NEWS

Networx3 UAV training academy opens for business

Sep 7, 2021

Networx3 UAV pilots will be honing their flying skills thanks to a new drone training circuit they’ve designed and built themselves.

drone-photo-of-training-tunnel

The purpose-built 30-metre long pipe network will give the firm’s five CAA-approved professional pilots the chance to develop their piloting abilities at Networx3 UAV headquarters.

The Networx3 UAV drone academy will see pilots flying drones like their Elios2 into the pipe matrix to replicate dark and confined spaces like sewers, pipelines and mine shafts.

With hidden obstacles to avoid and waymarks to find in the 75cm-wide pipe grid pilots will be practicing for complex client work in the utilities, oil and gas and energy sectors.

Training tunnel in construction

Phase two of the Networx3 UAV drone academy will see the network doubled in length and an 8ft scaffolding tower erected at the end for pilots to fly into and around – a £10,000 investment.

Networx3 UAV founder and managing director Ian Ashworth said: “There’s nothing like this in the UK, where we can hone our piloting skills, so we decided to build it ourselves. It’s a great training tool and thanks to our in-house skills it took a team of three just two days to build it.

“The pipe network has got bends and a slight incline built in to replicate the real life challenges that face us as drone pilots. It’s a fantastic way to build on our hazard awareness, operating in the dark and in small spaces.

“Having tried it out myself it’s pushed my professional skills to the limit forcing me to be an even better pilot but within a safe learning environment.”

Networx3 UAV is one of only a handful of UK companies to have the game-changing Elios 2 drone in its fleet.

The £32,000 drone is regularly deployed on complex and safety critical jobs for clients – from inspecting reservoir dams to surveying sewer networks.

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