Flying drones as a hobby can be fun, but you can take it a notch further and fly drones for a living. There are plenty of companies hiring pilots for surveying, mapping, videography, and other applications. You can earn a good income and take advantage of travel opportunities. If you want to go on this journey, then start by getting your drone operator training certificate. Below are some of the things that you should be aware of:
Eligibility and Requirements
The FAA has set the eligibility standards for first-time pilots as follows: you must be at least 16 years of age upon application, with the ability to read, write, speak, and comprehend English. You must also be in a good mental and physical condition to fly a drone safely. Lastly, you must demonstrate readiness bypassing the initial aeronautical exam. Once you get the certificate, you as the remote pilot must always have it with you during all unmanned aircraft system operations. It is the rough equivalent of the driver’s license for cars. Note that this will only be valid for two years so you must take and pass the test periodically.
Test Topic Areas
The aeronautical knowledge test will span a wide range of topics. It is best to enroll in a drone operator training program to get you ready for the exams. You will learn about the current regulations pertaining to small unmanned aircraft including limitations, flight operation, and so on. The airspace classification and the operating requirements will also be discussed. You will become familiar with the weather resources used in the aviation industry, as well as the effects of weather on such a small aircraft. You will learn about drone loading and performance, crew resource management, and radio communication procedures.
Emergency procedures will be discussed so that you won’t have to panic if stuck in dire situations. Indeed, you will study how to evaluate the performance of drones so you can quickly detect if something is wrong. Note that the machine is only part of the flights. The operator must be in top shape as well for an excellent performance. That is why the physiological effects of alcohol and drugs are part of the discussions. They can affect the pilot’s decision-making and judgment. Operators will be taught about airport operations, regular maintenance, and pre-flight inspection checklists.
Drone operators can take advantage of multiple opportunities if they prove equal to the task.
