Drone Operator: Who They Are, What They Do, and How to Become a Drone Pilot / ITech content

In 2020, the Russian Ministry of Labor published a list of the 50 most in-demand professions for which a secondary education is sufficient. One of these professions is unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) operator. In some job postings, this position may also be referred to as pilot or remote pilot, which creates an interesting oxymoron—drone pilot. Given the growing demand for unmanned technology, the UAV operator profession is becoming increasingly relevant and promising for job seekers with a high school education.

Representatives of this profession operate various objects, the most well-known of which are drones. The terms "drone," UAV (unmanned aerial vehicle), and UAV (unmanned aerial vehicle) are also used. All of these definitions mean the same thing: either a fully autonomous flying device that does not require direct human control, or an aircraft controlled by an operator from the ground. In this text, we will take a closer look at the second category, focusing on their capabilities and applications in various fields.

Unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) are classified into three main types:

The first type is tactical UAVs, which are used to perform limited tasks on the battlefield, such as reconnaissance and surveillance. These vehicles are highly maneuverable and capable of operating in time-limited conditions.

The second type is strategic UAVs, designed to perform long-term missions, such as monitoring large areas and collecting information for analysis. They typically have a long range and can stay in the air for extended periods.

The third type is specialized UAVs, which are developed to perform specific tasks, such as agriculture, infrastructure inspection, or cargo delivery. These devices can be adapted to the specifics of their work, which makes them universal tools in various industries.

Each of these types of UAVs has its own unique characteristics and areas of application, which allows them to be effectively used in various fields, including military affairs, civil aviation and industry.

quadcopters - drones with four propellers, capable of rising and falling vertically, like helicopters;
airplane-type UAVs (they are also called "wings"), which, as a rule, need a runway and landing strip (although there are exceptions in the form of UAVs launched like a projectile from a slingshot);
hybrids of the two types, or tiltrotor aircraft.

Who is an unmanned aerial vehicle operator?

A UAV operator is a qualified specialist responsible for the operation and maintenance of unmanned aerial vehicles. UAV operators. Their responsibilities include not only creating a flight plan but also processing and analyzing data obtained from drones. UAV operators play a key role in various fields, such as agriculture, surveying, environmental monitoring, and security. A UAV operator's professional skills ensure the effective use of drone technology to achieve high results in their work.

This is a new profession, the first professional standard for which was established in 2017, and the most current one came into force in March 2023. Despite the fact that the profession is relatively new, drones are already actively used in various fields. For example, they are used in agriculture for crop monitoring, in construction for site inspection, in the film industry for aerial filming, and in logistics for goods delivery. The diversity of drone applications demonstrates their importance and potential in modern industries.

in construction;
in agriculture;
on railways;
in cartography and geodesy;
in geological exploration.

For solving various problems, including:

for photo and video shooting;
cargo delivery;
for communications.

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What does a drone operator do?

A drone operator performs a wide range of tasks that go beyond simply controlling drones during flight. In some situations, the primary job is loading a pre-planned route into the autopilot system and monitoring the flight according to the established plan. This role requires not only technical skills but also attentiveness to ensure the safe and effective execution of tasks.

A qualified pilot must possess a number of important skills and knowledge. First, they must confidently operate an aircraft in a variety of conditions, including difficult meteorological situations. Second, the pilot must have a deep understanding of aerodynamics and avionics. The ability to make quick decisions and act in emergency situations is also important. The pilot must be able to effectively interact with the crew and dispatchers, and comply with all aviation regulations and safety rules. In addition, he must constantly update his knowledge and skills by undergoing regular training and certification.

create a flight mission and flight plan;
prepare the drone for flight;
configure and attach the necessary equipment to the UAV so that its weight does not exceed the permissible payload limits;
monitor the technical parameters of the drone during the flight;
make decisions in emergency situations;
process and analyze the data collected by the drone;
perform maintenance and repair of the UAV;
maintain documentation.

In their professional activities, a drone operator uses a variety of equipment that can be attached to a drone. Depending on the specifics of the work and the tasks facing it, this additional equipment may include cameras, sensors, geolocation devices, and other specialized equipment. This approach significantly expands the drone's functionality, improving the efficiency of various tasks in areas such as agriculture, construction, mapping, and environmental monitoring. Unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) are widely used in various industries, which dictates the diversity of equipment installed on them. The most common are various types of cameras: conventional, multispectral, and hyperspectral, as well as lidars, thermal imagers, and magnetometers. In some cases, specialized devices such as gas analyzers are used, which is especially relevant for environmental research. This allows for effective monitoring and analysis depending on the specifics of the work. When transporting cargo, special fastenings are used to ensure convenient and safe unloading at the right time. In agriculture, for example, it may be necessary to empty fertilizers or pesticides from tanks onto fields. Spraying and misting are also often required, making reliable tie-downs especially important for efficient agricultural work. Using high-quality tie-downs not only facilitates unloading but also improves overall safety on work sites.

Drone operators must have a thorough understanding of the legal aspects associated with drone use. It's important to know how to properly register a drone and comply with all regulations to avoid violations. Understanding laws and regulations will help ensure safe and legal flights and minimize the risks associated with drone operation.

