This course presents a comprehensive overview of 1911-style firearms. Discussed in the lessons are the history, development, and practical applications of 1911-style firearms, including their parts, the function of each part, ammunition types and calibers, troubleshooting, maintenance, and repair. Also presented are sight options, considerations for building or buying your 1911-style firearm, tuning your 1911 for accuracy and reliability, customizing the 1911 with coatings and accessories. Students will be presented step-by step instructions that will be applied to the firearm supplied by the school.

Students must be 21 years of age to select the FTE 211 course.

Start Dates

• 11/24/2025
• 12/1/2025
• 12/29/2025
• 1/26/2026
• 2/23/2026

This course presents an overview of the AR style platform in various configurations, including the AR 15, AR 10/LR .308, and AR 9/pistol caliber carbine. Discussed in the lessons are the history, design characteristics, operations, and platform-specific characteristics of these rifles. Students select a platform on which to demonstrate practical skills and abilities, including the measurement of critical dimensions, assembly and disassembly procedures, and the use of specialty tools. Malfunction diagnosis, operating characteristics, and application of gunsmithing techniques will also be demonstrated.

Start Dates

• 11/24/2025
• 12/1/2025
• 12/29/2025
• 1/26/2026
• 2/23/2026

This course presents an overview of the pump shotgun platform in various makes and models. Discussed in the lessons are the history, design characteristics, operations, and platform-specific characteristics of these firearms. Students receive a pump shotgun platform on which to demonstrate practical skills and abilities, including the measurement of critical dimensions, assembly and disassembly procedures, and the use of specialty tools. Malfunction diagnosis, operating characteristics, and application of gunsmithing techniques will also be demonstrated.

Start Dates

• 11/24/2025
• 12/29/2025
• 1/26/2026
• 2/23/2026

This course is an introduction to firearms technology. During the course, the student will review firearms fundamentals, simple machine concepts, and various firearm operating systems. Students will apply concepts and fundamentals in practical applications to identify working systems of firearms.

Start Dates

• 12/1/2025
• 1/12/2026
• 2/16/2026

This course is a comprehensive exploration of the revolver. Students learn about the legal definition of a revolver, the mechanical design of the revolving action, and the history of this handgun platform. Common parts of their functions, troubleshooting methods and strategies, and customization techniques are all covered in this course. 4 Credit Hours + Optional Materials Fee

Students must be 21 years of age to select the FTH 202 course.

Start Dates

• 12/1/2025
• 1/5/2026
• 1/12/2026
• 2/16/2026

This course covers striker-fired pistols in detail. Topics include parts and function, assembly and disassembly, and customizing for performance. Students will practice building a striker-fired pistol from a parts kit and stippling synthetic material used for pistol grips. Additionally, students will learn about researching firearms and firearms schematics to help them access valuable information before beginning work on a project. 4 Credit Hours + Optional Materials Fee

Students must be 21 years of age to select the FTH 212 course.

Start Dates

• 12/1/2025
• 1/5/2026
• 2/9/2026
• 2/16/2026

While core emphasis of this course is the hammer-fired pistol, also examined are concepts that generalize to most modern automatic handguns. Students explore pistol malfunctions and methods of preventing or repairing them, the parts and components of hammer-fired pistols, and methods of improving pistol operation and reliability. Students also learn how to research firearms components needed for repair and customization jobs. Students will perform critical measurements and perform various hands-on projects to enhance striker and hammer-fired pistol performance. 4 Credit Hours + Optional Materials Fee

Students must be 21 years of age to select the FTH 223 course.

Start Dates

• 12/1/2025
• 1/5/2026
• 2/9/2026

In this lab, the student will engage in hands-on techniques with some of the gunsmith’s essential hand tools. The student will replicate detailed firearms disassembly using their assigned tools, with the aid of research and detailed diagrams and drawings. Techniques will be identified that gunsmiths apply in the use of files, rasps, hacksaws, drills, wrenches and screws, among others. Maintenance techniques of these tools will also be identified.

Start Dates

• 11/24/2025
• 12/22/2025
• 12/29/2025
• 1/26/2026
• 2/23/2026

This lab investigates the development and design of firearm holsters, including modern thermoforming designs. The student will participate in a detailed project on the topic of designing firearm retention devices, to include both the one-piece and two-piece designs. Lab materials will be provided to the student to customize a holster to a specific designation.

Start Dates

• 11/24/2025
• 12/1/2025
• 12/22/2025
• 12/29/2025
• 1/26/2026
• 2/23/2026

This course covers the preparation and finishing of metal. Techniques for polishing, bluing, Parkerizing, and browning of metal are explained. Modern firearm finishes, such as spray-on finishes, hydrographics, ferritic nitrocarburizing, PVD coating, and other methods are discussed. Also included are methodologies for the engraving of metal that will allow customization of firearms.

Start Dates

• 11/24/2025
• 12/29/2025
• 1/26/2026
• 2/23/2026

This course will describe methods to replace and repair gunstocks. Techniques on ways to properly select the wood and to shape the stock will be described. Included in those techniques will be methods to fit the new stock to the action of a firearm. Included in this course is how to custom fit a gunstock to a customer’s specifications and how to install a recoil pad. Students will demonstrate the process of gunstock inletting, and a hands-on lab on this topic is included.

