Home » Courses » Certification Courses » Aviation & Avionics Security » Certified Low-Altitude Navigation IR Operator (CLAN-IR)

Certified Low-Altitude Navigation IR Operator (CLAN-IR)

Length: 2 Days
Print Friendly, PDF & Email

Certified Low-Altitude Navigation IR Operator (CLAN-IR) Certification Program by Tonex

Certified Low-Altitude Navigation IR Operator CLAN-IR

The Certified Low-Altitude Navigation IR Operator CLAN-IR program prepares pilots, UAS operators, mission commanders, and sensor specialists to fly safely and effectively in demanding low-altitude environments using infrared navigation systems. Participants learn how to exploit FLIR and related sensors for terrain following, terrain avoidance, obstacle detection, and precise routing in night and degraded visual environments while managing workload and crew coordination.

The course also addresses threat awareness and survivability against MANPADS, small arms, and radar guided systems to keep platforms and crews safer in contested airspace. Cybersecurity exposure is highlighted through discussion of secure data links, mission systems hardening, and protection of IR sensor feeds from interception or tampering so that navigation decisions remain trustworthy and mission critical information is not compromised by cybersecurity weaknesses.

Learning Objectives

  • Understand principles of infrared imaging and their application to low altitude navigation
  • Apply terrain following and terrain avoidance techniques using IR sensor information
  • Interpret navigation symbology and coordinate effectively between pilot and sensor operator
  • Plan and execute low altitude night and DVE missions with robust risk controls
  • Recognize and mitigate threats including MANPADS, small arms, and radar guided systems
  • Manage human factors, task saturation, and workload during complex low altitude profiles
  • Strengthen cybersecurity awareness for mission systems, data links, and IR sensor networks supporting safe navigation

Audience

  • Military pilots
  • UAS operators low altitude and terrain following missions
  • Mission commanders
  • Sensor operators supporting navigation
  • Aviation safety and mission planning officers
  • Cybersecurity Professionals

Program Modules

Module 1: Fundamentals of Infrared Navigation Systems

  • IR spectrum basics and sensor physics
  • Imaging versus non imaging IR systems
  • FLIR architecture and key components
  • Resolution, field of view, and update rate
  • Calibration, boresight, and alignment concepts
  • Safety considerations in IR system employment

Module 2: Precision Terrain Following and Avoidance

  • Terrain following versus terrain avoidance techniques
  • Minimum safe altitude concepts and constraints
  • Use of IR cues for ridge, obstacle, and wire detection
  • Integrating digital terrain data with IR imagery
  • Terrain corridor selection in contested airspace
  • Emergency escape maneuvers and recovery profiles

Module 3: FLIR Systems and Navigation Symbology

  • FLIR operating modes and sensor control
  • Heads up and multi function display symbology
  • Navigation steering cues and flight director use
  • Sensor line of sight and gimbal limit awareness
  • Crew roles for sensor steering and target handoff
  • Common misinterpretations and error traps

Module 4: Night and DVE Low Altitude Operations

  • Night vision and visual perception limitations
  • IR sensor performance in various DVE conditions
  • Brownout, whiteout, and obscurant management
  • Approach, departure, and landing profiles with IR
  • Multi ship and UAS swarm considerations at low level
  • Contingency procedures for sensor or display failure

Module 5: Threat and Survivability Management

  • MANPADS characteristics and engagement envelopes
  • Small arms and heavy machine gun threat patterns
  • Radar guided threat awareness at low altitude
  • IR signature management and exposure reduction
  • Use of terrain masking for survivability
  • Debriefing threat events and updating tactics

Module 6: Sensor Limitations and Environmental Effects

  • Weather impacts on IR contrast and clarity
  • Clutter from urban, maritime, and desert terrain
  • Hot spots, reflections, and false cues recognition
  • Sensor saturation and blooming mitigation techniques
  • Seasonal and diurnal effects on IR scenes
  • Checklists for evaluating sensor suitability

Module 7: Mission Planning and Crew Coordination

  • Low altitude route design and constraint analysis
  • Time on target and timing deconfliction planning
  • Briefing standards for pilot and sensor operator
  • Radio discipline and cockpit communication techniques
  • Cross platform coordination with UAS and manned assets
  • Debrief techniques and lessons learned capture

Module 8: Cybersecurity for IR Navigation Ecosystem

  • Mission system attack surfaces and vulnerabilities
  • Secure configuration of data links and networks
  • Protection of recorded IR data and imagery
  • Detection of anomalous or spoofed navigation inputs
  • Coordination with cybersecurity teams for hardening
  • Policies for handling classified and sensitive data

Module 9: Human Factors and Workload Management

  • Cognitive load during low altitude IR missions
  • Automation use, mode awareness, and overreliance risks
  • Fatigue, stress, and situational awareness degradation
  • Crew resource management for pilot sensor teams
  • Checklists, standard calls, and error reduction habits
  • Building personal proficiency and readiness plans

Course Delivery
The course is delivered through a combination of expert led lectures, interactive discussions, tactical case studies, and guided planning exercises focused on real world low altitude and IR navigation scenarios. Participants review video footage, mission profiles, and debrief products to connect concepts with operational application across manned and unmanned platforms. Online resources, checklists, and planning tools are provided to reinforce learning and support continued practice after the course. Throughout the program, instructors emphasize decision making discipline, crew coordination, and the integration of cybersecurity aware behavior into daily mission execution.

Assessment and Certification
Participants are assessed through quizzes, structured mission planning assignments, and an integrated final exercise that evaluates their ability to interpret IR imagery, manage threats, and design safe low altitude routes. Performance in class discussions and scenario based evaluations also contributes to the overall assessment. Upon successful completion of the program requirements, participants receive the Certified Low-Altitude Navigation IR Operator CLAN-IR Certification from Tonex, recognizing their proficiency in IR based low altitude navigation and security conscious mission planning.

Question Types

  • Multiple Choice Questions MCQs
  • Scenario-based Questions

Passing Criteria
To pass the Certified Low-Altitude Navigation IR Operator CLAN-IR Certification Training exam, candidates must achieve a score of 70% or higher.

Exam Domains

  1. Infrared Navigation Principles and System Concepts
  2. Low Altitude Flight Planning and Execution
  3. Night and Degraded Visual Environment Operations
  4. Threat, Survivability, and Risk Management
  5. Human Factors and Crew Coordination Practices
  6. Cybersecurity of Mission and Sensor Architectures

Elevate your team’s ability to fly low, stay covert, and remain safe in demanding environments by earning the Certified Low-Altitude Navigation IR Operator CLAN-IR Certification with Tonex. Enroll your operators, commanders, and cybersecurity specialists today to build a shared, mission ready standard for IR navigation, survivability, and secure airborne operations.

Request More Information