(national air space, temporary flight restrictions, weather, filing NOTAMS, airport operations, etc.), UAS technology types/payloads, working in an emergency incident environment, indoor flying skills, and two days of public safety scenario based UAS flight operations.
Self-certification is both a blessing and a curse as there are no official “FAA approved” training courses presently which means that public agencies are left to their own devices to define what constitutes their internal process. For some departments like the Austin, TX Fire Department, a great deal of time and effort has been dedicated to ensure that flights are legal, safe and effective through a well defined training program and thorough standard operating procedures.
There is danger when you don’t fully understand the national air space and even when you do understand the rules of the flight; something can change dramatically such as the unexpected appearance of a manned helicopter. It is also important to know about temporary flight restrictions and the operations near airports, which can dramatically limit the areas of safe and legal UAS operations. There have been documented cases where UAS flights have interfered with the flight of medical helicopters, wildland firefighting operations and interrupted airport operations. In the case of UAS, what you don’t know can get someone killed.
In order for UAS operations to be safe, effective and legal, localities and public agencies must know what is required and put the necessary resources and funding to assure that operators are well trained and remain proficient operators. Failure to do so may result in injury, death and/or damage to property and it may result in many more restrictions imposed on UAS use by public agencies.
Let’s all take advantage of this opportunity to self-certify and do it in such a way that will safely enhance operations and promote the continued growth of #drones for good.