SAR Drone Tech 1

Build foundational skills for safe, compliant SAR drone operations with this self-paced course designed for daytime VLOS missions and program development.

$499

The SAR Drone 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 SAR Drone 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!

Why Choose FlySmart?

Built for Real-World Emergency Response

Our SAR Drone Technician Program is designed by emergency responders, for emergency responders. Developed from over 140 operational SAR deployments, each course is grounded in lived experience—ensuring that the training reflects the real demands of the field, not just theory.

Standards-Aligned & Mission-Ready

Our courses exceed the expectations of NFPA 2400, EMCR Provincial Operating Guidelines, and Transport Canada regulations. Whether you're integrating drones into your SAR team for the first time or expanding into BVLOS and thermal operations, we prepare you to meet compliance standards with confidence.

Fresh & Relevant Curriculum

From VLOS daytime missions to advanced thermal imaging and night operations, our training covers everything SAR teams need to deploy RPAS safely and effectively. Participants leave with practical tools, mission planning skills, and confidence to execute drone-supported searches and assessments.

Program Scalability & Team Empowerment

Whether you're launching a new SAR drone team or strengthening an existing one, our training supports the creation of mission-ready teams. With practical tools and scalable learning, you’ll build the confidence and capacity to lead successful operations.