Have you ever gazed at the sky and wondered what it’s like to fly a drone on your own? Being a drone pilotgoes beyond a hobby: it’s an exciting and booming profession. Want to know how to start this journey? Read on to discover how to become a drone pilot!
Requirements to become a drone pilot
For those aspiring to become drone pilots, there are a number of fundamental requirements that must be met before taking flight. Becoming a certified pilot implies that you have a specific set of criteria that ensure safety and legal compliance in the airspace.
Age
First and foremost, you must be at least 16 years old.
Demonstrable theoretical knowledge
Demonstrating theoretical knowledge is a fundamental pillar of certification. This can be accomplished in several ways:
- Holding a pilot’s license, including ultralight pilot’s license, without having been sanctioned.
- Holding military aviation licenses (for military personnel).
- Obtain a remote pilot theoretical knowledge certificate according to Implementing Regulation (EU) 2019/947.
Demonstrable practical knowledge
Practical knowledge is equally essential and is accredited by obtaining a full training accreditation of practical skills training for national standard scenarios, issued by entities recognized by EASA.
These requirements, which combine theoretical and practical knowledge, are the basis for achieving certification as a drone pilot, ensuring a safe and legally recognized flight in airspace.
Process to become a certified drone pilot
The path to becoming a drone pilot involves following a structured process that ensures both knowledge acquisition and compliance with legal requirements. Here are the essential steps:
1. Selecting the type of training
First of all, it is crucial to determine which type of course best suits your objectives: an Open Category course (A1/A3 + A2) or a Specific Category course (STS 01 and 02)? Requirements vary for each category, so it is important to choose wisely, in any case, A1A3 training is always a must.
2. Fulfillment of specific requirements
For Open Category courses, you must be over 16 years of age and have specific electronic documentation such as electronic ID, Cl@ve PIN, Permanent Key or Digital Electronic Certificate. On the other hand, for Specific Category courses, A1/A3 certificates are required, in addition to the requirements mentioned above.
3. Search for authorized training centers
Locate entities recognized by AESA that offer courses for drone pilots. These centers will provide the theoretical and practical training necessary for your certification.
4. Completing the course
Once you have enrolled in the selected course, your task will be to successfully complete both the theoretical and practical part as the case may be. This step is essential to obtain the necessary knowledge and skills to operate drones safely and legally.
5. Obtaining the certification
Upon completion of the course and fulfillment of all the established requirements, you will receive a certificate that certifies your training as a drone pilot.
Where to find the right training?
At Grupo UAS, we offer specialized training designed to make you a certified drone pilot. Our instructors, experienced in drone piloting, PPL and ULM, have extensive teaching experience and many hours of flight time in various aircraft. We offer courses for open, specific and advanced thematic categories, such as radio operator, thermography and photogrammetry with UAS. The requirements to access these courses vary depending on the type of training you choose, giving you options tailored to your needs and objectives. Find out more about our courses or contact us.
Professions where a drone pilot is needed
Exploring this career will open doors to diverse job opportunities, such as:
- Infrastructure inspection: from wind turbines to power grids, drones make precise inspections.
- Precision agriculture: Using drones to optimize crops through multispectral cameras.
- Civil works: Control and supervision of projects through photogrammetry and real-time monitoring.
- Audiovisual services: Photography and video with drones for various events and advertising.
You are already one step closer to being an expert drone pilot. Ready to take the next step? Contact us and we will help you in every step of your way in the world of drones.
