Learning Outcomes

Level 3 certification is designed for Uncrewed Aerial Systems (UAS) operations that include any of the characteristics of Level 2 plus the following learning outcomes:

• Operations in safety-critical and complex areas that require higher levels of risk mitigation, which include:
  • Industrial and chemical facilities, such as offshore oil rigs, mine sites, power plants
  • Infrastructure, such as wind turbines, powerlines, communications towers, rail and pipelines
• Operations in any hazardous or extreme environments including:
  • From ships, moving vehicles, aircraft, confined areas and underground
  • Within close proximity to and within severe weather (storm research)
  • Remote, harsh or hostile locations, including wildlife considerations
• Operations requiring the development and testing of new procedures

Operators are required to already possess a current FAA CFR Part 107 Remote Pilot Certificate and AUVSI TOP Level 1 and Level 2 certifications.

Practical Flight Assessment (PFA) Requirements

• Students must develop apparatus used for flight assessment according to NIST standards for virtual PFA.
• Student is responsible for appropriate streaming platform required for virtual PFA.
• Students must use their own commercial, off-the-shelf aircraft with a gimbaled RGB camera (e.g., DJI Mavic Pro, Phantom 4, Yuneec Typhoon H).
• Students must provide proof of current RPC.
• Students must provide a current logbook.
• Flight standards will be in accordance with ASTM F3266.7100 and flown on a NIST apparatus.
• Batteries must be OEM and not modified.
• There is no guarantee that the student will pass the PFA. This course is for experienced users only.  Recommends students possess flight training prior to attending this course.
• Transportation to/from the classroom and flight area is the responsibility of the student, if attending in person.

Upcoming PFA Schedule:

• Contact the ERAU Worldwide Office of Professional Education to schedule or for any questions.

Please note: Embry-Riddle is not responsible if weather precludes completion of the PFA.  PFAs are typically planned for weekends. However, Embry-Riddle reserves the right to schedule in accordance with group size.