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

Mar 26, 2023 / 5 Minutes Read / By Albert

How to Become

Professional Organizations

FAQ

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The increasing availability of drones has led to a rise in the number of individuals who are interested in becoming drone flight instructors. This surge in demand has caused an increase in the number of educational programs and certifications that are available to obtain a drone flight instructor qualification. As a result, more people are receiving the necessary training to become certified, and this has allowed for more people to become certified drone instructors and teach others how to fly drones safely and effectively. This has had a positive effect on the industry, as it has allowed for more people to become involved in the drone industry and has opened up new opportunities for individuals to pursue a career in teaching and operating drones.

Steps How to Become

Obtain a Commercial UAV Pilot License. The first step to becoming a drone flight instructor is to obtain a commercial UAV pilot license. This can be done through the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA).
Acquire the Necessary Experience. To qualify for a commercial UAV pilot license, applicants must have logged at least 50 hours of flight time. This requirement can be met through a combination of flying experience and simulator training.
Consider Becoming an FAA-Certified Flight Instructor. To become an FAA-certified flight instructor, applicants must pass an aeronautical knowledge test and complete an FAA-approved training program.
Obtain Drone Flight Instructor Certification. After obtaining the necessary experience and certification, the next step is to obtain Drone Flight Instructor Certification from an accredited training organization. This certification is required in order to teach drone flight courses.
Develop Course Materials and Curriculum. Once certified, instructors should develop course materials and curriculum for their classes. This should include topics such as drone safety, regulations, and operations.
Market Your Services. Finally, instructors should market their services to potential students. This can be done through local advertisements, online postings, or even attending drone events.

Properly training a drone flight instructor is essential to ensure reliable and qualified instruction. To become a qualified drone flight instructor, the individual must have a thorough understanding of drone operation, safety protocols, and the applicable rules and regulations. they must have experience in the field, such as working with drones in operational or research settings.

Furthermore, a reliable drone flight instructor should be certified by a recognized organization and have the necessary credentials to prove their expertise. By taking these steps to properly train a qualified drone flight instructor, organizations can ensure that their instruction is reliable and meets all applicable standards.

You may want to check Drone Manufacture Representative, Drone Repair Technician, and Drone Mapping Technician for alternative.

Job Description

Develop and deliver instructional materials related to drone operation and safety
Educate students on drone operation and maintenance
Monitor student progress and provide feedback
Assess student performance and provide guidance
Develop, modify and maintain curriculum
Maintain flight area safety protocols
Monitor and maintain student drone equipment
Research and stay up-to-date on new drone technologies
Assist students in becoming FAA certified
Communicate with students and parents regarding progress

Skills and Competencies to Have

Knowledge and understanding of aviation regulations, specifically those related to unmanned aircraft
Knowledge and understanding of aviation safety and risk management
Knowledge and understanding of basic aerodynamics and aircraft systems
Ability to interpret and utilize aerial navigation charts
Knowledge of flight operations, including preparation, planning, and execution
Proficiency in pre-flight inspection, aircraft setup, and system checks
Ability to teach safe and effective drone flight maneuvers
Ability to conduct flight training sessions and assessments
Ability to provide feedback on student performance
Knowledge of emergency procedures and response strategies
Knowledge of airspace classifications and other air traffic control regulations
Knowledge of drone technology and its applications

Good drone flight instructors must have a variety of essential skills in order to ensure the safety of their students and the surrounding environment. The most important skill for a drone flight instructor is a deep knowledge of aviation standards, regulations, and safety protocols. They must also have excellent communication skills, as they will be responsible for conveying complex technical information to their students.

instructors must be patient and have the ability to troubleshoot technical issues that may arise during the course of instruction. Finally, drone flight instructors must understand the capabilities of the drone they are teaching with and be able to provide students with practical tips to improve their flight performance. All of these skills are necessary in order to create a safe and successful learning environment that will help students reach their full potential.

Drone Project Manager, Drone Flight Test Engineer, and Drone Pilot Engineer are related jobs you may like.

