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Crabtree has brought his drone academy from Buffalo, West Virginia, to 1294 U.S. 60 in Milton for a more centralized location and to advance the drone industry in West Virginia.

ÈËÑýÉ«ÇéƬœThe idea of bringing the drone industry to West Virginia has been a passion for a couple years now,ÈËÑýÉ«ÇéƬ� Crabtree said. ÈËÑýÉ«ÇéƬœHistorically, we are a coal state. The coal industry is having its ups and downs. I just think it would be nice to bring another industry to West Virginia where people can still work outdoors ... (and) kind of go off on their own adventures.

ÈËÑýÉ«ÇéƬœI really want to see West Virginia be on the forefront of the industry instead of trying to play catchup,ÈËÑýÉ«ÇéƬ� Crabtree said.

On Tuesday, attendees learned more about the drone industry and classes that will be offered at the Appalachian UAV Academy while having the chance to test their skills by flying a drone through the building. A large agricultural drone, mapping drones and training drones were on display, among others.

The academy will allow students to explore opportunities in the drone industry with basic classes to get the required license to make money with a drone, more in-depth commercial drone pilot classes, cinematography classes and classes on public safety. The Appalachian UAV Academy was recognized as the first training organization in the country to successfully undergo an independent review of its program for compliance to ASTM industry standard F3379-20, standard guides for training for public safety remote pilot of unmanned aircraft systems endorsement.

The program will include a hybrid course, with half of the course in a classroom setting and the other half out in the field.

Milton Councilman Chase Bryant and Milton Mayor Shane Evans were among the crowd of people exploring the world of drones for the academyÈËÑýÉ«ÇéƬ™s opening day, and they expressed their excitement on having a new kind of business in the area.

ÈËÑýÉ«ÇéƬœI think this drone academy could really put Milton on the map and really put West Virginia on the map,ÈËÑýÉ«ÇéƬ� Bryant said. ÈËÑýÉ«ÇéƬœIÈËÑýÉ«ÇéƬ™m proud to have it. I think its going to be a diverse little business ÈËÑýÉ«ÇéƬ” it will probably be a big business to bring to Milton.ÈËÑýÉ«ÇéƬ�

Crabtree said classes at the academy, held evenings and weekends, should start next weekend. Those interested can sign up by contacting Crabtree at or 304-634-7902.