Drones as First Responders Technician Training

FlySmart’s new DFR Training program offers the first-of-its-kind courses, designed to exceed NFPA 2400 Standards, EMCR Provincial Operating Guidelines, and Transport Canada Regulations. From foundational skills to advanced techniques, these courses equip Search & Rescue teams, first responders, and emergency managers with the expertise needed for drone-integrated missions. Elevate your operational readiness with expert training that sets a new standard in emergency response.

Drone Aware

Duration: 2 Hours | Format: Online, Self-Paced | Cost: FREE

Drone Aware is the first introductory course designed to help emergency responders operate safely around drones in SAR operations. This course covers key applications, safe practices, effective communication, and realistic expectations for drone capabilities.

Drones as First Responders Technician Level 1 (DFR-Tech 1)

Duration: 8 Hours | Format: Online, Self-Paced | Cost: $499

Designed for SAR teams launching their drone programs, DFR-Tech 1 is the first self-paced course to provide comprehensive training in basic operations. Participants will learn fundamental safety, compliance, and operational protocols for daytime VLOS missions using RGB visual sensors.

Drones as First Responders Technician Level 2 (DFR-Tech 2)

Duration: 16 Hours (2 Days) | Format: In-Person | Cost: $949

Designed for SAR teams advancing their drone programs. Participants gain essential skills for BVLOS and night operations, thermal imaging, advanced search patterns, and hazard assessments. Hands-on training with Nova covers thermal and colour analysis, mission planning, and more.

Drone Aware

Take the first step in understanding how drones are revolutionizing Search & Rescue and emergency response operations. Drone Aware is a self-paced, introductory course designed for individuals working alongside drone teams. Gain foundational knowledge of drone capabilities and safe practices, with real-world examples, such as providing overwatch during SAR missions or delivering supplies to isolated teams.

What You’ll Learn:

  • SAR Applications: Understand how drones support SAR tasks and emergency operations, such as aerial reconnaissance, terrain mapping, and situational awareness

  • Safe Practices: Learn safe operating procedures for working alongside drones in ground-based rescue efforts and challenging environments

  • Communication Skills: Develop effective communication techniques to coordinate seamlessly with drone operators during missions

  • Realistic Expectations: Set practical expectations for drone capabilities in high-stakes emergency scenarios 

This self-paced course consists of 7 engaging modules, interactive quizzes, videos, and a final assessment where participants will receive a Certificate of Completion supported by NFPA 2400, EMCR POGs, and Transport Canada regulations.

This course is ideal for:

  • SAR personnel and emergency responders working with external drone teams

  • Team members supporting drone operations without specialized training

  • Organizations like RCMP, CASARA, or SAR teams using external drone support

Learn how drones are actively shaping SAR missions, from locating missing persons to evaluating disaster zones with precision and speed.

DFR-Tech 1

The DFR-Tech 1 course provides the foundational skills needed to safely and effectively operate drones within the scope of Transport Canada’s Basic Operations regulations. Designed for Search & Rescue teams and emergency responders, this self-paced course equips participants with the knowledge to perform safe and effective daytime operations within visual line of sight (VLOS) using RGB visual sensors.

In addition to covering essential safety protocols, regulatory compliance, and operational techniques, this course guides teams in establishing the internal structure of their drone program and integrating it seamlessly into their existing Incident Command System (ICS). Participants will also gain practical experience in data management and analysis, including an introduction to map creation and colour identification using Nova software. By the end of the course, participants will build confidence in managing basic drone missions and be prepared for advanced training opportunities.

What You’ll Learn:

  • SAR Mission Planning: Understand search pattern strategies, terrain mapping, and meteorological considerations to optimize drone use in dynamic rescue scenarios.

  • Regulatory Compliance: Follow best practices and guidelines from tasking agencies such as EMCR, RCMP, BC Parks, and Parks Canada, meeting and exceeding Transport Canada standards for safety and effectiveness

  • Concept of Operations (CONOPS): Build out your team’s Standard Operating Procedures using a comprehensive CONOPS framework. This includes team-branded PDF documents for all checklists, policies, protocols, and logs to streamline drone program operations

  • Practical Applications: Develop skills to perform hasty searches, assess hazards, and optimize hub-area reconnaissance in real-time SAR tasks

  • Emergency Preparedness: Understand pre-flight safety protocols, manage flight emergencies, and coordinate effectively with SAR teams and regulatory bodies.

