Trusted Operator™ training, developed by the Association of Unmanned Vehicle and Systems International (AUVSI), provides a certification process for pilots beyond their FAA Part 107.

AUVSI Trusted OperatorTrusted Operator™ fills the gap between Part 107’s minimally prescriptive operating regulations and a higher level of demonstrated knowledge, flight proficiency, safety and risk management practices that is valued by employers and customers of commercial uncrewed aircraft system (UAS) operators. NC State is one of only four institutions of higher education in the US that is certified by AUVSI to deliver all three levels of Trusted Operator™ drone pilot certification.

NC State’s drone training programs are housed within the Institute for Transportation Research and Education (ITRE), which offers a comprehensive range of transportation education programs. ITRE is an industry leader in the development of UAS capabilities and standards, and works with state, federal and industry partners to integrate uncrewed vehicles into the National Airspace System.

About NC State’s Trusted Operator™ Training Programs:

Questions? Email drone-operations@ncsu.edu.


Trusted Operator™ Level 1 Training

AUVSI Trusted Operator Certified Level 1Level 1 operators are identified as skilled for flying missions that don’t utilize waivers and for aircraft weighing less than 5 pounds.

Course details:

Key topics include:

Operations covered by the Level 1 training:

Cost:

Code required for discounted registration; email drone-operations@ncsu.edu for discount code.

Register for Trusted Operator™ Level 1 Training


Trusted Operator™ Level 2 Training

AUVSI Trusted Operator Certified Level 2Level 2 operators are skilled for flying missions that utilize waivers, visual observers, or sensor operators and operate with elevated risk factors and complexity.

Course details:

Key topics include:

Operations covered by the Level 2 training:

Cost:

Code required for discounted registration; email drone-operations@ncsu.edu for discount code.

Register for Trusted Operator™ Level 2 Training


Trusted Operator™ Level 3 Training

AUVSI Trusted Operator Certified Level 3Level 3 operators are identified as skilled for flying missions in safety critical and complex areas that require higher levels of risk mitigation and for operations requiring development and testing of new procedures.

Course details:

Key topics include:

Operations covered by the Level 3 training:

Any of the characteristics of Level 2, plus the following:

Cost:

Code required for discounted registration; email drone-operations@ncsu.edu for discount code.

Register for Trusted Operator™ Level 3 Training