Top Drone Startups in India Hiring Certified Pilots

Once limited to entertainment and videography, drones are proving to be game changers in agriculture, logistics, security, infrastructure inspection and disaster management. Prime Minister’s Aatmanirbhar Bharat and Drone Shakti have given impetus to the sector, moving India towards becoming a drone hub by 2030. This rapid growth has opened up opportunities for drone manufacturers and certified drone pilots alike.

The expansion of the Indian drone industry has been made possible by the liberal drone regulations issued by the DGCA, production-linked incentive schemes, and various government initiatives, such as 'Namo Drone Didi. Today, any individual or company can fly drones only if they have an RPC. This is why Indian drone startups are developing the technology; they are also seeking certified pilots who can operate these trailblazing machines effectively and utilise them in various commercial applications.

Garuda Aerospace is a successful drone startup that is associated with Prime Minister Modi and Mahendra Singh Dhoni. This company is a drone service provider in a short span of time. Garuda Aerospace made headlines by using drones to sanitize government buildings during the COVID-19.

Garuda Aerospace is primarily known for its Kisan drones, which are used in the agricultural sector. Apart from this, the company also provides drone solutions in defence, logistics and surveillance.  This played a key role in the "Namo Drone Didi" scheme, in which women self-help groups are being trained in drone operations. The company has emphasized the Drone-as-a-Service (DaaS) model, which means they do not sell drones but provide services for their use.

Opportunities for Drone Pilots

Garuda Aerospace needs certified drone pilots, chiefly in the agricultural sector. Drone pilots are in demand to operate their 'Kisan Drones'. They not only hire knowledgeable pilots but also train new pilots through their own training programs. Their pilots work on various projects in both rural and urban areas, thereby gaining valuable experience.

Flapone Aviation is a fast-growing Delhi-based startup for drone training and services. The company specializes in drone training and services. Flapone aims to make licensed drone pilots and provide drone services. Flapone Aviation offers services including crop health monitoring, photography, videography, etc.

Opportunities for Drone Pilots

Flapone Aviation needs a large number of certified drone pilots for training the new generation of drone pilots. They recruit pilots who understand the dynamics of teaching and providing drone operational services for various operations.

This is a leading drone manufacturing startup in India. The main focus of it is on the defence and security industry. It aims to provide advanced drones to the Indian Army and security agencies. The dependability and performance of its drones have made it a have made it a bankable drone supplier to the Indian government.

 Their drones can be useful for surveillance, intelligence gathering and border patrolling. Their drones can even do their work in extreme conditions, which is why it is ideal for strategic tasks.

Opportunities for Drone Pilots

Since this startup works with the defence sector, it needs highly trained pilots. The company has its own internal training facilities, allowing pilots to operate their precise drone systems.  For pursuing a career in the defence and security sector, IdeaForge can be an outstanding choice.

It is a drone solutions provider in India, providing drones and related services for defence, energy, telecom, agriculture and infrastructure.  Talking about the areas of operation for this startup, it includes land inspection.  Several drones are manufactured, including those specifically designed for surveillance, surveys, and inspections.

Their drones are used for inspecting oil and gas pipelines, power lines, and other infrastructure. It has partnered with government and private agencies, snowballing its influence. A key reason for their success is their products and ability to offer customized solutions for many industrial needs.

Opportunities for Drone Pilots

Asteria Aerospace hire pilots who can work competently in diverse industrial environments.

This startup uses drones to address urban logistics challenges. This company has transformed the logistics industry by delivering products via drones. This startup has gained significant recognition.

Skye Air focuses mostly on drone-based logistics and supply chain solutions. It has partnered with various companies, enabling them to deliver goods more efficiently. Their drones can transport loads of 2 to 50 kg and fly for extended periods, allowing them to bypass the bottlenecks of urban traffic.

Opportunities for Drone Pilots

The demand for drone pilots is constantly increasing for this startup. These pilots get a stable and lucrative career. The company requires pilots with expertise in detailed navigation and safe flight operations.

This startup has made its name in India for developing fully indigenous drone navigation technology. Zuppa drones operate even in areas where GPS or internet connections are weak. This makes them tremendously useful for inaccessible areas.

