A THLP Aviation Program · FAA Grant NG-AWP-25-002

HigherHeights

A veteran-led aviation workforce development program training the next generation of FAA Part 107 drone operators and pilots — every Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday across four Houston campuses.

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Participants / Cohort

Houston Campuses

13+

Years Serving Veterans

Part 107
Instructors

Who We Are

Built for Veterans.
Open to All.

Higher Heights is administered by The Houston Launch Pad, a Houston-based 501(c)(3) nonprofit serving veterans since 2011. Our FAA Part 107 certified drone instructors — a mix of retired military veterans and certified civilian drone professionals — deliver structured training every Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday across four Houston campuses. In partnership with Bridging the Digital Divide Houston (BDD Houston), the program reaches underserved community members across Harris County.

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Drone-First Training FAA Part 107 Remote Pilot Certificate is the primary focus — UAS careers are the fastest growing in aviation

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Veteran-Led Instruction 12 FAA Part 107 certified instructors including retired military with UAS experience, across 4 campuses

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Employment Placement Direct connections to Houston energy, commercial, and UAS sector employers — not just a certificate

Choose Your Path

Two Tracks.
One Mission.

All participants pursue FAA certification. The Part 107 UAS track is our primary focus — the Private Pilot track is available for those who want to take it further.

Primary

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Track One — Recommended

Part 107 UAS Operator

Earn your FAA Part 107 Remote Pilot Certificate and enter the commercial drone industry. Military UAS experience transfers directly to civilian certification — and Houston's energy sector is actively hiring.

FAA Part 107 Remote Pilot Certificate
AI-integrated drone flight simulation training
Commercial UAS operations curriculum
Geofencing, autonomous systems, mission planning
BDD Houston community drone training pipeline
Career pathways in energy, public safety, infrastructure

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Track Two — Optional

Private Pilot Certificate

The foundational credential for professional aviation careers. Available to participants who want to pursue both tracks. Supported by veteran FAA-certified flight instructors and AI-adaptive training tools.

FAA Private Pilot Certificate (Part 61)
40+ flight hours with veteran CFI instruction
Redbird GIFT AI simulator training (FAA-approved AATD)
Sporty's ChatCFI AI ground school
FAA knowledge test prep and checkride support
Pathway to Instrument Rating and Commercial Certificate

The Process

Your Path
to Certification

From your first session to your FAA certificate and first job — every step is supported at four Houston campuses.

Application & Intake

Complete your application and meet with a THLP case manager. We verify eligibility, assess prior aviation experience, and place you in the right track for your goals.

AI-Generated Training Plan

Your Part 107 instructor builds a personalized curriculum using AI platforms tailored to your experience level and target certification timeline.

Tue / Thu / Sat Training Sessions

Train three days a week at one of four Houston campuses. FAA Part 107 certified instructors deliver hands-on drone instruction backed by AI simulation platforms.

FAA Certification

Complete your FAA Part 107 knowledge test and earn your Remote Pilot Certificate. Optional: continue into the Private Pilot track with veteran CFI flight instruction.

Employment Placement

THLP connects you directly with Houston-area aviation employers through formal MOUs. Energy sector, public safety, commercial UAS — your new career starts here.

Federal Investment

Supported by the
FAA Aviation Workforce Grant

Higher Heights is funded through the FAA Aircraft Pilots Workforce Development Grant Program — federal investment specifically designed to transition veterans into aviation careers. Qualifying participants receive no-cost training.

FAA Grant NG-AWP-25-002 No Cost to Qualifying Participants 501(c)(3) Nonprofit GI Bill® Compatible BDD Houston Partner

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