Revolutionizing Public Safety: The Dawn of Standardized Drone Training
In a groundbreaking move that promises to reshape the future of public safety operations, the National Public Safety UAS Conference recently unveiled a new ASTM standards program for UAV training. Held at Busch Gardens, Virginia, and sponsored by DRONERESPONDERS, the event marked a pivotal moment in the evolution of drone technology for emergency response and public safety.
Bridging the Gap: From Certification to Real-World Expertise
David Crabtree of Appalachian UAV Academy highlighted a critical issue in the drone industry: the gap between obtaining a Part 107 license and mastering the skills needed for real-world public safety missions. “There’s a disconnect,” Crabtree explained. “This program bridges that gap, ensuring operators are not just certified but truly capable.”
To address this challenge, DRONERESPONDERS partnered with ASTM International and the Unmanned Safety Institute (USI) to develop a comprehensive audit program. This initiative aligns with existing ASTM standards, providing a clear roadmap for training providers and public safety agencies alike. The goal? To ensure that every drone operator is equipped with the skills and knowledge to handle high-stakes scenarios effectively.
ASTM: The Gold Standard in Aviation Training
Chief Donald Shinnamon, Vice President of Operations at USI, shed light on the significance of ASTM International. Founded in 1898 as the American Society for Testing and Materials, ASTM has grown into a global leader in developing industry standards. Today, it oversees more than 12,800 standards, many of which are adopted by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) for aviation applications.
The new UAV training program leverages three key ASTM standards, creating a structured framework tailored specifically for public safety professionals. These standards ensure consistency, quality, and compliance across training programs, setting a new benchmark for the industry.
Appalachian UAV Academy Leads the Way
Appalachian UAV Academy, under David Crabtree’s leadership, became the first commercial training provider to achieve compliance with these rigorous ASTM standards. The process involved a meticulous review of training materials, ensuring they met all required benchmarks. Unlike traditional audits, this compliance review focuses solely on documentation, making it a cost-effective solution for training providers.
“This independent review validates training programs, ensuring public safety remote pilots receive essential instruction,” said Shinnamon. “For agencies hiring commercial training providers, this verification guarantees that their pilots are trained to industry standards.”
In recognition of this achievement, Charles Werner, Director of DRONERESPONDERS, presented Crabtree with a certificate, cementing Appalachian UAV Academy’s status as a trailblazer in the field.
The Future of UAV Training: A Foundation for Growth
As the drone industry continues to expand into areas like Advanced Air Mobility (AAM) and Unmanned Traffic Management (UTM), standardized training programs will be more critical than ever. Crabtree emphasized the broader impact of this initiative: “This foundational training will serve as a springboard for meeting the demands of the next five years and beyond.”
With this milestone, the UAV training landscape is entering a new era of accountability and excellence. Appalachian UAV Academy’s achievement sets a precedent for other training providers, encouraging widespread adoption of ASTM standards across the industry.
As drones become increasingly integral to public safety missions, ensuring operators receive high-quality, standardized training will be essential. This initiative not only strengthens the role of UAVs in emergency response but also paves the way for continued advancements in training and certification.
