Volatus Aerospace, a leading provider of drone and UAV solutions for civilian, commercial, and military applications, is offering a four-day, instructor-led Advanced Drone Search & Rescue (SAR) Course for beginners from December 15-18, 2025, in Syracuse, NY.
This course combines hands-on, mission-based training with advanced aerial techniques, equipping participants to deploy drones effectively in emergency response situations.
Key Skills & Training
Students will gain practical experience and training in key areas of advanced drone operations, with real-world simulated missions, including a nighttime operation scenario. Specifically, participants will learn about:
- Tactical deployment of drones in challenging environments.
- Advanced thermal imaging and night operations.
- Scene assessment and victim detection techniques.
- Live field scenarios with search grids, mapping, and data interpretation.
- Real-world scenarios and case studies to prepare for practical challenges.
Reasons to Attend
The course will provide valuable credentials, advanced skills, and practical experience that can enhance participants’ careers and operational readiness in drone SAR applications.
- Official Certification Preparation: Participants will earn a Volatus Academy SAR Drone Operations Certification upon completion.
- Advanced Techniques: Attendees will master thermal imaging, mapping, and advanced search techniques.
- Learn from industry leaders: The course enables training with professional SAR instructors and emergency responders.
- Hands-On, Practical Knowledge: Students can conduct live field exercises simulating rescue scenarios.
- Career Advancement: Graduates will be able to deploy drones for real-world SAR operations.
The Drone SAR program is designed for a wide range of professionals involved in emergency response and drone operations.
- Advanced drone pilots seeking SAR specialization.
- Law enforcement and emergency response teams.
- Firefighters, disaster relief personnel, and rescue organizations.
- Security and defense professionals involved in UAV operations.
About the Instructor
Lee Dodson, Senior RPAS Instructor, will run this SAR training course. With over 20 years of hands-on experience, Dodson is a veteran RPAS instructor and industry leader in advanced drone operations and flight instruction.
At Volatus Aerospace Inc., Dodson designs and delivers specialized training programs for experienced pilots to elevate their skills in complex mission environments, such as BVLOS operations, aerial inspections, and cinematic workflows.
Dodson has trained professionals across sectors such as infrastructure, public safety, and film production, leveraging his background in offshore energy, electronic engineering, and cinematography. His teaching highlights mission planning, regulatory compliance, and air/ground risk assessment, key components of Volatus Academy’s advanced RPAS curriculum.
Advanced students benefit from Dodson’s extensive operational knowledge, precision-focused mindset, and dedication to safety and excellence in every mission. His instruction style is immersive, scenario-based, and grounded in real-world field experience
Volatus’ SAR course has a fee of $1,800 USD per student and takes place from December 15-18, 2025, in Syracuse, NY.
