This week’s news roundup highlights efforts underway towards high-quality UAS training operations, from new drones as first responders training at police departments, to a brand-new test site that will educate pilots of all levels, and a study abroad program for college students who want to emerge into drone cinematic fields.
Drones as First Responder Training Program Launched
As more police departments adopt drones as first responder (DFR) programs , more training is needed to get each department ready and equipped to run their program. To help fulfill this need, Flying Lion has launched DFR Remote Pilot Training Courses for the year. The program is POST-Certified to ensure officers are trained to industry standards. The course is designed to train officers specifically on tactics, techniques, and procedures with drones.
The course is taught by experienced DFR pilots who have field experience. This kind of instruction from pilots who have lived through the missions their students will encounter is invaluable. Instructors can offer insights into how to handle certain situations and anticipate what the most common challenges are.
Flying Lion will hold two in-person sessions, one on March 16 in Brookhaven, Georgia and the other on April 1 at the Beverly Hills Police Department.
Indiana will be one of two states to join the list of UAS test sites in the United States. The state is hopeful about the jobs and elevated training this will bring to the state, and ultimately setting them up as a hub to manufacture more drones. Beyond manufacturing, the state is excited to position itself as a partner for the defense industry, as that will be a big focus of operations on the site.
What makes this test site unique is the fact that it will be the home of the first university-owned airport. The site boundaries will encompass Purdue University, leading the way for higher education to take a bigger role in the UAS field.
Fullerton College Launches Study Abroad Program
Students enrolled at Fullerton College now have the opportunity to study abroad in Australia under the school’s DRON 115 class. This course will be in Sydney, Australia and will give students hands-on experience, with a focus on content creation, focusing on capturing cinematic footage to produce high quality films, and photography.
This program is a unique opportunity for students to understand flying under international aviation regulations. To ensure this is being done properly, Fullerton College has partnered with the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) of Australia to help teach students.
Overall, this program is a tell-tale sign that drone education programs are expanding and gaining traction. Considering that the program at Fullerton for a Bachelor of Science degree in drones and autonomous systems has only existed for a few months, the fact that they are taking studies internationally in such a short time is promising for the future workforce.
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