Charles Werner, your host, welcomes Jason Day, UAS program administrator for the Texas Department of Public Safety to today’s episode. In this interview, Jason shares his work at the Texas Department of Public Safety in creating standardized training and certification for unmanned aircraft systems. Jason emphasizes the crucial importance of training since the priority is always to maintain the safety of citizens, the men working in operations, as well as the safety of the national air space. Drones have transformed the public safety response and this is becoming clearer with time, as the technology and the instruction of pilots are advancing and becoming more structured and sophisticated.

 

Key Takeaways:

[1:15] Jason shares how he got involved with the UAS and his labor at the Texas Department of Public Safety.

[2:08] How is the Texas Department of Public Safety impacting public safety in the area of UAS in Texas?

[3:10] The importance of standardized training and certification of drone pilots in Texas.

[3:34] Jason provides an overview of the training and certification program in Texas.

[5:01] Who is involved in the discussions and the shaping of the Texas GPS training requirements in the development of this curriculum?

[6:22] The Texas department of public safety engages with everyone that is operating UAS.

[6:46] Jason talks about the standardized test methods to evaluate the proficiency of the program.

[7:37] How is public safety UAS training being supported throughout Texas?

[8:23] Does Texas have a requirement for public safety remote pilots in charge of command for certification?

[9:09] How are drones transforming public safety response?

[9:57] What is next for public safety UAS in Texas?

[11:33] Jason talks about the Federal Agencies involvement

[12:05] 135 people have been trained up until today and 40 more are expected to receive training this year.

[13:07] Jason shares the good and bad surprises he had encountered.

[14:43] How will the new first responder tactical beyond visual line of sight waiver impact operations?

[15:48] How is this new waiver addressed in training?

[16:48] Indoors flying course.

[17:09] Drones have dramatically improved safety.

[18:13] Jason gives an example with regards to how drones have enhanced situational awareness.

[19:50] Jason extends his advice on training to departments considering implementing a drone program.

[22:03] What should be included in a drone program?

[24:34] The ASTM remote pilot certification as a good way to start.

[26:59] Are the training material created by the Texas Department of Public Safety available for other states?

[27:40] What is next for the Texas Department of Public Safety?

 

Mentioned in this episode:

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