This certificate program offers hands-on flight instruction that draws on the basic skills and flight proficiencies required to safely operate unmanned aerial vehicles. While flight instruction is a key area of focus, this certificate is not a Part 107 preparation class.
In addition to operational proficiency, participants will gain a more thorough understanding of UAS regulations, policies, airspace considerations and licensing requirements. At the end of the workshop, students will be more equipped to fly UAS safely and with a deeper understanding of how UAS can be used in public for emergency response. This 5-day certification is offered over a five-week period--see scheduled dates for each specific section.
Students do not need to bring their own UAV to this course. Several different UAV models will be available for students during hands-on exercises and demonstrations.
*Created in partnership with NH Department of Transportation
Objectives
Students will learn about the following topics:
- Improve UAS operational proficiency in different geographies and weather conditions
- Understand relevant municipal, state and federal laws that govern UAS operation
- Apply appropriate UAS operational guidelines and laws to pre-flight, flight and post-flight activities
- Design and maintain accurate and helpful pre-flight checklists and flight logs
- Set up safe take-off and landing perimeters
- Become more familiar with different UAS, components platforms and software
- Connect UAS technologies and concepts to Emergency Management and SAR practices
- Assess airspace requirements before and during flights
- Learn more about leading-edge UAS technologies and how these advancements impact different fields such as emergency management, engineering, agriculture and photography
- Identify the essential elements of starting a new in-house UAS program: legal, financial, risk management, staff, training, insurance, standard operating procedures, documentation, equipment procurement and management
Schedule
Day 1 – Rules, Regulations, Resources
Regulations
Risk, Liability and Insurance
FAA UAS Rules and Regulations
Commercial
Part 107
Remote Pilot Airman Certificate
Recreational/Educational Use
Public Law 112-95, Section 336 – Special Rule for Model Aircraft
Waivers
The Small UAS Rule (14 CFR part 107)
Pilot Operating Handbook (POH)
Aeronautical Principles
Airspace
Pre-Flight
Checklist
Flight Perimeter Setup
Day 2 – UAS Components, Flight Basics & Flight Time
UAS Components
Rotors, Engines, Frames
Sensing Platforms and Sensors
Displays, Goggles
Command Center
UAS Software
DJI Go
Litchi
Drone Deploy
B4UFly
Airmap
Windfinder
Drone Operation
Flight Basics
Flight Crew and Roles
Safety, Checklists, Tools
GIS and Waypoints
Virtual Fencing
Flight Scenarios
Take off/Landing
Orientation
Return to Home
Advanced Modes and Joystick Control
Demo Grid Search
Day 3 - Case Studies, Forensics, Urban/Rural, Communication/Coordination & Flight Time
UAS Forensics
Vendor Demo
SAR
Weather and Terrain
UAS-related Example Scenarios
Pathway Identification
Waypoint/ Eye In the Sky
Missing Person
Communication and Coordination
Basics of Building a UAS System for SAR
Optics and Filters (FLIR, etc.)
Urban versus Rural Rescue
Flight Scenarios
Urban versus Rural
Missing Person
Pathway Identification
Day 4 - UAS Program Development & Flight Time
Building an In-House UAS Program
Equipment
Procurement and Maintenance
How/When to Scale?
Capital
Securing Funds/Grants
Example Budget
Approval
Staff/Training
Management of Equipment
Review Checklist
Fight Scenarios
SAR Scenarios
Coordination of Multiple Groups
Different Functions
Communication Systems
Waymarking and Grid Search
Time-Sensitivity
Accounting for Obstacles
Day 5- UAS Program Development
Review
Case Studies
Adapting a UAS Program for Emergency Management & SAR
What’s Unique?
Next Steps?
Review Checklist
Vendor Demo
Summary and Q&A
