How to Be Drone Flight Engineer - Job Description, Skills, and Interview Questions

Jan 14, 2020 / 6 Minutes Read / By Albert

How to Become

Professional Organizations

FAQ

Links

Increasingly, the use of drones is becoming essential for many industries. As a result, demand for Drone Flight Engineers has also increased. Drone Flight Engineers are responsible for ensuring that unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) are operated safely, efficiently and responsibly.

They must have an in-depth knowledge of aviation regulations, engineering principles, and drone technology and maintenance. they must possess excellent planning and problem-solving skills in order to safely operate drones in various environments. The successful operation of drones is critical to many businesses and industries, as it can improve efficiency, reduce costs and ultimately impact the bottom line.

Steps How to Become

Earn a Bachelor's Degree. Drone flight engineers are typically required to have a bachelor's degree in a field such as aviation, aerospace engineering, or electrical engineering. It is important to choose a school that offers coursework in areas related to drone technology, such as engineering design, robotics, and aerodynamics.
Obtain Licenses and Certifications. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) regulations require all commercial drone pilots to be licensed. A certification from the FAA will allow you to operate drones commercially. Additionally, many employers require applicants to have a drone pilot certificate or other related certifications.
Get Experience. While some employers may hire drone flight engineers with no experience, most prefer applicants who have operated drones for some time. Consider getting experience by joining a drone racing club, taking an internship at a drone-related business, or volunteering with a drone-related organization.
Apply for Jobs. Once you have the necessary education and experience, you can start applying for drone flight engineer jobs. Look for openings in the aerospace, defense, and security industries. You can also check job boards and search online for remote opportunities.
Stay Up-to-Date. As the drone industry is rapidly changing, drone flight engineers should stay up-to-date with the latest technologies and regulations. Consider joining professional organizations, attending conferences, and subscribing to industry journals or blogs to stay informed.

In order to stay current and competent as a Drone Flight Engineer, it is important to stay up to date on the latest technological advancements in the field. Keeping abreast of the latest industry regulations and safety standards is also vital to ensure that flight operations remain safe and compliant. staying engaged in the drone community through attending conferences, reading industry publications, and participating in online forums can help to sharpen one's knowledge and skills.

Finally, obtaining additional certifications and qualifications can help to demonstrate a level of expertise and competence in the field. These proactive steps will help Drone Flight Engineers to stay ahead of the curve and remain competitive in an ever-evolving industry.

You may want to check Drone Logistics Manager, Drone Flight Software Engineer, and Drone Operator for alternative.

Job Description

Design, build and operate unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) and other remotely operated aircraft.
Monitor the performance of UAVs during flight operations and analyze data gathered.
Develop flight plans and operations protocols.
Ensure that UAVs comply with applicable safety standards and regulations.
Oversee the maintenance and repair of UAVs and related systems.
Develop control systems for UAVs and other remotely operated aircraft.
Provide technical advice and guidance to other personnel on UAV operations and maintenance.
Coordinate with other personnel to ensure efficient operation of UAVs.
Monitor telemetry data and provide real-time feedback for UAV operations.
Perform pre-flight checks to ensure that UAVs are operating to their full potential.

Skills and Competencies to Have

Knowledge of aircraft systems and components.
Understanding of aircraft control systems, including autopilots.
Ability to interpret flight data and diagnose faults.
Familiarity with air traffic control regulations.
Ability to operate and maintain drone hardware, software, and communications systems.
Experience in pre-flight inspections and launch preparations.
Knowledge of GPS navigation and mapping systems.
Ability to troubleshoot technical problems with drones.
Understanding of flight safety protocols and procedures.
Knowledge of FAA regulations regarding drone operations.

A Drone Flight Engineer needs a wide variety of skills to ensure safe and efficient operations. One of the most important skills is the ability to troubleshoot, analyze, and diagnose technical issues quickly. A Drone Flight Engineer must have a keen understanding of the aircrafts systems, be able to identify and resolve any problems that arise, and have the ability to make split-second decisions in emergency situations.

a Drone Flight Engineer needs to be highly knowledgeable in aviation regulations, rules, and safety protocols. They must be well-versed in navigation, payloads, and communications systems, as well as familiar with flight plans and the airspace to ensure safe navigation of the drone. Lastly, strong communication skills are essential for a Drone Flight Engineer to be able to effectively transmit instructions to the drone pilot in order to maintain control of the aircraft.

These skills are important for the safety and success of each flight and are essential for a successful Drone Flight Engineer.

Drone Navigation Engineer, Drone Flight Dispatcher, and Drone Engineer are related jobs you may like.

