Enterprise-level training for operating drones digitally and in practical scenarios
In the rapidly evolving world of drone technology, ensuring pilot competency and operational safety is paramount. That's why we offer customized drone crew training programs tailored to the European Open and Specific categories, in line with EASA rules and national regulations.
Training for the Open Category (A1, A2, A3 subcategories)
Pilots in the Open Category must complete online theory training and pass an exam for the A1/A3 subcategory, covering safety, airspace rules, and operational limits. For the A2 subcategory, which allows flights closer to people with mid-weight drones, additional theory and a practical self-training declaration are required.
Training programs must also teach about drone classification (C0 to C6), as drone class dictates allowed flight conditions within the open category. This includes knowing distances from people and flight zones. Furthermore, pilots and operators must be trained on Remote ID requirements, ensuring that drones broadcast identification data including operator ID as required by EU rules from January 2024.
Training for the Specific Category
For the Specific Category, training must include how to conduct operational risk assessments (e.g., SORA - Specific Operations Risk Assessment) and how to obtain operational authorization from national authorities. Crew must also be trained on Safety Management Systems (SMS) and emergency protocols for flights that may require beyond visual line of sight (BVLOS) or more complex operational scenarios.
Training programs should cover pilot competency for handling advanced technologies often used in the specific category drones, like detect-and-avoid systems, and managing operations beyond simple visual reference.
Additional Considerations
Customized training programs must reflect up-to-date EU Regulation 2019/947 and 2019/945 standards and local implementation by national aviation authorities. The minimum pilot age is generally 16 years under EU rules, but this might be adjusted by local authorities.
Pilots must be issued recognized digital certificates and carry them for verification during operations. European legislation requires sufficient knowledge on regulations, navigation, and meteorology for drone operations. Open category operations require knowledge of geographical zones, drone registration, electronic identification, and geo awareness.
Customized Training Programs for Various Sectors
Our custom training can cover various sectors such as visual and thermal industrial inspections, aerial photography, aerial mapping, agricultural crop analyses, emergency response training, etc. We provide guidance to directors and managers in the implementation and management of drone programs.
Our Drone Operations Management platform provides comprehensive insight into training needs. The training can be conducted on-site in any country in Europe. All modules are presented in an easy-to-access online video format by experts in their field.
Modular Online Training Courses for Specific Category Operations
A modular online training course has been developed for Specific category operations, covering application of operational procedures, communication, crew resource management, UAS flight path management, leadership, teamwork, problem solving, decision-making, situational awareness, workload management, and coordination and handover of control.
Our trainers help develop an internal training syllabus suited for a flight crew and maintenance personnel. Our consultants can help develop and validate a training syllabus and verify the competencies of the flight crew.
In sum, our customized drone crew training programs combine theoretical knowledge, practical skills, safety risk management, understanding of drone classes, legal compliance (including Remote ID), and emergency response tailored to the operation's complexity and drone type as outlined by EASA and national regulators across Europe. We have guided many organizations across various industries in setting up a safe, efficient, and compliant drone operation.
- For the A1/A3 subcategory in the Open Category, pilots must complete online theory training on safety, airspace rules, and operational limits.
- Training programs must teach Remote ID requirements, ensuring that drones broadcast identification data, as required by EU rules from January 2024.
- In the Specific Category, training must cover operational risk assessments, Safety Management Systems, and emergency protocols for flights under complex operational scenarios.
- Our custom training programs cover various sectors such as visual and thermal industrial inspections, aerial photography, aerial mapping, agricultural crop analyses, and emergency response training.
- A modular online training course has been developed for Specific category operations, focusing on application of operational procedures, crew resource management, and coordination and handover of control.
