Become an AUVSI Certified TOP Operator™

The Trusted Operator Program™ (TOP) is a UAS community initiative designed to identify industry best practices, set an expected code of conduct and professionalize the drone pilot network. Spearheaded by the Association for Unmanned Vehicle Systems International (AUVSI) and developed in concert with UAS industry leaders, TOP provides a standardized way to evaluate competency of both individual remote pilots and UAS service providers. As a Level 3 TOP Training Provider, DARTdrones training is proven to provide drone pilots with a reliable, safe and professional foundation to further distinguish themselves in the market.

  • National recognition.

    As a certified TOP Operator, you will be recognized for both your professionalism as a remote pilot as well as your dedication to training, safety and reliability. As more commercial drone pilots enter this market, there is a growing need to differentiate yourself. The Trusted Operator Program will do just that.

  • Customer trust.

    The end-users, your customers, who choose services from a certified TOP Operator know they are receiving the 'best of the best' in areas such as demonstrated competency, advanced knowledge and skills, training appropriate to the level of risk, reliability and demonstrated commitment to safety.

  • New level of professionalism.

    Through a consistent training protocol, certified TOP Operators will demonstrate an appropriate level of professionalism to represent their knowledge and dedication to the drone industry. A TOP Operator Remote Pilot Certificate is globally known and can be presented to clients, colleagues, and employers.

  • Clear path.

    DARTdrones participated in developing the Trusted Operator Program and will continue to provide an accurate and comprehensive path forward for all drone pilots. DARTdrones has a team of 40+ instructors who are both manned and unmanned pilots and have 12,000+ hours of combined drone pilot training experience.

Become the 'Best of the Best' in Unmanned Aviation

Get certified as a TOP Operator today. TOP certification is offered at three levels. These levels correspond to the risk, complexity and nature of the applicant’s UAS operations.

Trusted Operator Program Certification Levels

    • TOP Level 1 Certification

      Earn your TOP Level 1 Remote Pilot Certification by showing proof that you have a current FAA Remote Pilot Certificate and by completing 14 Online Courses. Level 1 TOP Operators are identified as skilled for flying missions that don't utilize waivers and for aircraft weighing less than 5 pounds.

    • TOP Level 2 Certification

      Earn your TOP Level 2 Remote Pilot Certification by earning your TOP Level 1 plus completing a 1 day in-person course and hands-on flight evaluation. Level 2 TOP Operators are identified as skilled for flying missions that utilize waivers, visual observers, or sensor operators and operate with elevated risk factors and complexity.

    • TOP Level 3 Certification

      Earn your TOP Level 3 Remote Pilot Certification by earning your TOP Level 2 plus completing additional in-person training and hands-on flight evaluation. Level 3 TOP Operators are identified as skilled for flying missions in safety critical and complex areas that require higher levels of risk mitigation and for operations requiring development and testing of new procedures.

AUVSI Trusted Operator Program How to Become a Certified TOP Operator™

DARTdrones offers both Level 1 and Level 2 TOP Certification training.

TOP Level 1 Certification

$ 649

Earn your TOP Level 1 Remote Pilot Certification by completing:

  • 14 Online Micro Courses

  • Proof of Current FAA Remote Pilot Certificate

TOP Level 2 Certification

$ 1,850

Earn your TOP Level 2 Remote Pilot Certification by completing:

  • TOP Level 1 Certification

  • 1 Day In-Person Training

  • Hands-on Flight Evaluation

Trusted Operator Program Levels Not sure which TOP level is right for you?

Our Expert Instructors

Why Train with DARTdrones?

  • 45

    Flight Instructors

  • 40+

    Cities Nationwide

  • 11,000+

    UAS Instruction Hours

  • 10,500+

    Pilots Trained!

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