Career as a drone pilot
Published on: Monday, July 10, 2023
Text Size:
Drones can fly autonomously or be remotely controlled, some are built to only ever fly once (long-range mapping or military operations, for instance), some are built for teenagers to play with, and some drones are used for very serious things, like carrying nuclear weapons.
A drone is a flying robot that can be remotely controlled or fly autonomously using software-controlled flight plans in its embedded systems, that work in conjunction with onboard sensors and a global positioning system (GPS).
UAVs were most often associated with the military.
The drone industry continues to show good progress without signs of slowing down.
The growth in the job market for drones has made a career as a Professional Drone Pilot an attractive prospect for many.
These are the most common careers for professional drone pilots if you are interested in leaping into the exciting drone industry:
1. Drone Photographer and Filmmaker
There are many ways for drone photography to be profitable.
You can take photos and sell them online, provide event coverage, offer your services to print advertisers, or take aerial photos for real estate agents. It’s an easy field to get into, mainly because there are already a lot of photographers with professional-level skills.
A filmmaker with remote piloting skills can also use drones to capture aerial videos, which is now a standard element in filmmaking.
If you can capture aerial photos of news-worthy events, there’s also the chance that your footage can attract a news agency or a documentary producer.
Private companies also employ the services of a drone filmmaker to shoot corporate videos, while advertising and event companies look to drone photographers for aerial imagery
2. Search and Rescue Team
Law agencies and emergency responders have taken the initiative to use drones to help them expand their capabilities. A drone is a perfect tool for situations that require search and rescue.
A drone can cover large ground areas, provide a birds-eye view of the search area, and be deployed at a moment’s notice.
3. Drone Instructor
Drone flight instructors are essential to ensure the remote pilots in the industry are well-trained and competent to conduct their intended operations.
As an experienced drone pilot, you can build a career as a drone instructor at a training organisation.
Most training organisations will look for drone pilots with a minimum number of years of experience in drone flight, particularly in commercial operations.
4. Drone 3D Modeller
Any industry that requires heavy construction, such as mining, urban planning, and civil engineering, can benefit from a 3D modeller.
A detailed model can help companies plan and measure the length of roads, identify hazards, etc.
This job requires skillsets in Building Information Modeling (BIM) and relevant software that can help you plan the scope of the survey and make a flight path for your drone.
As 3D Modellers are in demand, with a lack of drone pilots with the right expertise, professional drone pilots who can offer this service can demand a premium rate for such services.
The above career options give you quick insights into building your expertise and experience as a Professional Drone Pilot. The drone industry is a growing industry.
How can I get drone pilot license in Malaysia?
A letter of approval from JUPEM, or Jabatan Ukur dan Pemetaan Malaysia, is required for any drone activity involving aerial mapping, aerial photography, filming, or videography.
Do I need a license to fly a drone in Malaysia?
According to CAAM, under the 2021 Civil Aviation Directive, drone operators must be certified under any Remote Piloted Training Organisation to be granted licence to operate.
The qualified or passer will be granted the licence to operate the drones for their categories.
Are drones allowed in Malaysia?
According to Malaysia’s national aviation authority, the Civil Aviation Authority of Malaysia (CAAM), flying a drone is legal in Malaysia, but you are recommended to be aware of any complaints.
How much do drone operators make in Malaysia?
Average about RM 2,534 per month.
How much is drone pilot school?
The cost of a basic flight skills online training course starts at about US $49. Taking a training course to help you pass the Part 107 test can cost from around US $149 to $350.
Industry specific professional drone training courses start at US $125 and can go upwards of US $1,500.
Where can I study pilot in Malaysia?
You can start your search with the following training centres :-
Drone Academy Asia
Futurise Center,
Persiaran APEC,
Cyber 8, 63000 Cyberjaya,
Selangor, Malaysia.
Email: [email protected]
DJI Academy Selangor
No. 31, 1st Floor,
Resource Centre MRANTI Park ,
Bukit Jalil, 57000
Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
+6018-3556000
Career Tips:
Read more about Drones. Do some research on your own. Contact the above training centres for further information
If you have a question on careers please write to: [email protected].
