The drone industry is expanding rapidly. The question is whether you will be certified to work in it.
The FAA Part 107 Remote Pilot Certificate is the credential that separates hobbyists from professionals. It allows you to legally operate drones for commercial purposes in industries such as real estate, construction, inspection, media, agriculture, and research. And it begins with one written exam.
That exam is more technical than many people expect. Topics like airspace classifications, sectional chart interpretation, and aviation weather decoding require focused preparation and clear instruction to master.
The O² Part 107 Accelerator was designed to provide exactly that.
This two-day intensive workshop combines expert instruction with hands-on learning, giving participants the opportunity to work directly with sectional charts, aviation weather reports, and real exam-style problems while building the knowledge required for the FAA Remote Pilot Knowledge Test.
Instruction is led by Dr. Anaiya Reliford, an FAA Part 107 Certified Remote Pilot and Senior Research Scientist with professional experience at NASA Goddard Space Flight Center, NOAA, Lockheed Martin, and the Research Institute for Tactical Autonomy.
At Orbit of Opportunity, our goal is not simply to prepare you for an exam. We equip participants with the knowledge, confidence, and preparation needed to pursue certification and apply drone technology in a professional setting.
No prior aviation experience is required.
This workshop is designed for professionals and aspiring operators who want to legally use drones in their work and build new revenue opportunities.
Real estate professionals and photographers
Aerial imagery helps properties stand out and strengthens visual portfolios. A Part 107 certificate allows you to legally charge for drone services, work with commercial clients, and expand the services you offer.
Construction and inspection professionals
Drones are transforming how sites are surveyed, documented, and inspected. If you want to lead drone operations within your organization, evaluate UAS service providers, or stay ahead of industry trends, certification is the first step.
Entrepreneurs and small business owners
Whether you’re launching a dedicated drone services company or adding aerial capabilities to an existing business, the Part 107 certificate is the foundation. This workshop helps you move efficiently from interest to qualification.
STEM educators and researchers
For those integrating drones into education, field research, or data collection, Part 107 certification expands what you can legally do and strengthens the technical credibility of your program.
New entrants to the drone industry
If you are interested in starting a career or side business using drones, this workshop provides the structured preparation needed to begin the certification process.
Not sure if this workshop is for you?
If you are 18 or older, motivated to earn your certification, and ready to commit two focused days to structured learning, you are welcome here.
No aviation background or prior drone experience is required.
This workshop provides structured preparation across all major knowledge areas tested on the FAA Part 107 Remote Pilot Knowledge Exam.
Participants will receive instruction in the following domains:
FAA Regulations & Operational Requirements
Part 107 rules and operating limitations
Preflight responsibilities and compliance
Waivers and operational permissions
Airspace Classification & Requirements
Class B, C, D, E, and G airspace
Reading and interpreting sectional charts
Controlled vs uncontrolled airspace operations
Weather Theory & Interpretation
Understanding weather patterns that affect drone flight
Decoding METAR and TAF weather reports
Visibility, cloud clearance, and atmospheric hazards
Aircraft Performance & Maintenance
Aircraft loading and performance factors
Battery management and operational limitations
Maintenance and inspection considerations
Crew Resource Management & Emergency Procedures
Risk assessment and decision-making
Crew coordination and communication
Emergency response procedures and incident reporting
• FAA regulations and operational rules • Airspace classification and sectional charts • Airport operations and LAANC authorization • Practice scenarios and exercises
• Aviation weather and METAR/TAF interpretation • Aircraft performance and maintenance • Crew resource management • Emergency procedures and decision making • Practice exam walkthrough

Dr. Anaiya Reliford holds a Ph.D. in Atmospheric Sciences and Bachelor's and Master's degrees in Chemical Engineering from Howard University. She is an FAA Part 107 Licensed Remote Pilot with extensive experience in drone flight operations, sensor integration, and atmospheric measurements using uncrewed aircraft systems. Her research career includes work at: • NASA Goddard Space Flight Center • NOAA Air Resources Laboratory • Lockheed Martin Advanced Technology Center • Research Institute for Tactical Autonomy Dr. Reliford has mentored STEM students for over a decade and founded Orbit of Opportunity (O²) to equip the next generation with real technical capability and credentials.
What should I bring? Bring a laptop or tablet, a notepad and pen, and your confirmation email. The exam doesn’t require heavy math but some students feel better having a calculator for density altitude and time zone conversions. You do not need to bring any textbooks or study materials; everything you need will be provided.
Do I need to own a drone? No. This workshop prepares you for the FAA Part 107 Knowledge Test, which is a written exam. No flight experience or drone ownership is required.
How old must I be? Participants must be at least 18 years old.
No prior aviation experience required.
Where is the workshop held? The workshop is held in the Washington DC Metro Area. Registered participants will receive the exact venue address and parking information in their confirmation email.
Is parking available? The venue has ample amount of free parking available.
What time does the workshop run each day? Each day runs from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM. Please plan to arrive 15–20 minutes early on Day 1 for check-in.
Is food or lunch provided? Refreshments will be available throughout both days. Lunch is not provided — there will be a midday break so you can grab a meal nearby.
Will the sessions be recorded? Sessions are not recorded. The in-person format is intentional as much of the learning happens through hands-on activities, group decoding exercises, and live Q&A that don’t translate well to video.
What materials do I receive? Registration includes two days of in-person instruction with a licensed expert, printed study materials, a practice exam question bank, a certification readiness checklist, and a guide on how to register for the exam. All materials are yours to keep.
Will I receive a certificate of completion? Yes. Participants who complete both days receive an Orbit of Opportunity certificate of completion.
Does this workshop register me for the FAA exam? No. The workshop fully prepares you for the exam and walks you through exactly how to schedule it. Scheduling and fees are handled directly through an FAA-approved testing center.
What is the exam passing score? 70%, or 42 out of 60 questions.
What is the refund policy? Cancellations made more than 7 days before the workshop date are eligible for a full refund. Cancellations within 7 days may be applied as a credit toward a future cohort, redeemable within 180 calendar days. No-shows are not eligible for refunds or credits.
Can I transfer my registration to someone else? Yes. If you can no longer attend, you may transfer your registration to another person at no charge. Contact us at least 48 hours before the workshop to arrange the transfer.
Can my employer or organization sponsor multiple seats? Yes. Group pricing is available for teams of 3 or more. Contact us directly to discuss organizational rates.