The Small UAS (sUAS) Safety Certification Course sets a sturdy foundation of required aeronautical knowledge for remote pilots of UAS less than 20 pounds and introduces learner to USI's industry leading safety principles. The curriculum addresses all pertinent aeronautical knowledge factors outlined by the FAA for the Unmanned Aircraft General (UAG) examination for the Remote Pilot Certification and augments those with safety concepts and practices to develop well-informed and responsible remote pilots. Students who successfully complete the course receive a sUAS Safety Certification from Unmanned Safety Institute and are well prepared to pass the UAG exam.

The Course Consists of Thirteen Units: 

Unit 1: Introduction to Unmanned Aircraft Systems

Examines terms of reference, major issues associated with Small Unmanned Aircraft Systems (sUAS) and the core components of an unmanned system

UAG Knowledge Areas: None

Unit 2: Unmanned Aircraft

Examines the sub-components of Unmanned Aircraft (UA) and the factors affecting UAS aerodynamics and performance

UAG Knowledge Areas: Small unmanned aircraft loading; determining the performance of small-unmanned aircraft

Unit 3: Elements

Examines the environment in which sUAS and remote pilots operate

UAG Knowledge Areas: Aviation weather sources and effects of weather on small-unmanned aircraft performance

Unit 4: Regulations

Explores the limitations and authorities vested in remote pilots by 14 CFR 107

UAG Knowledge Areas: Applicable regulations relating to small unmanned aircraft system rating privileges, limitations, and flight operation; Airspace classification; operating requirements, and flight restrictions affecting small unmanned aircraft operation

Unit 5: Operating in the National Airspace

Explains the FAA established rules and policies for operating in the National Airspace System.

UAG Knowledge Areas:  Airport operations; Radio communication procedures

Unit 6: The Human Factors of UAS and CRM

Defines human limitations as they contribute to errors and violations that can be the causal factors in UAS accidents. Crew Resource Management (CRM) introduces non- technical skills used to combat human errors

UAG Knowledge Areas: Crew resource management; Physiological effects of drugs and alcohol

Unit 7: Aeronautical Decision Making

Explores the process of assessing risks and examines the decision-making process once the operator has a clear picture of the risk

UAG Knowledge Areas: Aeronautical decision-making and judgment; preflight inspection procedures

Unit 8: Professionalism

Examines the ethical and legal requirements of the Remote Pilot in Command (RPIC).  Establishes standards of practice as well as explores careers in unmanned aviation

UAG Knowledge Areas: Emergency procedures; Maintenance

Unit 9: UAS Foundations

Examines the history of UAS injecting change and solving problems facing the traditional aviation sector, from providing militaries with long-range standoff weapons to reducing the risk of reconnaissance flight

Unit 10: Robotic Aircraft

Examines the details of robotic aircraft, looking at the aerodynamics of sUAS and the forces acting on these aircraft, including how to utilize control surfaces and changes in rotor speeds to induce moments and forces on aircraft, allowing them to maneuver through the air.

Unit 11: Datalinks

Examines the datalinks required to communicate back and forth from the air vehicle to the ground control station and vice versa.

Unit 12: UAS Control

Examines advancements in ground station development and the advantages and disadvantages of this modified and simulated cockpit.

Unit 13: Payloads

Examines the sensors and science behind the acquisition of environmental information from a sUAS flying overhead.