Introduction
In recent years, unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) have become essential to military and civilian operations worldwide. These systems offer unprecedented capabilities in surveillance, intelligence gathering, reconnaissance, and combat missions. As the use of UAS expands, ensuring that the operators and pilots1 of these systems are well-trained has become increasingly important. NATO’s Joint Capability Group Unmanned Aircraft Systems (JCGUAS) has responded to this need by introducing a new, standardized training methodology for UAS operators and pilots in the new revision of ATP 3.3.8.1 ’Minimum Training Requirements for Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS) Operators and Pilots’.2 This article will break down the JCGUAS’s approach in simple terms, helping to understand the rationale behind it and the different categories of training.
The use of UAS has grown rapidly, and with this growth comes the challenge of ensuring that operators and pilots can safely and effectively manage their aircraft in various situations. Unlike traditional manned aircraft, UAS come in many shapes, sizes, and capabilities – from small drones weighing less than a kilogram to large, sophisticated systems capable of flying for days at high altitudes.
Previously, UAS training was inconsistent across different NATO member states, leading to a patchwork of skills and knowledge. The new training methodology is designed to create a standardized approach that all NATO members can follow, ensuring that operators and pilots are adequately prepared, regardless of the type of UAS they are flying or their mission. This standardization will help improve safety, efficiency, and mission effectiveness.
The New Training Methodology
At its core, the new NATO UAS training methodology is risk-based, which means that the required training level depends on the risk and complexity of the UAS operation. The key idea is that not all UAS types and missions are the same. For example, flying a small drone in an empty field is much less risky than operating a large military-grade UAS in controlled airspace. Therefore, the new methodology classifies UAS operations into different categories, each with its own training requirements.
These categories are Open, Specific, and Certified.
Open Category – Low-Risk Operations
The Open Category is designed for low-risk operations involving smaller, simpler UAS. These missions are typically flown within Visual Line of Sight (VLOS), which means the operator can always see the aircraft during the flight. They usually occur in lower-risk environments, such as below 400 feet in altitude and away from crowded or restricted airspace.
This category is aimed at operators of small UAS that might be used for basic tasks such as ‘over-the-hill’ reconnaissance and other tactical operations at the squad or platoon level.
Because these operations are relatively low risk, the training required is basic. Operators must have a fundamental understanding of:
- Weather conditions and how they affect UAS flight.
- Safety procedures, including flight safety and human performance.
- General flight rules, air laws, and international regulations.
- Basic navigation and aircraft systems knowledge, including due regard procedures.
In the Open Category, pilots aren’t required to have advanced certifications, but they must demonstrate competence in handling the UAS safely and responding to potential emergencies.
Specific Category – Moderate-Risk Operations
The Specific Category covers operations that involve a moderate level of risk. These missions might involve more complex UAS, such as medium-sized systems that operate beyond visual line of sight (BVLOS) or in controlled airspace. For instance, a UAS that flies at higher altitudes than 400 feet, in denser air traffic, or over more populated areas might fall into this category. Armed UAS with releasable payloads heavier than 1kg always fall into in this category, because weapons add an extra layer of complexity and risk to the operation.
This category is aimed at operators of UAS systems that require a higher degree of skill and control. These systems are more likely to be used in military operations that involve intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR), weapons delivery, or missions in more congested airspaces, where coordination with manned aircraft and air traffic control is critical.
Training in the Specific Category is more advanced than in the Open Category. In addition to the basics, operators must understand:
- Beyond Visual Line of Sight (BVLOS) operations. Flying a UAS when no longer in sight requires a good understanding of remote sensing and communication technologies.
- Mission planning. Pilots must be able to plan their flights, considering the airspace they will be operating in and any potential hazards.
- Regulations. Operators must be familiar with national laws, military directives, and international regulations, such as those from NATO or the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO).
- Advanced safety and emergency procedures. Operators must be able to handle unexpected events, such as communication failures or navigational issues, and safely recover the UAS.
In short, operators in the Specific Category must be proficient in more advanced systems and be prepared for more complex missions.
Certified Category – High-Risk Operations
The Certified Category covers the highest-risk operations. These missions typically involve large UAS used for strategic, long-range, or high-altitude missions, often in international or controlled airspace.
This category is aimed at operators of the most sophisticated and powerful UAS systems, often used in military and strategic operations. These systems include High-Altitude, Long-Endurance (HALE) and Medium-Altitude, Long-Endurance (MALE) UAS, which can fly for extended periods and are often used for missions such as combat operations, ISR, and personnel recovery.
Training in the Certified Category is the most extensive and is comparable to the training required for manned aircraft pilots. Operators must have an advanced understanding of:
- Instrument Flight Rules (IFR). Certified UAS pilots must understand and comply with the same rules governing manned aircraft, especially when flying in controlled airspace.
- Airspace coordination. Certified pilots must be able to coordinate with air traffic control and other aircraft, ensuring the safe and efficient operation of their UAS.
- Advanced mission sets. These pilots must be skilled in complex missions, such as target tracking, weapons deployment, and combat support.
- Emergency procedures. Given the higher risk of certified missions, pilots must be prepared to handle various emergencies, from lost communication links to in-flight malfunctions.
Pilots in the Certified Category undergo rigorous training and certification, ensuring they can operate safely in high-stakes, high-risk environments.
The Role of Mission Parameters
A key aspect of NATO’s new training methodology is that the required training category is determined by a combination of mission parameters, which means that rather than being solely based on the size or weight of the UAS, the training category is determined by factors like:
- UAS weight. Heavier UAS tend to be riskier and are more likely to fall into the Specific or Certified categories.
- Airspace class. Operating in busier or more controlled airspace (e.g., Class A or B) increases the risk and may require more advanced training.
- Line-of-sight vs. Beyond Visual Line of Sight (BVLOS). BVLOS operations are riskier than those conducted within visual line of sight and typically require more advanced training.
- Armament and Payloads. UAS carrying weapons or other external payloads require higher levels of training, often pushing operators into the Certified category.
- Passengers. Although UAS rarely carry passengers, any operation involving passengers would automatically fall into the Certified category due to the increased risk.
By tying training requirements to the risk level and complexity of the mission, NATO ensures that UAS operators are adequately prepared for the challenges they will face. This risk-based approach means that operators receive the proper training for the missions they will be flying. It also helps standardize training across NATO member states, ensuring that all UAS pilots meet the same minimum requirements, regardless of the country they operate in.
This consistency improves safety and enhances interoperability between NATO forces. When operators from different member states work together on combined or joint missions, they can be confident that their colleagues have received the same high standard of training.
Below is the new classification table that displays the scores for every parameter based on NATO’s UAS training categories. The sum of these scores and the stated minimum category determine whether an operation falls under the Open, Specific, or Certified category.
Minimum Training Category Calculator
To determine the appropriate UAS training category, you can use our online Minimum Training Category Calculator below.
Summary
NATO’s new UAS training methodology will represent a significant step forward in ensuring safe and effective operation of unmanned aircraft systems throughout all types of air operations, joint exercises and joint training. By categorizing pilots into Open, Specific, and Certified categories based on the complexity and risk of their missions, NATO is creating a standardized framework that all member states can follow. Once endorsed3, this approach will improve the capabilities of UAS operators and enhance the overall effectiveness of NATO’s UAS operations in both military and civilian contexts.
