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
Students will learn about the following topics:
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
Rita Castonguay Hunt is a Pilot and Project Manager for ArgenTech Solutions and specializes in both manned and unmanned aviation operations, standardization, procedures, training, and safety.
Prior to joining ArgenTech in 2017, Rita was the aviation planner, pilot and FAA-certified airport safety inspector for the state of New Hampshire. Where she was responsible for the safety inspections of the state’s 23 public-use airports, responded to aviation related accidents as a subject matter expert on behalf of the State Police; and acted as state liaison to both the FAA and NTSB.
Rita is currently an instructor for FEMA teaching the Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS) in Disaster Management course. She was selected to join the USDOT Remote Sensing Adoption Working Group; is an advisor for a federal research project with the University of Vermont Spatial Orientation Lab involving the capabilities of UAS in transportation related projects and is considered an expert in UAS regulations.
Rita graduated from Daniel Webster College with a Bachelor of Science degree in Aviation Flight Operations and a Master's in Business Administration. She is a certificated commercial pilot and flight instructor, as well as, certificated Part 107 remote pilot.
Jim Cloutier is the President of Red Dog Aerial Media a UAS service provider that specializes in training and consulting for companies interested in starting UAS programs in house. Red Dog Aerial also offers aerial photography, videography, infrastructure inspection and mapping services for engineering, construction, commercial real estate and insurance companies. Jim has over 10 years building, designing and flying UAS platforms and holds his FAA Remote Pilot Certification.
Jim graduated from Northeastern University with a Bachelor’s of Science degree in Electrical Engineering Technology. His electrical engineering career in the manufacturing industry included electrical design and programing for brewing and packaging systems, project management, information technology infrastructure design and deployment, software and hardware lifecycle analysis and technical training. Jim is currently the Information Technology Manager at Anheuser-Busch in Merrimack, NH.
Thank you for your interest in this course. A new date will be scheduled soon. If you would like more information, please submit your inquiry below and a staff member will reply shortly.
