Don't Want a Regular Desk Job? Explore a Career in Drone Technology

If you have realized already that you are not meant for a regular desk job, then it is perfectly fine. Desk jobs are not the only jobs that offer stable earnings and job satisfaction. To clarify, let me specify that there were times when, if one wanted to earn well, there was no option but to pursue a desk job. But, gone are those times; in the current scenario, you can choose jobs that are not considered desk jobs and still tick all the boxes that are essential for a job to fall in the category of a good job.

You might fall into either of these categories, first, when you are already clear in your head before starting your career that a desk job is not your cup of tea and second, when you were already into a desk job but realized one fine day that you have not made a right choice for yourself.

 Whatever might be the case for you, you can always make an entry into the field of drone piloting, which promises a fruitful career and freedom from the monotony and boredom of a regular desk job. It will allow you to be in the field and experience different situations and challenges in every project. When every assignment throws a different challenge at you, you are always on your toes to bail yourself out of such situations and excel in the work at hand.

Nobody can deny the fact that drones have been the buzz of the town of late. They have started making their presence felt in the commercial world as well, and are no longer limited to the military and defence setup.

 Many industries have incorporated the use of drones to make their work faster and more efficient, and many others are planning to include drones in their operations as well. With many industries embracing the incorporation of drones, not just in India but worldwide, there is a growing need for individuals who can operate drones efficiently.

 These individuals are commonly referred to as drone pilots or drone operators. They are not only trained to operate the drones but also possess a license from the authorities that control drone operations worldwide. The license obtained allows them to engage in commercial drone operations legally and pursue a fulfilling career as a drone pilot.

DGCA or the Directorate General of Civil Aviation, is a governing body controlling drone operations along with the Civil Aviation activities. Drone piloting is not an age-old practice in the commercial world; it has started more recently. The DGCA has laid down all the rules and regulations that have to be followed by every drone pilot. Failing to which, a person is liable for a penalty or punishment or both and even the confiscation of drone.

As discussed above, all individuals who wish to pursue commercial drone flying as a career must obtain a drone pilot license from the DGCA. This is known as an RPC or a Remote Pilot Certification. The certification is valid for 10 years and must be renewed thereafter.

 To obtain a drone pilot license, specific eligibility criteria must be met. These are:

• Qualification: 10th Class or equivalent (minimum)
• Age: Between 18 - 65 yrs

This eligibility holds true for a drone pilot, but if one wants to be a drone pilot instructor then he or she must have a small RPC.  Additionally, they should have completed a degree program from a recognized university. A person holding a valid PPL/ CPL, AME/ ATC License or Diploma (03 years) in technical subjects from a recognized institute can also become a drone pilot trainer.

 It is not just the pilot who must be registered with the DGCA, but the drone itself as well. Every drone used for commercial purposes has to be registered on the DigiSky portal. Every drone is given a UIN, which provides a separate identity.

Drone piloting is a practical job, different from a regular desk job. It involves the propelling of a UAV or drone for doing various tasks such as photography and videography, precision agriculture, mapping and surveying, disaster management, last-mile delivery, and even using drones as taxis.

As we discussed earlier, not much time has passed since drones entered the limelight for commercial and recreational use. When it comes to becoming an expert in operating a new technology, proper theoretical and practical training is the need of the hour.

A drone training program allows you to learn both the theoretical and practical aspects of drone flying. Generally, a drone pilot training program lasts 5 days, during which an aspiring drone pilot is taught about the various aspects of drone piloting and then receives practical training.

Night flying is also included in the curriculum, so that there is no issue when one has to power drones at night for carrying out an assignment.  Apart from this, some RPTOs also include simulator training, allowing future drone pilots to experience real flying in a safe environment. This helps drone pilots hone their skills without worrying about injury to themselves or damage.

After completing the drone training program, students must appear for an examination, passing which will result in the issuance of a drone pilot license.  There are different kinds of drone pilot licenses: Small Drone Pilot License, Medium DronePilot License and Train the Trainer. The first two certifications enable an individual to pilot drones of different weight categories, and the third allows them to work as a drone pilot trainer, helping new drone pilots learn the basics of this technology.

The role of a drone pilot training institute is pivotal in transforming an individual into a drone pilot or trainer. With quality instruction and training, the instructors at the institute ensure that individuals are well-prepared to succeed in the real world and stand out from the crowd. The experience of the instructors and the use of new technologies enable new drone pilots to stay aware of the latest developments in the world of drone technology.

 The role of a drone training institute is not limited to helping people learn to pilot drones; it also makes them aware of the latest rules and regulations laid down by regulatory bodies and shares knowledge about No-Fly zones. There are different rules for drone flying in the Green, Yellow, and Red Zones, and if a drone pilot is found violating these rules, a significant problem awaits.

Salary is the most important aspect of any job. Taking a job as a drone pilot is a good option not just because it comes with a certain level of excitement and thrill, but also because one can earn a competitive salary.

Like most jobs, the salary component is dependent on the skill and experience level of a drone pilot. Talking about the entry-level drone pilot salary, it is about 2-4 LPA. The mid-level drone pilot salary is about 4-8 LPA. As the experience and qualifications go up the ladder, the salary of the drone pilots can go even further. The salary of the drone pilot instructor is a lot more than that of the drone pilots, as they are the ones responsible for training the drone pilots.

Yes, indeed, the future of drone pilots is bright and is expected to be even brighter, not just in India but all over the world. According to official data from the DGCA, approximately 29,500 drones were registered in India by mid-February 2025. According to this data, it can be estimated that there are approximately this many commercial drone pilots in India as of the given date. With the growing popularity of drone technology, the number of registered drones and drone pilots will only rise in the years to come.

If you are bored with a regular desk job or do not want to be a part of one then exploring a career in drone technology can be a good idea. If you are thinking in the same way, enrolling in Flapone Aviation, one of the premier drone pilot training institutes, is a good idea. Here, you can do all the groundwork needed to become a drone pilot or instructor and then go on the merry way of exploring the tremendous earning potential in this industry.

 The cost that you have to pay to become a trained drone pilot is nothing when compared to the quality of instruction that our instructors provide. So, there is no need to think too much before joining us, as this will open the doors of a career, full of excitement, thrill and also a good salary package to go with it.