First Responder Drone Training
Equip your department with innovative aerial drone capabilities through in-person FAA regulatory and hands-on training delivered nationwide
As drones become increasingly essential in public safety, law enforcement and emergency response agencies are recognizing their value for real-time aerial surveillance, enhanced situational awareness, and support in critical missions—such as search and rescue, disaster response, standoffs, and crash investigations. Compared to traditional methods, drones offer a faster, safer, and more cost-effective way to respond to emergencies. However, effectively integrating drone technology into public safety operations requires more than just purchasing equipment—it demands proper training, FAA certification, operational planning, and mission-specific expertise.
If you're starting a drone program for your police or fire department and need help figuring out where to begin for the FAA compliance, check out our blog post: "COA vs. Part 107: Which Path is Best for Police and Fire Drone Operations" which helps with navigating the regulatory environment of drone operations.
If you are looking for an operational guide to get hands-on and mission-specific training, read "First Responder Drone Training: Key Skills and Certification Requirements" blog post. It will walk you through the key steps and requirements to get your program off the ground.
Since 2017, V1DroneMedia has supported police, fire, and emergency management agencies with end-to-end drone training services. From helping officers earn their FAA Part 107 licenses, to hands-on flight instruction, hardware selection, SOP development, and advanced training for specialized missions, we provide the tools and knowledge to help departments safely and confidently deploy drones in the field. Check out our Class Offerings and meet Our Instructors.
Testimonials
“I had to get my FAA Part 107 as a requirement for my job in public safety. Jason was my primary instructor for the core content that covered the requirements for my certification process with the FAA. Jason kept the class interesting and interactive and kept complex concepts boiled down to street level. I took my test today and passed on my first attempt. I feel that Jason helped prepare me thoroughly for the test and his insight and professionalism served me well.”
“I can’t say enough good things about Jason and V1DroneMedia. I was struggling with the online courses for part 107. I decided to try V1DroneMedia’s in-person part 107 course, and I’m glad I did. The way Jason presents the material makes it easy to comprehend and I was able to pass my part 107 exam with no problem.
After getting my part 107 certification, I was struggling setting up a drone my department purchased. I contacted Jason again and he walked me through setting up the settings and pre and post flight operations.
I recommend anyone looking to get their part 107 certification to take V1DroneMedia course. I truly believe I couldn’t have passed it without it.”
First Responder Drone Training Classes
FAA Part 107 Exam Prep Ground School (2 Days)
This in-person ground school is designed specifically for first responders preparing to earn their FAA Part 107 Remote Pilot Certificate. This course simplifies complex aviation concepts and terminology into clear, practical lessons—giving students everything they need to confidently pass the Part 107 exam. Course taught by a highly rated airline and drone pilot.
Topics include:
Airspace classification and aviation maps
Weather, METARs, and FAA-approved forecasts
Airport operations, traffic patterns, and radio communication
UAS operations, rules, maintenance, and reporting
Pre-flight checklists and flight planning
Human factors and decision-making
FAA waivers, airspace authorizations, and regulation updates
Third-party apps and mission support tools
Practice tests and study materials during and post class session
Note: The FAA Part 107 exam is proctored and not included in the course. We’ll guide you on how and where to schedule it.
Drone Operations and Flight Training (2 Days)
This hands-on course covers drone setup, flight skills, mission planning, and operational safety—designed for public safety teams.
Includes in-class instruction and outdoor flight training using NIST UAS Standard Test Methods for evaluating pilot proficiency. Course taught by airline and law enforcement professionals using drones in commercial and law enforcement operations.
Topics and Hands-On Training:
Drone maintenance, calibration, and battery care
Flight app and camera settings
Intelligent flight modes and automated flight paths
Pre/post-flight checklists and safety protocols
Basic to advanced flight maneuvers
Emergency procedures and real-world mission scenarios
Obstacle Course Flight Training
Obstacle Course Flight Testing
Combined Drone Ground School and Drone Operations Course (4 Days)
This comprehensive 4-day training combines FAA Part 107 ground school with hands-on UAS operations—giving public safety personnel the knowledge, skills, and confidence to launch or support a drone program.
Days 1–2: Part 107 Ground School
Learn the essential aviation concepts needed to pass the FAA Part 107 Remote Pilot exam, broken down into clear, mission-relevant lessons for first responders.
Topics include:
Airspace classification and map reading
Weather interpretation and flight planning
FAA rules, waivers, and regulations
UAS operations, maintenance, and human factors
Practice exams and test prep tools
Days 3–4: Drone Operations & Flight Training
Get hands-on flight experience with in-class and field instruction aligned with NIST UAS Standard Test Methods to assess pilot proficiency.
Topics include:
Pre- and post-flight safety protocols and checklists
Drone setup, calibration, and battery management
App settings, camera controls, and automated flight paths
Manual and automated takeoffs, landings, and maneuvers
Emergency procedures and real-world mission scenarios
Meet Our Instructors
The founder and Chief Pilot of V1DroneMedia, Jason Damman, is a highly trained commercial Airline Pilot with over 20 years and 15,000 + hours of flight time experience working in the airline industry.
Jason got started in aviation by flying radio-controlled (RC) aircraft as a teenager in Northwest Ohio, picked up a drone in 2015, and has flown 500+ hours of commercial drone missions since then with his V1DroneMedia business. Besides holding private and transport aviation certificates, Jason is a Certified FAA Part 107 Drone Pilot and a Certified Flight Instructor. He provides drone training and drone services to a variety of private and public entities.
In addition to training first responders since 2017, Jason is actively involved in democratizing drone technology for government, educational and commercial organizations. He is as a member of the Cleveland FAASTeam and Northeast Ohio Public Safety Unmanned Response Group (NEO PSURT) and their efforts in advancing drone technology for public safety. Watch Fox8 Cleveland News segment highlighting these efforts.
Jason is also a self-taught photographer and videographer, was a DJ in Cleveland in the 2000s, and now enjoys spending time with his wife, their 2 kids and a Boston Terrier named Milo when he is not flying a drone or an airplane.
David Pace is an officer with the Olmsted Township (OH) Police Department and has served in Law Enforcement for over 27 years.
He is a field training officer, active shooter instructor, RAD Instructor and a FAA 107 Remote Pilot along with additional certifications for Public Safety SAR, Advanced UAS Tactical Operations, Pix4D and Pix4D React.
Pace also currently serves as a board member for the Northeast Ohio Unmanned Response Teams Coordination Group which develops operational/training/networking and consulting for police and fire departments within 7 counties in Northeast Ohio. He developed and is the coordinator for the Olmsted Township Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS) Team and operates/coordinates his unit within Class B Airspace. He is also a FAA Safety Team (FAAST TEAM) member for the Cleveland Flight Standards District Office of the Federal Aviation Administration.
In his off time, Pace enjoys time with his two daughters, along with outdoor activities including boating, fishing and snowmobiling