SUAS School
WELCOME TO THE GREEN MOUNTAIN ACADEMY
sUAS SCHOOL
21-27 June 2026
Camp Ta-Kum-Ta | South Hero, VT
Cost To Attend: $300
Maximum number of students:
UAST Program: 10
UASMP Program: 5
***Additional slots may become available once all instructors are confirmed***
During the registration process please download and complete the necessary forms. You can upload them anytime but please have then uploaded by the required date. Once you are slotted you can pay through Registration Zone.
Civil Air Patrol (CAP) employs small Unmanned Aerial Systems (sUAS) to enhance its capabilities in search and rescue, disaster relief, and other emergency services missions. These versatile systems enable CAP to conduct aerial reconnaissance, provide real-time imagery, and offer additional support to federal, state, and local agencies. CAP’s sUAS program is designed to complement its traditional aircraft operations, expanding mission capabilities while ensuring safety and compliance with FAA regulations.
The role of sUAS varies significantly by wing. In Vermont we are developing our capabilities with a focus toward being able to support various state and federal agencies with aerial survey and photogrammetry for disaster response, with future possibilities in search and rescue and forest fire thermal survey. If you are interested in using your sUAS skills to help other people in need, learning learning new skills and new technologies, you like flying drones but want something to make it more fun, or just want to add something to your resume, come check out our program.
Vermont Wing's sUAS school consists of 2 programs, Unmanned Aerial Systems Technician (UAST) and Unmanned Aerial Systems Mission Pilot (UASMP). Whatever your needs VT Wing has a program to suit. If you've already completed some or all of the training, please contact us about a shortened stay.
UAST Program
The UASTs support the UAS sortie in every aspect of the operation including mission planning, flight safety, technology support, objective scanning, and data collection and analysis. The UAST Program will complete all of your familiarization and advanced training tasks then allow to participate in a series of comprehensive training exercises that will fulfil your exercise participation. Once you complete the program you will be awarded the UAST Qualification. The UAST Course is an intensive combination of classroom and field training that provides students with the opportunity to complete all requirements for a UAST rating. UAST often work in coordination with ground team operations are a very physically demanding. You must be physically fit and possess well-broken in boots when you arrive at the school. Training will begin with an inspection of each student’s field gear. Students will not be allowed to interrupt training to go shopping for new or replacement gear. Students must ensure they arrive with the gear, as specified in the VTWG Packing List. There are no opportunities for students to acquire gear during the activity. During this course students will participate in sUAS activities over a variety of terrain and weather. Students who do not successfully complete these tasks may face remedial training before they can be certified. This course may include overnights in the field, wilderness operations, and cross-country travel.
Pre-requisites to this training:
Cadets have completed the following PRIOR to the start of training:
Completion of an Encampment
GES 116; CAPT 117 part 2; ICUT; Aircrew Professionalism
IS 100; IS 200; IS 700; IS 800; IS 5A
Senior Members must have completed the following PRIOR to the start of training:
Level 1 and be current on CPP
GES 116; CAPT 117 part 2; ICUT; Aircrew Professionalism
IS 100; IS 200; IS 700; IS 800; IS 5A
NOTE: You will not have time during training to complete any of the prerequisites onsite.
UASMP Program
The UASMP is the Pilot In Charge (PIC) and responsible for the overall conduct of the sUAS sortie including safety and compliance with laws and regulations. In the UASMP Program you will begin the week with a Form 5U then complete all of your familiarization and advanced training tasks. We'll then provide you with the opportunity to achieve the minimum 7.5 PIC hours while participating in a comprehensive training exercise that will also fulfil your required exercise participation. You will then train with a Form 91U Check Pilot and when you're ready, take your Form 91U. The UASMP Course is an intensive combination of classroom and field training that provides students with the opportunity to complete all requirements for a UASMP rating. UASMPs often work in coordination with ground team operations and are very physically demanding. You must be physically fit and possess well-broken boots when you arrive at the school. Training will begin with an inspection of each student’s field gear. Students will not be allowed to interrupt training to go shopping for new or replacement gear. Students must ensure they arrive with the gear, as specified in the VTWG Packing List. There are no opportunities for students to acquire gear during the activity. During this course students will participate in SUAS activities over a variety of terrain and weather. Students who do not successfully complete these tasks may face remedial training before they can be certified. This course may include overnights in the field, wilderness operations, and cross-country travel.
