scope:

As UAS operations expand and evolve, data that is collected and experience that is gained will aid national aviation authorities in determining the best methods of certifying, controlling, and integrating UAS operations into existing procedures. However, certain basic aeronautical knowledge and skills, such as those identified in paragraph 1.7 below, are common to nearly any UAS operation, and the design and content of UAS training courses should strongly consider inclusion of those topics at a minimum.

The diversity in UAS designs, missions, and vehicle technology architectures makes it difficult to prescribe a standard set of universally applicable training certification requirements for the operator. For example, highly automated systems may not include manual controls and limit operator control to keyboard entry or "point and click" methods. In such cases, training certification requirements for manual control should not be imposed. Likewise, many UAS are limited to Global Positioning System (GPS) navigation and are not capable of using legacy radio aids to navigation and approaches. In such cases, training certification requirements for navigation should reflect the use of GPS skills. For this reason, the groups/categories of the UAS in Annex A are mapped and tailored to an appropriate BUQ level, if applicable.

PURPOSE

Noting that military operations may require deviation from peacetime rules and regulations, in general, UAS shall be operated in accordance with the rules governing the flights of manned aircraft as specified by the appropriate Air Traffic Services (ATS) authority. To operate UAS in their intended classes of airspace, operators must be able to show an equivalent level of compliance with ATS regulations.

To produce well-trained operators, sound national training requirements are essential for safe, effective UAS operations. National authorities must continually refine these training requirements based on the data from evolving UAS doctrine and operations. Adoption of these operator training requirements by the military services, national aviation certification agencies, and the segments of the aerospace industry involved in UAS training and operation will ensure that appropriate safety levels are maintained and public trust in UAS operations is gained and maintained.