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About & FAQ
How MW AIRLIFT™ supplements Wake Tech and ECSU drone programs, plus common questions from prospective students.
Drone Flight Training in Raleigh
Hands-on flight training for people who want to fly a drone safely and confidently. Two-hour boot camps and private lessons taught by Warren Gonsalves, FAA Part 107 certified pilot and founder of MW AIRLIFT™, running commercial drone operations across North Carolina. We supplement the drone program curriculum at Wake Tech Community College and ECSU's HBCU aviation program — focused on real-stick time, not classroom hours. The mid-October schedule is live — pick a session, or book a private lesson to your calendar.
Frequently asked
Do I need to bring my own drone?
No. MW AIRLIFT provides training aircraft (DJI Mini 3 Pro). You're welcome to bring your own — many students prefer to learn on the drone they'll actually use.
Do I need a Part 107 certificate to attend?
No — the boot camp and private lessons are open to anyone. Part 107 is only required if you plan to fly commercially. We don’t offer Part 107 exam prep ourselves — Wake Tech Community College runs an excellent local Part 107 exam-prep program and we’ll point you there.
What happens if it rains?
Weather cancellations are automatic — we'll email you 24 hours before a session if we need to reschedule. Full refunds are available if we cancel; you can also roll your seat to the next available session.
Can I bring my kids?
Yes — youth are welcome (recommended age 12+). Under 18 requires a parent or guardian to attend the first session and sign a waiver. Ages 8-11 possible with individual assessment — email us first.
Do you offer this at my workplace or organization?
Yes — the $400 organization booking covers up to 6 people at your location. Great for teams considering commercial drone use, real estate offices, insurance adjusters, first responders, church groups, or corporate outings.
What happens after the boot camp?
Most students either (a) fly recreationally with more confidence, (b) enroll in Wake Tech's UAS program for the full associate degree, (c) study for the Part 107 exam using our recommended materials, or (d) book a follow-up private lesson to focus on their specific use case.