NBAA has approved the Unmanned Safety Institute’s (USI) online “Small UAS Ground School” for participation in the NBAA Professional Development Program (PDP). USI is a division of aviation services company Argus International.

The small unmanned aircraft systems (sUAS) course meets PDP Ops7 and Ops9 objectives, and participants will receive six points toward a CAM application and four points for CAM recertification. According to USI, this is the only NBAA PDP-approved offering on unmanned aviation.

“Our program is based on proven aviation safety fundamentals and establishes a foundation from which to grow and evolve UAS operations. The education provided will greatly assist flight departments being asked to participate in the standing up of unmanned operations by providing a clear understanding of operational considerations,” said USI v-p of operations Josh Olds.

NBAA said the PDP approval recognizes that an increasing number of businesses are exploring the use of small unmanned aircraft systems, which means that there is a need for trained engineers, technicians, marketing personnel and other company employees in this space.