ASTM International Partners with DRONERESPONDERS to Standardize Public Safety UAS Training

Collaboration efforts will focus on auditing and evaluating emergency services drone programs based on ASTM International standards for training Public Safety Remote Pilots of UAS 

WEST CONSHOHOCKEN, PA  – ASTM International, the global leader in fully transparent standards development, and the DRONERESPONDERS Public Safety Alliance – an official program of AIRT, the leading 501(c) non-profit organization supporting Drones For Good, today announced a new strategic initiative designed to standardize the training and use of unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) and related technology across the public safety and emergency services sectors around the world.

The new Public Safety UAS Standardized Training Initiative (STI) will be based on ASTM International standard F3379-20, Standard Guide for Training for Public Safety Remote Pilot of Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS) Endorsement and administered exclusively by DRONERESPONDERS for the public safety sector. 

Public Safety UAS STI will provide public safety UAS training providers with a third-party evaluation of their curriculum for conformance to applicable ASTM standards.  Programs that meet or exceed UAS STI will received a certificate and digital emblem from DRONERESPONDERS and ASTM confirming they have been approved as a Public Safety UAS (STI) Approved Training Provider.

“The goal for the Public Safety UAS Standardized Training Initiative is to create a safer, more efficient operating environment for all stakeholders in the Whole Community,” said Brian Meincke, VP of Global Business Development and Innovation Strategy of ASTM International.  “We are thrilled to partner with AIRT-DRONERESPONDERS as the industry leader in supporting Drones For Good and Public Safety UAS operations.”

The need for standardized UAS equipment and training for first responders and emergency services professionals has been well researched and validated by DRONERESPONDERS over the past year.  During this time, ASTM International collaborated with key stakeholders to develop the most robust set of UAS operational standards available to date.  The new partnership will now link those two pieces together.

“We could not ask for a better partner than ASTM International in launching this training iniative,” said Fire Chief Charles Werner (ret.), Director of DRONERESPONDERS.  “The Public Safety UAS Standardized Training Initiative will serve as the catalyst toward creating a standardized training environment for all types and sizes of public safety agencies.”