Zuppa's drones have been employed in military operations and missions where foreign technology failed. They have proven their potential in military missions, for example, 'Operation Sindoor. The startup’s focus is on R&D, ensuring that the modern technological requirements of the Indian Army are met.

Opportunities for Drone Pilots

Zuppa requires extremely skilled pilots and engineers to operate. For pilots interested in defence and specialized industrial applications, working at Zuppa can be a unique experience.

This startup provides drone-based agricultural solutions in India. The company not only manufactures drones but also offers services to farmers under the Drone-as-a-Service (DaaS) model. Their drones are designed for agricultural tasks, including the application of pesticides and fertilizers.

The startup emphasises increasing agricultural productivity and plummeting costs for farmers. The startup has sprayed acres of land, saving time and water. Their 'Kisan Drone' has offered more competence and safety than traditional spraying methods.

Opportunities for Drone Pilots

Marut Dronetech requires various certified agricultural drone pilots. They not only offer job prospects but also enable remote pilot training. This is an outstanding prospect for pilots willing to work in the agriculture sector.

DroneAcharya is one of the few listed drone startups in India. This company offers a comprehensive approach to drone training, manufacturing and services. They not only manufacture drones but also focus on training future drone pilots and professionals.

It has trained thousands of pilots. Furthermore, the startup is known for providing drone services for defence, oil and gas, and infrastructure inspection industry. It has also secured large orders from several Indian and international clients, proving their business potential.

Opportunities for Drone Pilots

DroneAcharya is a premier drone training institute that provides numerous opportunities for certified pilots. They not only hire drone pilots and instructors for their own training programs but also hire skilled pilots for their service-based projects.

This is a leading drone-based urban logistics and delivery service in India. This startup focused on the opportunities of drone delivery right from the beginning. Their USP is that they guarantee delivery of goods in urban areas in less time and at a lower cost.

Techjaggle has partnered with several companies to offer medicines and other vital items. Their drones can reach remote areas, making them a reason for a boost for the healthcare and e-commerce industry, for making timely deliveries by evading road traffic.

Opportunities for Drone Pilots

 This startup hires skilled drone pilots to expand its delivery network. These pilots are accountable for the safe drone operations in urban and suburban environments.

This startup is not only related to drones, but also works in robotics and AI The company provides drone solutions, along with robotic solutions for various sectors, including defence, industrial inspection and security.

Omnipresent Robot Technologies has developed several leading-edge drones and robotic systems for the defence and industrial sectors. Their drones are particularly useful for monitoring oil and gas pipelines, reviewing solar power plants and enhancing border security. The drones are powered with AI to make data-based decisions and complete autonomous tasks.

 Opportunities for Drone Pilots

The company recruits drone pilots, experienced in AI, ML and data analysis. These pilots perform complex missions. If you are looking for a career that combines drone operations with emerging technologies, Omnipresent Robotic Technologies is an excellent choice.

To become a certified drone pilot in India, certain criteria must be met. Here is what one needs to follow to become a licensed drone pilot:

Age and Educational Qualification: To become a certified drone pilot, one must be at least 18 years old. As far as educational qualification is concerned, the minimum is 10^th passed.

DGCA-Certified Training: One should receive training from any DGCA RPTO. These offer drone training comprising all the legal and technical aspects of drone piloting in India, including simulation and practical drone flying. It is done to ensure that a person is fully confident to face the music of real-world situations.

Exams and Certification: Post-training, you will take written and practical exams. Upon successful passing, you will be issued an RPC by the DGCA.

Drone Registration: It is obligatory to register a drone on the 'Digital Sky' platform before flying it.

All these steps not just authorize you to fly drones but also make you more stable in the job market.

India's drone industry has evolved from infancy to become a mature sector. Drone startups in India are spearheading this revolution, creating numerous job opportunities for certified drone pilots.

From different sectors, the use of drones is constantly growing and with it, the demand for skilled manpower is also on the rise. If you want a lucrative career, then becoming a drone pilot can be a good option.  If you have got all the skills, then you can also become a part of any of these leading drone startups in India.