With the launch of new e-learning platform and dedicated Certified eBee Operator Program, we recently sat down with AgEale’s Global Head of Training to learn more about how the new platform and certification course works, where to access it and how eBee users (and even non-users) can benefit from the various self-guided tutorials and modules.
Tell us a little bit about the new eBee drones e-learning training platform and operator certification course
The platform is an e-learning training method designed to help eBee operators take their skills and operational confidence to the next level. They can either complete single courses depending on where their interest is, or they can complete all the modules and become a certified senseFly drone operator.
How does it work?
The e-learning platform can be accessed from directly via our Academy portal. Users simply register on the page, which then gives them access to the course catalog as well as the option to enroll in our Certified eBee Operator Program.
Can people pick and choose which modules and courses they take?
Yes! Modules contain courses and some modules have up to four or five courses. We’ve found that one course typically takes up to 30 minutes to complete. Some feature a video presentation as well as exercises and even quizzes to help self-test the users’ knowledge and comprehension of the topic.
What does it mean for the user to become “Certified”? How does that help them out in the field?
The Certified eBee Operator Program means you’ve undertaken all the courses to completion. The courses have been designed to follow the ISO (International Organization for Standardization) standard of UAV operators training as much as possible. So, once one becomes a certified drone operator, they will have a type certification—like what pilots have for a specific airplane. However, this certification doesn’t replace their country-specific drone pilot license requirement.
Complying with safety and regulations is important to us, and we believe this is a good resource for eBee pilots to take advantage of. Even those who are not yet eBee customers but want to learn more about general drone operations and mapping principles can benefit from the platform.
So the program is open to non-eBee users, too?
That’s correct. Anyone will be able to go to the platform and complete some courses. Obviously new and existing eBee users will gain the most benefit from the modules and courses, but there is enough general information to prove useful to others, too.
Why is training so important?
There are so many factors that connect good training to success! One of the most important reasons is that drones are flying in the air, sharing that space with other aircraft, and even flying above people who may not be involved in their operation. If operators don’t know how to plan, prepare or troubleshoot properly, that poses risk and we want to help mitigate those risks as much as possible, so it’s important that our pilots know how to handle any issues that may impact safety.
The second reason is that how you set up and plan your mission has an impact on the data quality you get. If you’re a service provider and quoting for a day of flying and a day of processing [the collected data] but you end up needing more time – that’s not good for business. Neither is thinking you set up your missions properly, getting out into the field and realizing you did not—that’s really frustrating! So again, it comes down to helping our customers become more knowledgeable, efficient and ultimately more successful.
How did you define the modules and courses? Is it based on anything specific?
Yes, we’ve based it off many existing protocols and best practices. There is ISO recommendations for the training of UAV pilots. The other is the Specific Operations Risk Assessment (SORA) procedure, which is a method to build a concept of operations and is required to be submitted to a local CAA for flying in specific categories for example. One would have to provide proof of Operation Safety Objective (OSO), where one of those is the proper training of the pilots.
From an application point of view, we’re covering what types of settings are best for different types of missions. For example, we have modules on data processing and data quality to learn about the different factors that influence data quality and what to do about them. There are also courses for each type of camera and its main application.
We also cover the basics of photogrammetry, such as software, how it works and how you can take images you’ve collected and output the data at the precision and quality you need.
Is the program meant to replace local compliance and certifications?
Sadly, no. We can’t account for every country and local rules. People will also have to do a local operator course or certification based on the requirements of their local CAA. But our program and certification will help operators get insurance for liability and insurance on their drone, as well as approval by their local CAA since they have proof of skill and knowledge about their senseFly eBee UAV. It could also be part of a tender for a service provider who is required to prove they have the skills for specific projects.
