UK-based Cyberhawk Innovations, a leader in aerial inspection and survey using unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), has been appointed by the Engineering Construction Industry Training Board (ECITB) to develop the UK’s first industrial training syllabus for drones in the engineering and construction sectors.

The syllabus will enable UAV pilots to demonstrate an enhanced range of skills and knowledge which will be sought after by companies operating in these sectors, said a statement.

This will ensure pilots comply with specific requirements for safely performing complex industrial applications, and creates a consistent standard for engineering and construction companies to build into their operations, it said.

Following a rigorous tender process, Cyberhawk was selected to develop a syllabus of material which will include practical flying skills for industrial applications, planning processes, safety management and emergency procedures, it added.

Cyberhawk CEO Chris Fleming said: “It is extremely encouraging to see the ECITB understand the role UAVs can play in the engineering and construction industries, but also recognise the importance of safely operating these unmanned aerial systems.”

“Our technical experts are global authorities in the industrial use of UAVs and our own internal pilot training scheme is unrivalled within the industry. We’re extremely proud that it has been recognised in several international forums as best in class,” he said.

“This was also marked just last week when the programme was named a finalist in the Offshore Achievement Awards in the skills development category,” he added.

“We’re looking forward to working with the ECITB to develop this syllabus and create a sector specific solution, designed by industry for industry,” he concluded.

Chris Claydon, chief executive of the ECITB, said: “We are committed to ensuring the engineering construction workforce has the requisite skills to harness powerful new technologies such as drones and use them safely and to the highest standards.”

“Technology presents significant opportunities and this is a key area the ECITB is working hard in to ensure that the industry is kept up to date. Cyberhawk was appointed to support us with the development of this particular syllabus thanks to its extensive experience and detailed technical knowledge, and we are excited to start working with them on this important project,” he added.

In 2017, Cyberhawk also played a key role in drafting the ‘Unmanned Aircraft Systems Operations Management Standards and Guidelines’, which were produced by Oil & Gas UK in conjunction with a working group, it stated. – TradeArabia News Service