Top Tips for Commercial Drone Pilots

January 29 2019 0comment

Top Tips for Commercial Drone Pilots

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Last week we reported on the increase in drone use in the construction industry, and particularly the roofing sector, in the UK, with the revelation that more than half (52%) of construction companies now use drone technology to capture the data necessary to minimise the need to work at height.  We’ve already pointed out what a great business opportunity this could be for drone enthusiasts – after all, what could be more cool than a career as a drone pilot?  Today, as promised, we have some advice on how to get the most out of your drone for all the intrepid high-flyers out there who are hoping to make their mark in a career as a drone pilot.

If you really are serious about launching a commercial drone business aimed at clients in the construction industry and other sectors, then you’ll need a qualification and the skills to back it up.  The best way of qualifying is via Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) training which will quip you with the training and advice necessary to become a drone specialist.  A drone flying course really is essential for success and will put you head and shoulders above amateur competitors.

As a drone pilot, you’ll need to take an active interest in your subject – drones.  The best method of doing this is to keep an eye on drone-based news and media.  Set up a Google News alert with “drones” as a subject and you’ll get daily emails to update you on all the most recent news about drones.

You’ll also need to make sure that you’re fully aware of all legislation governing the use of drones.  Because this is such a new technology that is experiencing rapid improvements and developments, the rules on drone use may change several times over the coming years, so staying up to date is vital. 

The recent problems cause by a drone at Gatwick Airport which resulted in the runway being shut down has led to calls for changes in legislation.  We’ve also just seen a change to drone legislation in the UK which requires mandatory registration for all drones weighing 250 grams or more – owners will now have to pass a safety awareness course to prove that they understand UK regulations on security, privacy and safety.

Once you’ve undergone the necessary drone training and are proficient at flying your drone, the key is to practise, practise, practise.  We really can’t emphasise enough just how important regular practice is in becoming adept at flying a drone.  Flying a drone for commercial purposes means that you’re providing a service to clients so you have to get it right.  You will need fairly advanced flying skills which you need to maintain at all times.

With drones now being used for a range of purposes by an increasing variety of industries, there is great potential for a lucrative career as a drone pilot.  However, as a professional, you’ll need to make sure that your flying skills are sufficient to ensure that you get the drone-based jobs you aspire to.

Here at D-marc, we’ll be keeping a close eye on news about drones and the regulations that govern their use, so that we can update our readers in a timely fashion when there are developments or that need to be considered.  Follow us on Facebook or Twitter to make sure you’re fully up to date with what’s going on in the wonderful world of drone technology.

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