Pre-requisites to this training:
Cadets have completed the following PRIOR to the start of training:
Completion of an Encampment
GES 116; CAPT 117 part 2; ICUT; Aircrew Professionalism
IS 100; IS 200; IS 700; IS 800; IS 5A
Possess an FAA Part 107 Remote Pilot Certification
Have permission from your wings Stans and Eval to take a Form 5U and Form 91U outside the wing (only applicable to non-Vermont Personnel)
Senior Members must have completed the following PRIOR to the start of training:
Level 1 and be current on CPP
GES 116; CAPT 117 part 2; ICUT; Aircrew Professionalism
IS 100; IS 200; IS 700; IS 800; IS 5A
Possess an FAA Part 107 Remote Pilot Certification
Have permission from your wings Stans and Eval to take a Form 5U and Form 91U outside the wing (only applicable to non-Vermont Personnel)
NOTE: You will not have time during training to complete any of the prerequisites onsite.
Graduation requires completion of 100% of the task requirements as listed on the Specialty Qualification Training Record (SQTR). While some students may have tasks completed from previous training, all students are required to demonstrate proficiency in all tasks listed on the SQTR to graduate this course. Attendance and completion of all tasks do not always guarantee certification. At times, a student will need more experience than can be provided in a short intensive course. These students will be given credit for their task completions but will need to spend additional time working with qualified trainers at their home squadron to gain more experience prior to full certification.
SKILLS EVALUATOR AND CHECK PILOTS
The Vermont Wing sUAS School needs UAST and UASMP skills evaluators as well as Form 5U and Form 91U Check Pilots. If you possess any of these qualifications and want to participate, we would greatly appreciate your assistance. If you wish to participate but cannot dedicate an entire week with us that's ok to. Even 1 or 2 days can make a huge difference. We'd appreciate anything you're able to give us.
Click here for more information about special pricing for instructors.
ARRIVAL INFORMATION
Please be aware that you will be arriving 1 day after the start of the cadet encampment. This is intentional as to not overwhelm the site admin staff. Please exercise caution as you enter the facility.
HOW DO I GET TO CAMP TA-KUM-TA?
Please set your GPS to the following address:
77 Sunset View Rd, South Hero, VT 05486
Arrival Date: Sunday, 21 June
Early Arrival is possible. Please contact the Activity Director if you need to arrive early.
Arrival Time: 1 - 2pm
Arrival Uniform: Fatigues (ABU/OCP/Blue Utilities) or Polo
If you're flying in, please choose Burlington International Airport (BTV). Please book a flight that arrives between 11am and 2pm and email your itinerary to Cadet Programs so we can coordinate transportation.
Once you have completed registration please download and complete the following forms from the document library on the encampment homepage. Once they are complete, please upload them through Registration Zone.
ALL PAPERWORK IS DUE BY 15 MAY 2026
CAP Form 160 Member Health History (even if it's in CAP Health)
CAP Form 161 Emergency Contact Information
CAP Form 163 Over the Counter Medications Authorization (if you are under 18 years of age only)
GMA Request for accommodations form (This only needs to be completed if you have a need for accommodation such as food allergies or medical requirements, though it is recommended that all parents review the form to ensure their cadet’s success).
NOTE: CAPF 60-81 and CAPF 17 are not required when using Registration Zone
ABOUT THE TRAINING SITE
Camp Ta-Kum-Ta is a summer camp facility for children with cancer. The sUAS School will run concurrently with Green Mountain Academy’s Cadet Encampment. Although you will be housed next to the encampment, the sUAS school will have its own barracks and classroom. You will eat at the same dining facility as the encampment.
UOD is corporate polo or fatigues (OCP/ABU/Corporate Field). The Camp is in the islands so expect evenings and mornings to be cool, but the days are hot. It’s a good idea to have multiple sets of uniforms to change into throughout the week.
Housing is open bay camp buildings with bunk beds. The mattresses are twin XL. There are no wardrobes or chest of drawers so be prepared to live out of you suitcase. Bedding is not available, please plan to bring your own bedding or a sleeping bag. There isn’t any room organization.
Free laundry facilities are available on site. Bring your own detergent if you plan to do laundry at the facility throughout the week. Meals will be catered and we have full access to refrigeration and cookware. Coffee and tea will be available for adults; please bring your own hot cup. Feel free to bring your own snacks if you desire.
