Drone Tactics and Operations
This 3-day Unmanned Tactical Aerial Operations course teaches law enforcement professionals how to safely deploy UAS platforms for tactical intelligence gathering, suspect location, and operational support in high-risk environments. Through hands-on flight training and scenario-based exercises, students develop advanced piloting, mission planning, indoor flight, night operations, and tactical integration skills for real-world law enforcement operations.
Description
This 3-day Unmanned Tactical Aerial Operations course provides a comprehensive overview of the tactical advantages of utilizing Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS) to safely and efficiently gather intelligence, survey scenes, and locate suspects or hostages. UAS platforms equipped with cameras and advanced sensors provide real-time information to SWAT teams, commanders, and supervisors, enabling informed decision-making, de-escalation opportunities, and reduced risk to officers and civilians.
Students will be introduced to tactical flight procedures and scenario-based training utilizing unmanned aerial systems within the national airspace. Training includes operating inside buildings and enclosed structures, where pilots must navigate limited visibility, tight spaces, radio frequency communication challenges, and environmental obstacles.
The course emphasizes the importance of comprehensive mission planning to ensure safety, privacy, and effective data collection. Students will participate in realistic mission scenarios, low-light applications, and advanced piloting exercises led by experienced tactical law enforcement UAS operators.
Topics Covered
- Flight operations
- UAS operations with tactical teams
- Inflight search techniques
- UAS night operations (Day 2)
- Indoor tactical flight operations
- UAV team tactics
- Vehicle clearing
- Working with crewed aircraft
- Navigation
- Sensor systems
- Mission planning
- Data analysis and collection
- Mitigation measures
- Network security
- Wide-area terrain characteristics and search operations
Equipment Requirements
- Primary UAS platform
- Indoor UAS platform
- Multiple batteries
- Charging systems
- FAA Part 107 certification recommended
- Previous UAS flight experience required
Prerequisites
Required to be FAA Part 107