Drone Operator Training

Careers

With the growing demand for unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), or drones, across multiple industries, transitioning into a career as a commercial drone operator offers an exciting and rewarding opportunity for those leaving the British Armed Forces. Whether it's aerial photography, surveying, or even parcel delivery, your military experience provides the perfect foundation for this rapidly expanding field. In this guide, we’ll walk you through what’s involved in becoming a commercial drone operator, including the qualifications needed, relevant transferable skills, and how to leverage your Enhanced Learning Credits (ELC).

What are commercial drones?

Commercial drones are unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) that are used for business or professional purposes. Unlike recreational drones, commercial drones are deployed to perform specific tasks across various industries such as real estate, agriculture, construction, filmmaking, and logistics. These drones are typically equipped with high-resolution cameras, GPS systems, sensors, and other advanced technologies, allowing operators to capture aerial data, inspect infrastructure, monitor crops, and more.

A DRONE BY ANY OTHER NAME …

Commonly referred to as drones, unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) are aircraft that operate without a human pilot onboard. Drones can be controlled remotely by a human operator or operate autonomously, fully or partially, via an onboard computer system. These aerial systems are also known by several other names, including remotely piloted aircraft systems (RPAS), small unmanned aircraft (SUA), and unmanned aircraft systems (UAS).

Drones vary widely in size and function, from small, handheld models used for hobbyist photography to large, sophisticated systems comparable in size to airliners, designed for commercial, military, and logistical purposes. Regardless of their size or function, drones play a key role in industries ranging from agriculture and infrastructure inspection to filmmaking and emergency services.

Drone Regulations: What You Need to Know

Although this article focuses on commercial rather than recreational drone use, it’s essential to understand that it is against the law to fly a drone in the UK without first registering and passing a theory test. There are two primary requirements, and you may need to meet both depending on your usage:

1. Flyer ID: If you intend to fly a drone, you must pass an online theory test to obtain a Flyer ID.
2. Operator ID: If you are responsible for a drone or model aircraft (even if someone else is flying it), you must register for an Operator ID.

You can find out more about how to meet these requirements and register here.

New Regulations (Effective from 31 December 2020) 

As of 31 December 2020, new regulations governing the use of drones came into force across the UK and Europe. These regulations were originally scheduled to take effect on 1 July 2020 but were delayed due to the Covid-19 pandemic. The new regulations introduced several key changes:

• No distinction between commercial and recreational flying: Under the new rules, commercial and recreational drone flying are now subject to the same regulatory framework, simplifying compliance for all operators.
• Three categories of drone operation:
  • Open Category: For low-risk operations, typically using lighter drones in less populated areas. Most hobbyist and general-use drone flights fall under this category.
  • Specific Category: For moderate-risk operations, where more stringent safety measures are required, often involving larger drones or flights near populated areas.
  • Certified Category: For high-risk operations, including those using large drones or operating in highly regulated areas, such as near airports or for cargo deliveries. This category requires the highest level of training and certification.

Which category you fall into, and the level of training required, depends on the type of drone you plan to use and the nature of your operations. The Flyer ID and Operator ID requirements are just the first steps; further certification may be needed depending on your intended use.

To stay up to date with the latest drone regulations and requirements, visit the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) website here.

What Kinds of Jobs Do Commercial Drone Pilots Do? 

Commercial drone pilots are responsible for operating UAVs to complete tasks that range from data collection to package delivery. Some common job types include: 

• Drone Pilot/Operator: Operating drones for inspections, surveillance, surveying, or search-and-rescue missions. This role is common in construction, engineering, and environmental conservation.
• Parcel Delivery: With advancements in logistics, drones are increasingly used for delivering parcels, especially in remote or difficult-to-reach areas. Companies such as Amazon and DHL have begun exploring drone delivery services as a quick and efficient method for transporting goods.
• Aerial Photography and Filming: Drones are frequently used for capturing aerial footage for various purposes, including real estate marketing, film production, wedding photography, and event coverage. They offer unique vantage points and allow for creative shots that were previously difficult or expensive to achieve.

