Currently there are different jobs for drone pilots; however, this task involves much more than just learning to drive a drone as model aircraft hobbyists do.
Drones that are used in different industries, for example, in construction, infrastructure and mining, are expensive professional equipment that allow capturing field footage, photographs, among other relevant data that can even allow the generation of digital twins of the projects.
In this post we want to talk more about being a trained drone pilot.
Do you need a permit to fly drones professionally?
Not just anyone can fly a drone because they simply acquired one. You need to have a series of requirements to own and maneuver this technology. For example, you have to register the drone, obtain a pilot accreditation and apply for an overflight permit. The latter is requested to the corresponding ministry in the country where the drone is going to fly.
As for the pilot’s accreditation, this is only granted to pilots over 18 years of age who have passed the aeronautical knowledge test. And, regarding the overflight permit, this can take up to 60 days to yield results, depending on the country where the permit is requested.
Obtaining a permit as a drone pilot allows you to use your drone without the risk of being detained by the authorities or having the device confiscated. In addition, to acquire the permit, you must also have liability insurance against third parties, in case piloting the aircraft may cause any damage.
Likewise, being a drone pilot for topography, also provides benefits such as:
- Improve your employability; since drones in this sector are increasingly used, so the profile of the pilot is in high demand.
- You will help increase the productivity of projects; as well as improve efficiency, reduce operating costs, and work times.
- Metrics show that the drone pilot position has increased its demand in recent years; furthermore, they predict that it will continue to increase in the short, medium and long term.
- It is possible to work in different sectors: topography and photogrammetry; cartography, agriculture, maintenance, environmental inspections, audiovisual production; among others.
- It is due to the advantages that unmanned flights bring to the industry; among them:
- Estimation errors are reduced.
- Measurements are taken in less time.
- Reduced costs of more advanced methods.
- Increased productivity.
- Reduced need for workers to be exposed to hostile work spaces.
In the case of the topography industry, being a drone pilot will allow you to perform topographic surveys, calculate volumes and earth movements, create digital cartography, generate high-resolution maps, etc.
If you have already obtained the necessary permits to become a drone pilot, we invite you to learn about the devices that Mettatec offers to enhance your services.
