The Development of Thailand’s First UAS External Pilot Joint Training Program

Abstract

Current security environment and technology advancement in unmanned aerial system (UAS) has led to the rapid increase in armed forces and security agencies’ demands for real-time visual intelligence to enhance situational awareness over area of operation. However, the shortage in the number of qualified UAS pilots undermined the exploitation of UAS capabilities. DTI has developed Thailand’s first UAS external pilot joint training program for armed forces and security agencies to accommodate the current and future demands. The training syllabus consists of theoretical and practical phases designed to provide participants with required skill set to be able to safely and effectively operate launch and recovery tasks on small tactical UAS. The theoretical and practical are developed from manned and unmanned pilot subject matter experts, combined with the derivation of US DoD BUQ Level I and II and NATO Standard ATP-3.3.7 guidance, customized to practice and equipment under operational environment in Thailand.