Drone Thermal Imaging Category 1 (Online Course)

The Drone Thermal Imaging Category 1 Online Course is designed for pilots who want to learn how to operate a thermal imaging camera on their drone.

There are a variety of applications for the use of thermal cameras on drones. These include:

• Electrical inspections
• Thermal building surveys
• Power line inspections
• Search and rescue operations

This course teaches delegates how to use thermal imaging both on the ground and in the air. This enables drone operators to expand their range of services to include thermal imaging surveys.

Our experienced instructors deliver this course via Google Meets across four days. The course combines aspects of classroom and online learning, delivering comprehensive learning material alongside interactive tutorial.

Please Note: Delegates will need to ensure they have access to a webcam, microphone, speakers and a strong internet connection. It is also essential to complete the course in a quiet, undisturbed environment.

Course Content

This online course teaches the basics of thermal camera set-up and calibration. During the course, delegates will study a range of cameras, such as drone mounted, tripod mounted, and hand-held units. Additionally, they’ll look at current thermal imaging drone cameras and aerial platforms used throughout industry, matching them to suitable commercial applications.

Furthermore, delegates will use case studies to demonstrate the practical applications of different survey techniques. The course also uses these examples to discuss the strengths and limitations of thermal technology – as well as dispel any myths surrounding this.

This course introduces specialist software, which allows thermographers to analyse and interpret thermal data. This also enables them to draw the correct conclusions from their data.

As well as this, the course will also demonstrate how to present thermal data to produce a meaningful report for clients. This will detail the results of a thermal inspection, and so it needs to be presented in a format that is easy for the client to understand.

The Drone Thermal Imaging Category 1 Online Course provides drone pilots with the knowledge and skills to use thermal imaging cameras in the air as well as the ground. This allows for the collection of thermal data, analysis, and reporting.

Successful completion of the Drone Thermal Imaging Category 1 qualification requires delegates to pass a multiple-choice exam, which takes place on the final day of the course. They will also need to create five aerial thermal imaging reports. Delegates are able to submit their reports up to a year after the end of the course.

Additional BINDT Accreditation (ISO 18436)

This course is eligible for optional accreditation by the British Institute of Non-Destructive Testing (BINDT) to the BS EN ISO 18436 standard. This accreditation has an additional cost of £360 (incl VAT).

To gain this accreditation, delegates will need to sit a BINDT assessed thermal imaging exam at an assessment centre. This is included within the accreditation fee.

Delegates will also need to submit a ‘logbook of experience’ to BINDT for approval. Your logbook will contain proof that you have undertaken 16 hours a month of thermal imaging experience (totalling 192 hours for the year). ‘Thermal imaging experience’ includes time surveying, creating reports, or self-study.

Accreditation offers independent assurance that you’re both qualified and competent in operating a thermal imaging camera. This also provides you with an edge on your competitors. However, the nature of the work required to achieve this additional accreditation means that it can take longer to complete, especially if you are new to industry. On successful completion of a course, we provide delegates with an industry recognised iRed® Qualification, which enables delegates to advertise their skills and build the experience needed for their logbook.

Who Should Attend

This course is ideal for commercial drone pilots who are new to using thermal imaging cameras. These drone operators are able to expand their skills, as well as offer additional services, such as aerial thermal imaging surveys of buildings, to clients. As such, this provides them with an advantage over competitors.