What’s Involved In A Drone Pilot Training Course?

When marvelling at almost impossible shots in videos, we usually learn they are the work of drone pilots. Drones are faster, more agile and more multifunctional than traditional cameras and can capture a far greater range of footage, either for personal or commercial use. They are typical of unmanned aircraft in that they are made of light composite materials to reduce weight and increase manoeuvrability. The composite material allows drones such as those the military uses to fly at extremely high altitudes. They are fitted with state-of-the-art camera technology and usually monitored from a handheld device referred to as a ground cockpit. The latest drones have dual Global Navigational Satellite Systems such as GPS and GLONASS. This gives them highly accurate navigation, especially important when using them for surveying, 3D cartography and Search and Rescue missions. To avoid air collisions, drones are equipped with obstacle detection scanners that convert the surroundings into 3D maps that the drone can navigate. The drones do this by using infrared, ultrasonic and other techniques to ‘see’ the route it is travelling. Gyro stabilization technology allows the drone to hover and travel very smoothly. It works by calculating the current rate of acceleration and detecting changes in rotational attributes like pitch, roll using on or more gyroscopes. It is an essential part of the drone’s flight controller. The propulsion systems give the drone the power to take off and hover. The motors and propellers work in tandem with two motors/propellers rotating clockwise and two rotating anti-clockwise. The data from the flight controller tell them whether to fly or hover. Equipped with incredible technology, drones are a revolutionary machine for aerial filming and photography as well as helping the emergency services and military.

As they are becoming more popular, people are starting to see them as a career or way of enhancing their current business. In order to do this, they need a drone pilot license and to have completed certified drone training. The type of drone course you should choose to invest in depends on the way you plan to use the drone.

The individual use of small drones does not require a drone license. You can also fly a drone below 160m without a license if you make sure that the area allows it and do not use the footage commercially. However, for potential videographers and small businesses, any drone flight requires legal documentation. Completing a drone course gives you the skills and knowledge to apply for a Permission for Commercial Operations from the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA). Drone training for individuals includes teaching prospective pilots about the weather and how it affects flight conditions and about air law and legislation. Map exercises and navigation training is also generally included as well as basic engineering and aircraft knowledge about different drone types and makes. To achieve your drone pilot license, practical flying hours are also needed in order to learn how to handle the drone and gain experience flying it. Following the completing of these types of courses, you can start selling drone footage and taking part in commercial flights.

For large companies, it is recommended that you get more complex drone training. Courses can offer training on how to manage multi-million-pound projects and large teams of drone pilots. Obviously, anyone moving into this kind of position will have already had their drone pilot license and can start instructing other pilots and working with them. This kind of drone course teaches how to manage the deployment of commercial drone pilots, flight log records and the audit and maintenance of on-site equipment.

Whatever type of training you are considering, it is important to know what you plan to do with your drone as that will determine the course best suited to you or your company.