This is the fundamental small UAS course for individuals wanting to become qualified to operate small UAS for the Department of the Interior (DOI)/US Department of Agriculture's Forest Service (USDA-FS). A-450 will utilize small UAS aircraft (less than 55lbs) to provide the basic academic and flight training necessary to conduct missions as Remote Pilot-in-Command (RPIC) for DOI/FS.

Candidates must be nominated by National UAS Program Managers or designee.

Students should meet the prerequisite requirements prior to attending A-450. Some required IAT courses may not be available prior to A-450 training selection, but UAS pilots must complete all IAT training requirements within 6 months of A-450 selection.

Note: For further information, contact your DOI National Aviation Manager or USFS Regional UAS Specialist for guidance regarding how to begin a UAS program.

The Aviation Transportation of Hazardous Materials course purpose is to ensure flight safety when transporting hazardous materials (HAZMAT). This includes HAZMAT aboard, attached to, or suspended from government aircraft, under the exclusive direction and operational control of the Department of the Interior (DOI), the US Department of Agriculture's Forest Service (USDA-FS), or other Grantees with a written Grantee Status.

This training complies with the US Department of Transportation (DOT) Regulations General Requirements, whereby agency employees who transport hazardous materials by air must receive training on the requirements and conditions under the terms of the DOT Special Permit-9198.

Topics may include:
- Handling Procedures
- Policy Requirements
- Mishap Notification
- Packaging
- Identifying Hazardous Materials
- Safety Requirements

The purpose of this course is to provide the aviation user with a foundation of knowledge, skills, and abilities, to safely utilize aircraft to accomplish agency missions. Topics include Mission Preparation and Planning, Pilot and Aircraft Briefings, Operational Safety, Post-Flight Duties, and UAS. Note: A-100 now Incorporates A-116 General Awareness Security Training, which is no longer a separate course.

This course provides an annual overview of the National Transportation Safety Board releasable information from the DOI and USDA-FS aviation mishaps and lessons learned. Instructors authorized to teach this course are required to coordinate with the appropriate agency DOI OAS Chief, Aviation Safety, Training, Program Evaluations & Quality Management, or USDA-FS Regional Aviation Safety Manager (RASM).

For additional USDA-FS information, contact the USDA-FS National Aviation Training Program Manager.