Introduction

As Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS) become increasingly integrated into every facet of modern life, from critical infrastructure inspections to public safety operations, the inevitability of drone incidents, accidents, or illicit activities rises. When such events occur, the ability to forensically examine a drone, its controller, and associated data is paramount for uncovering the root cause, reconstructing flight paths, identifying operators, and gathering crucial digital evidence. Unlike traditional aircraft, drones present unique challenges due to their diverse designs, proprietary data formats, remote data storage, and potential for physical damage. Drone forensics and incident reconstruction are emerging as vital specialized fields, providing the scientific methods to transform fragmented data into actionable intelligence for legal proceedings, safety improvements, and security investigations. This essential training course focuses on Drone Forensics & Incident Reconstruction, equipping professionals with the expertise to meticulously analyze and interpret UAS incident data.

This intensive training course provides a comprehensive and hands-on approach to drone incident investigation. Participants will learn the critical steps of UAS evidence collection and preservation, encompassing damaged drones, controllers, mobile devices, and cloud data. We will delve into various data extraction techniques, including flight logs, GPS data, sensor readings, and multimedia files, from a wide array of drone manufacturers. The course emphasizes methodologies for reconstructing flight paths, analyzing pilot inputs, identifying anomalies, and correlating data to establish a clear chain of events. By mastering drone forensic tools and analytical techniques, you will be prepared to conduct thorough investigations, produce legally admissible evidence, and contribute to safer, more secure drone operations and effective incident resolution.

Target Audience

• Digital Forensics Investigators
• Law Enforcement Personnel
• Accident Reconstruction Specialists
• Aviation Safety Officers
• UAS Program Managers
• Legal Professionals
• Insurance Investigators
• Cybersecurity Analysts

Course Objectives

• Understand the unique challenges of drone forensics and incident reconstruction.
• Learn proper UAS incident scene management and evidence collection procedures.
• Master techniques for forensically acquiring data from drones, controllers, and associated devices.
• Interpret drone flight logs, telemetry data, and sensor readings.
• Reconstruct drone flight paths and behaviors from collected data.
• Identify pilot inputs, autonomous actions, and system anomalies leading to incidents.
• Analyze multimedia evidence (photos, videos) from drone payloads for contextual information.
• Understand legal considerations, chain of custody, and report writing for drone forensic cases.
• Utilize specialized drone forensic software and open-source tools.
• Explore challenges in drone forensics, such as encryption and proprietary data formats.
• Develop a comprehensive UAS incident investigation methodology.

DURATION

10 Days

COURSE CONTENT

Module 1: Introduction to Drone Forensics

• Defining drone forensics and its importance in the digital age.
• Overview of UAS components and data storage locations.
• The unique challenges of forensic acquisition from drones (physical damage, proprietary systems).
• Legal and ethical considerations in drone incident investigations.
• Current landscape of drone-related incidents (accidents, illicit use, security breaches).

Module 2: Incident Scene Management & Evidence Collection

• Protocols for securing a drone incident scene.
• Best practices for handling and preserving damaged drones and associated devices.
• Documenting the scene: photography, videography, sketching.
• Identifying and collecting all potential digital evidence sources (drone, controller, mobile app, cloud, SD cards).
• Establishing a strict chain of custody for all collected evidence.

Module 3: Drone Data Acquisition Techniques

• Physical data extraction from drone internal memory and SD cards.
• Logical data acquisition from drone flight controllers via USB/network ports.
• Extracting data from remote controllers and ground control station devices.
• Acquiring data from mobile applications used for drone control.
• Accessing cloud-based drone data storage (e.g., DJI Cloud, Airdata UAV).

Module 4: Understanding Drone Flight Logs and Telemetry

• Structure and content of common drone flight log formats (e.g., DAT, TXT, CSV, ULog).
• Interpreting telemetry parameters: altitude, speed, GPS coordinates, battery, signal strength.
• Analyzing sensor data: IMU (accelerometer, gyroscope), barometer, magnetometer.
• Identifying timestamps and event markers in flight logs.
• Using log viewers and parsers to extract meaningful data.

Module 5: Flight Path Reconstruction

• Utilizing GPS data from flight logs to recreate drone trajectories.
• Mapping flight paths on 2D and 3D geospatial platforms.
• Identifying take-off, landing, and key points of interest.
• Analyzing altitude profiles and speed changes along the flight path.
• Correlating flight path with environmental data (wind, weather).

