Above Ops | Tactical Drone Training El Paso
Above Ops™ is El Paso’s dedicated Tactical Drone Training program for public safety, security, and professional operators. Built by a veteran-owned, FAA-certified team, our training prepares pilots for real-world missions with FAA certification support, mission-based fieldwork, and scenario-driven instruction.
Stay above It
What Makes Above Ops Different
Above Ops™ bridges the gap between FAA certification and true field operations. Our training combines:
- FAA Certification Support – Part 107 knowledge reinforced throughout every exercise.
- Mission-Based Scenarios – Over 20 tactical flight drills, including night operations, confined spaces, and multi-unit coordination.
- Search and Rescue Integration – Training aligned with the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) 2400 Standard for drone operations in public safety.
- VR Simulations – Realistic mission rehearsals before live deployment.
- Program Development Support – Guidance for departments building Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS) Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) and integrating drones into daily operations.
- Industry Standards – Instruction based on National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) test methods and American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM) guidelines to ensure readiness and interoperability.
Key Training Outcomes
- Pilots demonstrate competency in 20+ tactical flight scenarios.
- Agencies leave with the framework to develop or refine UAS programs and SOPs.
- Operators train on NIST standard test methods, ensuring measurable proficiency.
- Teams adopt ASTM-aligned safety and operations standards, improving interoperability with mutual aid partners.
Take Your Drone Training Above the Standard
Above Ops™ is more than a course—it’s a complete tactical UAS training and program development solution. We prepare pilots to succeed in the field and help agencies build sustainable UAS programs that align with national standards.
- Train Above the Standard. Stay Above It.
Who We Train
- Public Safety Agencies – Police, Fire, EMS, and Emergency Management.
- Law Enforcement & Security – Tactical units, private security firms, and contractors.
- Search & Rescue Teams – County and volunteer responders.
- Professional Drone Pilots – Commercial operators advancing into tactical roles.
Why Choose Above Ops™ in El Paso
- Veteran-Owned Expertise – Grounded in military and Homeland Security experience.
- FAA-Certified Instruction – Federal compliance built into every mission.
- NFPA, NIST, and ASTM Aligned – Recognized national standards for public safety and tactical drone operations.
- Local Advantage – Designed for El Paso’s desert terrain, tactical sites, and SAR environments.
- Digital Credentials – Graduates earn verifiable Above Ops™ digital badges.
Our Affiliations & Recognition
Above Ops™ is recognized across Texas and the Southwest for advancing FAA Part 107 drone certification, public safety UAS operations, and search and rescue drone training. Our programs are connected to nationally and globally respected organizations that set the standards for safe, effective, and mission-ready drone use:
- UAS Initiative for Training and Education (UNITE) – advancing structured, competency-based training for professional drone pilots.
- DroneResponders Public Safety UAS Alliance – the world’s largest nonprofit alliance supporting law enforcement, fire, SAR, and emergency response drone programs.
- Airborne International Response Team (AIRT) – registered in the Global Emergency Response Remote Pilot Directory, the World’s Largest Air Force® supporting disaster response and recovery.
- Drones for Good Worldwide – part of a global effort to use drones for community resilience, humanitarian aid, and public safety operations.
Through these affiliations, Above Ops™ provides drone training and support that is credible, compliant, and trusted by agencies preparing for real-world missions.
Public Safety Drone Playbook
The Public Safety Drone Playbook is a field-ready guide for law enforcement, first responders, and emergency managers. It explains how to recognize authorized vs. unauthorized drone operations, outlines FAA Part 107 restrictions, and provides quick references on Remote ID, LAANC, TRUST certificates, and UAS incident reporting.
What You’ll Find Inside
- Prohibited Flights – operating under the influence, flying over 55 lbs without approval, carrying hazardous materials, or interfering with emergency response.
- FAA Rule Categories – Recreational Flyers, Part 107 commercial pilots, Public Aircraft Operations, and drones exceeding 55 lbs.
- Temporary Flight Restrictions (TFRs) – rules for stadiums, public events, and emergency airspace closures.
- Law Enforcement Guidance – how to verify Remote Pilot Certificates, check drone registration numbers, and confirm Certificates of Waiver or Authorization (COAs).
- Remote ID Explained – every compliant drone broadcasts a digital license plate for accountability and enforcement.
Why This Matters
Drones are powerful tools for search and rescue, public safety, and emergency response, but misuse can create real risks. This playbook helps agencies and operators stay compliant, safe, and mission-ready.
Public Safety Drone Playbook: FAA Part 107 rules, Remote ID, TFRs, and UAS guidance for law enforcement, first responders, and search and rescue.
Above Ops VR – Virtual Drone Training
Above Ops VR brings tactical drone training into a mission-based virtual environment, allowing pilots to build skills before stepping into the field. Through immersive simulations, operators can rehearse FAA knowledge, tactical maneuvers, and emergency responses without requiring flight space or gear.
This is not gaming—it is structured training that develops real-world skills in a controlled environment. From airspace awareness to tactical mission planning, Above Ops VR helps students, professionals, and public safety teams train with purpose.
- FAA Prep Integration – Reinforce knowledge for Part 107 certification.
- Mission Rehearsals – Practice tactical scenarios in VR before live flight.
- Safe and Scalable – No equipment required, making it ideal for individuals or agencies.
- Part of the Above Ops Program – Complements field training and SOP development.
Interested in Tactical Drone Training?
Above Ops™ is built around your mission. Tell us your goals and we will shape the training from FAA prep to tactical field operations to fit your team or project.
