CAD launches Small Unmanned Aircraft Advanced Training Organisation Scheme (with photos)

     The Civil Aviation Department (CAD) launched the Small Unmanned Aircraft Advanced Training Organisation Scheme (SUA ATO Scheme) today (December 20) and invited participation by interested training organisations and bodies to provide advanced training courses and assessments for remote pilots conducting higher risk SUA operations.
 
     With the commencement of the Small Unmanned Aircraft Order on June 1, 2022, SUA operations will be regulated under a risk-based approach and be classified according to the weight of the SUA and the operational risk level. Corresponding regulatory requirements include registration and labelling of the SUA; remote pilot registration, training and assessment. Remote pilots of Category B operations may complete the approved advanced training and assessment, and obtain an "Advanced Rating" assigned by the CAD in order to conduct advanced operations.

     A spokesman for the CAD said, "Advanced training helps remote pilots to acquire safety information and operational knowledge; strengthen their understanding of the new regulatory requirements of SUA operations; and enhance their situational awareness and safety management skills through flight planning, risk assessment and mitigating measures to ensure aviation and public safety."

     To prepare for the SUA ATO Scheme, the CAD has worked closely with the Hong Kong Productivity Council, the Vocational Training Council and the Employees Retraining Board on a pilot scheme to validate the SUA training syllabus and assessment criteria. Since its roll-out in mid-July and with the support of various existing subsidy schemes, suitable and valued training courses are offered to participants.
 
     The spokesman said, "The SUA ATO Scheme launched today will provide a more diverse range of training courses that can cater for different needs of the industry and remote pilots, and further promote SUA development."
 
     The CAD has been working closely with the industry. A briefing session was held on December 17 to introduce the requirements of the SUA ATO Scheme.
 
     Details and application requirements of the SUA ATO Scheme are now available on the CAD website (www.cad.gov.hk). For enquiries, interested organisations and bodies may contact the CAD Unmanned Aircraft Office by email (ato_sua@cad.gov.hk).