Module 6: Pilot Input and Control Analysis

• Analyzing RC stick inputs and control commands from flight logs.
• Distinguishing between manual flight, assisted modes, and autonomous operations.
• Identifying unexpected pilot inputs or disconnections.
• Correlating control inputs with drone behavior during an incident.
• Assessing the pilot's role and decision-making leading up to an event.

Module 7: Anomaly Detection and System Malfunctions

• Identifying abnormal sensor readings or system errors in flight logs.
• Diagnosing flight controller issues, motor failures, or battery anomalies.
• Detecting GPS signal loss, interference, or spoofing attempts.
• Analyzing firmware versions and software glitches contributing to incidents.
• Pinpointing the precise moment of system failure or critical event.

Module 8: Multimedia and Metadata Analysis

• Recovering photos and videos captured by the drone's payload.
• Extracting and analyzing EXIF metadata from images (GPS, timestamp, camera settings).
• Synchronizing video footage with flight log data for timeline reconstruction.
• Identifying any modifications or tampering with multimedia files.
• Using geotagged media to verify locations and events.

Module 9: Drone Forensic Software & Tools

• Overview of commercial drone forensic tools (e.g., MD-DRONE, Oxygen Forensic Detective, SkySafe CFID).
• Utilizing open-source tools for drone data analysis (e.g., DatCon, DJI Assistant).
• Data visualization tools for flight path mapping and telemetry graphing.
• Techniques for decrypting encrypted flight logs (where applicable and legal).
• Building a drone forensics toolkit.

Module 10: Digital Forensics Principles Applied to Drones

• Applicability of general digital forensics methodologies (e.g., NIST, ACPO) to drones.
• Data integrity and hashing for evidence verification.
• Write-blockers and forensic imaging techniques for drone storage media.
• Recovering deleted files and artifacts from drone components.
• Establishing forensic soundness throughout the investigation.

Module 11: Challenges & Future Trends in Drone Forensics

• Dealing with proprietary data formats and encrypted systems.
• Investigating damaged or destroyed drone components.
• Challenges in establishing drone ownership and operator identity.
• The impact of autonomous drones and drone swarms on future investigations.
• Emerging tools and techniques for next-generation drone forensics.

Module 12: Expert Witness Testimony & Report Writing

• Structuring a comprehensive and legally admissible drone forensic report.
• Presenting technical findings clearly and concisely.
• Preparing for and delivering expert witness testimony in court.
• Utilizing visual aids and animations for incident reconstruction.
• Ethical responsibilities of a drone forensic examiner.

Module 13: Case Studies & Practical Exercises

• Analysis of various real-world drone accident and incident scenarios.
• Hands-on exercises involving data extraction and analysis from sample drone logs.
• Practical sessions on flight path reconstruction and anomaly identification.
• Simulated drone incident investigations from initial scene to final report.
• Discussion of lessons learned and best practices from actual investigations.

Training Approach

This course will be delivered by our skilled trainers who have vast knowledge and experience as expert professionals in the fields. The course is taught in English and through a mix of theory, practical activities, group discussion and case studies. Course manuals and additional training materials will be provided to the participants upon completion of the training.

Tailor-Made Course

This course can also be tailor-made to meet organization requirement. For further inquiries, please contact us on: Email: info@skillsforafrica.org, training@skillsforafrica.org  Tel: +254 702 249 449

Training Venue

The training will be held at our Skills for Africa Training Institute Training Centre. We also offer training for a group at requested location all over the world. The course fee covers the course tuition, training materials, two break refreshments, and buffet lunch.

Visa application, travel expenses, airport transfers, dinners, accommodation, insurance, and other personal expenses are catered by the participant

Certification

Participants will be issued with Skills for Africa Training Institute certificate upon completion of this course.

Airport Pickup and Accommodation

Airport pickup and accommodation is arranged upon request. For booking contact our Training Coordinator through Email: info@skillsforafrica.org, training@skillsforafrica.org  Tel: +254 702 249 449

Terms of Payment: Unless otherwise agreed between the two parties’ payment of the course fee should be done 10 working days before commencement of the training.