How much do drone operators earn?

Employers offer pilot salaries in the range of 45 to 200 thousand rubles, depending on the level of experience and professional skills. On average, the salary is 80-120 thousand rubles.

UAV operator vacancy Screenshot: HeadHunter / ITech content

UAV operator vacancyScreenshot: HeadHunter / ITech content

In a number of vacancies, the ability to operate drones is only one of the requirements. Often, employers also require specialized education in the relevant field in which the work will be carried out. This is due to the need for a deep understanding of the technologies and processes associated with the use of drones, which allows for more efficient task execution and compliance with all safety standards.

Where to study to become a drone operator

Operating a drone requires the operator to have deep knowledge of aerodynamics and physics. It is important to understand the structure and operating principles of drones, as well as to be able to effectively use specialized software applications. These skills can be mastered through courses, training programs, or self-study. There are various resources, including online courses and tutorials, that will help you gain the necessary knowledge and practical skills to successfully operate unmanned aerial vehicles.

at college;
at university;
on courses.

There are 26 secondary vocational educational institutions in Russia that offer training in the specialty of drone operators, according to Vuzopedia. Five of these are located in Moscow, three in the Moscow region, three in Samara, and two in Tatarstan. Educational opportunities are also available in St. Petersburg, Makhachkala, Volgograd, Ulyanovsk, Tambov, Izhevsk, Ulan-Ude, Yekaterinburg, Novosibirsk, Ufa, Tyumen, Alagir, and Sterlitamak. Tuition ranges from 18,500 to 130,000 rubles per year, with state-funded places available. Drone operator training is becoming increasingly relevant, given the growing popularity of unmanned technologies in various industries. The number of universities offering UAV operator training programs is limited. According to Postupi Online, only 12 educational institutions in Russia offer training in this specialty. Three of these are located in Moscow, two in the Moscow region and St. Petersburg, and one each in Chelyabinsk, Ryazan, Izhevsk, Ufa, and Ulyanovsk. Tuition ranges from 34,000 to 289,000 rubles per year, with state-funded places also available.

The Moscow Aviation Institute offers a course in "Unmanned Aircraft Systems Operation," which includes seven specializations. An online course is also available, allowing you to study at a convenient time and from any location. This course is designed to train specialists in the operation and management of unmanned aerial vehicles, which is relevant in the context of modern aviation technology development.

If you decide to take an online drone piloting course, regardless of the educational institution, please keep in mind that you will not have the opportunity to fly a real, physical drone during the training. Training will be available only through simulators and specialized programs. To gain real-life drone flight experience, you will need to purchase your own drone. This is an investment that will allow you to practice and develop your piloting skills in practice, which is an important aspect of training.

It is important to note that currently, no educational institution is authorized to issue a remote pilot license. This is due to the lack of the necessary legal framework and the fact that Rosaviatsia has not yet accredited any training center in this field. While this is not currently a critical issue, in the future, a license may become the primary document, replacing a diploma or certificate of additional professional training. We recommend keeping this information in mind, as it may prove useful in the coming years.

If you're considering a paid course, consider the Skillbox "Drone Pilot Profession" program. This course will teach you how to select a drone, pilot it, obtain the necessary permits and approvals, and also teach you how to take high-quality photos and videos and create 3D models. The course offers hands-on training, allowing you to gain valuable knowledge and experience in operating unmanned aerial vehicles.

Where to Work as a Drone Operator - Career Prospects

Russian and international companies are actively integrating drones into their business processes. Currently, drones are used in various regions for the following tasks: delivery of goods, monitoring agricultural land, aerial photography for construction and infrastructure projects, and inspection of hard-to-reach areas and facilities. These unmanned aerial vehicles significantly increase work efficiency, reduce task completion time, and lower costs. The introduction of drones opens up new horizons for business, allowing companies to adapt to modern market demands.

monitor construction work;
assess the condition of buildings and identify road violations;
deliver food and mail in cities and cargo in Kamchatka;
process crops;
create terrain models during archaeological excavations;
rescue drowning people.

Drones can be used in a wide variety of areas. Their capabilities include:

monitoring extensive infrastructure (e.g. railways and power lines), quarries and mines;
checking the quality of air navigation equipment and combating rogue drones at airports;
conducting inventory and moving cargo in warehouses;
checking the condition of plants, soil, water, and animals;
monitoring forestry;
working in emergency situations: inspecting the scene, extinguishing fires, searching for people;
retransmitting a radio signal.

At the beginning of 2022, about 200 companies were engaged in the commercial operation of drones in Russia, providing employment for more than 4,000 pilots. According to estimates by the Aeronext Association, the drone market in the country is growing at a rate of 20–25% annually. In 2020, the market size amounted to 10.7 billion rubles, exceeded 13 billion rubles in 2021, and continued to grow in 2022.

Pavel Bulat, a member of the AeroNet NTI working group, predicts that the market will grow to one trillion rubles between 2024 and 2026. If this figure is reached, there will be a need for a significant number of new specialists, including operators. Market growth will create favorable conditions for professional development and an increase in the number of jobs in this field.

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