Starting your drone career – the different types of drone training
Embarking on a career in the drone industry offers an exciting and rapidly evolving opportunity for tech enthusiasts and professionals alike.
As the demand for drone technology expands across various sectors, from agriculture and construction to film production and public safety, the need for skilled drone operators and specialists is at an all-time high.
With advancements in drone technology and increasing applications, the industry is projected to continue its significant growth, providing many career opportunities.
This guide will explore the different drone course training available, equipping you with the essential knowledge and skills to excel in this dynamic field.
Getting started – introductory courses
To kickstart your journey in the drone industry, introductory courses are designed to cover the fundamental elements of drone flying.
These courses typically begin with an overview of Remotely Piloted Aircraft Systems (RPAS) and the basics of drone operation.
You’ll learn about navigating airspace, interpreting maps, understanding potential dangers, and adhering to laws and regulations. Additionally, essential topics such as pre- and post-flight inspections, battery management and safety, and proper maintenance protocols are covered.
To ensure you gain practical experience, these courses include instructed flight time with a CASA-approved RPAS instructor, providing you with the hands-on training to confidently and safely operate drones.
Obtaining your remote pilot licence – RePL course
For those looking to become qualified as professional drone pilots, obtaining a Remote Pilot Licence (RePL) is an essential step.
A RePL course delves deeper into critical areas of drone operation, starting with comprehensive training on RPA law and systems to ensure pilots are well-versed in regulatory requirements.
The curriculum includes meteorology, which covers weather patterns and their impact on drone flights, and human factors, focusing on the psychological and physiological aspects affecting pilot performance.
Operational flight planning is another key component, teaching pilots to meticulously plan and execute missions. Additionally, the course emphasizes Aviation English Language proficiency, ensuring clear and effective communication in aviation contexts.
Throughout the training, broader Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) flight standards are integrated, equipping aspiring drone pilots with the knowledge and skills to meet and maintain high safety and operational standards in the field.
Further commercial qualificationsSub 25kg Powered Lift – VTOL
For existing Remote Pilot Licence (RePL) holders aiming to expand their capabilities, the Sub 25kg Powered Lift – VTOL qualification is an invaluable addition.
This course focuses on the operation of powered lift drones, which begin each flight as a multirotor before transitioning to fixed-wing flight. This dual capability makes powered lift drones particularly advantageous for long-distance and duration flights.
The training covers the specific techniques and knowledge required to operate these versatile drones safely and effectively.
Industries such as forestry, mining, surveying, energy provision, agriculture, and coastal patrol increasingly rely on powered lift drones for their extended range and endurance.
Therefore, obtaining this qualification can significantly enhance career prospects for those looking to enter or advance in these sectors.
Sub 25kg Multirotor
Another valuable upgrade for Remote Pilot Licence (RePL) holders is the sub-25kg multirotor drone licence. This qualification enables pilots to operate larger and more capable multirotor drones, which are essential for a variety of professional applications.
Multirotor drones are renowned for their stability, precision, and ability to hover, making them ideal for tasks such as aerial photography, inspection, surveillance, and mapping.
They are widely used in industries like construction, real estate, agriculture, and public safety, where detailed and accurate data collection is critical.
By obtaining the sub-25kg multirotor licence, drone pilots can expand their operational scope and take on more complex and demanding projects, enhancing their career opportunities and expertise in the rapidly growing drone industry.
Night VFR training
Another essential training for drone pilots is the Night Visual Flight Rules (VFR) course, which allows users to conduct drone operations after sunset. Night VFR training covers the specific challenges and safety protocols associated with flying drones in low-light conditions.
Pilots learn about enhanced pre-flight planning, visual limitations at night, and the use of lighting systems to ensure visibility and collision avoidance. This qualification is crucial for operations that require continuous monitoring or data collection, such as security surveillance, emergency response, and wildlife observation.
By completing Night VFR training, drone operators can significantly expand their operational hours and take on a wider range of projects, providing valuable services that require nighttime aerial capabilities.
Get started today
comprehensive drone training is the cornerstone of a successful career in the ever-expanding drone industry. From introductory courses that lay the groundwork for safe and legal drone operation to advanced qualifications like the Remote Pilot Licence (RePL), Sub 25kg Powered Lift – VTOL, and sub-25kg multirotor licences, each certification opens new doors to specialized career paths. Additionally, Night VFR training further broadens operational capabilities, allowing for critical nighttime operations. As the demand for skilled drone pilots continues to grow across various sectors, investing in thorough and diverse training programs not only enhances your expertise but also significantly boosts your career opportunities in this dynamic and innovative field.
