The drone industry has undergone a significant transformation, moving from being perceived as “just hype” to developing solutions using drone technology to solve specific problems in various industries. As the demand and opportunities in the industry continue to grow, a career in the drone field is an exciting and dynamic option to pursue. With the industry expanding exponentially, professionals in the field will have a golden opportunity to continuously learn and be a part of the growth.

Various industries and massive companies have established an in-house drone technology program or are outsourcing it from a drone service provider. This indicates the demand of skilled workforce in the drone technology domain and justifies why DGCA (Directorate General of Aviation) has indicated that India would be in demand of more than 100,000 drone pilots by 2023. Let us see some of the industries where drone technology is proving out to be game-changing by providing exciting solutions of which you can be a part of someday.

1. Agriculture

Drones are being used in the agriculture industry to help farmers analyse weather, soil conditions, and topography. These drones can also perform tasks like spraying and irrigation autonomously. With sensors like RGB and infrared, drones can detect pests and growth of unnecessary weeds. NDVI, or Normalized Difference Vegetation Index, is a simple yet effective way to see the amount of green light reflected by plants and ensure their health and detect diseases at early stage. With these advanced technologies, drones are helping farmers to significantly improve their yields and be well-equipped about critical factors while farming.

2. Survey & Mapping

Creating maps of a land used to be a difficult and time-consuming task, requiring a lot of human resource and money. But now, drones make it much easier. Drones can use cameras and radar to create accurate 2D and 3D maps and models that can measure up to accuracy of centimetre. Another feature, called orthomosaic, allows drones to take thousands of photos and stitch them together to create one large, clear image. This technology is already being used a lot, especially in India where the government under the SWAMITVA scheme, has deployed 500 drone teams to survey more than 2.3 million villages in 2021-22. In the future, drones will continue to be a useful tool for surveying and mapping.

3. Mining

The mining industry is highly labour-intensive and requires a significant amount of capital to ensure the safety of laborers. Engineers in the mining industry are searching for new technologies to reduce costs and increase efficiency, with the utmost importance placed on labour safety. By utilizing the capabilities of drones, on-site operations can be executed with more safety and efficiency. Another major problem faced in mining is in the calculation the amount of earth removed and keeping a record of stocks, which is very inaccurate and time-consuming. By taking pictures from different angles of the stockpile or the amount of earth removed, volumetric measurements can be applied, providing the exact measurements required. Surveying mines will also become more seamless and efficient.

The opportunities to establish a career in the drone industry are endless and constantly newer job roles as the tech develops. Let us have a look at the three most crucial and in demand career opportunities that the drone industry presents.

1. Drone Instructor

Are you ready to be a part of the exciting world of drones? As the demand for drone technology continues to grow, so does the need for skilled professionals to lead the way. Imagine being at the forefront of the drone industry, shaping the future and solving problems with cutting-edge technology. One of the most in-demand roles in the drone industry is that of a drone instructor. As a certified DGCA (India) or FAA (USA) drone instructor, you will have the opportunity to train and educate the next generation of drone pilots and professionals, equipping them with the knowledge and skills they need to succeed. Not only will you be making a meaningful impact on the industry, but you will also be setting yourself up for a rewarding and exciting career.

 2. Drone Manufacturing and Service

As the drone industry continues to soar, the demand for skilled professionals in drone manufacturing and service is also on the rise. The drone market is already worth billions of dollars, and with new advancements and solutions constantly being developed, the industry is only set to grow further. Starting a business in drones can be an exciting and profitable venture, offering opportunities in both manufacturing and servicing. Whether you’re interested in designing and building the hardware or providing your expertise on a contract basis, a career in drone manufacturing and service requires a strong understanding of materials, aerodynamics, and business management. With the right knowledge and skills, you can be at the forefront of this rapidly expanding industry.

3. Drone Pilot

Soaring high in the skies, a drone pilot is responsible for navigating and operating drones safely and efficiently, while adhering to all rules and regulations set forth by the DGCA (Directorate General Civil Aviation). With the demand for drone pilots on the rise, forecasts predict that India will require over 1 lakh drone pilots by 2023.

But what sets a drone pilot apart from the rest? The answer is industry-specific skills. Imagine a drone pilot with expertise in photo and video editing – their value increases tenfold when it comes to industries like agriculture, energy, and transportation. Not only does this give the pilot a sense of security, but it also gives them an upper edge in terms of job opportunities.

However, becoming a drone pilot isn’t just about flying drones – it’s about obtaining a deep understanding of flight and aerodynamics, flight planning, aerospace structures, and basic aviation meteorology. With the right training, it takes around a week to get certified and approved by the DGCA to become a drone pilot.

So, if you’re looking to join the drone industry and want to soar high, becoming a drone pilot may be the perfect career path for you. With the right training and industry-specific skills, you’ll be in high demand and on your way to a successful future in the drone industry.

PDRL is aware of the industry demands and has designed PDRL Certified Drone Professional. This is a course that equips the keen minds in drone technology required knowledge as well as the latest trends. The learner will also be made well versed with AeroGCS which is PDRL’s in house developed mission planner software to monitor & manage flights. Right from the aerodynamics of drones to the regulations involved. By completing this course, you will be a well-trained pilot of which there is a huge demand today as well as in the coming future. Take your first step into drone technology with PDRL and watch yourself transform with the industry.