COVID-19 Response at VAP

At VAP, safety is always #1.

Note from Owner & Chief RPAS Pilot/Instructor,  David Carlos

 Training Programs:

While we have been meeting in formal class settings since 2014 to do RPAS 101 training, the COVID crisis has caused us to reexamine face to face class sessions.  VAP takes COVID risks seriously adheres to new physical distancing and other infection control procedures and guidelines.

In-person classes were cancelled given the pandemic.

An effective online RPAS training program is a solid alternative to our UAS/RPAS 101 training program.  Over the past 2 years, the online program has been improved with new updates. Students are free to study and review the online presentations and material.

We still meet in-person for the flight training portion only which is outdoors.

As Cases of COVID transmissions are still a risk factor in BC , we encourage students to complete the self-paced, online program and meet outside for the flight training day.

What about the Flight Training portion of the 101 program?

If anyone is symptomatic of any infection within the past 2 weeks, they are asked to not attend. Mask wearing is encouraged, but not mandatory trusted physical distancing is observed.

Hand sanitizer is also on site for student participants to use. The participants are also asked to bring a mask/face covering in any event in case these other containment measures and layers are deemed needed for any reason.

As a local business and training centre, we at VAP Training want to be involved with preventing the spread of COVID-19 in BC and elsewhere.

We believe that if we all do our multi-pronged approach, and hold up our end, we can prevent others from being infected and lower the curve. This, in turn, will help the risk and burden our health care workers and hospitals face and work to save lives.

Other RPAS Operations:

Since our solo pilots are able to operate their RPAS equipment remotely, infectious control procedures have not affected the ability to do normal operations such as aerial photography requests, survey work, mapping and so on.

However, if we are asked to visit a specific site where other people may be gathering, we adhere to usual safety protocols such as face covering, hand sanitation and physical distancing at all times.

We are therefore open for business and appreciate the support from our local clients during this difficult economic time :-)

Final Thoughts:

Special thanks to the brave men and women of our health care system on the front lines looking after those who are sick.