2026 Drone Training for Archaeologists — 1 Week Program

Location: 3PCR+RQ Williams, AZ, USA

Season: August 16, 2026 to August 21, 2026

Application Deadline: August 14, 2026

Deadline Type: Rolling

Website: https://anthroctr.org/program/2026-usaz-drone-1week/

Discount for AIA members: None

Program Type:
Field School

RPA Certified:
No

Affiliation:
Anthropocene Research Center and Northern Arizona University

Project Director:
Dr. Kayeleigh Sharp, Northern Arizona University

Project Description:

Drones are an essential tool in contemporary archaeological practice, both in academic research and Cultural Resource Management (aka CRM). Drones help to save funds allocated for surveys and to provide excellent spatial information for site detection and regional study. Flying a drone is relatively simple when you know how to do it. In fact, you can learn how to do that in just a few hours. In this one-week bootcamp style program, you will gain hands-on experience learning basic and advanced flight maneuvers, collecting accurate and relevant data and understanding advantages and limitations of different types of drones and sensors. You will gain the skills to become a certified and professional drone pilot. During the program, you will be introduced to at least three drone types (small drones, quad and hexacopters, Blue Drones, etc) and different sensors (cameras, Infrared, LiDER and more). You will learn how to collect data.
Upon completion, you will have the tools you need to take the FAA Part 107 certification exam. You will be able to conduct safe and responsible sUAV fieldwork and become a professional archaeological drone operator.

Period(s) of Occupation: Not relevant

Notes:
Tuition is $1,995; Earn 2 Semester Credit Units (equivalent to 3 Quarter Credit Units) through our School of Record – Culver Stockton College

Project Size: 1-24 participants

Minimum Length of Stay for Volunteers: Full session

Minimum Age: 18 years old

Experience Required: None. This is a hands-on, experiential learning opportunity and students will study on-site how to conduct archaeological research under the direction of a range of specialists in the field. Field work involves physical work and exposure to the elements and thus requires a measure of understanding that this will not be the typical university learning environment. You will have to work outdoors in physically demanding environments, and students must plan ahead for both cold and hot weather conditions. Students are required to come equipped with sufficient excitement and an adequate understanding that fieldwork requires real, hard work, in the sun and wind and perhaps even snowy conditions. The work requires patience, discipline, and attention to detail.

Room and Board Arrangements:
This program provides for housing only. Students are responsible for their own food. The Hat Ranch has a full kitchen, and students will be able to purchase food supplies at Williams.

Academic Credit:
Earn 2 Semester Credit Units (equivalent to 3 Quarter Credit Units) through our School of Record – Culver Stockton College