DJI to Launch UTC Training Center Program Across North America

DJI has today announced plans to launch an Unmanned Aerial Systems Training Center (UTC) program across North America. The Chinese industry leader is partnering with industrial UAV experts RMUS to open eight training centers.

DJI’s motivation for the move is clear. In a blog post published by the company today, they cite the vast increase in commercial drone pilots, the opportunities emerging for the future and say that “the need for streamlined and efficient training programs has never been higher.”

It makes sense that DJI should be involved with the training of new commercial pilots, given that the vast majority will be flying with DJI equipment.

“DJI is pleased to announce efforts that will help pilots quickly learn the fundamentals of flying commercially through online and on-site training,” the blog post says.

Read more: DJI to Train Dutch Emergency Workers at New Drone School

DJI and RMUS to open training centers in 8 states

As enterprise and governments move from a handful of pilots running proof of concepts to UAV teams using drones as important operational tools, DJI sees both a need and an opportunity to provide a dedicated training curriculum and training services at scale.

The partnership with RMUS will provide individual and commercial drone operators with professional training online and in the field, with eight training centers run by RMUS in Utah, Washington, California, Hawaii, Delaware, Ohio, Texas, and Illinois.

UTC was originally launched by DJI in China back in 2016. It now represents 200 training centers across 6 countries. DJI has trained, alongside its partners, over 40,000 pilots since the program began.

DJI UTC to establish new drone curriculum

DJI’s 8 UTC training centers will open with Commercial UAS Training – Level 1, a new curriculum established by UTC that aims to provide a strong foundation for pilot skills and knowledge. DJI says the curriculum is “ideal for enterprises to incorporate as a standard part of upskilling existing employees or onboarding new ones to use drones as daily tools.”

The course includes online and offline elements, with basic flight training using a Tello drone from Ryze Robotics. The course is completed with an on-site examination and training session at one of the eight training centers, with corresponding hands-on experience to become UTC certified.

The course will be offered at all eight sites starting in June this year. You can learn more about the course and reserve a spot here.