Overview of Drones

• What are drones?
• Types of UAVs (Fixed-wing, Multi-rotor, Hybrid)
• Evolution of UAV technology
• Applications of drones in various industries
• Drone market and future trends

Drone Anatomy

• Essential drone components
• Motors, propellers, flight controllers, and sensors
• Power systems: Batteries and power distribution
• Understanding the control system: Joysticks, sensors, and GCS

Hands-On Practice

• Identifying components on a drone
• Disassembling and reassembling a basic drone

Aerodynamics in Drone Flight

• The four forces of flight: Lift, Thrust, Drag, and Weight
• Flight stability and control
• Flight dynamics and how drones maintain stability
• Understanding the center of gravity (CG) in drone design

Introduction to Flight Modes

• Stabilize, Loiter, and Altitude Hold
• Manual vs. automatic flight modes
• Exploring PID controllers for drone stability

Hands-On Practice

• Test flight in a controlled environment
• Basic flight maneuvers and stability tests

In-Depth Look at Flight Controllers

• Understanding firmware like Betaflight, INAV, and Ardupilot
• Calibrating sensors: Gyroscopes, accelerometers, and magnetometers
• Manual and automatic control through GCS (Ground Control Station)

Introduction to Drone Programming

• Basic drone programming concepts
• Programming flight modes and auto-missions
• Introduction to APIs for flight control

Hands-On Practice

• Flashing firmware onto flight controllers
• Calibrating sensors and performing software updates

Designing Drones from Scratch

• Key considerations for drone design: Aerodynamics, payload, and power efficiency
• Materials used in drone construction (carbon fiber, plastic, aluminum)
• Simulation tools for drone design (e.g., XFLR5, OpenRocket)
• Optimizing drone design for specific applications (surveying, delivery, etc.)

Hands-On Practice

• Designing a drone frame using CAD software
• Simulating the designed drone's flight performance

Drone Use Cases

• Agriculture (Precision spraying, crop monitoring)
• Surveying & Mapping (LiDAR, photogrammetry)
• Cinematography (Aerial photography and videography)
• Search and Rescue (SAR) and Emergency Response
• Logistics and Delivery (Long-range drones, payload handling)

Hands-On Practice

• Exploring drones for specific applications
• Setting up an autonomous surveying mission

Understanding Drone Regulations

• DGCA regulations for commercial drone operations in India
• International standards for drone operations (FAA, EASA)
• No-fly zones, airspace restrictions, and legal considerations
• Certification requirements for drone pilots and operators

Drone Safety

• Safety checks before flight: Pre-flight inspection, battery checks
• Operational safety: Avoiding obstacles, handling emergencies
• Safety protocols in drone maintenance

Hands-On Practice

• Practicing flight in a controlled environment, adhering to safety guidelines
• Conducting pre-flight checks and inspecting drones for wear and tear

Troubleshooting Drones

• Identifying and fixing common issues: Motor failure, GPS drift, poor battery life
• Software issues: Controller calibration, firmware problems
• Hardware repairs: Replacing motors, ESCs, and other components

Capstone Project

• A hands-on project where you will assemble a drone, program it, and perform a specific task like mapping, surveying, or filming
• Submit your project and present your design process, challenges, and results

Certification and Next Steps

• Course completion ceremony
• Preparing for job applications and further training in UAV-related fields