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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
Trusted Operator Program Certification Levels
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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.
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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.
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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
$ 649Earn your TOP Level 1 Remote Pilot Certification by completing:
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14 Online Micro Courses
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Proof of Current FAA Remote Pilot Certificate
TOP Level 2 Certification
$ 1,850Earn your TOP Level 2 Remote Pilot Certification by completing:
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TOP Level 1 Certification
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1 Day In-Person Training
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Hands-on Flight Evaluation
Trusted Operator Program Levels Not sure which TOP level is right for you?
Our Expert Instructors
St. Claire Williams
Sniper Team Lead for Atlanta Police
Sergio Gemoets
Private Pilot and Photographer
Roger Hall
Retired Firefighter
Bob Warfel
Commercial and ATP Rated Pilot
Nick Davis
R.C. and Manned Aircraft Pilot
Mark Garza
United States Navy Veteran
Mark Fronrath
Owner/Chief Pilot for NC Drone Pro
Larry Cross
U.S. Air Force Instructor and Pilot
Ryan Walker
Marine Combat Instructor and Pilot
Kevin Coughlin
Pulitzer Prize Photojournalist
Juan Jimenez
Multi-Engine Instrument Rated Pilot
Josh Haddad
Helicopter Pilot and CFI
Jimmy Burkhart
Helicopter Pilot and CFI
Colin Romberger
Embry Riddle Masters in UAS
Chris Grazioso
FEMA Search and Rescue Team
Christina Martinez
CFII and Commercial Pilot
Bob Wess
Commercial Pilot and CFI
Matt Bettencourt
UAS Instructor for U.S. Navy
Marcus Head
Police Officer & Helicopter CFI
Keith Phillips
Blackhawk Helicopter Pilot and FAA CFII
Robert Patterson
CFI and Mission Pilot for Civil Air Patrol
Robert Beck
Experimental Aircraft Pilot and Engineer
Tod Strickland
Navy Nuclear Weapons Technician
Frank Gutierrez
Corporate Pilot and sUAS Instructor
Kent Chivers
Navy Veteran
Craig Trammell
CFI / CFII & ATP Rated Aviator
Becky Hagner
Former Military Pilot
Mark Kurzinski
Retired Navy Pilot
Michael Bush
CFI & Lifelong Educator
Michael Martin
Avid drone photographer
Joel Martin
CFII and Aviation Instructor
Rick Mills
U.S. Military Academy Professor
Michael Uleski
Sergeant Daytona Beach Police
Jim O'Keefe
Sergeant Milford Police Department
Paul Matheson
Commercial Helicopter Pilot
Eduardo Voloch
Army National Guard Signal Officer
Jason Miller
Instrument Rated Pilot
Kevin Gillespie
Pilot & Entrepreneur
Sean Pagliari
Private Pilot and Patent Holder
Jack McIntosh
Private Pilot and Business Owner
Randy Eary
Private Pilot, AGI & IGI
Karl Schwab
Software and Systems Engineer
Alex Abatie
sUAS Photographer & Design Director
Jerry White
Airline Pilot & Business Owner
Heather Hasper
AAAE's UAS Committee member
Louis Morales
Thermal Drone Pilot
Why Train with DARTdrones?
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45
Flight Instructors
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40+
Cities Nationwide
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11,000+
UAS Instruction Hours
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10,500+
Pilots Trained!
"The Part 107 course that DARTdrones offers is world-class. It is very comprehensive and created in a way that makes the material very easy to study and understand for those that are new to the FAA’s rules, charts, etc. I tried out several courses and DARTdrones was the clear choice."
"The online test prep was very useful. I would recommend the DARTdrones online Part 107 Test Prep Course to anyone who is looking to pass their UAG."
"The course and instructor were great! The instructor was very knowledgeable, and the fact that he was an actual pilot and flight instructor gave us insights that we might not have gotten otherwise."
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