Hi, I'm Jake Bateman and flying drones has been a passion of mine since I was young. I was captivated by their unique perspectives and the freedom of flight, which allowed me to explore and capture the world from above in ways few other technologies could. What fascinates me most about drones is how far the technology has come, from small remote-controlled devices to advanced systems capable of capturing breathtaking footage and performing automated flights. I love seeing how drones keep improving, and I think it’s cool to be part of an industry that is constantly advancing. Over the past two years, I have started on my journey to turn this passion into a career, pushing myself to gain deeper knowledge and training.
My first step in this journey was realizing that I needed a Part 107 Certificate, an FAA license that allows me to conduct commercial drone work legally. Earning this certificate wasn't easy and involved mastering complex subjects like airspace regulations, chart interpretation, understanding weather patterns, conducting pre-flight inspections, and following strict FAA guidelines for safe drone operation. For my high school senior project, I decided to tackle this challenge. After months of hard work and preparation, I took the test at Pocatello Regional Airport and earned my Certificate! My school awarded me the 'Capstone Award' for my senior project in recognition of its excellence. This experience not only strengthened my technical skills but also reinforced my determination to take on hard challenges.
After high school, I started a small business offering drone photography for real estate and local events in my hometown of Idaho Falls. During this time, I also worked on a passion project to showcase the beauty of my community from a new perspective. I created a video reel featuring some of the town’s most iconic landmarks and spaces. To complete the project, I coordinated with building owners, event organizers, and city representatives to obtain the necessary permissions. The footage, created to promote my city and demonstrate my skills, was well-received by the community and gained popularity on social media.
It was a great way to get my feet wet in the industry and get my name out there, but I knew I needed to improve my skills and learn more about the industry. That's when I found the Unmanned Aerial Systems program at Idaho State University. The program seemed like the perfect fit to help me level up, learn new techniques, and get advice on how to grow a career or business in drones.
The Idaho State University Unmanned Aerial Systems course provides me with hands-on experience in infrastructure inspections, land surveying, construction mapping, aerial photography, industrial security, agriculture, and drone deliveries for various industries. This comprehensive training bridges theoretical knowledge with practical application, preparing students for real-world problem-solving. This training can enhance public safety, support environmental conservation, and drive technological innovation. Having the opportunity to learn and collaborate with like-minded students, access high-end equipment, and build a diverse portfolio are opportunities I look forward to, ultimately making a meaningful impact on society and the environment.
In conclusion, my journey has been fueled by my passion for drones and a desire to contribute to my community. From earning my Part 107 Certificate to gaining hands-on experience, I’ve made progress toward building a future in this field. As I continue my education at Idaho State University, I’m excited to explore innovative ways to use drones to make a positive impact and improve lives.
Dear KG Aviation team:
Through my experience volunteering with Drones4Kids ----whether at the OC STEM Fair or LA Maker Faire, witnessing the joy of young, curious kids exploring something new, or observing their passion as they compete for a championship title --- I have developed a profound connection with flight.
Looking back, it is wild to remember that I once had no interest in drones. It was my family friends who tweaked my perspective by introducing me to a drone maneuvering an obstacle course—a performance I perceived as theater, reminiscent of a flawlessly choreographed rendition of A Midsummer Night’s Dream.
Once I was allowed to fiddle with the controller, I was hooked.
DRONES4Kids non-profit and RECF gave me hands-on experience with scientific experimentation and data analysis, which are critical skills for understanding aerial drones/aerospace systems and propulsion technologies. The Aerial Drone Piloting and Aerial Drone Competitions exciting educational drone sporting event that focuses on hands-on, student-centered learning. Teams learn about drones, flight principles, programming, documentation and communication skills while expanding their understanding and also building interest for Drone-related workforce and career opportunities
This shift not only awakened my passion for drones but also steered me into my interest in sustainable aviation. As fully electric machines, drones exemplify the future of eco-friendly flight—an innovation I am eager to explore further. My hands-on experience, from volunteering with Drones4Kids to personally piloting and analyzing drone technology in real time, has provided me with a strong foundation in aviation systems. I aspire to apply this knowledge toward advancing sustainable solutions in aerospace and, ultimately, contributing to the effort to slow our descent into the sixth mass extinction.
Living in California, I’ve been inspired by the state’s thriving aerospace industry, from SpaceX launches to JPL’s Mars missions. STEM would allow me to explore these cutting-edge fields and understand the engineering behind them.
Having completed AP Physics I, AP Calculus AB, and AP Calculus BC, I’ve developed a solid understanding of the mathematical and physical concepts /principles that are essential for aerospace engineering - kinematics, dynamics, and advanced calculus applications.
My experience in AP Calculus BC and AP Physics has taught me how to approach all the complex problems methodically — and I believe it's a skill that’s crucial for tackling challenges in aerospace engineering, such as optimizing flight paths and/or designing efficient propulsion systems.
I plan to pursue a career in engineering, and the Aerospace aligns perfectly with my interests in aerodynamics, space exploration, and mechanical systems. This program would give me a head start in understanding the complexities of aerospace design.
Thank you very much for your consideration!
Sincerely,
Emily M. Engel
Tournament Manager @Robotics Education & Competition REC Foundation https://recf.org/
Drones4Kids www.drones4kids.org - Director of Web Design
https://www.instagram.com/drones_4_kids/
https://www.linkedin.com/in/emily-engel-ocsa/
