New ASTM International Drone Pilot Training Standard Approved

A new ASTM International standard establishes minimum training requirements for drone pilots in the public safety arena who work remotely.

The new standard, soon to be published as F3379, was developed by ASTM International’s unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) committee (F38) with contributions from the homeland security applications committee (E54) and a joint working group on UAS public safety convened by ASTM International and the National Fire Protection Association (AC383).

The new standard covers general, field, and search-specificknowledge and skills for pilots of drones operating from remote locations.

“While other ASTM standards address the general andoverarching aspects of UAS, the new standard focuses on the specific challengesfor public safety remote pilots within their operational environment,” saysASTM International member Jonathan Daniels, CEO, Praxis Aerospace ConceptsInternational, Inc.

Daniels notes that the new standard was especially designedto support public safety agencies that want to field a UAS team, including aremote pilot-in-command and a technical specialist. He adds that the standardwill help such agencies train remote pilots and verify performancequalification testing prior to assigning flight crews to operational duties.

While the first version of the new standard is focused onU.S. requirements, the committee plans to expand future editions to includeinternational requirements.

This standard adds to ASTM International’s growing footprintin the drone industry, including its recently announced Remote ID standard,which will soon be published as F3411.