Safely Operating Aircraft Remotely (SOAR™):
Education for Public Safety Remote Pilots
Evolving Public Safety Standards
Drones are rapidly becoming a necessity and a requirement for public safety agencies to conduct operations safely, efficiently, and effectively. First Responders are being asked to use this tool more often and have found the use of drones to be critical in time-sensitive, dangerous, and high-risk situations.
MITRE Engenuity’s Safely Operating Aircraft Remotely (SOAR™) program is a training program available to public safety remote operators to improve the function and execution of maneuvering small Aircraft Systems, or drones, in response to safety incidents, tactical operations, and specialized public safety scenarios.
Tech and Training for Public Good
Today, there are no consistent standards that exist for public safety remote pilot training. Pilots across different public safety agencies will gain a uniform baseline of skillsets and knowledge, regardless of their locality or jurisdiction. SOAR is backed by MITRE’s continually growing partnerships with federal, state, and local public safety agencies.
SOAR is the first drone training program that is focused on furthering public safety and enriching First Responder development. MITRE Engenuity is a neutral, trusted, non-biased third-party organization that works at the intersection of government and industry to accelerate innovation for public good through the development of innovative programs like SOAR.
Impactful Collaboration
Accelerating Innovation for Public Good by forging partnerships with the private sector to solve problems that no one organization can solve alone. Impactful collaboration between 22 founding members representing the Department of Homeland Security, law enforcement, fire and rescue, national associations, federal partners, and academic institutions support MITRE Engenuity SOAR.
A First for Safe Public Safety Flight Missions
MITRE, in partnership with DRONERESPONDERS have answered the call by creating the first public safety training program for remote pilots who have obtained a Part 107 License from the Federal Aviation Administration.
- Refresher for Part 107, a pre-test and a knowledge test
- Training through onsite instruction
- In-person practical maneuvers training
- In-person final examinations to test proficiency
An Accessible Network
Flight Path to Success
Expected initial testing facilities for SOAR:
9 – The Regional Training Center, Fountain Valley, CA
6 – Reveille Peack Ranch, Burnet County, TX
4 – Pasco County Sherrif’s Office, FL
SOAR Curriculum
| Module | Description | Length |
|---|---|---|
| 1 - Pre-Requisites | Confirms flight basics with a pre-test and a knowledge test. | 12 hours, including 8 hours of content learning and 4 of required flight simulation time. |
| 2 - Public Safety UAS Overview | Critical training needed to operate advance tools for mission response through onsite instruction Classroom instruction at test facility. | 4 hours or 5 days to complete. |
| 3 - Basic Flight Maneuvering | In-person practical training | 20+ hours |
| 4 - Proficiency Testing | In-person final examinations | 8 hours |
Interest Form
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