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UAV Operator Training Course Outline

4-Day Duration

Pre-training home work

The pre-training homework is very important in maximizing use of time and ensuring a successful transfer 

of knowledge during the primary 4-day field training. Completing this work prior to training has proven to 

mitigate distraction and allow focus on the core hands-on Operational training in the field. 

Pre-training consists of 2 main components:

1. RC simulator - Practice manual RC flight with a particular focus on reverse orientation flying (20 

hours). RC simulator recommendations can be provided by RTD.

2. Mission Planner Ground Control Station (GCS) - This consists of familiarization with the basic 

operation of Mission Planner software and planning mapping missions. Link to Mission Planner 

and a core Autopilot will be provided by Vendor. Client will need a Windows PC (or mac 

with bootcamp).

Day 1 

1. Client discussion (1.5-2 hours)

a. Brief organizational review

i. Organizational sponsor

ii. UAV responsibilities, authorities, and accountability

iii. Safety Policy and procedures

iv. Training and succession planning

v. Operating procedures organizational interface

b. Use Case/s

i. overall program goals

ii. mission-specific goals

iii. create workflow gap assessment checklist

c. Assessment of flying site/s

i. study area

ii. field configuration

d. (Optional Flight Demo)

2. Basic fixed wing aeronautics (30-60 min)

a. Airspeed vs ground speed

b. CG

c. Wind and environmental constraints

d. UAV capabilities and limitations

3. UAV system architecture (60 min)

a. aircraft

b. sensor payload

c. RC system

d. telemetry radios

e. GCS

f. Lipo batteries and charging
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4. UAV system setup and procedures (90 min)

a. Assembly of unit for operations

i. Checklist for field

ii. Full assembly with start up

iii. Post start up checks

b. Installing essential components

i. mapping camera

ii. main battery

iii. checking CG

c. Pre start up checks

d. Start up sequence

e. Pre-flight checklist and procedures

f. Boot up and communications with system, GCS tour

g. flight modes and RC controller configuration

h. Post-flight checklist and procedures

i. Flight logging

5. Operational Safety (60 min)

a. pre-field checklist and procedures (weather, wind, site review, NOTAM check)

b. safety checklist

c. safety brief

d. system maintenance

6. Roles and responsibilities including commands and procedures (30 min)

a. primary Pilot (UAV Operator)

b. copilot (Spotter)

c. Navigor

7. Mission planning and basics of mission planner GCS (120 min)

a. manual WP mission

b. map mission using survey tools

c. auto take-off and landing

d. full mission planning test with auto take off, mapping mission, and correct landing 

approach.

8. Operation role-play (60-90 min)

a. setup 

b. plan mission

c. conduct launch procedure

d. in-mission duties

e. landing sequence

9. Q and A

10. Optional: demo flight with hands-on FBWA (depending on remaining time and progress)
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Day 2

11. review of day 1 (60 min)

12. Client led procedures (60 mins)

a. pre-field

b. pre-flight

c. Safety checklist and Brief

d. post-flight

13. Client led mission planning (30-60 min) 

14. Instructor-led, client-run operations (4-5 hours)

a. roles and commands practice

b. launch practice

c. RTL tests

d. FBWA piloting practice

e. auto landing approach practice

f. RTL abort practice

15. Review of performance (30 mins)

16. Review of content and Q and A (60 mins)

Day 3

17. Review of Days 1 & 2 (30 min)

18. Client led operations (3-4 hours) - 3 hours of hands-on flight time

a. Procedures

b. Mission planning

c. Auto launch

d. RTL tests

e. FBWA piloting practice

f. auto landing approach practice

g. RTL abort practice

(lunch)

19. Client led mini mapping missions (3 hours) - 10-12 missions

20. Performance review (30 min)

21. Q and A (30-60 min)

Day4

22. Review from previous days (30 min)

23. Client led mini mapping missions (2 hours) - 8 missions

24. Client led production mapping mission (1.5-2 hours) 1-2 missions

(lunch)

25. Client led mini missions focusing on any weak areas (4 hours) 16-20 missions

26. Debriefing and documentation of follow up work

27. Wrap up!