Drones are currently the most popular aircraft in the market and it is of utmost use for many sectors. The government of India’s Drone rules 2021 gave a second wind to the drone industry which replaced the Unmanned Aircraft Systems rules. The Drones have proved to be of great use in – Agriculture, Medical, Defence, Delivery, geospatial mapping etc.
It has been said that “India to be drone hub by 2030” – This statement might turn out to be true if the system remains prevalent. During the Covid-19 pandemic, India saw the best use of drones starting from vaccine delivery, Medicine delivery, Food delivery etc.
To fly a drone India needs Trained drone pilots, So let us see how you can become a drone pilot in India.
Categories of Drone
- Nano: With Weight less than 250 gm
- Micro: With weight more than 250 gm to 2 Kg
- Small: with weight more than 2 kg to 25 Kg
- Medium: With weight more than 25 Kg to 150 Kg
- Large: With weight more than 150 Kg
Nano drones (less than 250 gm) are exempted from obtaining UIN(Unique Identification Number) and UAOP(Unmanned Aircraft operators permit). You need to ensure that you do not fly it beyond 50 ft (15m). “Also, ensure you are not flying in controlled airspace and no other manned or unmanned aircraft is flying nearby.
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. There is a myth that you need your own drone in order to get a drone pilot license, but trust me it is provided by the training institute itself.
Pilot License
No pilot licence is required for operating Nano drones and micro drones for non-commercial use. But to operate any other type of drone or any of the above-mentioned categories for commercial purposes you need to get a licence and training from an institute authorised by the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA). According to the notified rules, all drone training and examinations will be carried out by an authorised drone school. DGCA shall prescribe training requirements.
A student licence: remains valid for a maximum period of 5 years, and can be renewed for an additional period of 2 years.
Remote Pilot Licence: These are issued by the DGCA, subject to the submission of a certificate of training and a skill test report from an authorised training organization. A remote pilot licence is valid for 10 years and can be renewed for another 10 years with each renewal application.
What is the cost of drone pilot training in India?
The five to seven days drone pilot training course at any of the DGCA authorised 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 use of drones is increasing day by day with Zomato and Swiggy testing drone delivery of foods, Groceries and medicines. Therefore pursuing a career as a drone pilot can lift you high. The defence sector is also using drones for security and surveillance and thereby promising a good future for aspiring drone operators. click here or DGCA approved Drone training institute. To know more about Aviation and drone-related jobs follow Aeronefs.
