Would-be drone pilots, it's time to start thinking of a cool call sign.
Next month, the Chattanooga Public Library will begin offering free weekly one-hour sessions that will teach students how to safely operate a remote-controlled drone, more than 1 million of which were sold during the holidays, according to estimates from the Federal Aviation Administration.
"Learn! To Fly A Drone" will begin Feb. 6 at 1 p.m. and will continue during the same time slot every Saturday through March 26. Each session covers the same curriculum, so pilots need only attend one class to earn their radio-controlled wings, library representatives say.
The main branch of the Chattanooga Public Library is located on Broad Street between 10th and 11th streets in downtown Chattanooga.According to a news release, instruction will take place "in a safe arena" on the library's Fourth Floor creative laboratory under the watchful eye of James Candan, the founder of Flyght Zone, an "indoor drone raceway" set to open soon in Chattanooga.
"Candan ... will show you the proper techniques, including rules, regulations and dos-and-don'ts practices for safe and responsible drone piloting," the release reads. "We welcome pilots of all skill levels to participate."
Seating is limited, and participants must pre-register at www.chattlibrary.org/events/learn-fly-drone-registration-required. Radio-controlled quadcopters - drones equipped with four rotary blades - will be provided.
When it opens, Flyght Zone will offer a chance to pilot quadcopters through an obstacle/race course from a first-person perspective videofeed relayed to participants' "headgear" via cameras attached to each drone. For more information, visitwww.flyghtzone.com.
Contact Casey Phillips at cphillips@timesfreepress.com or 423-757-6205. Follow him on Twitter at @PhillipsCTFP.