Windsor Central High School junior Sharone Soundararaj has become the school’s first licensed drone pilot after passing the test needed to earn a Remote Pilot Certificate from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA).

“It’s pretty cool. I figured I’d use my knowledge while I had it,” said Soundararaj.

Soundararaj took the WCHS Introduction to Drones class in the fall. The 2022-23 school year marked the third WCHS offered the course.

“There’s a lot of potential to make money from imaging,” said Soundararaj, who plans on working to save up enough money to buy a drone. He’s thinking of working events such as weddings.

“Almost all industries are growing regarding some drone components. In real estate, it’s flashier to sell house with drone footage. There’s a need for promotional footage, wedding photography. The construction and inspection industry before-and-after footage for builds. It’s an endless list that’s growing every year. It’s another way Windsor is making these students future-ready, preparing them to take these opportunities that come along in the future,” said teacher Eric Haberli.

Soundararaj may be the first to earn his certification from the Intro to Drones class, but hopefully he won’t be the last.

“It’s awesome but also satisfying. We always wanted to move it in this direction. Sharone is taking this first step so that everyone can get certified in the coming years,” said Haberli.