Find A Certified Drone Pilot For Business Applications

The Association for Unmanned Vehicle Systems International (AUVSI) has released the TOP Directory, a list of unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) operators who have gained certification through one of the first certified partner organizations that participate in AUVSI’s Trusted Operator Program (TOP).

The TOP provides training that is in addition to the aeronautical knowledge test needed to obtain a Part 107 Remote Pilot Certificate from the FAA. With a TOP certification, remote pilots operating UAS have a higher level of knowledge, flight proficiency, training, safety and risk management practices. The TOP Directory enables companies and organizations to search for a certified TOP operator on the AUVSI website to fulfill their specific business applications.

AUVSI has worked with industry experts to create the TOP to ensure that remote pilot training conforms to industry standards and supporting trust and acceptance of the use of UAS around the world. TOP is a professional UAS community initiative aimed at supporting accepted remote pilot standards and protocols, which will result in the safe and sustainable advancement of the industry.  

The pipeline of remote pilots and organizations working towards TOP certification is growing rapidly. The initial TOP Directory includes nearly 40 operators in 19 states and the United Kingdom. They have been certified by one of four training providers that were approved by one of two certification bodies that have been authorized by AUVSI.

“Fundamentally, there has been disparity in the levels of remote pilot performance due to the lack of uniform training standards delivered by UAS training providers,” said Tracy Lamb, Vice President of Regulatory and Safety Affairs and Chief Pilot at AUVSI. “This verification in a pilot’s ability, and the training organization’s capacity and commitment to formal safety frameworks, offers the industry’s ‘end users’ or customers assurance of safety, competence and reliability. This is the heart of the TOP value proposition.”

(Source: AUVSI news release. Image from file)

FMI: www.auvsi.org/topoperator