Drone training professionals award first NVQ diplomas

Amy, a UAV and digital capture leader, and Sophie, a UAV and digital capture specialist at Waldeck Consulting, completed three of the NVQ course’s mandatory units, demonstrating knowledge of regulations, safety issues, pre-flight processes and procedures, flight manoeuvres and emergency procedures.

Sion Roberts, Managing Director of RUSTA, said: “Congratulations to Amy and Sophie for achieving their ProQual NVQ Level four diploma. This is not to be confused with the Permission for Commercial Operation (PFCO) awarded by the CAA which allows them to operate UAV’s in the UK airspace. The NVQs are a separate award and further recognises that they have the expertise of flying drones professionally for commercial purposes.

“As one of only three training academies in the UK to administer NVQ qualifications, we’re extremely proud to be able to offer both an NVQ Level three certificate and NVQ Level four diploma in the remote piloting of unmanned aircraft systems for commercial operations.”

Established in 2014, RUSTA were reportedly one of the original drone and UAV academies in the UK, training operators to be able to use their drones for commercial purposes. All instructors have a Royal Air Force or Army Air Corps background, with thousands of hours flying experience on both manned and unmanned platforms. 

Being measured within the National Qualification Framework, which is regulated by Ofqual, RUSTA’S NVQ courses are recognised both nationally and internationally.

Roberts added: “We recommend anyone looking to gain their NVQ accreditation to take up one of our courses, as they run in conjunction with, and complement, our existing Permission for Commercial Operation qualification. In short, this means that only a small amount of further work is required in preparing your NVQ portfolio for submission.”