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

Jun 18, 2020 / 6 Minutes Read / By Albert

How to Become

Professional Organizations

FAQ

Links

The rapid advances in technology have resulted in a dramatic increase in the popularity of drone UAV piloting. As the technology has become more accessible and affordable, more people are taking up the hobby and using it to create stunning aerial photography and videos. The cause of this trend is largely attributed to the increasing availability of consumer-grade drones, the prevalence of advanced camera systems, and the improved control systems that allow for greater precision.

The effect of this trend is that UAV piloting has become a popular activity for hobbyists, filmmakers, and photographers alike, allowing them to capture aerial footage that would otherwise be impossible to obtain. With this newfound ability to take stunning aerial footage, we can expect to see a further rise in the popularity of UAV piloting in the coming years.

Steps How to Become

Research the requirements for becoming a licensed UAV Pilot. Regulations vary by country, so make sure you understand the rules and regulations in your area.
Familiarize yourself with the basics of drone operation and technology. You should have a basic understanding of how to operate a drone, as well as knowledge of the different types of drones and their capabilities.
Take a ground school course or online course to prepare for the UAV Pilot Exam. This will help you understand the basics of UAV operation and safety.
Purchase a UAV Pilot Kit that includes an aircraft and all necessary components, such as batteries, chargers, and cameras.
Obtain a UAV Pilot Certificate from the Civil Aviation Authority in your country. This will allow you to legally operate UAVs for commercial purposes.
Practice flying under the supervision of an experienced UAV pilot. This will help you become familiar with the nuances of UAV operation and safety.
Obtain insurance for your aircraft and operations. This is an important step to protect yourself and your business from any potential liabilities.
Find clients who need aerial photography or videography services. You can advertise your services online or in local newspapers and magazines.
Maintain your aircraft and abide by all regulations at all times. This will ensure that you remain in good standing with the Civil Aviation Authority in your country.

In order to stay up-to-date and competent as a UAV pilot, it is important to keep up with the latest advancements in the field. This includes staying informed on new technology, regulations, and safety procedures. Furthermore, it is important to stay current on the developments and changes in the industry by reading and attending drone related conferences.

it is important to keep up with new skills and techniques by taking courses or getting certifications in the field. Finally, it is important to be supervised and trained by experienced professionals who can provide guidance and advice when needed. All of these steps are essential for maintaining proficiency as a UAV pilot.

You may want to check Drone Manufacture Representative, Drone Flight Test Engineer, and Drone System Administrator for alternative.

Job Description

UAV Pilot: Operate unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) to collect data and perform missions according to established protocols.
UAV Flight Supervisor: Supervise and coordinate the flight operations of unmanned aircraft systems (UAS).
UAV Maintenance Technician: Perform maintenance, troubleshooting, and repairs on unmanned aircraft systems (UAS).
UAV Payload Operator: Configure and operate payloads on board unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) according to mission specifications.
UAV Mission Planner: Develop mission plans for unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) according to customer requirements.
UAV Data Analyst: Analyze data collected from unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) and produce reports.
UAV Systems Engineer: Design, develop, and integrate new and existing components of unmanned aircraft systems (UAS).
UAV Regulatory Compliance Analyst: Ensure compliance with applicable laws, regulations, and safety standards for unmanned aircraft systems (UAS).

Skills and Competencies to Have

Understanding and compliance with FAA regulations and state laws related to UAV operations.
Knowledge of air space classifications and flight restrictions.
Technical knowledge of UAV hardware, software, and components.
Ability to read and interpret technical documents and diagrams.
Ability to troubleshoot hardware and software issues.
Proficiency in operating remote controllers and ground station systems.
Knowledge of flight safety protocols and emergency procedures.
Familiarity with flight planning tools and navigation equipment.
Ability to accurately analyze flight data to identify areas for improvement.
Familiarity with radio communication practices and procedures.
Expertise in flying drones in a variety of environments and conditions.
Understanding of aircraft maintenance and repair requirements.
Ability to recognize and respond to environmental hazards during flight.
Excellent interpersonal and communication skills.
Ability to work independently or collaboratively as part of a team.

Being a successful UAV (Unmanned Aerial Vehicle) pilot requires a multitude of skills that must be cultivated in order to be successful. Foremost among these skills is being able to think critically and react quickly in ever-changing situations. Pilots must be able to interpret data and make decisions quickly, while paying close attention to the details of their environment.

it is important to possess strong communication skills, as well as the ability to effectively interact with other support personnel. A good pilot must also have a firm understanding of the laws and regulations related to UAVs, as well as the aircraft itself. Finally, proficiency in mathematics is essential for calculating flight paths, distances and other related factors.

