Course Currently Unavailable
Recommended Prerequisites –
• General knowledge of railroad operations and equipment
• Current Part 107 Remote Pilot Certificate; or
• Be an authorized pilot under an agency COA
Required Prerequisites – In order to operate UAS at SERTC, participants must possess a current Part 107 Remote Pilot Certificate or be an authorized pilot under an agency COA. The course will be taught from a “train like you fight” perspective and will give you the experience needed to operate your UAS platform during railroad operations. Participation is allowed without a pilot certificate but will be limited to non-PIC activities such as camera operation, data processing, and classroom sessions.
Equipment Requirements – Participants should bring their own drones in order to learn how to properly utilize their platforms in railroad operations. Attendance is welcome without equipment or a pilot certificate, although some of the data collection tasks will be limited by the equipment on hand. Access to the DroneDeploy software will be provided at no cost for the duration of the course. All Pilots operating their own equipment must have personal UAS Liability Insurance in the amount of $1M, and is required to be in effect for the entire duration of the class. Insurance may be provided through an on-demand provider such as Verifly.
Course Description – Participants will learn how to utilize drone technology to increase efficiency and safety during railroad operations and emergency response. This course will give participants the knowledge necessary to utilize their equipment and the DroneDeploy platform during both emergency response (derailments) and for day-to-day operations such as track and bridge inspections. Operational track, crossings, infrastructure, and real derailments will be used throughout the course. It will be taught by a combination of SERTC and DroneDeploy instructors to ensure that you have access to the real-world experience offered by each.
Course Objectives – Upon completion of the course, participants will have completed the classroom and field instruction necessary to utilize the DroneDeploy software during both railroad emergencies and for day-to-day operations.
Target Audience – Railroad employees, railroad contractors, and other organizations that wish to learn how to utilize drones in their operation.
