Drone certificates: AI supervises theoretical online exams

In June, the German Federal Aviation Authority (LBA) approved an examination procedure that allows online proctored exams ( OPE) for drone pilots, such as the A2 remote pilot certificate, to be proctored by an artificial intelligence (AI). No human supervisor is present during the exam. The procedure was developed by the LBA and the professional drone service provider Droniq, which also offers examinations for drone pilot certificates. The AI test procedure is already offered by Droniq.

Anyone wishing to fly a larger drone weighing more than 900 g must provide appropriate theoretical proof that they are qualified to do so. This includes the A2 remote pilot certificate, for example. These examinations take place under the supervision of an examiner. This is to prevent the candidate from cheating.

It has already been possible to take such examinations online. The OPE exam is monitored using two webcams: one records the examinee, and the second is aimed at the keyboard. The streams of the camera images are then monitored by an examiner. The hardware requirements with two cameras already set the hurdles for the test high. In addition, the examinee must schedule a fixed appointment to take the test, often on a working day.

AI evaluates "conspicuous behavior"

The AI online test procedure is similar but can now be taken around the clock. All that is needed is a camera to record the test candidate. The camera image is monitored by an AI, partially evaluated, and, in the event of discrepancies, subsequently assessed by a human examiner.

At the start of the test, a reference image of the test specimen is created for comparison. This is to ensure that no other person takes the test and that the AI knows who the test candidate is. The AI monitors the “conspicuous behavior” of the test candidate during the test procedure. This includes, for example, frequently looking away and speaking. If this happens, the AI marks the corresponding video sequences, which are then evaluated afterwards by a human LBA-certified examiner. If there are any discrepancies, the examinee can fail. The answers are evaluated automatically. The result is then available within two working days.

This AI-supported test procedure has several advantages for the candidates: the hardware requirements are limited to a PC with an internet connection and just a camera. The inspection can also be carried out at any time and is around 50 percent cheaper, Droniq promises.

It uses AI from the US company Proctorio, a specialist in the online supervision of examinations. Processing is carried out in compliance with the GDPR by the Czech online learning provider Aviatioexam, a partner company of Droniq. Aviatioexam also offers online exams for manned aviation.

Droniq plans to expand the testing process to other drone certificates and offer it in various languages. From August, it should also be possible to use the AI test procedure for the remote pilot certificate for the execution of standard scenarios (STS).

(olb)