NDS is a National leader in UAS image and data acquisition and drone flight instruction. For almost a decade (forever in UAS terms) NDS has been consulting and training with Federal Government Agencies, Universities, Corporations, television networks and countless individuals. 

NDS has crafted training programs to provide curricula designed specifically for First Responders and Law Enforcement’s unique needs for UAS tactical emergency operations. These UAS courses are developed in partnership with Law Enforcement, Fire and Rescue to offer the most practical and applicable flight training possible.

All of our courses provide attendees with the skills necessary to operate UAS and develop the necessary skill sets for mission readiness and mission effectiveness. NDS course attendees receive hands-on flight training in areas such as aerial observation and terrain mapping, flight maneuvers, crew resource management, accident scene reconstruction, search and rescue, and night operations. In addition to flight training, students receive a broad foundation in best practices for UAS operations, Federal Aviation Administration regulatory guidance for law enforcement agencies and first responders as well as the use of software tools for extracting actionable information from UAS operations.

In a time of extreme emergencies to safeguard human life, first responders require the capability  to operate their unmanned aircraft (UAS) beyond visual line of sight (BVLOS) to assess the operational environment such as a fire scene at a large structural fire, to conduct an aerial search on a large roof area for a burglary in progress, or to fly over a heavily forested area to look for a missing person. To support public UAS operators acting in an active first responder capacity, the FAA may approve “First Responder Tactical Beyond Visual Line of Sight” (TBVLOS) waivers to 14 CFR 91.113(b).

Your agency has two options to operate drones:

•Designate individual members of your team to earn FAA drone pilot certificates (Part 107) and fly under the rules for small unmanned aircraft systems.

•Receive an FAA certificate of authorization (COA) to function as a “public aircraft operator.”

The sUAS Rule

Most drone pilots operate under the sUAS rule, which is commonly known as Part 107 after the designated section of the federal code. Part 107 defines requirements for drone pilots and drones, and it sets operational limits for drone usage.

Members of your team may choose to take the FAA Airman Knowledge Test to become drone pilots. Those who pass the test receive remote pilot airman certificates, giving them the right to operate qualified sUAS.

•Drones flown by remote pilots must weigh less than 55 lbs. This limitation includes any attached equipment or cargo, such as emergency aid in search-and- rescue operations.

•Remote pilots cannot fly their drones more than 400 feet above ground level (or more than 400 feet above the top of structures like communications towers).

•Remote pilots must receive FAA authorization to fly in airspace near airports. They may use an automated system called Low Altitude Authorization and Notification Capability (LAANC).

•Other limitations include not flying over people or at night. Your agency may apply for waivers to certain rules. To request a waiver, visit faa.gov/uas/ request_waiver.

No FAA airworthiness certificate is required to fly sUAS under Part 107, but your team must register each aircraft with the FAA. The remote pilot must confirm that an aircraft is in condition for safe operation before each flight.