Planning for Safe sUAS Flights

About the Certification

This certification validates a comprehensive understanding of the planning and preparation required to conduct successful Visual Line-of-Sight (VLOS) operations. The recipient has demonstrated proficiency in planning concepts, including assessing the area of operations, conducting site surveying, preparing equipment for transportation, conducting preflight-risk assessments, and post-flight procedures.

IMPORTANT: Coursework is not required to obtain certification.  If an individual is prepared for proctored assessment, access testing registration here.

Skills You'll Gain:

• Mission Planning
• Site Surveying
• Pre-flight Risk Assessments
• Informed Decision-Making
• 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.

VSO Ground Certification Exam

Time: 90 minutes, *135 minutes if student has accommodation

Questions: 70 multiple- choice

Passing Score: 70%

If you have any additional questions, please review our Certification Testing Policy.

What you'll learn in the prep course

The preparatory course consists of six modules:

Module 1: Covers the essential units of measurement, such as distance, speed, altitude, and battery capacity, that are crucial for planning a UAS flight. It also explains the necessary calculations, including flight time, range, and payload weight, to ensure a successful and efficient mission.

Module 2: Focuses on critical aspects such as airspace assessment, terrain evaluation, and weather forecasting, with an emphasis on applying this knowledge in practical planning exercises.

Module 3: Explores the importance of conducting a thorough site survey before a flight mission. Learners visit the designated work site to assess the physical environment, identify potential obstacles, and complete a detailed site survey.

Module 4: Addresses best practices for safely transporting and setting up equipment to prevent personal injury and damage. Prepares learners to effectively manage mobilization and ensure a smooth process before flight missions.

Module 5: Teaches the art and science of informed decision-making during flight operations. Students are introduced to Flight Risk Assessment Tools, contingency planning, and crew coordination to enhance safety. The emphasis is on improving decision-making skills through careful analysis and consideration of various factors, fostering excellence in aviation safety.

Module 6: Examines how flight operations are safely conducted in dynamic low-level environments and explores strategies to minimize human error and enhance situational awareness.

Delivery Format

• 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.

Career Pathways

This course is part of the following pathways:

• Professional Remote Operator (PRO®) Pathway