sUAS Thermography Online Course (Level I) for Professional Drone Operators
Build job-ready competence in Drone Thermal Imaging through a structured online sUAS thermography course designed for professional operators, inspectors, and reliability teams. This program focuses on the fundamentals that drive accurate infrared results: infrared theory, heat transfer, temperature measurement, and inspection best practices—all tailored to sUAS (drone) applications.
Unlike classroom formats, this offering is 100% online (distance learning). You can progress on your schedule while still having access to technical support and guidance from PMC.
Who this online course is for?
This course is a fit for:
- Professional drone operators expanding into thermal and inspection services
- Solar farm / utility / substation inspection teams using aerial thermography
- Industrial maintenance and reliability personnel integrating drone IR into PdM
- Roofing, building envelope, and facilities teams using thermal data for decision-making
What you will learn (Level I outcomes)
By the end of the program, you will be able to:
- Explain core infrared theory and practical heat transfer concepts
- Set up and operate drone-mounted thermal imaging equipment with correct settings
- Apply field-proven methods for accurate temperature measurement and documentation
- Recognize common error sources (emissivity, reflections, angle, distance, atmosphere)
- Execute consistent inspection workflows and produce defensible findings
Course topics and real-world applications
Your online learning path covers:
- Infrared fundamentals: heat transfer, spectral response, and thermal behavior
- Measurement fundamentals: emissivity, reflectivity, transmissivity, and environmental impacts
- Operational best practices: safety, data capture, repeatability, and reporting discipline
- sUAS workflows: flight planning considerations, capture geometry, and inspection consistency
Applications covered include:
- Electrical and mechanical inspections
- Photovoltaic (solar) installations
- Underground heat / piping scenarios
- Building envelope and moisture-related anomalies
- Low-slope industrial roofing
- Environmental and comparative thermal studies
Certification exam option –
If you choose the exam track, you can complete a final Certified Thermography Exam as part of your training pathway. (Exam format and scheduling depend on the selected course option.)
PMC training support (before, during, and after)
PMC provides technical/learning support to help you complete the program and apply the content to real inspections—especially for teams using thermography for solar farms, substations, industrial assets, and building envelope work.
Support can include:
- Guidance on practical application and inspection planning
- Help interpreting thermal findings and avoiding common pitfalls
- Recommendations on workflow standardization and reporting consistency
Course options
Option A: Online sUAS Thermography Course
Ideal for operators who need a structured foundation in drone thermal imaging and inspection methodology.
Option B: Online Course + Certified Exam
Best for individuals and teams seeking a formal exam component after completing the course content.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Is this course instructor-led or in-person?
No. This offering is online-only (distance learning).
How long does the course take?
Time to completion varies by learner pace. Most professionals complete it faster when they schedule consistent weekly study blocks.
Do I need a thermal drone to take the course?
A thermal-capable sUAS is helpful for application, but you can complete the learning content without it and apply lessons when you have access to equipment.
Does the course cover solar farm thermography?
Yes—solar/PV is included among the core applications, along with industrial, roofing, and building envelope use cases.
Will PMC help me apply this to my inspection work?
Yes—PMC offers technical support and guidance so you can translate course knowledge into repeatable field workflows.
Ready to build real-world sUAS thermography capability?
Enroll in the online course or contact PMC for guidance on the best course + exam option for your work.