As technology is rapidly growing, the need for drones has extended to almost every industry. From deliveries to aerial photography to agriculture uses, the scope for drone pilots has increased manifolds. This is the right time to become a drone pilot!
A drone pilot is one who is trained to fly an Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV). The drone is controlled by a remote from the ground with the help of the onboard camera and guiding systems.
There are various industries in which drone pilot skills are needed, as freelancers or part-time/full-time employees.
In this article, we will talk about how to become a licensed drone pilot - legalities, registration process, drone pilot requirements, and more.
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Process of Becoming a Drone Pilot
Now, let’s answer the pertaining question - how to become a certified drone pilot?
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01
Drone Licenses and Their Differences
Before you start your process, it is essential to know that there are two types of drone pilot licenses - General Visual Line of Sight Certificate (GVC) and A2 Certificate of Competency (A2 CofC) licenses. Here’s a table of differences between the two:
Feature A2 CofC GVC Intend Flying Small Drones in Safe Areas Flying Larger Drones in High-Risk Areas Category A2 Sub-Category of OPEN Category Specific Category Operation Type Commercial and Non-Commercial High-Risk Scenarios Maximum Takeoff Weight 0-900g 0-25kg Content of Course Flight Control Basics, Environment Elements, Battery Safety Flight Control Basics, Environment Elements, Battery Safety, UAS Airspace Safety, Air Laws, Meteorology, and Navigation Examination Theory Assessment and 25-hour Flying Time Theory and Practical Flying Assessments So, if you’re wondering how to become a licensed drone pilot, you can check out the CAA website for drones.
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02
Permission
The Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) controls all airspace in the UK. The use of drones is regulated by them and enforced by the police. So if you wish to become a drone pilot, that’s where to go for more information.
To fly a drone commercially, you need to seek permission from the CAA. This permission is known as Permission for Commercial Operation (PFCO).
To gain a CAA PFCO, you must complete a course that requires you to demonstrate the necessary skills and knowledge a commercial drone operator needs. It's unlike the usual pilot jobs, but it is one nonetheless!
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03
Choosing your Industry
Deciding which industry to work in is important at this point as you have to add this information to the CAA’s registration process and submit it at the time of completing your training. Drone pilot responsibilities change accordingly.
The industry choices can be - police, agriculture, deliveries, film/television, news, construction, and many more.
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04
Selecting your School
Now, it's time to choose a training course in a renowned flying school. This theory-based course is held in the classroom and requires you to pass a test at the end of it. Drone pilot qualifications determine your future in the industry. It might take 2-5 days to complete.
The CAA does not run the courses directly but instead approves commercial National Qualified Entities (NQEs) to conduct the training and assessment on their behalf.
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05
Flying Assessment and Insurance
After clearing the theory assessment, it's time for the flying exam. This exam tests your capability to fly the drone safely. But to undertake a flight, you require insurance. Commercial drone operators are legally bound to take out EC785/2004 compliant insurance before flying.
The examiner will ask you to maneuver the drone in various manners. Remember to consider the speed, weather conditions, and other factors; as you would experience in drone pilot jobs. It is advised to test out these moves beforehand for confidence and precision.
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06
Registration
It is crucial to register your drone and yourself as a drone pilot with the CAA. Failure to do so could mean big fines. After completing all the above steps, it's time to submit your application to the CAA. It takes about 5-10 working days for them to process the applications, depending on the application volume.
A Flyer ID is needed if you are a flyer, and an Operator ID when you are responsible for the drone. Following is a table for the type of ID you need according to your drone:
Drone Weight Flyer ID Operator ID Under 250g - Toy No No Under 250g - Not Toy - Without Camera No No Under 250g - Not Toy - With Camera Yes No Over 250g Yes Yes If you are confused about determining whether your drone is a toy, refer to the CAA registration website.
Conclusion
So, when we talk about how to become a drone pilot, it’s not a one-step answer. You have to go through a process of learning, registering, and accumulating flying hours. This process will usually take around 2 months to complete.
Hopefully, we have successfully answered your question about how to become a certified drone pilot. Once you’ve collected the required licenses and certificates, you are ready to take to the skies!
