Drone UAS Training · 1 Day · APSA-NIST Certified
Drone UAS Training
NIST / BPERP Certificate
APSA-NIST Basic Proficiency Evaluation for Remote Pilot · Alden Wheeler Detective Agency · Anderson, SC
Course Information
Course
NIST / BPERP Certificate
Full Title
APSA-NIST Basic Proficiency Evaluation for Remote Pilot
Duration
1 Day — In-Person Hands-On
Authority
Airborne Public Safety Association (APSA) & National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST)
Instructor
Alden Wheeler · FAA Part 107 Certified
Prerequisite
FAA Part 107 Remote Pilot Certificate
Price
$375.00
What You Earn
APSA-NIST / BPERP Certificate
An advanced flight credential issued by the Airborne Public Safety Association in cooperation with NIST. Recognized by public safety agencies, first responders, and enterprise UAS operators nationwide.
APSA-NIST recognized certificate
Demonstrates advanced flight proficiency
Accepted by law enforcement & public safety agencies
Complements FAA Part 107 certification
About This Certification
What Is the NIST BPERP?
The APSA-NIST Basic Proficiency Evaluation for Remote Pilot (BPERP) is an advanced flight training and certification option developed by the Airborne Public Safety Association in cooperation with the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST). It is awarded to individuals who successfully complete a standardized flight evaluation in accordance with the NIST Standard Test Methods for Small Unmanned Aircraft Systems (sUAS).
This one-day course is an advanced flight proficiency course — not a basic introduction. Pilots will practice, train, and then be evaluated on the actual NIST test lanes used by public safety and enterprise UAS operators nationwide. Completion and passing the proctored flight evaluation makes the student eligible for the APSA-NIST / BPERP Certificate.
This Course Includes:
Hands-On NIST BPERP Practice & Training — Full practice on all NIST Standard Test Method lanes before the proctored evaluation
NIST / BPERP Proctored Test Flight — Standardized evaluation flight on NIST-specified test lanes conducted by a qualified proctor
Online Resources & Support — Post-training access to study materials and reference documentation
Mission Planning & Risk Mitigation — Pre-flight planning, airspace assessment, LAANC authorization, and emergency procedures
Certification Eligibility — Successful completers are eligible to receive the official APSA-NIST / BPERP Certificate
AWDA GPS NIST Equipment — Training on our NIST/BPERP Open Course package including landing pad and 5-bucket stands (#1022)
One-Day Schedule
Training Day Schedule
| Time | Session | Min |
|---|---|---|
| 0800–0830 | Welcome, Safety Briefing & Course Overview | 30 |
| 0830–0930 | Block 1: NIST Standard Test Methods Overview & Lane Familiarization | 60 |
| 0930–1000 | Block 2: Mission Planning & Risk Mitigation | 30 |
| 1000–1015 | Break | 15 |
| 1015–1200 | Block 3: Hands-On NIST Lane Practice — All Test Segments | 105 |
| 1200–1245 | Lunch Break | 45 |
| 1245–1400 | Block 4: Additional Practice Flights & Instructor Feedback | 75 |
| 1400–1415 | Pre-Evaluation Briefing & Student Readiness Check | 15 |
| 1415–1545 | PROCTORED NIST BPERP TEST FLIGHT EVALUATION | 90 |
| 1545–1600 | Results, Certification Eligibility & Closing | 15 |
NIST Test Lane Details
What the BPERP Evaluation Tests
NIST Standard Test Methods for sUAS — Overview
The NIST Standard Test Methods for Small Unmanned Aircraft Systems (sUAS) define a series of standardized flight tasks and scenarios used to evaluate remote pilot proficiency. These methods are used by public safety agencies, DHS, and enterprise UAS programs to establish consistent, measurable flight proficiency standards across operators and platforms.
Lane 1 — Takeoff, Hover & Landing Precision
Demonstrates ability to perform a stable, controlled takeoff from a designated pad, maintain a precise hover at a specified altitude and position, and execute a controlled landing within the target zone. Tests fundamental control authority and aircraft stability management.
Lane 2 — Precision Waypoint Navigation
Pilot navigates the aircraft through a series of defined waypoints in sequence, maintaining altitude and heading control throughout. Evaluates spatial awareness, smooth control inputs, and ability to maintain course without drift.
Lane 3 — Confined Area Operations
Navigating the aircraft through a narrow or obstacle-defined course requiring precise pitch, roll, and yaw coordination. Simulates real-world confined area scenarios such as building inspection, search corridors, or tight operational environments.
Lane 4 — Orbit & Loiter Control
Pilot demonstrates the ability to orbit a fixed point of interest at a consistent radius and altitude, keeping the camera or sensor pointed at the target throughout. Tests coordinated control inputs and smooth, continuous flight path management.
Mission Planning & Risk Mitigation Requirements
Pre-flight: Weather assessment · NOTAM check · LAANC airspace authorization · Site survey · Crew briefing · Emergency procedures review · Equipment inspection.
Risk mitigation: Bystander safety · Abort criteria · Lost-link procedures · Battery management · Communication protocols with ground crew.
Certification Eligibility & APSA Submission
Upon successful completion of the proctored NIST / BPERP Flight evaluation, the student's results are submitted to APSA for certificate processing. The APSA-NIST / BPERP Certificate is issued directly by APSA. Students who do not pass the proctored evaluation on the first attempt may schedule a retake. AWDA GPS will provide documentation of training participation for all students regardless of evaluation outcome.
AWDA GPS NIST/BPERP Training Equipment
Alden Wheeler Detective Agency provides a complete NIST/BPERP Open Course setup for all training sessions — including our 5-ft H-landing pad, 3 five-bucket stands with circle targets, and thermal targets. Equipment is also available for purchase through our Course Catalog (#1022–#1026).
Curriculum developed in reference to CrossFlight Sky Solutions NIST BPERP program — STEM.org Accredited · Veteran-Owned