Texas Academy Targeted Drone Industry Racial Gap
TCB Drones Academy works to increase minority representation among FAA-certified pilots in Texas.
Updated on Sept. 25, 2026 in Air Travel
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Founded in 2021 by Steffanie Rivers, TCB Drones Academy provides specialized preparation for the FAA Part 107 drone pilot certification. The initiative aims to address the disparity in a field where minorities currently account for less than 3% of certified pilots.
Why it matters
The aviation industry suffers from low Black representation due to socioeconomic barriers, historical exclusions, and limited early career exposure. By providing targeted training, Rivers seeks to dismantle these obstacles and widen access to aviation professions.
The FAA Part 107 certification exam costs $175 and is available to applicants aged 16 and older. Candidates can complete a three-day, five-hour daily prep course through the academy either virtually or in person.
The players
Steffanie Rivers
She is the founder of TCB Drones Academy who established the organization to provide aviation training to underrepresented groups.
Monica Henderson
She is a licensed drone pilot and academy instructor who obtained her certification in 2025.
The details
TCB Drones Academy offers flexible learning formats, including in-person instruction and virtual sessions with recorded archives to support students in Texas. Recent graduate and instructor Monica Henderson, who earned her license in 2025, exemplifies the program's goal of fostering a new generation of minority drone operators.
Timeline
Steffanie Rivers founded TCB Drones in 2021.
Monica Henderson obtained her drone license in 2025.
A 16-year-old student passed the FAA exam in July 2026.
Travel Outlook
The academy's training program directly aligns with the FAA Part 107 certification requirements, providing the necessary educational framework for students to succeed in a regulated aviation environment. This approach bridges the gap between historical exclusion and modern professional standards within the burgeoning drone sector.
Aspiring pilots aged 16 and older can access the academy's prep courses to satisfy the requirements for the FAA Part 107 exam. Students should factor in the $175 examination fee when planning their certification timeline.
The takeaway
Closing the racial gap in aviation requires proactive measures to provide early exposure and affordable training pathways. Interested individuals can leverage these specialized prep programs to overcome traditional barriers to entry in the drone pilot industry.
Further reading
Learn more about the evolving landscape of Air Travel.
More information
Visit the TCB Drones Academy website to view available course schedules and enrollment details.
Source note: This article includes information reported by DefenderNetwork.
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