Standardization News

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-specific knowledge and skills for pilots of drones operating from remote locations. 

“While other ASTM standards address the general and overarching aspects of UAS, the new standard focuses on the specific challenges for public safety remote pilots within their operational environment,” says ASTM International member Jonathan Daniels, CEO, Praxis Aerospace Concepts International, Inc.

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

While the first version of the new standard is focused on U.S. requirements, the committee plans to expand future editions to include international requirements.

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

All interested parties are invited to join the committee in its standards development activities.

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