Uncrewed Aircraft Systems (UAS) are a constantly evolving technology that are revolutionizing disaster management. This course discusses UAS use in disaster management, from mitigation and preparedness to response and recovery and is intended to help participants identify and implement the concepts and components necessary to build a successful organizational UAS program including the importance of engaging the local community; ensuring that privacy issues, civil rights, and civil liberties are thoroughly addressed; and identifying when UAS would enhance an organization or agency's capabilities in a disaster mission.

Participants will also learn what is covered under UAS regulations, who may operate UAS, what FAA authorization allows, and what the major issues are for UAS integration. The course materials will familiarize participants with the main types and capabilities of rotary and fixed-wing UAS, as well as the types of payloads and missions that generally are best for each with examples of how certain payloads have been or could be used in relevant situations to aid in disaster management. 

The course provides an overview of several important elements that require full consideration when creating and operating a UAS program, including involving the local community in all stages of UAS program development, and the critical need to protect privacy, civil rights, and civil liberties in a UAS program, including with data collection, retention, management, security, oversight, and accountability. 

• Emergency Management
• First Responders
• Government Administrative
• Emergency Medical Services (EMS)
• Fire Services
• Private Sector/Corporate Security/Safety
• Public Works
• Public Health
• Citizen/Community Volunteer
• Law Enforcement
• Non-Government Organizations