Photo by Kristy Bock / Neuse News

Small Unmanned Aircraft Systems (sUAS) used by Public Safety officials are a growing trend. With the convenience of size and the potential for safety, drones offer opportunities different from aircraft operated by humans, including quicker deployment and less overhead.

“Drone use in public safety is a growing field,” said Richy Huneycutt of Lenoir Community College.

LCC held flight training during the week of March 2-6, and a full flight exercise on March 6. Partnering with AirProbe UAV, a high-quality basic drone flight school that provides top-notch training to first responders, LCC hopes to provide students with the skills needed to fly in a variety of public safety-related missions. They want first responders who are using drones to have access to the best training to assist with their job.

“The Federal Aviation Administration requires that individuals using these drones for commercial use actually obtain an FAA Remote Pilot certification, similar to what private pilots have to obtain,” said Justin Tilghman, Dean of Public Safety at Lenoir Community College.

A ‘UAS Introduction for Law Enforcement Executives’ briefing was given by Mr. Kyle Snyder to executive and supervisory level law enforcement agency, county, and city personnel responsible for supporting and supervising a drone.

After the briefing, students prepared their responses using drone assets as they would in a real-world scenario. The students then presented their solutions to the instructors for feedback. After lunch, the students flew their mission scenarios in-flight demonstrations before they graduated with certificates.

“The day is coming very soon when it will sound silly asking a Public Safety professional in law enforcement if they use drones, just as it would sound if you ask them if they have patrol cars,” said course instructor Probe Thompson.

The nature of Public Safety requires that the pilots know how to maneuver drones in any situation needed. They need the training to provide the skills necessary to fly in search and rescue missions and to observe situations for potential hazards.