THEY are the high-tech flying machines which are rapidly pushing the boundaries in transport, warfare, research and leisure.

Drones are being increasingly used for everything from military missions and weather forecasting to photography and parcel delivery – and may one day be used to drop off takeaway pizzas.

Now a leading Hampshire-based global leading air traffic control centre has launched a pioneering new course equipping people with vital skills to fly their unmanned aircraft safely.

And you could be learning how to get behind the controls.

It comes after drones have been involved in a number of near misses with passenger aircraft, including at Southampton Airport.

NATS is launching the course at its headquarters in Whiteley in May offering private individuals, small companies or large organisations who are intending to use drones – also called Remotely Piloted Air Systems (RPAS) – for commercial purposes.

During the three-day session delegates will learn a variety of subjects relating to drone flying including including aviation law, meteorological studies, navigation studies, the principles of flight and RPAS best practices.

They will be taught by Air Traffic Control (ATC) professionals and the course also includes a practical flying assessment to Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) approved standards.

But as a pre-requisite participants must be able to demonstrate that they are already proficient in flying a drone in a relatively small area.

NATS has already delivered a number of drone courses from its Control Centre in Prestwick, Ayrshire, Scotland.

Course leader Colin Houston, said: “With remotely piloted aircraft systems becoming increasingly popular, we want to be able help people and companies use them safely in the airspace. Our tailored training course is provided by ATC professionals with comprehensive operational RPAS experience.”

Attendees must pass theory and practical flying sessions and will be also required to create and maintain an Operating Manual and Operating Safety Case.

As previously reported police issued a safety warning after a drone came close to a small private aircraft that was about three miles away from Southampton Airport on July 26 of last year.

Later that day the pilot of a Flybe jet coming in to land reported a drone two miles away to the airport as it was preparing to land.

To sign up for the course or for more information see nats.aero/services/consultancy/training/remotely-piloted-aircraft-systems-rpas-course/ or email rpas@nats.co.uk