Drone Operations for Public Safety 4-Day

Duration: 4 days | Professional Development Hours: 32 | Cost: $550.00 (excluding tax)

Course Overview

This comprehensive four-day program is designed to equip law enforcement agencies and public safety professionals with the knowledge and practical skills necessary to establish and operate unmanned aerial systems (drones/UAS) in compliance with federal regulations. Participants will gain expertise in the regulatory framework governing public agency drone operations, which differs significantly from commercially or privately licensed pilot training.

Key Topics Covered

The classroom instruction addresses critical regulatory and operational components, including:

• Federal Aviation Administration requirements and regulations
• Certificate of Authorization (COA) development and acquisition
• Drone registration, marking standards, and airspace management
• Air traffic control coordination procedures
• Software restrictions and compliance requirements
• Federal, state, and case law applicable to drone operations
• Pre-flight, in-flight, and post-flight protocols
• Agency drone program development and management
• Drone selection and procurement guidance
• Law enforcement best practices and policy development
• Training and certification requirements for personnel
• Equipment inspection and maintenance procedures
• Battery disposal and safety protocols
• Flight crew roles and responsibilities
• Safety management systems and communication architecture

Practical Flight Training

In addition to classroom instruction, the course includes hands-on flight school components featuring:

• Basic flight training covering controls, functions, and familiarization
• National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) Basic UAS Course curriculum
• Search and rescue techniques with practical application exercises
• Emergency procedures and response training
• Night operations and Forward Looking Infrared (FLIR) technology practical applications

Instructor Expertise

The course is taught by an experienced, licensed law enforcement UAS pilot with extensive practical experience in public agency drone programs. The instructor provides current information on laws, rules, and regulations while assisting agencies in developing professionally trained, certified, and effectively managed drone programs.

Why This Course Matters

Public agencies operating drones under the statutory authority to "self-certify" as public aircraft must still comply with all FAA regulations and operate under proper Certificate of Authorization. Failure to adhere to these federal requirements and applicable state and local laws could expose an agency to significant legal liability. This specialized training ensures your organization understands and meets all compliance obligations while building a sustainable, professional UAS program.