Courses are now available through the Ohio Peace Officer Training Academy (OPOTA) on small unmanned aircraft systems (sUAS), commonly called “drones.” An advisory group convened by Ohio Attorney General Mike DeWine developed 14 recommendations and a model policy for the use of drones by law enforcement agencies. After the group released its report in January, the Attorney General directed OPOTA to develop sUAS-related courses.
Small Unmanned Aircraft System (sUAS)/Drone Basic Operator
The course will cover required equipment, safety, basic flight maneuvers, logbooks, in-flight emergencies, and other topics. Attending operators will be required to fly their aircraft while being supervised by remote pilots. The course ends with a mandatory Evaluation Proficiency Practical Test. If inclement weather interferes with the course, it will be rescheduled.
To participate, a student must have a remote pilot certificate per 14 Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) Part 107 issued by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) or:
- Be awaiting his or her temporary certificate having already passed the remote pilot test.
- Already be operating as self-certified under the agency’s Certificate of Waiver or Authorization (COA).
- Have been assigned by an agency to the duties of the remote pilot. (In this case, an OPOTA remote pilot or remote pilot-in-command must be present during each flight to take over the controls in the event of an emergency.)
Note: This course is only for public safety personnel (law enforcement, fire/EMS, and search- and-rescue). Click
here for a complete equipment list.
Oct. 9 - 10, 2018
OPOTA Main Campus
1650 State Route 56 SW
London, OH
$240
Small Unmanned Aircraft Systems (sUAS) as a Tool for Instructors
This course is designed to address using sUAS as training tools for academy instruction and for in-service training within agencies. It will cover why drones are beneficial for training, how they are being used at OPOTA and throughout the United States, what problems and complications may arise when using the aircraft, and the importance of communication between the instructor and the remote pilot. No prior knowledge of drones is necessary. Please bring note-taking materials.
Note: This course is only for public safety personnel (law enforcement, fire/EMS, and search- and-rescue).
June 28, 2018
OPOTA Main Campus
1650 State Route 56 SW
London, OH
$125