Start Dates

• 11/24/2025
• 12/29/2025
• 1/26/2026
• 2/23/2026

This lab will cover hand checkering wood stocks and pistol grips. Checkering is a process of cutting parallel grooves with specific wood cutting tools. You will be provided with all supplies necessary to complete this process, to include wood and cutting tools. These tools are used to familiarize you with the techniques of hand checkering, and a final test on the topic will be conducted. A template of the pattern will be provided in the course.

Start Dates

• 11/24/2025
• 12/29/2025
• 1/26/2026
• 2/23/2026

This course provides a thorough understanding of accuracy for the gunsmith. Included in this course are techniques on how to inspect a rifle for accuracy, tools needed to achieve accuracy, installation of sights, and mounting optics. Other topics introduce the gunsmith to modern bolt-action trigger kits and how to check proper fit of a bolt-action rifle. A core component of this course is to describe the correct procedure of rifle bedding, including how to pillar bed both modern synthetic stocks and wooden stocks. This course also explains how to properly maintain long-range hunting rifles for long-term storage and to mount a telescoping optic.

Start Dates

• 11/24/2025
• 12/29/2025
• 1/26/2026
• 2/23/2026

This course includes establishing a formal business plan for a firearms related business. Included are the various stages of researching and outlining a plan, consideration of marketing, financial, and other general business factors and presentation of a formal plan.

Start Dates

• 11/3/2025
• 11/24/2025
• 12/1/2025
• 12/29/2025
• 1/26/2026
• 2/23/2026

Covers the foundations of launching and managing a firearms-related business. Students explore FFL rules, business operations, recordkeeping, marketing, and industry-specific bookkeeping.

Start Dates

• 11/3/2025
• 11/24/2025
• 12/1/2025
• 12/29/2025
• 1/26/2026
• 2/23/2026

This first course in uncrewed aircraft systems introduces the history and evolution of the uncrewed aerial vehicle (UAV). The course provides a technical introduction to the subsystems of an uncrewed aerial system (UAS) to include the aircraft, payload, propulsion, navigation, wireless communications and control, autonomy, ground control station, and support systems/equipment. The topics of man-machine interface, system design, FAA regulations and UAS operations in the national airspace are also introduced. Students are introduced to how uncrewed aircraft systems are used in the commercial/civil, public service, and military sectors.

Start Dates

• 1/5/2026
• 1/12/2026
• 2/16/2026

This course provides the student with a comprehensive knowledge of a professional aviation organization model with special focus on the key pillars of safety, operations, maintenance, and culture in the context of the current regulations and specific requirements to operate an UAS in the national airspace for commercial use. UAS operations, operational risk management, aeronautical decision making, training, scheduling, standardization/evaluation (STANEVAL), maintenance, remote pilot in command responsibilities, and key federal regulations and guidance for flying commercially in the national airspace.

Start Dates

• 12/1/2025
• 1/5/2026
• 1/12/2026
• 2/16/2026

This course will provide students with the necessary knowledge and skills to conduct flight operations using a UAV for Geographical Information System (GIS) data collection, post-processing, and analysis of the collected data using appropriate software tools. The student will complete the course to understand the full process for using UAVs as a tool for collecting and then post-processing the collected data.

Start Dates

• 12/1/2026
• 1/5/2026
• 2/9/2026
• 2/16/2026

This course will introduce the students to building, assembling, powering, and configuring components of a small uncrewed aircraft system into an aircraft that will be capable of stable flight that students can use for this and future classes. This course will detail the assembly requirements of each component and subsystem. Once assembly is completed the aircraft will be powered on and sensors and autopilot configured as required to ensure stable flight. Students will gain additional skills such as soldering, hardware assembly, ground control station software basics, and telemetry setup.

Start Dates

• 12/1/2025
• 1/5/2026
• 1/12/2026
• 2/9/2026
• 2/16/2026

This is an introductory thermography course with infrared and heat transfer science training. This course is focused on how aerial inspections and thermal scans using sUAS infrared cameras can support several industries to be safer, more efficient, and more effective. The course provides students with the theory and science of infrared radiation and how infrared measurements are used to determine thermal patterns. The course covers the theoretical background, knowledge, and skills to properly capture, tune, and interpret thermal images collected from an sUAS platform and infrared sensor. Students learn to select the proper camera and lens combinations for their application’s needs. Students are provided with a handheld infrared camera to conduct practical assignments and experiments that reinforce the concepts learned during the course. This infrared camera is theirs to keep and use after the course. After successfully completing this course, students have the knowledge, skill, and ability to enter the workforce as entry-level and/or apprentice thermographers.

Start Dates

• 12/1/2025
• 1/5/2026
• 1/12/2026
• 2/9/2026
• 2/16/2026

This course provides students with a comprehensive education in the knowledge areas covered by the Remote Pilot sUAS Airman Certification standards. Students learn to fly drones and develop safe flying skills in a state-of-the-art drone flight simulator and hands on application. The course presents instruction on the components of a modern multi-rotor drone, fundamentals of flight, navigation, communication, sensors, human factors, and risk management. The course includes a comprehensive overview of the U.S. National Air Traffic Control System using 3D animations and describes how it affects remote pilots and drone operations. This course provides comprehensive review of subjects included in the FAA Remote Pilot sUAS Airman Certification Exam. After completing the course, the student may seek to attempt the FAA exam which is administered at an FAA exam center. Prerequisite: UAS 101.

Start Dates

• 12/1/2025
• 1/5/2026
• 1/12/2026
• 2/9/2026
• 2/16/2026