AIRT and NIST Partner to Train Costa Rica Bombero on sUAS Test Methods
SAN JOSE, COSTA RICA - In a significant advancement for public safety drone operations in Central America, AIRT (Airborne International Response Team) and the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) have successfully trained and certified six pilots from the Costa Rica National Fire Service (Bomberos) as proctors for the NIST sUAS Standard Test Methods. This training initiative was conducted in support of U.S. Southern Command (SOUTHCOM) and its regional public safety objectives.
The certification program builds upon earlier training delivered during SOUTHCOM's Centam Guardian 2024, a multilateral professional exchange and training exercise, where AIRT provided comprehensive UAS pilot training to various Costa Rican public safety agencies, including the National Fire Service, Red Cross, and Public Security Forces.
AIRT and NIST returned to Costa Rica to conduct an advanced one-week certification course. The program specifically focused on training and certifying the Fire Service pilots as official proctors for the NIST sUAS Test Methods. As certified proctors, these pilots are now qualified to evaluate and certify other UAS pilots and validate equipment using standardized testing protocols.
The Costa Rica National Fire Academy, renowned for its excellent facilities, serves as a regional training hub for fire agencies throughout Central America. With these newly certified proctors, the Bomberos of Costa Rica can now implement standardized testing and certification processes for UAS pilots and equipment, not only for their organization but also for other public agencies across Costa Rica and neighboring countries.
The certification of these proctors marks an important milestone in building standardized, professional UAS capabilities for public safety agencies throughout Central America, ensuring consistent and reliable drone operations for emergency response and public safety missions.
AIRT continues it's collaboration with US SOUTHCOM's Civilian Integration Unit in 2025 participating in Centam Guardian 2025 that will be hosted in Guatemala. Spanish speaking public safety drone operations subject matter experts can contact AIRT to learn about this and other volunteer opportunities in Latin America, the Caribbean, and in their own neighborhoods.
