July 2024. Blues Vol 40 No.7

By Dan Knight, APSA

By Dan Knight, APSA Training Program Manager APSA would like to welcome you to APSCON Unmanned, an event that’s dedicated to public safety UAS operators. Bringing both segments of aviation together, manned and unmanned, in one location has allowed the sharing of thoughts, ideas, training and networking. The response to the combined event has been very positive and well received. The event will be held at the George R. Brown Convention Center in downtown Houston on July 29-31, 2024. In conjunction with APSCON 2024, the location is ideal and it brings great hotels, great food venues, great activities, and a great convention center together in one place. But we think our event is the best reason for coming to Houston and attending APSCON Unmanned. APSA has have made tremendous strides to ensure a phenomenal experience for the attendees this year. From subject matter experts in the field of drones to comprehensive courses and classes, this year will be an incredible year to attend. For instance, we will be offering the ability to have an UAS flying venue in the convention center next to the exhibit hall. That allows us to bring in specific courses and allows flight opportunities to be added to all the courses. We know that the drone community wants to be actively using and testing their equipment and this also allows corporate drone exhibitors to potentially offer demonstrations with the latest and greatest equipment. APSA is also happy to offer courses based on the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) sUAS Test Methods, Monday, July 29 through Thursday, August 1. On Monday and Tuesday, the 2-day Basic/Open Course covering NIST Open Test Lanes 1-3 will take place. The 3-day Advanced/Confined Course covering NIST Test Lanes 1-5 is being offered Tuesday through Thursday. On Friday, August 2, we plan to offer NIST check rides for attendees to test their proficiency with a NIST proctor. For in-depth educational courses, there are four two-day courses being offered: Drone Unit Manager Course, UAS Basic Operators Course, UAS Advanced Operators Course and brand new this year is the Counter Drone Measures Course. Since we can fly on the exhibit hall floor, a flying component may be added to all of these courses. A full day of 60- to 90-minute classes with a UAS focus are planned for Wednesday, July 31. They include: Drone Maintenance & Continued Airworthiness Counter Drone Measures Remote ID Aerial Mapping & Orthomosaic (accidents, crime scenes, firefighting) Integration of UAS into Search and Rescue Use of Drones in Fire Applications Drone Support of K-9 Operations 20 AIR BEAT MAGAZINE l Conference Preview l 2024 124 The Blues - July ‘24

Training Program Management for Public Safety Drones Thermal Imaging for Drone Operators Manned and Unmanned Airspace Deconfliction Movement to Contact UAS Smuggling Cases from FAA LEAP Operation Lone Star- Review of the Use of sUAS to Secure the Border Tactical Awareness Kit (TAK) Standards for the Operations of Public Safety Drones FAA UAS update At the conclusion of the courses and classes on Wednesday, the Opening Reception takes place in the exhibit hall with fun, food and drinks, and is open to all APSCON Unmanned attendees. To take full advantage of what the week has to offer, including more classes, time with the vendors, social events and networking with your peers, register for the APSCON/APSCON Unmanned full conference and stick around through Saturday, August 3. On Friday, August 2, we'll be offering another round of UAS-focused classes. APSCON 2024 will once again have Tech Talks on the exhibit floor. These short tech talks are an ideal way to hear from exhibiting corporate members on the latest and greatest technology, training, equipment or anything else they may want to share. Be sure to look for the schedule in your APSCON Program Guide, which will be distributed on site, for the list of classes and times. Be sure to visit our corporate members and learn about the products and service they offer public safety aviators. Thursday and Friday will also provide opportunities for flight testing, flight demonstrations and networking opportunities. NIST attendees will be flying the courses so there will be an opportunity to observe and interact with the students and instructors. Additional space will be provided for other flying events, so be sure to check your Program Guide for more details. I am excited for APSCON Unmanned 2024 and hope you are too. There is a lot being offered by some of the best in the industry! Come join us, meet new friends, connect with some old ones, establish networking connections and be part of a rapidly growing community. APSA is proud to have you as a member. Check our website at www.publicsafetyaviation.org for updates and registration information. See you in Houston! www.publicsafetyaviation.org l 21 The Blues - July ‘24 125