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Visual Line of Sight System Operations (VSO®) Flight
About the Certification
This certification validates an individual's ability to apply the psychomotor skills and knowledge necessary for the safe and effective operation of a small Unmanned Aircraft System (UAS) within the Operator's Visual line of sight. This certification confirms the recipient’s ability to master the procedures and professional standards required to fly a UAS while adhering to aviation regulations, standard operating systems, and safety protocols.
Skills You'll Gain:
- System Limits
- Line Maintenance
- Standard Operating Procedures
- Checklists
- And More!
Great For:
- Entry-level employees or individuals seeking employment in the unmanned aviation industry
- Newly hired staff working at Part 135 or Part 108 Operators
Certification Process
Step 1: Complete the prep course
The online course has hours of content, including explanation videos, practice exams, and original content developed by our team of experts.
Step 2: Take the exam
The exam is proctored online and consists of 70 multiple-choice questions. Participants have 1.5 hours to complete the exam and must achieve a 70% or greater score to earn the certification. Individuals are allowed up to three attempts to pass.
Step 3: Maintain your certification
Certification is valid for 24 months; recertification is accomplished by completing recurrent training.
NOTE: Curriculum is available through USI to prepare for the exam but is not required to sit for the proctored certification exam.
Overview
What you'll learn in the prep course
The preparatory course consists of six modules:
Module 1: Covers the system limitations and performance parameters of specific air vehicle components, control station components and interfaces, and payloads.
Module 2: Provides an opportunity to conduct a safety briefing and apply local airspace measures. Covers ground protocols, including equipment inspection, the Flight Risk Assessment Tool, filing NOTAMs, Go/No-Go decision-making, mission briefing, preflight documentation, and personal protective equipment.
Module 3: Explores the essential steps for servicing, assembling, positioning, and inspecting small Unmanned Aircraft Systems before flights. Participants will learn the procedures needed to ensure optimal UAS performance and establish connections between inspection, servicing, and safety.
Module 4: Addresses checklist usage, standard calls, stability checks, instructor demonstrations of autopilot flight modes, post-flight and field service procedures, and understanding of record-keeping requirements.
Module 5: Explores flight modes and the management of automated workflows. Additionally, learners will refine their skills in essential flight maneuvers necessary for the safe and effective operation of unmanned aircraft systems.
Module 6: Teaches procedures for Go-Arounds/Rejected Landings, Anti-Collision Deviations, Loss of Data Link, GPS Failure, Ground Station Failure, and Emergency Landings.
- This is an online, self-paced, and instructor-supported course.
- The course materials are provided online via USI’s Learning Management System.
- Instructor sessions are delivered using Microsoft Teams.
- You will have 12 months to complete the course and exam, which starts from the date you purchase the course.
This course is part of the following pathways:
- Professional Remote Operator (PRO®) Pathway