Drone training now underway at Skellefteå Droneport

Elin Laestander works as a production planner at Holmen in Bygdsiljum, where drones are used to monitor timber stocks. To support drone operations within the company, she has now taken the next step by completing the A2 theoretical examination at Skellefteå Droneport. After studying independently, she was able to take the exam on site under the supervision of an authorised examiner.

“It’s great to have this opportunity locally. It makes it easy and accessible to gain the qualifications needed to use drones at work,” says Elin Laestander.

Training for different needs

Through the collaboration with UAS Intelligence Sweden, Skellefteå Droneport offers training courses for businesses, municipalities, organisations and individuals looking to start using drones or expand their existing operations.

The courses range from basic training for operations in the open category to more advanced training for organisations with specific requirements. Tailored courses are also available to meet the needs of different businesses and applications.

“We’re seeing drones being used in an increasing number of sectors, including forestry, industry and municipal services. But it’s essential to understand both the technology and the regulations. Through these courses, we want to make it easier for more people to operate drones safely and professionally,” says Joakim Stenberg from UAS Intelligence Sweden.

The right skills open up new opportunities

The requirements for drone operations depend on factors such as the type of drone being used and how the flight is conducted. Some operations only require a basic drone competency certificate, while others involve additional training, examinations or specific authorisations.

With the right skills, drones can become valuable tools in a wide range of activities, from forest inventories and inspections of buildings and infrastructure to photography, filming and documentation.

“This initiative isn’t just for companies already using drones. We also want to reach entrepreneurs, startups and people across the Skellefteå region who have an idea and want to create something new using drone technology,” Joakim Stenberg adds.

One of the upcoming courses will focus on drone photography and videography, combined with image processing techniques. The course is aimed at both photography and film enthusiasts and those looking to use aerial imagery professionally, for example in nature photography, property photography, marketing and content production.

From training to new opportunities with drones

Providing access to training and skills development is another way to help turn drone technology into practical applications.

“For us at Arctic Aviation Hub, supporting skills development within the industry is important. We work at several levels and collaborate with different training providers to increase interest in drones and help businesses and organisations establish and develop their drone operations,” says Annelie Viksten, Business Developer at Arctic Aviation Hub.

Photo caption: Joakim Stenberg, UAS Intelligence Sweden, Annelie Viksten, Arctic Aviation Hub, Elin Laestander, Holmen, and Ola Norman, UAS Intelligence Sweden.

Skellefteå Droneport is a test environment for the development and application of drone technology and is part of Arctic Aviation Hub, an initiative run by Skellefteå Science City and funded by Skellefteå Airport, Skellefteå Kraft and Skellefteå Municipality.