Frequent Interview Questions

How familiar are you with the FAA regulations and guidelines for drone flight operations?
Describe a complex drone flight operation you have successfully completed.
What experience do you have in troubleshooting and repairing drones?
How do you stay current on the latest technologies in the drone industry?
What strategies do you use to ensure safety during drone operations?
What software do you use to plan and execute drone operations?
What strategies do you use to ensure the accuracy of data collected by drones?
How do you coordinate with other crew members during a drone flight operation?
How do you ensure that drones are operated in compliance with relevant laws and regulations?
How do you minimize risk during a drone flight operation?

Common Tools in Industry

Flight Controller. A flight controller is a device used to monitor and control the behavior of an aircraft or spacecraft. (Eg: Pixhawk 4 Flight Controller)
Drone Autopilot. An autopilot is a system that controls the operation of an aircraft or spacecraft without direct intervention from a human operator. (Eg: DJI A3 Autopilot)
Radar. Radar is a system that uses radio waves to detect the presence, direction, and distance of objects. (Eg: uAvionix Ping2020 Radar)
Telemetry System. A telemetry system is a system that collects, transmits, and displays data from remote sources. (Eg: Frsky Taranis X9D Plus Telemetry System)
Flight Simulator. A flight simulator is a device that replicates the experience of flying an aircraft in a simulated environment. (Eg: RealFlight Drone Flight Simulator)
GPS Navigation System. A GPS navigation system is a device that uses satellite signals to determine the location of a user and provide directions to a destination. (Eg: Garmin GPSMAP 64s Handheld Navigation System)
Range Extender. A range extender is a device that increases the range of a wireless signal. (Eg: Alfa AWUS036NHR Range Extender)
Video Transmitter. A video transmitter is a device that sends video signals over a radio frequency link. (Eg: ImmersionRC 5. 8GHz Video Transmitter)
Battery Monitor. A battery monitor is a device that monitors the voltage and current of a battery system. (Eg: Victron BMV-712 Battery Monitor)

Professional Organizations to Know

Association for Unmanned Vehicle Systems International (AUVSI)
Academy of Model Aeronautics (AMA)
National Institute of Aerospace (NIA)
Commercial Drone Alliance (CDA)
International Society of Automation (ISA)
Small UAV Coalition (SUAVC)
Small UAV Coalition (SUAVC)
Association for Unmanned Vehicle Educators (AUVE)
Association for Unmanned Systems International (AUSI)
American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS)

We also have Drone Flight Safety Officer, Drone Compliance Manager, and Drone Mission Planner jobs reports.

Common Important Terms

Autopilot. A system that controls the flight of a drone automatically, without the need for manual input from the operator.
UAV. Unmanned Aerial Vehicle, a drone or other type of aircraft that can be operated without a human pilot on board.
GPS. Global Positioning System, a satellite-based navigation system used to determine the exact position of a drone or other aircraft.
Flight Controller. The device that contains the algorithm and instructions for controlling the movement of a drone.
Telemetry. The data that is sent from a drone to the operator, allowing them to monitor and control the flight.
Flight Planning. The process of planning a flight route and other aspects of a mission, such as speed and altitude.
Waypoint Navigation. The process of navigating to pre-programmed locations during a mission, using GPS coordinates or other means.
Pre-Flight Checklist. A list of tasks to be completed before a mission begins, such as charging batteries and verifying settings.
Airspace Regulations. Rules governing the safe operation of drones in certain areas, such as restricted airspace near airports.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a Drone Flight Engineer?

A Drone Flight Engineer is a specialist who is responsible for the safe operation of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) for a variety of applications, including commercial, industrial, and military purposes.

What skills are needed for a Drone Flight Engineer?

Drone Flight Engineers must have strong technical knowledge and engineering skills, including experience in aircraft mechanics, engineering principles, flight operations, sensor systems, computer programming, and radio communication systems.

What is the job outlook for Drone Flight Engineers?

The job outlook for Drone Flight Engineers is expected to be very positive over the next decade, with the industry projected to grow at a rate of 17% yearly through 2029.

What is the average salary for a Drone Flight Engineer?

The average salary for a Drone Flight Engineer is around $80,000 per year.

What certifications are required to become a Drone Flight Engineer?

In order to become a Drone Flight Engineer, one must have a valid Part 107 Remote Pilot Certificate from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and an FAA UAV Maintenance Certification.

Web Resources

Professional Drone Pilot: Foundations of Flight - University of ... www.pcs.udel.edu
UC aerospace engineer says AI key to drone safety - uc.edu www.uc.edu
What is Aerospace Engineering? Introduction to Flight Ve eaglepubs.erau.edu