Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS) Operations, Safety, Data Analysis, and Compliance
UAS Course – Public Course Offering at Picatinny Arsenal, NJ (March 9-10, 2026)
Picatinny AFB
(Only available to individuals with access to the base)
This intensive 2-day course provides technical and operational training in Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS).
Participants will learn how to effectively analyze UAS-collected data, assess and mitigate operational risks, comply with regulatory frameworks, and demonstrate proficiency with UAS software for mission planning and data processing.
The course combines lectures, real-world case studies, and hands-on practical exercises to build strong technical and operational capabilities.
Learning Objectives:
This course will enable students to:
- Analyze UAS-collected data and generate meaningful insights for decision-making.
- Identify safety risks associated with UAS operations and implement appropriate risk mitigation strategies.
- Understand the regulations and guidelines governing the operation of UAS in different environments.
- Demonstrate proficiency in using UAS software tools for mission planning, navigation, and data processing.
Target Audience:
- UAS operators and pilots
- Engineers and data analysts working with aerial systems
- Surveyors and GIS professionals
- Emergency response and disaster management personnel
- Defense and security professionals
- Regulatory compliance managers
Prerequisites:
- Basic familiarity with drones or aviation concepts (recommended, but not required)
- Basic computer literacy (for UAS software use)
Day 1 Agenda:
Module 1: Introduction to Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS)
- Definitions: UAS vs UAV vs RPAS
- UAS components: airframe, payloads, ground control stations
- Categories of drones (by size, application)
Module 2: UAS Data Collection and Analysis Fundamentals
- Types of UAS-collected data: Imagery, LiDAR, Thermal, Multispectral
- Data collection planning: altitude, resolution, overlap
- Data integrity and metadata management
- Overview of analytic workflows: image stitching, 3D modeling, GIS integration
Exercise 1: Perform basic stitching of aerial images into an orthomosaic map using UAS software.
Module 3: UAS Safety and Risk Management
- Identifying common hazards (airspace violations, weather, battery failure)
- Introduction to risk management frameworks (e.g., SORA – Specific Operations Risk Assessment)
- Implementing operational risk mitigation strategies
- UAS safety management systems (SMS)
- Workshop 1: Conduct a Risk Assessment for a hypothetical UAS mapping mission.
Module 4: UAS Regulatory Environment
- Overview of FAA Part 107 (U.S.), EASA regulations (Europe), ICAO guidelines
- Special Flight Rules: BVLOS (Beyond Visual Line of Sight), Night Operations, Over People
- Waivers and certifications
- Privacy, cybersecurity, and ethical considerations
- Exercise 2: Review a sample mission scenario and determine regulatory compliance requirements.
Day 2 Agenda:
Module 5: Advanced UAS Data Analytics
- Generating actionable insights from aerial data
- Change detection and monitoring techniques
- AI and Machine Learning trends in UAS data interpretation
- Practical applications: agriculture, disaster response, infrastructure inspection
- Lab 2: Analyze aerial survey data to detect infrastructure anomalies.
Module 6: Mission Planning and Software Tools
- Overview of mission planning software (e.g., DJI Pilot, DroneDeploy, Pix4D, UgCS)
- Flight route programming: grid, corridor, waypoint missions
- Navigation aids: GPS, RTK (Real-Time Kinematic), GNSS
- Geofencing and No-Fly Zones (NFZ) integration
- Hands-on Activity: Create and simulate a mission plan using UAS planning software.
Module 7: UAS Navigation and Control
- Real-time flight monitoring and telemetry
- Autonomous vs manual control
- Emergency procedures and failsafe protocols
- Logging and post-flight data review
- Exercise 3: Execute a simulated mission with emergency intervention scenarios.
Module 8: Emerging Trends and Future Outlook
- Swarming technology and UAS autonomy
- Counter-UAS technologies
- Integration of UAS into controlled airspace (UTM – Unmanned Traffic Management)
- Future regulatory developments
- Discussion: Predict the evolution of UAS technologies over the next 5 years.
Final Deliverables:
- Certificate of Completion (optional)
- Completed mission planning file (student project)
- Risk assessment report (student exercise)
- Data analysis output (student exercise)
Materials Provided:
- Participant Workbook
- Mission Planning Template
- Risk Assessment Checklist
- UAS Regulation Quick Reference Guide
- Software Tutorial Guides (Pix4D, DroneDeploy, etc.)
Summary
By completing this course, participants will:
- Become proficient in UAS data analysis for decision support.
- Understand and apply operational risk management in UAS missions.
- Navigate the regulatory landscape for compliant drone operations.
- Gain hands-on experience with UAS mission planning and software tools.