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Snyder High School seniors Talon Vandygriff (left) and Jax Weaver passed the FAA Airman Knowledge Test Tuesday in Abilene. Their unmanned aircraft pilot licenses will allow them to fly drones for commercial purposes.
Two Snyder High School students obtained their unmanned aircraft pilot licenses Tuesday.
Seniors Jax Weaver and Talon Vandygriff traveled to Abilene to take the two-hour FAA Airman Knowledge Test.
They are the first students from Snyder High School to achieve this certification.
“It’s a great feeling,” Weaver said. “The entire (drone technology) class had the opportunity to take this test but only seven took it, and only Talon and I passed. I feel real good about it.”
Vandygriff said their licenses will allow them to fly drones for commercial purposes, which will allow them to be paid for their work.
Drones are seen being used for various purposes, including inspections of cropland, wind turbines and in the oilfield, as well as by the news media and other types of photographers and videographers.
“I knew I was going to like it, but I didn’t think I was going to take it this level,” Weaver said.
Both seniors said they plan to incorporate their drone knowledge into their future career paths.
Vandygriff said he plans to attended Texas Tech University to obtain a bachelor degree in business administration after completing his basic coursework at Western Texas College.
Weaver said he will attend Texas Tech this fall to study agriculture and applied economics.