TL;DR
- A drone pilot is classified as a person who operates a drone or unmanned vehicle (UAV) for the purpose of aerial photography, videography, surveying, mapping, inspection, monitoring, and delivery of goods
- Professional drone pilots should have technical knowledge, attention to details, situational awareness, communication skills, and adaptability to make money or run a drone business.
- Before going pro, you should understand the regulations, training, and insurance required to operate a drone professionally.
What is a drone pilot or droneographer?
Pulled from our blog, how much does a drone pilot make, we shared that a drone pilot is classified as a person who operates a drone or unmanned vehicle (UAV) for the purpose of aerial photography, videography, surveying, mapping, inspection, monitoring, and delivery of goods.
Drone pilots can work in multiple industries, including agriculture, construction, public safety, and media to name a few. To be a professional drone pilot, a person MUST obtain a Part 107 license to operate a drone commercially.
What are the traits of a successful drone pilot?
According to research published by the University of Liverpool, successful drone pilots possess the following traits:
- Technical knowledge: Drone pilots must have a thorough understanding of the equipment they are using, including its capabilities and limitations.
- Attention to detail: Pilots have a pulse on weather conditions, flight paths, and obstacle avoidance to ensure safe and successful flights.
- Situational awareness: Drone pilots must be able to quickly assess and respond to changes in their environment, including unexpected weather changes and obstacles.
- Communication skills: Effective communication is essential for coordinating with other team members and ensuring the safety of the flight.
- Adaptability: Drone pilots must be able to adapt to changing conditions and unexpected situations, such as equipment failure or changes in flight plans.
- Safety consciousness: Safety should always be the top priority for drone pilots, and they must be aware of the potential risks and take appropriate measures to minimize them.
- Creativity: Successful drone pilots often have a creative approach to problem-solving and finding unique solutions to challenges that arise during flights.
What are 5 things you should know before becoming a drone pilot?
If you’re considering becoming a professional drone pilot, there are several things you should know before starting your pro journey.
Here are five things to consider before going pro:
- Regulations: It’s essential to be familiar with the regulations and laws that govern drone flight in your country or region. The United States is governed by the FAA, which has defined specific guidelines for drone pilots, including registration requirements, airspace restrictions, and safety guidelines.
- Certification and training: Depending on where you plan to operate your drone, you may need certification or training to legally fly your drone. For example, the United States FAA requires Part 107 certification for commercial drone pilots in the United States, while recreational pilots must adhere to safety guidelines outlined in the agency’s Know Before You Fly program.
- Equipment: Before you start flying, you’ll need to invest in the right equipment, including a drone, remote controller, and any necessary accessories or apps to fly. It’s also essential to understand the capabilities and limitations of your equipment, as well as how to properly maintain it. Drones can be pretty pricey!
- Flight planning: Effective flight planning is crucial for ensuring safe and successful drone flights. This includes selecting appropriate flight locations, understanding weather conditions, and planning flight paths that avoid obstacles and comply with airspace regulations.
- Insurance: Depending on the intended use of your drone, it may be wise to invest in liability insurance to protect against accidents or damage. This can be especially important for commercial drone pilots who use their equipment for business purposes.
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