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

Mar 10, 2021 / 5 Minutes Read / By Albert

How to Become

Professional Organizations

FAQ

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Drone pilot instructors can have a positive impact on the commercial drone industry. By providing comprehensive instruction and guidance, they can help ensure that drone operators are equipped with the necessary knowledge and skills to safely and effectively use their drones. This can lead to improved efficiency in drone operations, reduce the number of accidents, and enable organizations to make more informed decisions about their drone operations.

It can also help businesses save time and money by reducing the time spent on unnecessary repairs or replacements due to accidents or operator errors. this can lead to greater overall industry growth, as companies become more confident in their drone operations and invest in larger fleets and more advanced technologies.

Steps How to Become

Obtain a Part 107 Remote Pilot Certificate. Before you can become a drone pilot instructor, you must first obtain a Part 107 Remote Pilot Certificate from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). This certification requires knowledge of aviation regulations, airspace rules, aircraft operations, emergency procedures, and more.
Become Familiar with Drone Technology. As an instructor, you must be well-versed in the technology and software used to operate drones. You should also understand the different types of drones, their components, and the best practices for safe and effective operations.
Complete a Drone Instructor Certification Program. To become a certified drone pilot instructor, you must complete an FAA-approved instructor certification program. These programs typically involve classroom instruction, online learning, and practical flight experience.
Develop a Syllabus and Curriculum. Once you have completed the instructor certification program, you should create a syllabus and curriculum that outlines the topics that you will cover in your classes. This should include a discussion on drone technology, safety protocols, laws and regulations, and flight operations.
Find Teaching Opportunities. Once you are certified as a drone pilot instructor, you can start looking for teaching opportunities. You may be able to find work with a local school or university, or you may want to offer private lessons or workshops. You can also seek out positions with drone companies or organizations that offer pilot training courses.

In order to stay qualified and up-to-date, a drone pilot instructor must continually educate themselves on the latest drone technology, best practices, and safety regulations. To do this, instructors should read industry publications and attend educational courses, seminars and workshops offered by drone organizations and manufacturers. They should also take regular refresher courses to stay informed of any changes in the regulations and guidelines that govern the operation of drones. By staying informed, instructors can ensure that they are providing their students with the most up-to-date information and teaching them in accordance with the latest industry standards.

You may want to check Drone Technician Instructor, Drone Flight Safety Officer, and Drone Data Analyst for alternative.

Job Description

Design and develop training programs for drone pilots.
Instruct students on the use of drones and associated equipment.
Monitor student progress and provide feedback.
Ensure student compliance with safety regulations.
Administer tests to evaluate student knowledge.
Prepare and submit reports on student performance.
Maintain detailed records of student progress and attendance.
Develop innovative teaching methods to keep students engaged.
Utilize audio-visual materials to enhance instruction.
Research and stay abreast of advancements in the drone industry.

Skills and Competencies to Have

Comprehensive knowledge of the drone technology and drone regulations
Ability to clearly explain drone operations and safety protocols
Ability to assess and evaluate students understanding of drone operations
Ability to plan and execute effective lesson plans
Ability to provide timely feedback to students
Knowledge of the local airspace rules and regulations
Ability to maintain professional working relationships with students
Ability to effectively use digital tools such as flight simulators and software packages
Understanding of aircraft performance, navigation, and mission planning
Knowledge of advanced flying techniques such as precision flying, search patterns, and obstacle avoidance

The most important skill for a drone pilot instructor is the ability to provide clear and effective instruction. Good instruction helps ensure the safety of the drone and its operator, as well as promotes better understanding of the crafts capabilities. An instructor must be able to explain the nuances of drone operation, including the basics of flight, navigation, and controls.

They must also be able to identify potential risks and hazards associated with drone use, such as airspace regulations and weather conditions. they should be able to communicate effectively with their students in order to effectively guide them through the learning process. Effective instruction helps students become confident and capable pilots, and can help prevent potential accidents.

Drone Communications Specialist, Drone Network Administrator, and Drone Flight Analyst are related jobs you may like.

Frequent Interview Questions

What qualifications do you have that make you a qualified drone pilot instructor?
How much experience do you have teaching drone piloting?
What techniques do you use to ensure that students learn the material effectively?
What strategies do you have for introducing complex concepts in a way that is easy to understand?
How would you handle a challenging student?
What safety protocols do you follow when instructing students on drone piloting?
What techniques do you use to help students retain the material?
What experience do you have with the latest drone models and technologies?
How would you handle a student who is struggling with a certain skill?
In what ways do you keep up with the drone industry and its changing regulations?

Common Tools in Industry

Drone Simulator. A computer-based program used to simulate the experience of flying a drone. (eg: DRL Simulator)
Flight Planning Software. Software used to plan the flight path, speed, altitude and other factors for a drone flight. (eg: Pix4D Mapper)
Drone Controller. A device used to control the movement of a drone in flight. (eg: DJI Remote Controller)
Ground Station Software. Software used to start, monitor, and end a drone flight. (eg: Mission Planner)
Safety Checklist. A checklist used to ensure the safety of a drone flight. (eg: FAA Pre-Flight Checklist)
Drone Maintenance and Repair Kits. Kits filled with tools and supplies used to maintain and repair drones. (eg: DJI Service Kit)
Drone Regulations and Policies. Regulations and policies set by governing bodies to ensure safe and legal drone operations. (eg: FAA Part 107)
Instructional Materials. Printed or digital materials designed to teach students how to fly a drone safely and effectively. (eg: Drone Pilot Training Manuals)

Professional Organizations to Know

Association for Unmanned Vehicle Systems International (AUVSI)
Commercial Drone Alliance (CDA)
International Association of Unmanned Vehicle Systems Educators (IAUSE)
Drone User Group Network (DUGN)
Academy of Model Aeronautics (AMA)
Small UAV Coalition
Professional Society of Drone Journalists (PSDJ)
Airborne International Remotely Operated Vehicle Association (AIRO)
National Unmanned Aerial Systems Education and Training Center (NUASETC)
International Drone Racing Association (IDRA)

We also have Drone Repair Technician, Drone Content Creator, and Drone Flight Instructor jobs reports.

Common Important Terms

Remote Pilot Certificate. A Remote Pilot Certificate is a license issued by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) that authorizes an individual to operate a drone or other small unmanned aircraft system.
Line of Sight. This term refers to the distance an unmanned aircraft system (UAS) can be operated without the operator losing visual contact with the aircraft.
Pre-Flight Checklist. A checklist of items to be completed before flying a drone, such as checking the weather conditions, ensuring all batteries are charged, and configuring the drone for the flight.
Airspace. The atmosphere above a certain altitude and location, which includes airspace classifications such as controlled, uncontrolled and restricted.
Flight Plan. A document that outlines the flight plans of a drone pilot, including the route, altitude, speed, and duration of the flight.
Radio Frequency. The frequency of a radio wave used for communication between the aircraft and the pilot station.
GPS. Global Positioning System, a satellite navigation system used to track the location of an object in three-dimensional space.
Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS). A system consisting of an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV), its associated control system, and necessary support equipment.

Frequently Asked Questions

What qualifications do Drone Pilot Instructors need?

Drone Pilot Instructors must possess an FAA Remote Pilot Certificate, as well as knowledge of the regulations and best practices for operating drones.