A small selection of other examples from the growing list of drone-related job roles can be seen in the accompanying box, ‘UAVs in use’.

Typical Roles for Drones – Offering Career Opportunities for Their Operators...

Drones are being adopted across a wide range of industries, and each provides unique career opportunities for skilled operators. Some of the key roles include:

Aerial crop surveys
Bird’s eye-view shots for marketing campaigns
Commercial and motion picture film-making
Coordinating humanitarian aid
Crowd monitoring
Delivering medical supplies to otherwise inaccessible regions
Fire detection and monitoring
Inspection of power lines and pipelines
Keeping track of construction developments
Land survey
Landslide measurement
Major accident investigation
Offshore and onshore inspections
Photography to assist planning applications
Property marketing 
Providing graphics for 3D modelling
Search and rescue
Surveillance

Transferable skills

Your military service equips you with a wealth of transferable skills that make you an ideal candidate for a career as a commercial drone operator:

• Technical Proficiency: Many military roles require the use of advanced technology, including UAVs. This experience will help you quickly adapt to commercial drones, which require a deep understanding of technical systems.
• Attention to Detail: As a drone operator, you need to follow regulations, plan precise flight paths, and monitor complex data. The discipline and attention to detail developed during military service are directly applicable to this role.
• Risk Management: Operating drones safely in various conditions requires the ability to assess and mitigate risks, a skill honed in the military.
• Leadership and Decision Making: In some scenarios, you may be responsible for managing drone operations for teams or organizations. The leadership skills gained during your military career will serve you well in managing projects or conducting operations.
  

What qualifications do I need to become a commercial drone operator?

To legally operate a drone for commercial purposes in the UK, you need to be licensed by the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA). The key qualifications include:

• General Visual Line of Sight Certificate (GVC): This is the core qualification for commercial drone operators, allowing you to fly drones within visual line of sight under specific permissions. It includes both theory and practical flight tests.
• Operational Authorization (OA): This CAA-issued permission is required to fly drones for commercial purposes. The GVC is often a prerequisite for obtaining this authorization.
• A2 Certificate of Competency (A2 CofC): For operators of smaller drones (under 2kg), this certification allows you to operate in closer proximity to people. It’s simpler and quicker to obtain than the GVC but is limited in scope.

What about insurance?

Drone insurance is a legal requirement for all commercial operators. You need to have public liability insurance in case your drone causes damage or injury to third parties. This is especially crucial in roles where you may be flying over people or property, such as aerial photography or inspections. Many insurers offer specialized drone insurance policies that cover not only liability but also damage to your equipment and any potential business disruptions. There are a number of providers through which you can access public liability insurance. These include:
• British Model Flying Association
• Coverdrone
• Moonrock

Use your ELC

If you’re leaving the British Armed Forces, you can use your Enhanced Learning Credits (ELC) to help fund the qualifications needed to become a commercial drone operator. ELCAS-approved courses, such as the GVC or A2 CofC training, are eligible for funding.

Under the ELC scheme, a wide range of learning can be taken, provided it is offered by an approved provider listed on the ELC website and is at level 3 or above. For full details of how to make the most of your ELC, refer to the in-depth features elsewhere on this website.

1. Research ELCAS-approved Providers: Many training centers offer drone courses approved by ELCAS. These courses will cover both theoretical and practical training required for commercial drone operations.
2. Plan Early: Start researching and applying for courses before your resettlement period begins to ensure a smooth transition into civilian life.
3. Consult Your Learning Advisor: If you’re unsure about the right course or pathway, consult with a learning advisor who can guide you through the best training options for a career in drone operations.

Becoming a commercial drone operator offers an exciting, future-proof career path for those leaving the British Armed Forces. Whether you’re interested in aerial photography, logistics, or infrastructure inspection, the opportunities are diverse and rewarding. By leveraging your transferable skills, obtaining the necessary qualifications, and using your ELC for funding, you can build a successful and dynamic career in this growing industry.

IMPORTANT NOTE!
Always check with the CAA for the latest information.