeded my expectations as an instructor for my Part 107 test prep. His thoroughness in covering the material left no stone unturned. Not only did he provide comprehensive explanations, but he also tailored his approach to accommodate my learning style, making the process both efficient and enjoyable. David’s dedication to his students’ success is evident, and I wholeheartedly recommend him to anyone seeking top-notch instruction for the Part 107 test.
David is an exemplary instructor! David delivered his knowledge to a class of novices in a clear and concise manner and his patient demeanor kept the attention of the entire class. The hands on flight was awesome with the use of 3rd Rock’s professional drones (3rd Rock provided each candidate with a take home, practice drone). If you are looking to become a commercial drone pilot and require the knowledge to fly and pass the FAA exam, look no further, David’s training is the only training that you will want to be involved in.
I highly recommend the training at 3rd rock. As a beginner I found the class more enlightening than I expected. The amount of knowledge that David shared was priceless. At the end of class I didn’t even have any questions, they had all been answered. I’m definitely coming back for the photography class.
David Cranmer is a fantastically knowledgable instructor who makes the curriculum quite fun. This course does a great job of blending textbook information with hands-on flight training, rounding it out for a very practical and fun learning experience; makes the information easy to retain. I highly recommend this course for anyone looking to obtain their Drone Pilot’s sUAS certification.
This class is 10 star rated !!! If you are looking to learn more or learn to fly a drone , this is the class to attend. The owner David is one that teaches and goes the extra mile to teach you and give you all the teachings to become a drone pilot . I would highly recommend this class as a 1st class Class to attend
Some of our Clients
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