Summary

This three‑day course provides advanced in-person instruction in the verification and validation (V&V) of uncrewed aerial systems (UAS) using standardized test methods developed by the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST). The course emphasizes objective performance evaluation of aircraft, sensors, payloads, and operators through structured, repeatable testing rather than subjective assessment. Participants gain practical experience applying scientific test methodologies to quantify system

Description

This three-day course provides advanced instruction in aerial system performance testing using standardized test methods developed by the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST). Participants receive both classroom instruction and hands on evaluation experience designed to measure pilot proficiency, system capability, and payload performance in a controlled and repeatable way. The program emphasizes scientific validation rather than subjective pilot skill assessment. Standardized test methods enable objective scoring, quantified benchmarking, and repeatable performance measurement across operators, aircraft, and sensor platforms.

Participants are not required to hold an FAA 14 CFR Part 107 Remote Pilot Certificate to enroll in this course. Individuals who intend to operate an aircraft during the hands-on flight exercises must possess either an FAA Remote Pilot Certificate or an FAA TRUST certificate at minimum. Participants who do not hold these credentials may attend as observers and apply the principles of the test methodology through structured observation and analysis of aircraft operations conducted during the exercises.

During the course, students learn how to configure standardized testing lanes, execute timed and scored trials, and document performance results using recognized evaluation practices. Participants gain experience administering test methods used to validate system capability for public safety, industrial inspection, and advanced robotic operations. The course also introduces specialized evaluation techniques that are not publicly documented, including testing methods for video latency, payload release accuracy, and multiple forms of optical payload validation.

Participants leave with a clear understanding of how standardized testing can be used to validate aircraft performance, pilot capability, and sensor eƯectiveness.

What You Will Learn:

How standardized test methods developed by NIST evaluate aerial robotic systems.

 How objective scoring and repeatable testing provide scientific validation of pilot skill and aircraft performance.

 How to configure standardized testing lanes and establish controlled evaluation environments.

 Maneuvering techniques required to complete NIST Level 1 through Level 5 aerial test methods.

 How to conduct timed trials and scored performance evaluations.

 Optical sensor adjustment and gimbal manipulation for precision targeting.  Payload sensor manipulation and controlled system operation.

 Techniques used to validate optical payload performance and camera alignment.

 Methods used to evaluate video transmission latency and sensor responsiveness.

 Procedures for testing payload deployment systems and release accuracy.

 How to document test results and interpret standardized performance scores.

 How NIST testing supports benchmarking of operators, aircraft platforms, and payload systems.

Course Outline:

Introduction to NIST Aerial Test Methods. Overview of standardized robotic test methods developed by the National Institute of Standards and Technology. Purpose of objectivee valuation, scientific validation, and repeatable performance measurement.

Operational Applications of Standardized Testing. Using NIST test methods to evaluate aircraft platforms, sensor payloads, and pilot proficiency. Applications in public safety,industrial inspection, and robotic system development.

Test Lane Configuration and Range Setup. Establishing standardized testing environments.Lane assembly, measurement tolerances, safety considerations, and procedures for repeatable trials.

Timed Trials and Performance Scoring. Execution of timed maneuvering tasks using standardized scoring criteria. Measurement of accuracy, completion time, and operational discipline.Applied Aerial Systems Verification and Validation (V&V) based on Standardized Test Methods developed by the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST)

Level 1 Open Maneuvering Aerial Test Methods. Basic flight control trials conducted in open environments. Timed maneuvering exercises used to measure aircraft stability and pilot precision

Level 2 Navigation and Control Trials. Controlled navigation through structured testing lanes. Operator discipline, directional control, and timed evaluation of pilot performance.

Level 3 Sensor and Payload Manipulation. Optical sensor targeting and gimbal control. Camera alignment, payload manipulation, and precision visual targeting exercises.

Level 4 Obstructed Environment Testing. Navigation in environments containing obstacles and visual interference. Precision maneuvering under constrained conditions.

Level 5 Confined Space Operations. Controlled flight within restricted spaces and narrow corridors. Aircraft stability, pilot awareness, and precision control under spatial limitations. Optical Payload Validation. Evaluation of camera systems and sensor alignment during flight operations. Techniques used to confirm visual targeting accuracy and image acquisition reliability.

Advanced System Evaluation Techniques. Structured testing for video latency, payload deployment accuracy, and optical payload validation. Evaluation of sensor performance and operational reliability.

Scoring, Documentation, and Performance Analysis. Recording timed trials and scored performance. Interpreting results to benchmark operator proficiency and aircraf ccapability.

Instructor(s):

Dave Krause is the President of Influential Drones, where he leads the development and instruction of advanced uncrewed aerial systems (UAS) training programs for public safety, government, and commercial operators. His work focuses on operational performance, mission planning, system evaluation, and standards‑informed UAS practices.

At Influential Drones, Mr. Krause oversees course development and instructional quality, with an emphasis on objective performance measurement, structured testing, and repeatable evaluation methodologies. He brings extensive real‑world operational experience to the classroom and specializes in translating complex technical and regulatory concepts into practical, mission‑ready frameworks for professional operators.