LEARNING WITH DRONES


As drones become an increasingly common factor in helicopters’ airspace, training programs are being adapted to teach pilots how to play nice with them while staying safe.


“Instructors can now populate simulation scenarios with entities like drones,” Navacerrada said. This allows pilots to practice flying in congested airspace, which can be a critical skill during large-scale operations like wildland firefighting.


On the military and tactical front, helicopter pilots are increasingly being expected to coordinate directly with drones to fulfill their missions. “Training is increasingly emphasizing situational awareness and airspace integration, ensuring that helicopter pilots understand how unmanned


aircraft operate and how both systems can safely share the same operational environment,” Napoli said.


Navigating safely in this new shared airspace dynamic requires a deep understanding of modern aircraft systems as well as enhanced situational awareness. “Helicopter pilots are going to need to learn both of these areas to be more effective and to communicate better in these types of operations,” said Gawenda.


Government regulations are also evolving to support these combined operations. “Coordinating helicopter operations with drone activity is not always simple, but the strong commitment of aviation authorities is making a difference,” said Massimo Baldassari, lead AW169 TRI at Coptersafety.


H145 FTD 3 with LED visual system. Photo: Entrol


84 Mar/Apr 2026


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