AI Supervision for Online Drone Certification Exams

The Federal Aviation Office (LBA) has recently approved a new examination process that allows artificial intelligence (AI) to supervise online examinations for drone pilots, such as the A2 remote pilot certificate. This innovative procedure, developed in collaboration with the professional drone service provider Droniq, eliminates the need for human proctors during the tests.

Previously, individuals wishing to operate larger drones weighing over 900 grams were required to pass theoretical assessments under the supervision of a proctor to ensure integrity and prevent cheating. Although online assessments were already available, they typically required two webcams: one for monitoring the candidate and another focused on the keyboard. These technical requirements presented challenges for many candidates seeking to take the exam, as they often needed to schedule at specific times during the workweek.

The new AI-supported online examination process operates differently, requiring only a single camera and allowing candidates to take the test at their convenience, twenty-four hours a day. The AI monitors the video feed of the candidate, analyzing behavior for any suspicious activity, such as frequently looking away from the screen or speaking aloud. If any discrepancies arise, the AI flags these moments for later review by a human examiner certified by the LBA.

At the start of each exam, a reference image of the candidate is captured to verify their identity. This ensures that no one else can take the test on behalf of the candidate. The AI system is designed to evaluate behaviors that could signal cheating, marking relevant video segments for further inspection. Following the test, the AI automatically assesses the answers, and results are typically available within two business days.

This AI-driven approach offers several benefits for candidates: the hardware requirements are simplified to just a computer with an internet connection and a single camera, and the overall cost of the examination is expected to decrease by approximately fifty percent, according to Droniq.

The AI technology utilized in this process comes from Proctorio, a U.S.-based company specializing in online exam supervision. The examinations are conducted in compliance with GDPR regulations through the Czech online education provider Aviatioexam, a partner of Droniq that also offers online assessments for manned aviation.

Droniq plans to expand the AI examination process to additional drone certifications and offer it in multiple languages. Starting in August, the AI-driven procedure will also be applicable for the A2 remote pilot certificate related to the execution of standard scenarios (STS).