The benefits and limitations of drone pilot certification

Flying drones has become the new pastime for everyone recently. Not only are drones used by hobbyists, but also by professionals like photographers, surveyors, and even emergency service personnel. However, with more and more drones taking up the skies, safety becomes crucial. This is where drone pilot certification comes in, but what are the benefits and limitations of it?

Benefits of drone pilot certification:

1. Safety first:
Drone pilot certification reduces the risk of accidents caused by amateurs flying drones. With certification, drone pilots become well-versed in aviation laws, regulations and safety guidelines. This will ensure that drones are only operated within designated airspaces, reducing the risk of collision with manned aircraft.

2. Professional drone flying:
Certification also opens doors for career opportunities. Licensed drone pilots can work in various sectors like aerial photography, industrial inspections, and search and rescue. Professional drone flying can also lead to collaborations with movie studios and real estate companies.

3. General Aviation knowledge:
A big advantage of obtaining a drone pilot’s certification is getting to understand aviation knowledge. This includes airspace regulations and weather patterns, which enhances a pilot’s flying abilities and makes them safer operators.

Limitations of drone pilot certification:

1. Time and Effort:
To become certified, drone pilots have to attend a ground school, take a Remote Pilot Knowledge Test that assesses their understanding of aviation laws and principles, and obtain an FAA drone pilot certificate. The whole process requires extensive time, effort and resources.

2. Cost:
The fees to attend the necessary courses, take the exams, and obtain the certificate can be quite expensive. And that’s without even factoring in the cost of the drone and the equipment.

3. Renewals:
Even after obtaining the drone pilot certificate, renewals and recertification are required every two years. This can be a bit of a hindrance to some people, especially if it must be done while working a full-time job.

Conclusion:

Regardless of the limitations, drone pilot certification undoubtedly opens doors to new and exciting opportunities for drone enthusiasts. More importantly, safety is a paramount concern when flying drones, and certification ensures that safety measures are being met.

The drone industry is constantly evolving, so it’s essential to stay informed and keep updated with the trends, certifications, and regulations. For anyone serious about becoming a drone pilot, the sky is the limit. So strap up, get certified, and take flight!