Launch Of Utility Training Academy For Unmanned Aerial Systems

The utility specific training course is designed to cater for management through to subject matter experts. Attendees will learn the regulatory, technical and commercial understanding required to effectively use UAS technology.

The training academy provides T&D professionals with the prerequisite information to;

• Implement UAS Standard Operating Procedures and safe operations
• Explore the business case for key applications
• Deliver safety, environmental and cost benefits to their organization through UAS operations

Nick Ferguson (Senior VP) of NM Group commented, “This new course has been developed at the request of utilities. It is intended for those who wish to familiarize themselves with the capabilities and limitations of UAS systems, including LiDAR. The course contains demonstrations for line maintenance, engineering and vegetation management applications.”

Will Lovett (Managing Director) from Phoenix Air Unmanned further stated, “The academy enables utility staff to experience first-hand UAS operations, and to take back to their utilities not only a working knowledge of safe and reliable UAS operations, but also documented best practice Standard Operating Procedures and specifications.”

The UAS training will combine classroom seminars and practical sessions at a dedicated facility in Cartersville, GA. The course will be run by NM Group, a T&D focused spatial analytics company, Phoenix Air Unmanned, a specialized air operations company responsible for some of the first utility Beyond Visual Line of Sight (BVLOS) UAS flights under FAA-controlled conditions, and the Unmanned Safety Institute, which offers programs to UAS operators of all levels and its personnel are recognized as building one of the first nationally-accredited collegiate UAS programs. USI is also responsible for developing the first and only commercial UAS certification standard recognized in the aviation insurance industry as it is a member of Global Aerospace’s SM4 Safety Initiative.

The 2016 courses will be held on June 7-8th and September 13-14th. Places are strictly limited and will be provided on a first-come-first-serve basis.