Frequent Interview Questions

How long have you been a Drone Flight Instructor?
What qualifications do you have that make you an ideal candidate for this position?
What experience do you have teaching people to fly drones?
Describe your approach to teaching drone flight.
How do you ensure your students understand the safety procedures associated with operating a drone?
What strategies do you use to make sure students are successful in their flight training?
Are there any specific areas of drone flight that you focus on most when teaching?
How do you handle challenging student questions or concerns?
What do you think makes you stand out as a Drone Flight Instructor?
What measures do you take to ensure that your students are up to date on the latest drone regulations and technologies?

Common Tools in Industry

Flight Simulator Software. A computer program used to simulate the experience of flying an aircraft. (eg: X-Plane 11)
Radio Control Transmitter. A handheld device used to control a model aircraft or drone. (eg: Spektrum DX9)
Drone Flight Manuals. A guidebook containing instructions on how to safely operate a particular drone model. (eg: DJI Phantom 4 Pro User Manual)
Flight Logs. A record of a drone's flight activity, including duration, altitude, and speed. (eg: Logbook Pro)
Drone Laws and Regulations Reference Guide. A resource providing information on local, state, and federal laws pertaining to drone operations. (eg: FAA Small UAS Rule)
Flight Checklists. A list of steps to be taken before, during, and after a drone flight to ensure safe operation. (eg: Pre-Flight Checklist)
Drone Maintenance Tools. Equipment used to repair and maintain drones and drone components. (eg: Soldering Iron)
Drone Mapping Software. Software used to generate maps and analyze aerial data. (eg: Pix4D)

Professional Organizations to Know

Association for Unmanned Vehicle Systems International (AUVSI)
Academy of Model Aeronautics (AMA)
European Association for Unmanned Systems (EAUS)
Small Unmanned Aerial Vehicle Professional Association (SUAVPA)
Unmanned Aircraft Systems International (UASI)
Unmanned Safety Institute (USI)
Commercial Drone Alliance (CDA)
International Society of Automation (ISA)
Airborne International Remote Sensing Association (AIRSA)
Association for Autonomous Vehicles International (AAVI)

We also have Drone Operator, Drone Technician, and Drone Engineer jobs reports.

Common Important Terms

UAV (Unmanned Aerial Vehicle). A remotely piloted or self-guided aircraft with no human operator onboard.
RPAS (Remotely Piloted Aircraft Systems). A system consisting of a remotely piloted aircraft, its associated remote control station, the required command and control links and any other components as necessary for the pilot in command to operate safely and efficiently.
Autopilot. A system of programmed commands used to control an aircraft, spacecraft, or other vehicle without constant manual control.
Navigation System. A system used to determine the position, course, and speed of an aircraft or other vehicle.
Airspace. The space above a country or region's territory, including the airspace over international waters and other countries, which is subject to that nation's laws and regulations.
Air Traffic Control. A system used to monitor and manage the movement of aircraft in order to avoid collisions and ensure a safe flight environment for all aircraft.
Flight Plan. A plan detailing the route and altitude to be flown by an aircraft, along with any other necessary information such as weather conditions and fuel requirements.
Radio Flying. The practice of controlling an aircraft using radio signals from the ground.
Pilot Logbook. A record of a pilot's flight experience, including training and certification records, aircraft type flown, hours flown, and other related information.
Emergency Procedures. Procedures that must be followed in order to prevent or minimize injury or damage during an emergency situation.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a Drone Flight Instructor?

A Drone Flight Instructor is a professional who is certified to teach people how to safely and legally operate drones.

What qualifications do Drone Flight Instructors need?

Drone Flight Instructors must typically possess an FAA Part 107 certification and experience in drone flight operations.

How much does a Drone Flight Instructor typically charge?

The cost of hiring a Drone Flight Instructor varies depending on the instructor's experience and the length of the course. Generally, rates range from $50-$200 per hour.

What topics do Drone Flight Instructors cover?

Drone Flight Instructors typically cover topics such as drone laws and regulations, safety protocols, aerial photography and videography, drone maintenance and repair, pre-flight checklists, and best practices for drone operations.

What is the difference between a Drone Pilot and a Drone Flight Instructor?

A Drone Pilot is a professional who operates drones for various purposes, such as aerial photography or videography, whereas a Drone Flight Instructor is a professional who is certified to teach people how to safely and legally operate drones.