Participants are introduced to the emerging technology of unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) and the ways they can be used by emergency responders. This course incorporates demonstrations and hands-on exercises in Live Fire (structural and wildland), Hazmat, Search and Rescue, Drop Mechanism usage (for water rescue and other applications), and Autonomous UAS operations (waypoint setting, mapping applications, grid search patterns). Administrative concerns including Federal Aviation Administration regulations (obtaining waivers, authorizations, and certificates of authorization), local/state statutes, and privacy concerns are addressed. Certified FAA Part 107 UAS pilots with numerous years of experience in the fire service will instruct participants as they rotate through stations, including a station where students new to this technology can experience flying a drone with instructor supervision. Advanced students can fly UAS platforms while participating in scenarios designed to enhance an already existing skill set.
