TACTICAL FLYING
Tactical Flying › Training › Level 1 Certification
Training Center Course

Level 1 Certification September 2–3, 2026

Designed for law enforcement officers serving as Tactical Flight Officers (TFOs) operating drones, helicopters, or fixed-wing aircraft, this comprehensive two-day program delivers proven fundamentals in suspect apprehension tactics. Students gain actionable strategies to locate fleeing suspects, integrate infrared searches, and coordinate ground units for maximum officer safety and de-escalation—directly improving agency mission outcomes and reducing liability.

What You’ll Learn and Achieve

  • Specific tactics for searching, locating, and apprehending suspects using aerial assets.
  • Mastery of infrared search techniques and thermal-imaging integration.
  • Skills to direct arrest teams, enhancing the reactionary gap for safer resolutions.
  • A training completion certificate validating successful course completion.

This course combines classroom instruction, practical demonstrations, and networking opportunities so students can apply new tactics immediately upon returning to duty.

Sample Course Flow

  • Day 1: Course briefing, introductions, and foundational tactical instruction followed by advanced tactics and scenario discussion.
  • Day 2: Tactical instruction, operational integration examples, and an in-depth incident debrief.

Led by Nick Minx, owner of Tactical Flying and a sworn San Diego police sergeant with more than 20 years of experience in patrol, air support, and canine operations. Tactical Flying’s instructor cadre draws from experienced airborne law enforcement professionals across rotorcraft, fixed-wing, and UAS platforms.

DatesSeptember 2–3, 2026
Registration DeadlineAugust 30, 2026
Hours8:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Tuition$495
LocationTactical Flying Training Center, Carlsbad, CA
Availability14 seats remaining

Course Details

Reference Information
CourseLevel 1 Certification
Format2-day • In-person
Hours8:00 AM – 5:00 PM
CertificateIssued upon completion

What this course covers

  • Introductory airborne apprehension techniques
  • Searching for suspects
  • Containment and perimeters
  • Specialized equipment utilization
  • Tactical coordination of ground-unit movement

This level satisfies a portion of ground instruction and supports the initial daytime flight phase outlined in Tactical Flying’s TFO Training and Currency Standardization.

Prerequisite

No prerequisites.

Instruction is delivered by experienced airborne law enforcement professionals and emphasizes practical concepts students can apply in operational environments.

Policies & Waiver

Please Read Before Registering

Registration Policy

Completing registration reserves a seat in this course. The class may be subject to minimum enrollment requirements. Tactical Flying will communicate material schedule or travel-planning updates to registered attendees.

Refund Policy

If Tactical Flying cancels a class because minimum enrollment is not met, registered attendees will receive instructions regarding a refund or transfer. Attendee-requested cancellations are handled under the course terms communicated during registration.

Waiver Policy

By registering, the attendee acknowledges that training may include aviation, operational, or scenario-based subject matter and agrees to follow instructor safety directions and any course-specific waiver requirements.

Register

$495 • Secure Checkout

Complete the form below to begin registration for Level 1 Certification. After submission, you’ll be routed to secure Stripe checkout. Registration is not complete until payment is successful.

Registration deadline: August 30, 2026.