Drones are effectively used to engage enemy manpower, destroy firing points, conduct reconnaissance, and so on. Thus, FPV drones have become an integral part of the Ukrainian military's surveillance capabilities. Therefore, the need for drone operators is no less than for UAVs.

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Here's where to learn to fly a drone in Ukraine.
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Boryviter

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The NGO Boryviter Military School was founded in April 2022. Its team aims to support the Armed Forces of Ukraine in the war against Russia by providing intensive and free training courses for the military, as well as to contribute to the development of Ukraine's ability to provide modern and effective military training in accordance with NATO standards.
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As of May 2024, the school has developed training programmes and trained more than 20,000 servicemen in various areas, including the use of UAVs in military conditions, military management for battalion/battalion/regiment-level commanders and staffs, small unit management, military topography, radio communications, situational awareness systems, study of military experience, etc.
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The courses include theory, simulator practice and training at the training ground. The school is free of charge for all military personnel. You can register on the Boryviter website by submitting an individual or group application (orders from military units require a minimum of four students).

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Kruk

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The Kruk UAV Operator Training Centre, like Boryviter, was established in April 2022. At that time, Viktor Taran, Anton Frolov, and a team of instructors responded to the Armed Forces' need for qualified drone operators.
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The centre, which is certified by the Ministry of Defence of Ukraine, is open to both military and civilians. The training combines theory and practice, with students learning to fly simulators and then drones. As of May 2024, instructors at the Kruk centre have trained more than 4,000 drone operators.
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The training is free for the military and paid for civilians. You can sign up for the desired course on the centre's website.
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Black Raven

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The Black Raven UAV Operators School is a non-profit organisation created by volunteers who are committed to developing modern military technology.
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The team trains pilots to become UAV operators. To do this, they offer an 11-day FPV course for military and civilians. It includes:
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• theoretical part (basics of drone control, work with equipment, the principle of quadcopter operation, training on simulators and in an FPV helmet);
• engineering part (study of the drone's equipment and operation, its maintenance);
• practical part (piloting at a training ground, in an industrial area, indoors, conditional target destruction).

After the test and successful completion of training with instructors, the school issues a UAV operator certificate.
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The Black Crow School trains both military and civilians. The cost of training is a donation of UAH 10,000, but military personnel can get a discount. You can register for the courses on the organisation's website.
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Dronarium

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Until 24 February 2022, the Dronarium team was engaged in commercial drone activities and had an academy that trained drone operators. However, after the start of the full-scale invasion in March 2022, the team adapted the civilian curriculum to the needs of the military.
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The training focuses on the tactical use of drones and operator safety. During the course, students receive:
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• theory (design of different UAV models, conditions for economical and long-term operation of the vehicles);
• regulatory framework (aviation law, Ukrainian legislation and international law in the field of UAVs);
• practical skills in flying UAVs in various conditions and using software products for obtaining video, photo, mapping and thermal imaging data from quadcopters.

After the course, instructors stay in touch with their students in case they have any difficulties or need advice.
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Both military and civilians can sign up for the course.

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Victory Drones

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Victory Drones is a drone operator training system for the Armed Forces, the State Emergency Service and medical services in cooperation with the General Staff. The team of volunteers, which came together after Russia's full-scale invasion in 2022, has created several online courses on technology in war and holds regular thematic webinars for the military. As of May 2024, more than 100,000 participants had registered for their courses.
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Project experts have prepared information on general military training, the basics of UAVs, cybersecurity, software and radio communications, and command and control systems. Thus, you can choose from several Victory Drones courses:
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• Application of Technology in Warfare.
• Practical training for military personnel.
• UAV Engineer online course.
• People's FPV online engineering course.
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You can sign up on the project website. All training programmes are free of charge. The team works with the support of philanthropists and is part of the Dignitas Foundation.
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The project's activities are not limited to training. The Victory Drones team works to develop the drone technology sector, support Ukrainian manufacturers of drones and other equipment, and advocate for a technological approach to warfare.
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A significant achievement of the Victory Drones team is the development and support of a community of military personnel, drone manufacturers, and volunteers, which facilitates networking and experience exchange.