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

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.

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