How to Become a Drone Pilot in India?

How to Become a Drone Pilot in India?

Saheel Singh
By Saheel Singh
|
30 Oct 2024

Drones are making their presence felt in agriculture, construction, media and logistics. With the continuous rise in the demand for drone pilots, getting drone pilot training in India is important for people looking to become drone pilots. In this blog, you will get through the process of getting an RPC in India. The use of drones is expanding in the country because of the advancements and a growing number of applications. 

Eligibility for Drone Pilotsin India

Let us look at what is required to get your hands on a drone pilot certificate for you,

Age Eligibility

To enroll in a drone flight course in India, a minimum age of 18 years is set by the authorities.

Educational Eligibility

A 10th or equivalent certification is mandatory for a person to become a drone pilot in India.

Required Documents

Upon submitting the application, one should have all the required documents. The documents are categorized into two, ID proofs and address proofs.

Identity Proof Documents

One should have any government-issued document confirming his/ her identity. These include the Aadhaar Card, Driving License, Passport, or Voter ID.

Address Proof Documents

A valid address proof document is also required by a person to file an application for a drone pilot license. This includes bank statements, utility bills, or documents displaying current address.

Training Certification

Doing drone pilot training from a DGCA-approved RPTO is mandatory. A certificate proves that one is trained and knowledgeable about drone operations. There are two types of drone certifications available in India, which are

  • Small RPC: This drone training course spans 5 days, and after that, one becomes a DGCA certified Drone Pilot, eligible to operate drones up to 25 kg.
  • Medium RPC: The duration of this training course is 5 days for freshers and 2 days for Small RPC holders. After taking this course, one is eligible to operate drones up to 50 kg.


How to Get a Remote Pilot License in India?

Remote Pilot Training Organizations

These offer drone pilot training to aspiring drone pilots. Courses here cover theory as well as practical aspects of drone operations. Choosing a DGCA-approved institution ensures the training is as per the regulatory standards.

Training Curriculum

The training curriculum for drone pilot training in India includes:

  • Understanding the DGCA rules and legal requirements governing drone operations.
  • Gain familiarity with risk management strategies and emergency processes.
  • Get to know about diverse drones, their functionalities, and maintenance requirements.


Cost and Duration of a Drone Pilot License Course in India

A drone training program lasts 5- 8 days, depending on the RPTO. The cost ranges between 30k and 1lakh. Before enrolling in an RPTO, compare the fees of that institute based on the course, experience of the faculty, accreditation, and reviews from former students.


Licensing Process for Drone Pilots in India

Unique Identification Number

A drone should be registered with the DGCA to obtain a UIN. This is important for drone tracking and assuring compliance with regulations.

Unmanned Aircraft Operator Permit

If drones are to be used for surveying, photography, or delivery, they require an Unmanned Aircraft Operator Permit, which allows commercial operations for a drone. The application process for getting this includes submitting documents regarding operations.

Examinations

To get a drone pilot license, a DGCA examination has to be passed, consisting of two parts:

  • Theory Examination: Drone flying lessons with regard to regulations, technical knowledge, safety protocols, navigation principles, meteorology, etc.
  • Practical Assessment: A test where flying skills are tested under various conditions.

Registration and Certification

Digital Sky is a government online platform for drone registration and license applications. Users submit applications and track their statuses.

Issue of Remote Pilot License

After all the steps have been completed, a Remote Pilot License (RPL) will be issued to a person who wants to become a drone pilot in India. This will be valid for 10 years and allows for legal drone operations as per the regulatory guidelines laid by the DGCA.


Regulations for Drone Operations

No-Fly Zones

Some areas are such where drone operations are not permitted under the law. These are airports, government buildings, military installations, and densely populated urban areas.

Adherence to DGCA Guidelines

Compliance with DGCA guidelines is important for getting a drone pilot license. Violating these can result in penalties or even license revocation. Staying updated with regulation changes will help to make sure that one remains compliant always.


Prospects for Drone Pilots

With tech advancements going on in drone technology and the government promoting drone usage in agriculture, monitoring, and logistics. The salary of a drone pilot in India is approximately Rs.5-10 LPA.

The government of India is all positive about making the country a drone hub by the end of this decade. This will bring about opportunities in various industries for drone pilots.  Some of them are discussed below,

  • Monitoring of Agricultural Fields: Here, drones with cameras are used to monitor crop health and optimize farming practices.
  • Capturing Arieal Photos and Videos: This includes capturing photos or videos for property listings, weddings or corporate functions.
  • Surveying Lands: Drones with cameras or LiDAR systems are used for conducting surveys.
  • Delivery: Drones are also used for last-mile deliveries all over India for lightning-fast deliveries.
  • Emergency Response Services: Drones can do a world of good for supporting rescue missions or disaster response.

Final Few Words

Drones are revolutionizing industries all over India, and this has had a positive impact on the job market as well. So, what are you waiting for? Complete the drone pilot training in India by enrolling in Flapone Aviation. This will enable you to fly drones legally and without fear and also adhere to regulations, stay aware of the latest industry trends, and make an illustrious career as a drone pilot in India.

You don’t have to worry about the quality of drone or aviation training or the fees, as we offer top-notch training at an unbeatable price. This is one of the reasons why we are right up there with the very best when it comes to aviation training institutes in India.


Author Bio

Saheel Singh
Senior Content Writer

A dynamic and seasoned content writer with 6 years of experience curating content for different platforms. With the knowledge of all the cogs of content writing and SEO, he has served in various industries. He believes that content is the kingpin, and if penned well, it has a lasting impact on the minds of the readers. Apart from content creation, he is also an ardent poetry lover and performer. He has two publications of his poetry collection, namely Alfaaz and Chestha

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