DRONES TRAININGS · BY ASG
UAS / Drone Training Overview
Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS), commonly known as drones, have become increasingly significant in the aviation ecosystem — both as a potential safety hazard to manned aircraft and as an operational tool in aviation applications including aircraft inspection, airport perimeter security, cargo delivery, and remote area operations. UAS/drone training addresses both perspectives: safe drone operations in regulated airspace and the use of drones in aviation operational contexts.
The regulatory framework for drone operations has matured rapidly: EASA introduced its U-Space and drone category regulations (EU 2019/945 and EU 2019/947) in 2020, establishing a risk-based operational category framework (Open, Specific, Certified) with associated competency and registration requirements. National CAA UAS regulations build on EASA or ICAO frameworks with jurisdiction-specific requirements. For drone-specific consulting beyond training, see our Drone Operation Systems service.
UAS Regulatory Framework
The EASA drone regulatory framework classifies UAS operations into three categories. The Open Category covers lower-risk operations within defined parameters (below 120m altitude, within visual line of sight, with CE-marked drones) and requires online competency tests and drone registration. The Specific Category covers higher-risk operations requiring a specific risk assessment (SORA methodology) and authorisation by the national CAA — applicable to operations near aerodromes, over people, or beyond visual line of sight. The Certified Category applies to UAS operations posing risks equivalent to manned aviation (large cargo drones, passenger drones) and requires EASA type certification and operator certification.
Outside Europe, ICAO Doc 10019 (Manual on Remotely Piloted Aircraft Systems) provides the ICAO framework for UAS integration into national aviation regulatory systems. National CAAs in the Middle East, Asia Pacific, and Americas have developed varying degrees of UAS-specific regulation, creating a complex multi-jurisdiction compliance environment for commercial drone operators. For aviation organisations using drones for aircraft inspection or airport operations, understanding the specific regulatory requirements applicable at each operating location is essential.
In the aviation maintenance and inspection sector, drones have become an important tool for aircraft exterior inspections, engine inlet and nacelle inspections, and landing gear bay inspections — reducing the need for scaffolding and improving inspection efficiency and coverage. ASG provides specific training for aviation MRO and airport staff using drones in these applications, covering both the regulatory requirements for operating drones at aerodromes and the technical competencies required for effective inspection drone operation.
For airports, drone security represents a growing operational and safety concern. ASG provides drone security awareness training for airport operations and security staff, covering drone detection, counter-UAS awareness, incident reporting, and coordination with national authorities. For comprehensive drone operations consulting, see our Drone Operation Systems service.
Our Drone / UAS Training Programmes
EASA Open Category Remote Pilot Competency Training
Our EASA Open Category remote pilot programme prepares drone operators for the EASA A1/A3 and A2 competency requirements: online knowledge tests, operational limitations, Open Category rules, UAS safety considerations, and practical pre-flight and in-flight procedures. Aligned to EASA EU 2019/947 requirements and applicable national CAA competency frameworks. Available as an intensive 1-day workshop or online self-paced module.
Drones in Aviation Operations (MRO/Airport Applications)
Our specialized aviation applications programme covers: regulatory requirements for operating drones at aerodromes (EASA requirements, aerodrome coordination procedures, ATM notification), drone inspection techniques for aircraft exterior, engine nacelles, and structures, image capture and analysis for inspection documentation, safety procedures for drone operations in confined aviation environments, and incident reporting for drone-related events. Designed for MRO technicians, quality inspectors, and airport maintenance staff.
UAS Safety & Airspace Awareness for Aviation Staff
Our UAS Safety and Airspace Awareness programme provides aviation operations staff (air traffic controllers, airport operations, airline operations control) with essential UAS awareness: UAS categories and capabilities, UAS traffic management (UTM) concepts, drone detection and reporting procedures, drone incident response, and the implications of unauthorized drone operations for manned aviation safety. Available as a half-day classroom or 2-hour online module. See also our Drone Operation Systems consulting page.
Benefits of Professional Drone / UAS Training
Why Choose Aero Support Group for Drone Training?
ASG’s UAS trainers combine aviation regulatory expertise with practical drone operations experience, including aviation inspection applications. Our drone training programmes are developed by professionals who understand both the regulatory requirements and the operational realities of using drones in aviation environments — ensuring training is immediately applicable rather than purely theoretical.
We provide UAS training aligned to EASA, ICAO, and national CAA frameworks across 60+ countries, with content adapted for specific jurisdictions and specific aviation applications (MRO inspection, airport operations, cargo delivery). For comprehensive drone operations and regulatory consulting, see our Drone Operation Systems service.
Under EASA EU 2019/947, Open Category A1/A3 operations require completion of an online test (no minimum training requirement, just a knowledge test). Open Category A2 operations require A2 competency (online training + test + self-declaration). Specific Category operations require a Remote Pilot Certificate (RPC) issued by the national CAA after passing a theoretical knowledge examination and, depending on the operation, a practical skills assessment.
Yes. While EU member states generally implement EASA UAS regulations, there are national variations and additional requirements. Outside the EU, national UAS regulations may differ significantly from EASA. Countries like the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Singapore, and the UK have developed specific UAS frameworks that partially align with EASA but include national licensing, registration, and operational requirements. ASG advises on jurisdiction-specific requirements.
Operating drones at aerodromes is typically classified as a Specific Category operation requiring additional authorization from the aerodrome operator and national CAA. Training requirements include awareness of aerodrome airspace zones (controlled airspace, aerodrome traffic zones), ATM/ATC coordination procedures, drone safety procedures in aircraft movement areas, and emergency response. ASG’s aviation applications programme covers these requirements.
Drones are increasingly used to complement (not replace) traditional aircraft inspections: they are particularly effective for routine exterior checks, detailed visual inspections of difficult-to-access areas (tail surfaces, engine nacelles, fuselage upper surfaces), and rapid damage assessment. They do not replace physical hands-on inspection for structural verification. ASG’s drone inspection training covers both capabilities and limitations.
ASG provides drone threat awareness training for airport security and operations staff covering: drone types, capabilities, and operational ranges; unauthorized drone incident classification; drone detection technology awareness; incident reporting procedures to CAA, police, and airport security; counter-UAS regulatory framework; and passenger communication for drone-related delays. Available as a 2-hour classroom or online module.
- EASA Open Category A1/A3/A2 remote pilot competency training
- Drone inspection training for MRO technicians and quality inspectors
- UAS safety and airspace awareness for aviation operations staff
- Drone threat awareness for airport security and operations personnel
- Multi-jurisdiction UAS regulatory guidance: EASA, ICAO, national CAAs
- Classroom, virtual, and online delivery with practical drone operation modules
Ready to Build Your UAS / Drone Training Programme?
Whether you are a drone operator seeking EASA regulatory compliance, an MRO using drones for aircraft inspections, or an airport managing drone security threats, Aero Support Group provides drone training that addresses your specific operational and regulatory context. Contact our team to discuss your UAS training requirements.
- Drone Training
- UAS Training
- EASA Drone Regulations
- Remote Pilot
- Drone Inspection
- UAS Safety
References
- EASA Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) 2019/947 — Rules for UAS operations
- EASA Commission Delegated Regulation (EU) 2019/945 — UAS and third-country UAS standards
- ICAO Doc 10019 — Manual on Remotely Piloted Aircraft Systems (RPAS), 2nd Edition
- ICAO Cir 328 — Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS): Safety and operational concepts
- JARUS SORA — Specific Operations Risk Assessment: Methodology for Specific Category UAS
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