Sonoran Desert Institute (SDI)

Sonoran Desert Institute (SDI) SDI is accredited by the Distance Education Accrediting Commission (DEAC). That’s why we’re constantly updating and upgrading our curriculum.
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Sonoran Desert Institute is an online school that helps students learn the skills and techniques they’ll need to be successful in the firearms and uncrewed technology industries. For more information: http://sdi.edu/contact

Sonoran Desert Institute (SDI) is an online educational institution dedicated to equipping students with the essential skills and techniques for success in the firearms and un

crewed technology fields. Our unique learning options offer our students hands-on learning opportunities with the convenience of online learning, and we pride ourselves in offering a comprehensive curriculum that prepares our students for successful careers in the firearms and uncrewed industries. SDI’s faculty and staff represent hundreds of years’ worth of combined higher education experience, including firearms and drone industry professionals and more. Students can contact their instructors online any time, and responses are quick and personal. We’re committed to the advancement of the firearms and uncrewed industries through providing high quality training at a distance. We strive to always provide new and exciting course options for our students, and that’s why we think have the best graduates in the industry. We strive every day to not only deliver an affordable college experience, but to also offer convenient payment options. We have stellar programs, most of which are also approved for use of most military and veteran benefit programs. At Sonoran Desert Institute, we want to be more than just an online school. We’ve worked hard to offer unique degree and certificate options, delivered as conveniently as possible, that work within your budget. Let us show you how hard we’ve worked to help our students learn skills they'll need to start careers in a field they’re passionate about. We’d love to help you take the first step towards doing something you love!

Big changes could be coming to the commercial drone industry.FAA Part 108 has officially moved to the Office of Regulato...
09/04/2026

Big changes could be coming to the commercial drone industry.

FAA Part 108 has officially moved to the Office of Regulatory and Innovation Affairs, bringing the proposed rule one step closer to the next stage of the process.

Part 108 is expected to establish a regulatory framework for routine Beyond Visual Line of Sight (BVLOS) drone operations at scale.

For commercial drone operators, this could mean changes that go beyond individual pilot certification, including greater emphasis on safety management systems, operational accountability, and organizational oversight.

The final rule isn't here yet, but the industry is moving forward. Staying informed and preparing for potential changes now can help operators stay ahead of an evolving regulatory landscape.

Before you take on MAC150, you need the foundation.MAC110 is the starting point, introducing core machining and repair c...
09/03/2026

Before you take on MAC150, you need the foundation.

MAC110 is the starting point, introducing core machining and repair concepts used in the gunsmithing field. Students learn to work with milling machines, metal lathes, polishing tools, and other fi****ms-specific equipment while building skills in blueprint reading, shop math, and industry terminology.

It’s not just about using the machines, it’s about understanding them. From proper work-holding techniques to shop fundamentals, this course sets you up for success in MAC150 and beyond.

If MAC150 is where it gets serious, this is where it starts.

Get Started today at: https://hubs.li/Q04wCV6g0

09/02/2026

We stopped by the booth to get a closer look at how they’re pushing desktop SLA and SLS 3D printing forward.

From rapid prototyping to producing end-use parts, additive manufacturing continues to change what’s possible when it comes to designing, testing, and building.

Very cool to see the technology up close and where it’s headed next.

09/02/2026

Stopped by the booth to see how they're redefining desktop SLA and SLS 3D printing. From rapid prototyping to end-use industrial parts, their ecosystem makes complex manufacturing look effortless.

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What does it mean to “free-float” a rifle barrel?When a barrel is free-floating, it does not make contact with the stock...
09/02/2026

What does it mean to “free-float” a rifle barrel?

When a barrel is free-floating, it does not make contact with the stock or handguard along its length. Instead, the barrel is supported at the receiver, leaving clearance around the barrel so the stock does not apply inconsistent pressure to it.

Why does that matter?

Every time a rifle is fired, the barrel flexes and vibrates. These movements are often referred to as barrel harmonics. If the stock or another component contacts the barrel, changes in shooting position, sling tension, bipod loading, temperature, or even humidity-related stock movement can alter the pressure being applied to the barrel.

That can affect how consistently the barrel behaves from one shot to the next and potentially shift the rifle’s point of impact.

Free-floating helps isolate the barrel from those external forces, allowing its vibration pattern to remain more consistent. It doesn’t automatically make a rifle accurate, but it removes one variable that can influence repeatability and precision.

It’s a relatively simple concept with an important goal: consistency from shot to shot.

Get your start today: https://hubs.ly/Q04sGKn60

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Why does magnetic declination matter when flying drones?Magnetic north isn’t the same everywhere.Magnetic declination is...
09/01/2026

Why does magnetic declination matter when flying drones?

Magnetic north isn’t the same everywhere.

Magnetic declination is the difference between true north and magnetic north, and that difference changes depending on your location. If you travel hundreds of miles with your drone, the magnetic environment may be different enough to affect compass accuracy.

Recalibrating your compass at a new location can help ensure your drone has an accurate heading reference and reduce the risk of navigation errors or unstable automated flight.

A quick calibration can make a big difference before takeoff.

Your drone’s propellers do a lot of the heavy lifting. Are you checking them before every flight?Even small cracks, chip...
08/31/2026

Your drone’s propellers do a lot of the heavy lifting. Are you checking them before every flight?

Even small cracks, chips, bends, or signs of wear can affect flight performance and stability. Regular propeller inspections can help you catch potential problems before your drone ever leaves the ground.

Before takeoff, check for:
• Cracks, chips, or warping
• Loose or damaged mounting points
• Excessive wear or deformation
• Dirt and debris buildup

A quick pre-flight inspection can go a long way toward keeping your drone operating safely and reliably.

What does staking mean in gunsmithing?Staking is a method used to help secure certain firearm components in place by phy...
08/28/2026

What does staking mean in gunsmithing?

Staking is a method used to help secure certain firearm components in place by physically displacing a small amount of metal around a fastener or part.

Rather than relying solely on torque or threadlocker, staking creates a mechanical barrier that helps prevent components from loosening during use.

It’s a simple technique, but one that can play an important role in keeping properly assembled components secure.

Have you encountered staking on a firearm you’ve worked on?
Get your start today: https://hubs.li/Q04sqQ7_0

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Drone delivery could be about to take a major leap forward.Zipline and Uber are teaming up to bring autonomous drone del...
08/27/2026

Drone delivery could be about to take a major leap forward.

Zipline and Uber are teaming up to bring autonomous drone delivery to Uber Eats customers across the U.S., with an ambitious goal of eventually reaching 1 million deliveries per day.

The partnership will begin in markets where Zipline already operates, including Dallas and Houston, before expanding to additional cities. Uber is also making a strategic investment in Zipline as part of the partnership.

From medical logistics to food delivery in minutes, drone technology continues to reshape what’s possible in the skies.

Read more about the partnership and what it could mean for the future of delivery: https://hubs.li/Q04tK57h0

Missed us at GOALS? No worries!We're on the road throughout the year attending industry events, trade shows, and confere...
08/26/2026

Missed us at GOALS? No worries!

We're on the road throughout the year attending industry events, trade shows, and conferences across the country. Follow our social channels to see where we'll be next - you might find an SDI event happening near you!

We'd love the chance to meet you, answer your questions, and talk about our programs in person. We hope to see you at a future event!

Address

1555 W. University Drive Ste. 103
Tempe, AZ
85281

Opening Hours

Monday 8am - 5pm
Tuesday 8am - 5pm
Wednesday 8am - 5pm
Thursday 8am - 5pm
Friday 8am - 5pm

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