All of these skills are essential for the successful operation of a UAV, and will ultimately lead to a successful piloting experience.

Drone Software Developer, Drone Navigation Engineer, and Drone Operator are related jobs you may like.

Frequent Interview Questions

What experience do you have with UAV/Drone operations?
How familiar are you with FAA regulations related to UAV/Drone operations?
Describe a situation where you had to manage a difficult or challenging flight?
How do you stay up to date on new regulations and technologies related to UAV/Drone operations?
What safety protocols do you follow prior to and during each flight?
How do you troubleshoot technical issues that arise during a flight?
What steps do you take to ensure accurate data collection and analysis?
What strategies do you use to maximize efficiency during a flight?
How do you maintain communication with the ground crew during a flight?
How do you handle unexpected events or circumstances during a flight?

Common Tools in Industry

Pre-Flight Checklist. A checklist used to ensure the safety and proper functionality of the UAV prior to flight (e. g. checking weather conditions, inspecting the drone, and calibrating the compass).
Ground Control Station (GCS). A computerized system used to control and monitor UAVs during flight (e. g. setting flight paths, measuring altitude, and receiving live video streams).
Autopilot Software. Software used to autonomously control a UAVs flight path (e. g. following a predetermined route or avoiding obstacles).
Flight Planning Software. Software used for creating detailed flight plans (e. g. mapping out the best path for a mission or calculating fuel usage).
Radio Control (RC) Transmitter. Handheld controller used to manually operate a UAV from the ground (e. g. controlling direction, speed, and altitude).
GPS Receiver. Device used to track the location of a UAV in real-time (e. g. to ensure accurate navigation).
LiDAR/Photogrammetry Software. Software used to create 3D models of an area using UAV-captured data (e. g. aerial imaging or laser scans).

Professional Organizations to Know

Association for Unmanned Vehicle Systems International (AUVSI)
Academy of Model Aeronautics (AMA)
Small UAV Coalition
Unmanned Safety Institute (USI)
Commercial Drone Alliance
International Association of Certified UAV Operators (IACUO)
Small Unmanned Aerial Vehicle Coalition (SUAVC)
Drone User Group Network (DUGN)
International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO)
Federal Aviation Administration (FAA)

We also have Drone UAV Technician, Drone Flight Safety Officer, and Drone Flight Software Engineer jobs reports.

Common Important Terms

Remote Pilot Certificate. A certificate issued by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) that allows an individual to operate a drone/UAV for commercial purposes.
UAV Operator. An individual who is responsible for the operation of a drone/UAV and is trained and certified to do so.
Flight Path. The route a drone/UAV will take while in flight.
Pre-Flight Checklist. A checklist that is completed before the flight of a drone/UAV to ensure that all necessary safety and operational measures are in place.
FAA Regulations. Rules and regulations set by the Federal Aviation Administration that must be followed when operating a drone/UAV.
Risk Management. The process of identifying, assessing, and mitigating risks associated with flying a drone/UAV.
Visual Line of Sight (VLOS). A method of operating a drone/UAV in which the pilot maintains visual contact with the aircraft at all times.
Part 107. The FAA regulation that governs the operation of drones/UAVs for commercial use in the United States.
Propulsion System. The system responsible for providing thrust to a drone/UAV in order to keep it in flight.
Radio Control (RC). A method of controlling a drone/UAV using radio signals.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the minimum age requirement to become a UAV Pilot?

The minimum age requirement to become a UAV Pilot is 16 years old.

What are the requirements for obtaining a Remote Pilot Certificate?

To obtain a Remote Pilot Certificate, applicants must pass an initial aeronautical knowledge test and a recurrent knowledge test every 24 months. Additionally, applicants must be vetted by the Transportation Security Administration.

What types of UAVs are available to pilots?

UAVs come in a variety of shapes and sizes and can range from consumer-level drones to multi-rotor aircraft to fixed-wing aircraft.

What is the maximum altitude an unmanned aircraft can fly?

The maximum altitude an unmanned aircraft can fly is 400 feet above ground level.

What legal regulations apply to operating a UAV?

UAV operators must comply with all relevant aviation laws, regulations, and guidelines, such as the Federal Aviation Regulations (FARs) and the Special Federal Aviation Regulation (SFAR) for Small Unmanned Aircraft Systems. Additionally, UAVs must not be flown in restricted airspace or over people without permission from the FAA.

Web Resources

UAV / Drone Pilot + Builder - Undergraduate Research academicsuccess.ucf.edu
Demand for Drone Pilots Soars: UAV Jobs That Pay Over $100K www.vaughn.edu
Drone Pilot Certification Guide: Inside the FAAs Part 107 ... - NEIT www.neit.edu