Advanced Operators Course

Formerly the Tactical Operators course, this improved version capitalizes on the significant experience of the professional UAV pilots that make up the instructor cadre.  We are fortunate to have public safety UAV experts who are flying missions for their agency on a regular basis.  They are able to share the latest tactics, UAV platforms, software, and industry innovations because they are working in it daily in real-world public safety settings.

The class consists of three days of intensive scenario-based, hands-on, flight training designed to increase piloting skills and to provide students with the ability to operate in all sUAS environments.  Students will be exposed to the equipment, tools, and techniques necessary to make their sUAS program fulfill all of the desired mission-sets.

We begin by helping students to fully realize all of the potential applications of unmanned aircraft and how that may fit at their respective agencies.  This provides a clear understanding of the UAS agency objectives so that all efforts support effectively implementing the identified mission-sets.  The remainder of the curriculum is scenario-based exercises. Students fly inside and outside, on multiple aircraft types, using infrared, thermal, and self-illumination views.  Guest speakers and prototype UAS equipment are regular additions to this very popular class.  Students leave operationally ready with a deep understanding of UAS public safety application.

Students will:

• Understand the legal requirements needed to fly over humans and beyond visual line of sight (BVLOS) FAA Part 107.31
• Demonstrate the skills needed to fly BVLOS or FPV (first person view)
• Understand and apply techniques for interior operations
• Operate as direct support for tactical team operations
• Operate as a direct support for investigative operations
• Examine UAV platform for: Interior, Exterior-high, Exterior-tight, Exterior-persistent