Trusted Operator Program™ Level 1 Remote Pilot Certification As an early adopter of AUVSI's Trusted Operator Program (TOP), DARTdrones offers comprehensive, online curriculum to qualify remote pilots for a Level 1 TOP Certification. Stand out as a certified remote pilot by earning the drone industry's first industry qualification.
Online Courses & Certification
Material used to train companies such as
Prove Your Expertise. Become a Certified Level 1 TOP Operator™.
As a Trusted Operator Program Level 1 Remote Pilot, you will earn global recognition for your dedication to safety, advanced unmanned pilot skills and reliability within the drone industry. The Trusted Operator Program Level 1 Remote Pilot Certification requires all pilots to complete the following:
- 14 Online Micro Courses
- Proof of Part 107 Remote Pilot Certificate - Don't have your Remote Pilot Certificate yet? Add on our Part 107 Test Prep course.
Upon completing the above requirements, the newly designated TOP Operator will receive the following:
- A digital copy of the TOP Protocol Certification Manual
- AUVSI TOP Level 1 Gold Embossed Certificate
- AUVSI TOP Level 1 Pin
- Listed on TOP Operator Directory as TOP Level 1 Pilot
Trusted Operator Program Level 1 Curriculum
Course Curriculum
Trusted Operator Program Level 1 Curriculum
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Online Course 1Improving Operational Safety
- UAS Code of Conduct
- Remote Pilot Responsibilities
- Privacy
- Mitigating Risks
- FAA 'Dirty Dozen'
- Communication
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Online Course 2Risk Assessment and Management
- Risk Management
- Hazard Identification
- Historical Data
- Risk Matrix
- Likelihood of Risk
- Severity of Risk
- Risk Mitigation
- Pilot Considerations
- Customer Expectations
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Online Course 3Building Custom Checklists
- Considerations
- Customizations
- Implementation
- Flight Planning
- Preflight
- Crew Briefing
- Flight Execution
- Emergency Procedures
- Post Flight
- Maintenance
-
Online Course 4Site Assessment
- Hazard Identification
- Satellite Imagery
- Flight Planning
- Manmade Structures
- Terrain Variations
- Natural Obstructions
- Low-Level Turbulence
- Interference
-
Online Course 5Real-World Weather Assessment
- Forecast Sources
- METARs
- TAFs
- Visibility, Clouds
- Sky Condition
- Precipitation
- Wind
- Temperature
- Part 107 Requirements
- Go/No-Go Decision Making
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Online Course 6Real-World Airspace with AirMap
- Airspace Classifications
- Controlled Airspace
- Uncontrolled Airspace
- Prohibited and Restricted Areas
- TFRs
- LAANC Authorizations
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Online Course 7Visual Observer and Crew Best Practices
- Part 107 Requirements
- Roles
- Responsibilities
- Positioning
- Crew Management
- Crew Briefing
- Communication Methods
- Communication Procedures
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Online Course 8Flight Principles and Performance
- Aerodynamics
- Aircraft Axes
- Angle of Attack
- Turbulent Air
- Weight and Balance
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Online Course 9Overcoming Disorientation
- Prevention
- Disorientation Responses
- Practice Maneuvers
- Close Range Line of Sight
- Medium/Long Range Line of Sight
- First Person View
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Online Course 10Emergency Procedures
- Prevention
- Emergency Responses
- GPS Signal Loss
- Datalink Interference
- Compass Errors
- Flyaways
- Hardware and Software Failures
- Battery Issues
- Collisions
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Online Course 11Understanding Aviation Communications
- Types of Communications
- CTAFs
- Scanners
- Transceivers
- Standard Format
- Common Conventions
- Traffic Patterns
- Aircraft Position
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Online Course 12Equipment Care and Maintenance
- Manufacturer Recommendations
- Preflight Inspections
- Post Flight Inspections
- Flight Logs
- Aircraft Logs
- Patterns of Wear and Tear
- Maintenance Protocols
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Online Course 13Battery Care and Safety
- Battery Types
- Capacity
- Specifications
- Charge Cycle
- Discharging
- Maintenance
- Damage
- Disposal
- Storage
- Flight Regulations
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Online Course 14Air Law Review
- Registration Requirements
- Responsibility of Remote PIC
- Daylight Operations
- Hazardous Operations
- Crew Regulations
- Operating Limitations
Are You Ready to Become a Certified TOP Level 1 Remote Pilot?
TOP is a brand new program with a lot of potential to help structure the drone industry. Be an early adopter and differentiate yourself. Get TOP Certified today.
Register Now
Designed by Expert Developers
Our Trusted Operator Program Level 1 training was built by top curriculum developers and real-world manned and unmanned aircraft pilots.
Amelia Owre
Curriculum Developer for the US Navy’s Unmanned Aircraft Systems Program
Colin Romberger
Master's Degree in Unmanned Systems from Embry Riddle Aeronautical University
Our Nationwide Network of Expert Flight Instructors
Meet a few DARTdrones Flight Instructors who are all manned and unmanned pilots with over 11,000 hours of drone training experience.
Bob Wess
Commercial Pilot and CFI
Roger Hall
Retired Firefighter
Robert Patterson
CFI and Mission Pilot for Civil Air Patrol
Colin Romberger
Embry Riddle Masters in UAS
Jason Miller
Instrument Rated Pilot
Christina Martinez
CFII and Commercial Pilot
Keith Phillips
Blackhawk Helicopter Pilot and FAA CFII
St. Claire Williams
Sniper Team Lead for Atlanta Police
Robert Beck
Experimental Aircraft Pilot and Engineer
Tod Strickland
Navy Nuclear Weapons Technician
Sergio Gemoets
Private Pilot and Photographer
Ryan Walker
Marine Combat Instructor and Pilot
Nick Davis
R.C. and Manned Aircraft Pilot
Juan Jimenez
Multi-Engine Instrument Rated Pilot
Your questions. Our answers.
What is the Trusted Operator Program?
The Association for Unmanned Vehicle Systems International (AUVSI) has developed the Trusted Operator Program (TOP) for drone pilots and unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) training organizations. The TOP is a UAS community initiative to facilitate best practices, codes of conduct and professionalism for drone pilots. As a TOP Training Provider, DARTdrones facilitates consistent and expert training to provide drone pilots with a reliable, safe and professional foundation to further distinguish themselves in the market. You can learn more about the overall TOP here.
How can I access to the TOP Level I training?
Students will receive instant access to all online steps upon registration. All materials are housed in DARTdrones online learning platform. Students can access these courses and assessments at anytime.
How long is my TOP Level I Certification valid for?
All Trusted Operator Program certifications are valid for two years from the date of issue.
What if I already completed the DARTdrones Wings or 14 Micro Courses?
Congrats! You are very close to earning your TOP Level I Certification. You will just need to pay the $250 certification fee. Contact our team for more details.
Does this package include the Part 107 Remote Pilot test fee and course?
No. If you don’t already have your FAA Part 107 Remote Pilot Certificate, you will need to earn it before you can gain your TOP Level 1 Certification. DARTdrones offers both an in-person and online Part 107 Test Prep course. You will also have to pay $150 to the testing center to take the exam.
If I am an experienced drone pilot, can I skip ahead to Level 3?
TOP Operators are required to complete each level before they can progress to the next level. Even if you are experienced and wanted to earn Level 3, you would have to complete Level 1 and 2 first.