ACSL and USI Introduce SOTEN Certification Program
SOTEN operators can now build proficiency in mission planning, accessories, payloads, and flight operations through new courses.
ACSL, a Japanese drone manufacturer, has joined forces with the Unmanned Safety Institute (USI) to create a specialized training and certification pathway for the SOTEN drone platform.
Operators will receive instruction on the SOTEN aircraft, its associated accessories and payloads, as well as ACSL’s TAKEOFF flight software. The curriculum spans from fundamental operations to complex mission planning, emphasizing the safe and effective deployment of the system.
Training is scheduled to become available in late November or early December 2026.
Supporting Growing Demand for SOTEN
This collaboration arises amid reports from ACSL indicating a substantial increase in demand for its drones.
"ACSL Inc. orders rose more than 400% in the first half of 2026 compared with the same period last year, and as shipments ramp up, we want every operator to feel confident behind the sticks," said Cynthia Huang, CEO of ACSL, Inc. "USI sets the standard for UAS safety education, and partnering with them on a dedicated SOTEN curriculum and certification ensures our customers have the training and resources they need."
As Japan’s largest drone manufacturer, ACSL includes SOTEN in its expanding North American product range. The partnership seeks to assist organizations adopting the platform by delivering consistent, aircraft-specific training.
Since 2014, USI has trained more than 30,000 drone operators and collaborates with over 1,000 organizations. Its offerings extend from FAA Part 107 exam preparation to advanced professional operator certifications.
"SOTEN operators are taking on demanding missions, and they deserve training built specifically for the aircraft they fly," said Josh Olds, President & CEO at USI. "By combining USI’s aviation-grade safety standards with ACSL’s engineering expertise, we’re giving operators a clear, structured path to proficiency and credentials their organizations can trust."
What the Training Program Includes
USI will provide multiple training tiers, beginning with introductory courses and advancing to operations and mission planning at higher levels.
The curriculum will cover:
Aircraft operations: SOTEN setup, flight procedures, aircraft systems, and emergency procedures.
Payloads: Standard camera, optical zoom, and SAMO thermal-optical payload.
Accessories: TAITEN smart controller, RTK module, and Top Mount.
Software: ACSL TAKEOFF flight application.
While most courses are conducted online, in-person training is available for certain levels. Participants who finish the courses will receive a dedicated USI certification for the ACSL SOTEN platform. To support this initiative, USI has also integrated SOTEN drones into its training fleet.
The companies intend to launch a dedicated training webpage when enrollment opens.
This partnership introduces a formal training option for organizations integrating SOTEN into their drone operations. It also establishes a standardized method for documenting operator proficiency on the platform. More information about USI’s training programs is available at flyusi.org.