MOOCs, study guides, Educational Links
We have compiled a partial list of training materials, massive open online courses (MOOCs), and best practices here which will help you gain knowledge and become a safer, better, and more effective pilot.
While this material is not a substitute for your country's specific licencing requirements, it will go a long way towards getting you familiar with terminology and practices which will help you pass any test you decide to take.
Introduction to Drone Journalism - FREE
Created by africanDRONE and Code For Africa, this course is designed for journalists and drone pilots looking for education on drone piloting, ethics, and newsroom integration.
Created by ESRI, this course explores how maps can turn Earth Observation (EO) data into action. Discover quick ArcGIS lessons from SDGs Today, SDSN, and Esri that help visualize gaps, analyze needs, and guide smarter decisions on schools, health, forests, and inequality.
Earth Observation MOOCs - FREE
The European Space Agency (ESA) MOOCs introduce Earth Observation technologies and data through real-world case studies, showing how they drive scientific and practical impact. Open to all backgrounds, each course blends video, data, and interactive materials in a flexible, social learning format.
Small Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS) Study Guide - FREE
This is the official US FAA study guide to pass your Part 107 (drone) licensing test. It contains drone-specific information on a variety of topics which are applicable internationally. It contains a variety of embedded links to further study materials.
Online Drone Piloting Course - FREE
The U.S. FAA offers free online training you can take from anywhere. Start by creating an account on the FAA Safety website using the link above. After logging in, open the “Catalog of Available Courses” and select “WINGS Courses.” You’ll find many options. The most relevant is “Part 107 Small Unmanned Aircraft Systems (sUAS)” (ALC-451), combining video and reading modules. On completion, you can download an official certificate.
DroneCompare is an open, community-driven platform that lets users compare drone models side-by-side, filter specifications and share reviews or known issues. It enables the community to edit and expand data over time, helping buyers and practitioners make informed drone technology decisions.
TOOLS
Online aviation maps of the world.
App created expressly for drone flight.
Updates from the KCAA on temporarily restricted flight zones (note: this should also be integrated into AirMap).
How to read a VFR Aviation Chart
Written by the US FAA, this helpful .pdf (right-click to download) will help you understand the often-confusing world of aviation charts, which are crucial to planning drone flights.
This site & app shows wind speed and weather patterns worldwide in an easy interface, great for planning safe drone flights.
This site & app shows the locations of all large airplanes in the world, which can be helpful to visualize flight patterns around airports and cities.
DRONE JOURNALISM
Drone Journalism Story Production
Developed by Unequal Scenes and africanDRONE, this practical guide outlines best practices for planning, capturing, and producing compelling drone-based journalism stories.
Developed by researchers and practitioners, and contextualized for Africa by africanDRONE, this one-page ethical framework guides responsible conduct for drone journalists.
Drone Journalism Operating Manual
Developed by researchers and industry experts and tailored for African contexts by africanDRONE, this practical handbook for drone journalists offers clear, step-by-step guidance for safe flight operations.