Becoming a Drone Pilot
A drone pilot is a qualified specialist who flies an unmanned aerial vehicle. They operate the drone from the ground by remote control and use onboard cameras and specific computer software to aid completion of their desired task. Although anyone can train to become a drone pilot, a legal requirement necessitates all users to gain permission to fly from the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) before taking a drone to the skies.Technological advancements have created a demand for drone pilots and a number of large industries now employ drone aircraft in their operation. There is great scope therefore for professional drone pilots to find success.If you are interested in drone technology, you may want to consider whether a career in one of these industries is well suited to you. Below are the necessary steps to learn how to become a professional drone pilot and the types of industries that use this technology.
Step 1 - Register Your Drone
The first step to becoming a professional drone pilot is to purchase your drone and have it registered with the CAA. This is a legal requirement for drone flyers and operators, and failure to comply could result in heavy fines and even a potential prison sentence. A flyer receives a flyer ID, but if you are responsible for the drone, an operator ID becomes necessary.Top tip: Remember to purchase a suitable drone for the type of operations you intend to undertake.
Step 2 - Identify Your Preferred Industry
Selecting the industry you intend to work in is the next step to take. You register this information in the CAA's operations manual and submit it upon completion of your training. There are large number of industries that you could provide services in and these include:The Police: Drone pilots work with police forces to give officers on the ground an aerial view of a crime scene, particularly if an area is challenging to access. Smaller, quieter and more affordable than helicopters, some drones come with infrared cameras, heat sensors and radar, allowing them to assist police in tracking suspects. Some police forces also use drones to combat criminals who are using their own drones to conduct illegal activities.Film and TV: Using drones in the film and TV industry can offer striking aerial shots, which traditional cameras may find challenging. With onboard cameras, they can film from above to offer viewers a different angle of the scenes below, whether it's an action movie or a sporting event. Many films and TV shows now use drones as they're quieter, flexible and less costly than using overhead equipment, such as cranes or helicopters.News and Internet: Drones usage by news agencies is becoming increasingly common, particularly with breaking news stories. Journalists on the scene can deploy a drone to give an aerial view of incidents, while simultaneously reporting live and also broadcasting footage direct to a wider audience via the internet and social media. You use them remotely and get closer to a scene than people on the ground.Agriculture: Some farmers use drone technology to monitor crops and livestock and investigate damages. You can use them to provide soil and field analysis and may also be adapted to spray crops. Employing a drone operator to monitor a farm can free up time for other aspects of a farmer's work.Building and Construction: Construction companies can use a drone to take aerial shots of potential plots for a new build and create a 3D model based on the footage. Architects can use the images to accurately plan for the construction of the proposed building. You can also use them on-site to reach unsafe or inaccessible areas, providing images on the ground for site managers to review and make decisions.Deliveries: Some companies use drones to make deliveries to remote locations or places that are challenging to reach. Remote islands or isolated countryside locations can benefit from the experience of a drone pilot. This would make previously difficult to reach areas accessible for letter and parcel deliveries.When working for a drone services company as opposed to freelance work, you may well be asked to operate across a number of the aforementioned fields. Adaptability and a good working knowledge of each field is therefore key.Step 3 - Select a Flight School
The CAA specifies a legal requirement of an A2 Certificate of Competency (A2 CofC) or a General Visual Line of Sight (GVC) licence. It is important to understand the CAA's specific rules and regulations on drone piloting and the measures to take to obtain a licence.The first part of obtaining an A2 CofC or GVC licence is to book a training course with a recognised flight school. Courses take between 2–5 days and include a classroom-based theory test on air law, flight safety, flight planning and regulations at the end of the training.When completing a GVC course you may be required to produce a ConOps (concept of Operations) which is a document outlining how the drone(s) will be used in specific operational environments. This will often include diagrams of the operational area, description of the drone and specific safety protocols.Flight schools can also be referred to as a National Qualified Entity (NQE), and they can provide information on how to complete your operations manual.If you are looking to join a company as opposed to freelance work, sometimes the company will conduct the training in-house and then outsource the final flight test to an approved training organisation. You may also find that the company will incur the cost of the training, provided that you stay employed with them for a specified period of time.
Step 4 - Take a Flight Assessment
After passing the theory test, the next phase is to complete a flight assessment, which tests your ability to plan and perform a drone flight safely. The examiner also asks that you demonstrate your ability to execute different manoeuvres, which require certain considerations, such as speed and weather conditions, and it would be advantageous to practise these manoeuvres prior to the test. As this is an actual flight, you require insurance before you can undertake it.It is important to note that you will need to conduct a flight assessment for each type of drone that you wish to operate i.e. fixed wing or multirotor.Cap 722B is a useful document to further understand the syllabus for drone flying and the criteria you will be assessed on during the flight assessment.Step 5 - Take Out Insurance
Although some home insurance providers may cover the use of drones, it is strongly recommended to obtain insurance from a specialist provider to ensure you are adequately protected and it is clear what they do and do not cover under the policy.Once you have performed a successful flight assessment, the next step is to obtain insurance specific for the operation you aim to carry out. It is a legal requirement for commercial drone operators to hold EC785/2004 compliant insurance when flying, and this forms part of your application to the CAA.Step 6 - Submit Your Application
After completing your operations manual, purchasing insurance and receiving a recommendation for your NQE, you're ready to submit your application for a drone licence to the CAA. You can do this through the CAA portal, and they aim to process all applications within five to 10 working days, possibly longer, depending on the volume of applications. Once you receive your licence, you're able to legally fly your drone and apply for and accept paid work.FAQs
It can take between one to three months to progress from training to receiving your licence. This may be longer because of the availability of examiners or tests. Some schools may limit training to certain times of the year.