  • Data Analysis Tools: Gain proficiency in Nova software for data processing, map creation, and colour identification to improve mission outcomes.

This course is ideal for: 

  • SAR teams establishing drone programs for rescue operations

  • Teams conducting hazard assessments and immediate-area reconnaissance in specialty rescue scenarios

  • Organizations like RCMP, CASARA, and SAR teams leveraging drone technology for critical aerial support

  • Basic license pilots operating small drones such as DJI Mini series or Mavic models, tailored for foundational SAR and reconnaissance missions.

Participants will build confidence in handling basic drone missions and preparing for advanced training opportunities like DFR-Tech 2. This course meets and exceeds regulatory requirements and best practices from Transport Canada, Parks Canada, BC Parks, EMCR, and the RCMP. It is compliant with NFPA 2400 standards and EMCR Provincial Operating Guidelines (POGs). Participants will receive a Certificate of Completion upon successfully finishing the course.

Take the first step in mastering drone technology for SAR operations!

DFR-Tech 2

Take your drone operational skills to the next level with DFR-Tech 2. This course is an advanced in-person, hands-on training program tailored for Search & Rescue teams and first responders operating in life-critical missions. This course builds on the foundational knowledge from DFR-Tech 1, aligning with Transport Canada Advanced Regulations and preparing participants for complex drone missions in real-world scenarios.

Participants will develop advanced skills for Beyond Visual Line of Sight (BVLOS) and night operations, thermal imaging, and hazard assessment. Through practical exercises and real-world simulations, participants will also have access to Nova to further master data analysis tools with thermal and colour imaging, live-streaming, and mission planning. The course culminates in a comprehensive final evaluation during a simulated SAR mission.  

What You’ll Learn:

  • Advanced SAR Techniques: Master thermal imaging to assist in locating individuals in dense terrain or low-visibility conditions and conduct hazard assessments with precision

  • BVLOS Operations: Plan and execute Beyond Visual Line of Sight (BVLOS) missions, utilizing advanced navigation, safety protocols, and geospatial tools

  • Night Operations: Perform safe and effective nighttime missions with thermal imaging, lighting considerations, and low-visibility navigation strategies

  • Data Analysis Tools: Leverage Nova’s software capabilities for advanced mission planning, live-streaming, and geospatial analysis, optimizing BVLOS operations and SAR mission outcomes

  • Hands-On Simulations:Engage in realistic SAR mission simulations, adapting to dynamic challenges like adverse weather, unauthorized airspace entry, and evolving rescue needs

  • Regulatory Alignment: Operate under Transport Canada Advanced Regulations and prepare for SFOC-compliant missions for life-critical emergencies

  • ROC-A Certification: Earn your Restricted Operators Certificate - Aeronautical (ROC-A) radio license as part of the course

  • DAA-VO Training: Complete Detect and Avoid Visual Observer (DAA-VO) training, a requirement for SFOC applications

  • NIST Training Lanes: Gain hands-on experience using the NIST Training Lanes system, with provided documentation to set up your own lanes for ongoing team training

  • Practical Assessment: Participate in SAR mission simulations that meet and exceed Transport Canada Flight Review requirements. All instructors are certified flight reviewers, and this course counts as the student’s advanced flight review or a 2-year recency review for active pilots

Pre-Requisites:

  • Completion of DFR Tech 1

  • Transport Canada Advanced Certification Exam (flight review not required)

  • Minimum of 5 flight hours per pilot

This course is ideal for: 

  • SAR teams and first responders seeking to expand capabilities for BVLOS, night operations, and thermal imaging in life-critical scenarios

  • Organizations aiming to implement advanced drone programs aligned with Transport Canada regulations and best practices

Participants will engage in practical exercises and simulations that replicate real-world SAR challenges, culminating in a comprehensive evaluation during a simulated SAR mission. DFR-Tech 2 meets and exceeds standards from NFPA 2400, EMCR Provincial Operating Guidelines (POGs), and best practices from Transport Canada, Parks Canada, and BC Parks.

Continue your journey toward mastering advanced drone operations for SAR missions!

Secure Your Spot Today!

Secure Your Spot For 2025 Today!

Register using the form and our team will contact you to confirm scheduling.!