Several enterprises in India are working right now on drone technology for delivering food, medicines, and vaccinations. Other industries like agriculture, military and media entertainment have already adopted drones for various purposes. This only indicates the growth and requirement of skilled-drone pilots to carry out these operations. However, to become a drone pilot, you have to get your Remote Pilot Certificate from any of the certified training schools authorized by DGCA.
The drone industry is going to peak soon and will provide several opportunities for the youth; however, the government should be proactive to make all the amendments to help the youth procure more jobs in various sectors.
The growing need for commercial drone services has led people and potential drone pilots to attend drone training courses. There has been a considerable global expansion of drone schools and drone pilot training in India for people who want to start a side gig or build a full-time freelance career.
Benefits of drone training courses –
Learn a variety of operational and practical skills.
All grade school students to retirees can get a fixed income or embark on a new career.
Customize your level of training as per your age, skill level, and desired outcome.
Young students may learn coding and advancements in building technical skills and graduate in drone flight skills.
Drone training advances computer technical/programming knowledge and prepares students for drone piloting and other tech careers.
Pilots of crewed aircraft can enhance flight skills, increase their income-earning prospects, and extend their career options.
Flying drones is a lucrative career option for pilots, even at the age of 65 years for aircraft pilots.
Eligibility Criteria to become a drone pilot
The main eligibility to become a drone pilot is that the candidate should be at least 18 years of age and have a 10th pass certificate in English. Candidates will have to clear a medical examination and a background check by the government agency concerned, as per DGCA guidelines.
What is the cost of drone pilot training in India?
The five to seven days drone pilot training course at any of the DGCA authorized training institutes is from Rs 30,000 and less than Rs 1 lakh. The fees include all kits and training materials. The duration of the course is generally short and may be of 1 to 2 weeks and the candidate will be taught about-
Basic Radio Telephony (RT) techniques including knowledge of radio frequencies.
Flight Planning and ATC procedures.
Regulations specific to area of operations.
Basic knowledge of principles of flight and aerodynamics for fixed wing, rotary wing, and hybrid aircraft.
Airspace Structure and Airspace Restrictions with knowledge of No Drone Zones.
Basic Aviation Meteorology.
The institutes and universities which offer drone pilot training as approved by DGCA:
Flytech Aviation Academy, Hyderabad
Alliance University, Anekal, Bengaluru
Fore Institute Of Drone Technology And Research (FIDTR), Gurugram
Indira Gandhi Rashtriya Uran Akademi, Furstatganj Airfield, Amethi
Madhav Institute of Technology and Science, Gwalior
The Bombay Flying Club – Juhu Airport, Mumbai
CASR Anna University – Centre for Aerospace Research MIT Campus, Chennai; and more.
And many more institutes move to offer drone pilot courses.
The training period is low too — at 2-3 months, and the median salary could be as high as ₹30,000. However, the fee ranges anywhere between ₹30,000 and ₹1 lakh.