Top Drone Academy helps aspiring drone pilots and professionals gain the skills, knowledge, and certification needed to excel in the rapidly growing world of drone technology. Whether seeking to launch a career, add drones to an existing skill set, or explore the capabilities of unmanned aircraft systems, our program can help.

About Top Drone Academy

Top Drone Academy is dedicated to providing cutting-edge drone education and training tailored to meet the needs of students, educators, and industry professionals. The Academy's comprehensive programs cover everything from drone piloting and safety, to federal regulations, to commercial drone operations. Top Drone Academy offers training aligned with FAA Part 107 certification requirements, ensuring participants are fully prepared for the challenges of commercial or educational drone operation.

Top Drone Academy Conference 

November 17–18, 2025 | Old Kinderhook Resort, Camdenton, MO
Registration Deadline: October 24, 2025

Now in its third year, the Top Drone Academy Conference is designed exclusively for educators and workforce leaders shaping Missouri’s next generation of technical training. This two-day event features in-depth workshops, hands-on flight experiences, and peer-led sessions focused on instructional alignment, credential pathways, and program implementation.

Conference sessions will highlight real-world applications of drone technology across Career Pathways—including agriculture, public safety, construction, engineering, and entrepreneurship.

Highlights

• Learn from drone professionals, instructional experts, and industry-aligned educators
• Deepen your understanding of FAA certification requirements
• Explore best practices in CTE, STEM, and drone-integrated curriculum design
• Connect with statewide partners and Career Pathways leaders

Conference Sponsors

iCEV · Missouri S&T · Depco · Minds-i · Agri-Spray Drones · Pitsco Education

Top Drone Academy Executive Committee

President: Aaron Panek, Depco

Vice-President: Preston Frazier, Pitsco

Secretary/Treasurer: Marilyn Allen, iCEV

Calee McElwain, iCEV

Marty Pickney, Missouri S&T

Thomas McGovern, St. Louis Community College

Terry Graham, Minds-i

Michael Hartline, Willard High School, JROTC

Hoa Nguyen, Missouri S&T, Multi-Rotor Team

Linda Stinson, Missouri DESE – Career Pathways Manager

Byekwaso Gilbert, Missouri DESE – Director of Engineering & Technology Education

Contact Us

Interested in integrating drones into your instructional strategy or expanding a career-connected program?

Aaron Panek – apanek@depcollc.com | (620) 704-1085

Linda Stinson – Linda.Stinson@dese.mo.gov | (573) 526-4987

Byekwaso Gilbert – Byekwaso.Gilbert@dese.mo.gov | (573) 751-7764