Course Detail: SUAS-4000L3 - TOP Level 3 in association with AUVSI [sUAS 4000L3]
Overview
Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University's (ERAU) Association for Uncrewed Vehicle Systems International's (AUVSI) Trusted Operator Program? (TOP) is designed for certified remote pilots who have completed AUVSI TOP Level 1 and Level 2 certifications. Level 3 certification provides standards for operating in "safety critical" areas, such as near chemical, oil, gas or nuclear facilities, an extended line of sight, pipeline, power line, and cell tower inspections. This course may be taken individually or toward satisfaction of Embry-Riddle's AUVSI TOP professional education certificate.
The session is available online with a required Practical Flight Assessment (PFA) scheduled at a later date.
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.
*Trusted Operator Program is the trademark of AUVSI