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Aerospace

Drone Pilot/ Technician

A drone pilot and technician is responsible for operating and maintaining unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), using their skills to capture aerial footage, collect data for various industries, and even assist in search and rescue missions. Some technicians build or manufacture drones.

Annual openings

n/a

Median wage

n/a

Typical education

None required.

Projected growth

n/a

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Career requirements

What does this career require?

Explore education, required qualifications, voluntary credentials and employer preferences for this role. Check the details to see which apply.

Typical education

None required.

Credential requirement

Credential requirements not reported

Credential detail

Becoming a FAA-Certified Drone Pilot, known as a Part 107 certification, and registering your drone is an important first step, with more advanced certifications, such as a UAS Design and Fabrication Certificate and UAS Professional Operator Certificate valued for some jobs.

Work experience

No previous work experience is required.

Work-based learning

Many high schools have programs that teach you to fly and maintain your own drone, potentially participating in competitions. It is a fun way to learn more about aeronautics and explore potential careers. Also, if you are in the Denver Metro area and want to understand how to get Your Future in Aerospace Off the Ground, check out Wings Over the Rockies programs.

Drones are used in many different industries: In construction to survey building sites and take pictures of properties for sale, in agriculture to gather data on crops to increase yields, to deliver goods, for aerial photography or filmmaking, to inspect the creation or operation of products in many industries, in the military, and to fight fires or search for missing persons.
Many drone pilots incorporate the use of drones to enhance their work, such as the ability to complete remote safety inspections or obtain video from different vantage points.
Do you want to understand how to get Your Future in Aerospace Off the Ground, in the Denver area check out Wings Over the Rockies programs.

Is this work a fit?

What the work actually feels like

How people in this career tend to spend their time, the interests it draws on, and a look at a typical day.

Work style

The type of work can vary by job and employer.

  • With childrenNo
  • On a computerNo
  • OutdoorsMay vary
  • With your handsYes

Interests it draws on

  • Transportation
  • Aviation

Automation exposure

Low exposure

Tasks here lean on judgement and people skills that are hard to automate.

A typical day

  1. Check aircraft prior to flights to ensure that the engines, controls, instruments, and other systems are functioning properly.
  2. Co-pilot aircraft or perform captain's duties, as required.
  3. Consider airport altitudes, outside temperatures, plane weights, and wind speeds and directions to calculate the speed needed to become airborne.
  4. Use instrumentation to pilot aircraft when visibility is poor.
  5. Monitor engine operation, fuel consumption, and functioning of aircraft systems during flights.
  6. Order changes in fuel supplies, loads, routes, or schedules to ensure safety of flights.
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