Emergency Response Drone Pilot Award

Our CAA accredited, 5 day Emergency Response Drone Pilot Award (ERDPA) combines both the A2 CofC and GVC with specific training exercises centered around operating drones to assist with water-based rescues. 

The ERDPA is designed for individual or groups of life-guards, or those responsible for life-saving tasks specifically in water-related emergencies, and was created in partnership with the Royal Life Saving Society UK (RLSS UK). This course will be conducted at a suitable, bespoke location that provides the correct environment for this type of training.

Lifeguard flying drone with life saving floatation device attached.

 

All students will be expected to complete pre-course learning through our e-learning platform prior to starting the course. This will be followed by 2-days of classroom-based, instructor-led theory training culminating in a multiple-choice written examination for your A2 CofC, and 3 days practical flight training tailored to water-based rescues, and will finish with a practical flight assessment. Upon successful completion of your flight assessment, you will receive your GVC.

These qualifications, alongside the practical skills developed through bespoke training exercises catered to water-based rescues, will leave you with the professionalism and confidence to operate a drone safely in high-stress environments. 

LEARNING OUTCOMES

The combined Emergency Response Drone Pilot Award course for the GVC and the A2 CofC caters to both beginners and current drone pilots. This comprehensive course equips you with the latest knowledge and skill sets mandated by the CAA. These qualifications are essential for operating drones safely, in high-stress and conflict situations, and in compliance with regulations within either the Open category (low risk) or specific category (increased risk). 

Your course will consist of 2 days theory, encompassing 9 essential modules, and 3 days of flying, followed by a Flight Skills Assessment on the final day. 

Course modules will be taught covering:

  • Air law/ Responsibilities ​
  • RPAS Airspace Operating Principles ​
  • Airmanship & Aviation Safety​
  • Human Performance Limitations ​
  • Meteorology​
  • Navigation/Charts​
  • RPAS General Knowledge​
  • Operator Responsibilities ​
  • Operating Procedures

LOCATION

This course will be conducted at an appropriate location, arranged between the customer and the instructor, due to the bespoke training required.

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    Frequently Asked Questions

    What is A1, A2, and A3 categories of operating a <25kg drone?Reveal

    The categories of operations are known as A1, A2, and A3. They are classified as:

    • A1 (fly over people)
    • A2 (fly close to people)
    • A3 (fly far away from people)

    The basic CAA Drone Code will tell you everything you need to pass the test for a flyer ID, which allows you to fly in Open A1 and A3 categories.

    What is the difference between the Open and Specific categories?Reveal

    The Specific category covers operations that present a greater risk than that of the Open category, or where one or more elements of the operation fall outside the boundaries of the Open category. You must pass the online test and hold a Flyer-ID, and register as a UAS operator, and display your Operator ID on your UAS.

    Who provides the A2 CofC and GVC training?Reveal

    The A2 CofC and GVC training is provided by our experienced EEI Academy instructors. We are recognised by the CAA and their courses are designed to expand your theoretical knowledge to ensure you operate safely and appropriately.

    Where will I do the Emergency Response Drone Pilot Award training?Reveal

    This course will be conducted at an appropriate location, arranged between the customer and the instructor, due to the bespoke training required.

    Testimonials

    1. Great training and very well presented, Tim was a awesome trainer and presented everything very professionally. RNLI

    2. I really enjoyed the course and both instructors Tim and Matt made learning fun which helped with me passing the course. I had very little knowledge of drone legislation or flying prior to the course so it shows the high quality of teaching which helped me gain my golden wings and gain a 100% score. Zeta Central Student

    3. The instruction from Steve and Gally was excellent.  They understood the need to translate the course content into a practical way that we as Kent Fire & Rescue Service will us it. I  believe all the content was covered and as a candidate I gained confidence at flying using the hand held screen and camera. I would definitely recommend this course to anyone getting involved with any drone activities. Kent Fire and Rescue Service

    4. As a novice to aviation I found the course very informative without being overwhelming. Zeta Student

    5. Ian quickly delivered the one day course in a style and at a pace that was relevant to the students. Very credible and could relate military experience to our operational requirements. He was also able to give pragmatic solutions and advice around some of the grey areas of legislation and emergency service use which was very helpful. Thames Valley Police

    6. Both Tim and & Ian were super knowledgable and very keen to make the training role specific for our individual departments. Really enjoyed it, keep up the good work. Avon and Somerset Police

    Accreditations

    • Armed Forces Covenant Gold Award logo.
    • ISO 9001 logo
    • Cyber Essentials certification mark.
    • Joscar logo.
    • CAA logo.
    • ADS membership logo.
    • SCEG logo.
    • The Air League logo.
    • Pro Qual logo.
    • ELCAS Logo
    • EcoVadis Committed Badge
    • My Square Metre logo