About the Program

What is the SUAS Aircrew Training Program? This program originated with the Department of State Air Wing and is managed by Embry Riddle Aeronautical University Worldwide Office of Professional Education. The training program is designed specifically for pilots with the U.S. Department of State Bureau of International Narcotics and Law Enforcement Affairs, Office of Aviation (INL/A). The program goal is to help you meet the high standards set within the INL/A Aircrew Training Manual (ATM).

How is the training delivered? All courses are online so you can learn at your own pace anytime, anywhere. Our courses are asynchronous but fully supported by expert UAS instructors. You will learn through videos and readings, communicate in discussion forums, and engage in hands-on and simulator exercises.

Step 1: Launch Your Training Program

• Click the "Create Student Profile" button.
• Fill in your personal information.
• In the "Educational Alliance Partner" field, choose "Department of State."

Step 2: Enroll in SUAS Fundamentals Segment Courses

You must complete two courses within the SUAS Fundamentals Segment. The SUAS Fundamentals Segment sets you up for FAA’s Part 107 non-recreational UAS certification or similar qualification in your home country. The SUAS Fundamentals Segment curriculum delivers a comprehensive understanding of:

• Components and Systems: Understand the various parts that make up an SUAS.
• Flight Basics: Learn about airframes, rotors and fundamental flight mechanics.
• Safety and Regulations: Dive into crucial safety practices and FAA Part 107 regulations.
• Human Factors and Risks: Identify error potential and incident/accident prevention skills.
• Navigation and Weather Reporting: Master how to navigate airspace and understand weather impacts on SUAS flights.

Note: If you already possess either a Part 107 Remote Pilot certification or host nation equivalent, then SUAS 2000 can be waived within the SUAS Fundamentals Segment. Send an email to ERAU to request the SUAS 2000 course waiver.

ACTION: Click on the SUAS 2000 and SUAS 4000L1 course links at the bottom of this page to register for these SUAS Fundamentals Segment courses.

Step 3: Enroll in Platform Specialization - Multirotor or Fixed Wing UAS Track Courses

You will attend the courses assigned within the specialized track that is appropriate for your mission. The tracks are Multirotor SUAS Certificate Track and Fixed Wing SUAS Certificate Track.

Multirotor SUAS Certificate Track

The three courses in this track provide basic flight training for multirotor drones with an emphasis on professional aviation standards, safety and applications in accordance with the INL/A Aircrew Training Manual (ATM). You will use simulation and your assigned multirotor drone to complete assignments in basic and advanced maneuvers, photography, videography, and photogrammetry. Additionally, you will use your assigned multirotor drone to complete assignments in advanced photogrammetry, commercial inspection, thermography, agriculture applications and night flying.

Upon completing this track, you will be prepared to:

• Execute safe and efficient flight operations.
• Perform detailed flight planning and safety risk assessments.
• Handle drones in normal and emergency situations.
• Capture high-quality images and perform data analysis using cutting-edge software such as Pix4Dmapper.
• Successfully pass the practical flight examination.

ACTION: Click on the SUAS 2100 and SUAS 2200 and SUAS 4000L2 course links at the bottom of this page to register for these Multirotor SUAS Track courses.

Fixed Wing SUAS Certificate Track

The two courses in the Fixed Wing SUAS Track will prepare you to complete base tasks and mission tasks within the INL/A Office of Aviation Fixed Wing SUAS Series Aircrew Training Manual (ATM). These tasks are required for the Initial Qualification Training (IQT) and Mission Qualification Training (MQT). Students will complete assignments including aerodynamics, weight and balance, Ground Control Station (GCS) operations, photogrammetry, emergency operations, and night flying with a fixed wing platform.

Upon completion of this track, you should be able to demonstrate safe and efficient flight operations and data processing while adhering to aviation practices, including:

• Demonstrate expertise in operating the GCS for fixed wing flights.
• Conduct detailed photogrammetry, mapping and surveying missions.
• Handle emergency situations effectively, ensuring safety during unexpected conditions.
• Master the techniques required for drone operations at night, focusing on safety and precision.

ACTION: Click on the SUAS 2300 and SUAS 4000L2FW course links at the bottom of this page to register for these Fixed Wing SUAS Track courses.

Step 4: Enroll in SUAS Instructor Certificate Track Courses

The SUAS Instructor Certificate Track is intended to establish a high-quality flight instructor corps. In the aviation industry, the Instructor Pilot is the gatekeeper of quality, responsibility, knowledge and professionalism.

Upon completion of this track, you will have a comprehensive understanding of:

• Teaching Skills: Demonstrate the ability to motivate students and support their learning.
• Instructional Planning: Design and execute effective SUAS training.
• Safety and Risk Management: Emphasize the importance of safety in all teaching scenarios.

ACTION: Click on the SUAS 4000FOI and SUAS 4000RPIPFA course links at the bottom of this page to register for these SUAS Instructor Track courses.

Contact Us

For more information about your professional education courses, please reach out to the Worldwide Office of Professional Education staff for prompt, personal assistance. Phone: (386) 481-9070 or Email: training@erau.edu