14. March 2025
Industry Leaders Unveil Groundbreaking Uav Training Standard To Boost Emergency Response Capabilities
The establishment of an ASTM standards program for public safety UAV training marks a significant milestone in the advancement of drone technology in emergency response and disaster management. The National Public Safety UAS Conference announced the initiative, which brings together industry leaders to create a standardized framework for training public safety professionals in the safe operation of Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS).
Industry experts have highlighted the need for standardized training protocols as a critical gap in the development of public safety drone operations. David Crabtree, Director of Appalachian UAV Academy, emphasized the importance of bridging this gap, stating, “There is definitely a disconnect between obtaining a Part 107 license and becoming an effective operator out in the field. This fills that gap.”
The ASTM standards program, developed in partnership with DRONERESPONDERS and the Unmanned Safety Institute (USI), aims to provide a clear structure for training programs, ensuring consistency and quality across public safety agencies. The initiative draws on existing ASTM standards for aviation applications, with specific focus on the development of three key standards:
- ASTM F3379: This standard outlines the requirements for training in command of UAS by public safety remote pilots. It provides a framework for comprehensive training programs that address the unique challenges faced by public safety operators.
- ASTM F3266: General training standards for remote UAS pilots provide a foundational structure for all UAV training programs, emphasizing the importance of clear communication, situational awareness, and decision-making skills.
- ASTM F3330: This standard focuses on requirements for training programs and training manuals, ensuring that operators receive instruction aligned with industry best practices.
The Appalachian UAV Academy became the first commercial public safety UAV training provider to achieve compliance with these standards, marking a significant achievement in establishing industry-wide consistency. The academy’s leadership undertook a rigorous document review process to ensure its training materials met all required benchmarks.
“Independent reviews like this one validate training programs, ensuring that public safety remote pilots receive essential instruction,” said Chief Donald Shinnamon (Ret.), Vice President of Operations at USI. “For agencies hiring commercial training providers, this verification guarantees that their pilots are receiving training aligned with industry standards.”
The future of public safety UAV training is built on the foundation established by this initiative. As UAV applications continue to expand into areas such as Advanced Air Mobility (AAM) and Unmanned Traffic Management (UTM), foundational training programs like this will be critical in preparing operators for evolving industry demands.
“This will be a foundational training that we can build upon to meet the needs coming in the next five years,” emphasized David Crabtree. In recognition of Appalachian UAV Academy’s achievement, Chief Charles Werner presented Crabtree with a certificate acknowledging the academy as the first training provider compliant with ASTM standards.
The certification process serves as a model for other training providers, encouraging broader adoption of ASTM standards across the industry. The initiative establishes a new standard for public safety drone training, emphasizing the importance of standardized instruction and evaluation in ensuring operator competence.
As the UAV sector continues to grow, ensuring that operators receive high-quality, standardized training will be essential for the safe and effective deployment of drone technology in public safety missions. This initiative lays the groundwork for continued advancements in training and certification, strengthening the role of UAVs in public safety operations nationwide.
The benefits of this initiative extend beyond the academy’s success story, underscoring the need for industry-wide consistency in public safety drone training. By establishing a standardized framework, the ASTM standards program creates a level playing field for all training providers, ensuring that operators receive comparable instruction and evaluation.
Industry-wide standardization is a key impact of this initiative, as it establishes a new standard for public safety drone training, encouraging broader adoption across the industry. Operator competence is also enhanced by establishing a standardized framework, ensuring that operators receive comparable instruction and evaluation, strengthening the role of UAVs in public safety operations nationwide. Training provider accountability is further emphasized through the certification process, which serves as a model for other providers, highlighting the importance of consistent and high-quality instruction.
As the industry continues to evolve, this foundation will be essential in shaping the future of public safety drone operations.