How to Become a Drone Pilot: A Comprehensive Guide to Navigating Your Path in the UAS Industry

The term “drone” encompasses a wide variety of unmanned aerial systems (UAS), ranging from consumer drones like DJI models available at Best Buy to advanced military systems such as the MQ-9 Reaper, which has a gross takeoff weight of over 10,500 pounds. This vast discrepancy in size, capabilities, and applications makes becoming a drone pilot a complex journey, as the skills, certifications, and career paths vary significantly based on the type of drone and its intended use.

If you're asking how to become a drone pilot, it’s crucial to first understand the different types of drones, their missions, and their capabilities. This guide will provide insights into the two most common paths to becoming a drone pilot and introduce a lesser-known pathway that has the potential to earn some of the highest rates in the entire UAS industry.

Path 1: Becoming a Commercial Drone Pilot (Drones Under 50 lbs)

The most straightforward path into the drone industry is through commercial applications, particularly with drones that weigh less than 50 pounds. If you’re looking to operate drones for commercial purposes, your journey will begin with obtaining the FAA Part 107 Remote Pilot Certificate. This certification is required for anyone who wants to fly drones commercially in the United States. Below, we outline the steps to obtaining this essential certification:

Steps to Obtain the FAA Part 107 License:

• Eligibility Requirements:

  • Be at least 16 years old.
  • Be able to read, speak, write, and understand English.
  • Be in a physical and mental condition to safely operate a drone.
  • Pass the initial aeronautical knowledge exam: “Unmanned Aircraft General – Small (UAG).”

• Certification Process: (Full FAA Proccess)

  1. Step 1: Obtain an FAA Tracking Number (FTN) by creating an Integrated Airman Certification and Rating Application (IACRA) profile before registering for the knowledge test.
  2. Step 2: Schedule your knowledge test at an FAA-approved testing center. Be sure to bring a government-issued photo ID. Find testing centers and schedule your exam at the FAA Testing Center Directory.
  3. Step 3: Pass the aeronautical knowledge test, which covers various topics, including:

     • Regulations related to small UAS rating privileges, limitations, and flight operations.
     • Airspace classification and operating requirements.
     • Aviation weather sources and effects on UAS performance.
     • Small unmanned aircraft loading and performance.
     • Emergency procedures and crew resource management.
     • Radio communication procedures, physiological effects of drugs and alcohol, aeronautical decision-making, airport operations, and maintenance procedures.

  4. Step 4: Complete FAA Form 8710-13 for a remote pilot certificate using the electronic IACRA system. Login, start a new application, select "Pilot," then "Remote Pilot," and follow the prompts to enter the 17-digit Knowledge Test Exam ID.
  5. Step 5: After passing a TSA security background check, a confirmation email will be sent with instructions for printing a temporary remote pilot certificate from IACRA. The permanent certificate will be mailed once all FAA-internal processing is complete.
  6. Step 6: Keep your Remote Pilot Certificate accessible during all UAS operations, and renew it every 24 months by completing an online recurrent training course.

Beyond the Basics: Leveraging Your Part 107 Certification

While obtaining the Part 107 license is crucial, it primarily focuses on operational knowledge rather than practical flying skills. The exam itself has no practical component, meaning it’s possible to pass without ever piloting a drone. For those new to aviation, investing in a comprehensive course like the Part 107 by Pilot Institute can save significant time and ensure a deeper understanding of the required knowledge. Additionally, Pilot Institute offers other courses to expand your expertise, such as drone mapping, surveying, and even drone business strategies.

Note: You don’t need a Part 107 certification for recreational flying; however, if you plan to earn money through drone operations, this certification is mandatory.

Career Opportunities with Part 107

The demand for certified drone pilots is on the rise across numerous industries, including real estate, construction, agriculture, and public safety. Job listings often reflect the growing need for qualified pilots in roles such as:

• UAS Operator: Roles like these often pay between $60,000 to $100,000 annually and require a Part 107 license. See current listings at Indeed.
• LiDAR Survey Technician: This specialization in drone-based LiDAR technology can earn you between $60,000 to $90,000 per year. These roles are available through companies like Poznecki-Camarillo. Additional knowledge or training beyond Part 107 is often required.
• Drone Light Show Pilot: A niche but growing field, drone light show pilots can earn up to $500 per day working with companies such as Pixis Drones.

Path 2: Military and Contract Drone Pilots (Group 2 and 3 UAS)

If you have a military background or security clearance, a highly rewarding pathway exists within the UAS sector, specifically with Group 2 and 3 drones. These systems, like the Jump 20 from AeroVironment or the Penguin C VTOL from Edge Autonomy, are designed for complex missions, often in support of military operations.

Entry Points for Security-Cleared Personnel

• Subcontractor Roles: Companies such as Mag Aerospace and other similar firms serve as subcontractors that hire personnel and have the authority to place them into prime contractor-provided UAS training programs specific to advanced platforms. While initial training pay is generally around $18 per hour, which may seem modest, it represents a paid opportunity to gain specialized skills without any upfront costs. However, it's important to understand that these subcontractor companies are taking a considerable risk when hiring individuals without prior UAS experience. If a candidate fails the prime contractor's training, it not only reflects poorly on the individual but can also jeopardize the subcontractor's reputation and future contract opportunities. This is a critical aspect of the hiring decision for these companies.

This risk factor underscores the value of certifications like the DoD UAS Operations Transition Certification. This certification prepares individuals by equipping them with the foundational knowledge and skills needed to excel in UAS training programs, thereby increasing the likelihood that subcontractors will take a chance on them. By completing this certification, you can demonstrate your capacity to grasp complex UAS concepts and successfully navigate training, providing these companies with confidence in your potential performance. Upon successful training completion, deployment pay significantly increases, ranging from $300 to $350 per day, reflecting the higher value of your expertise on advanced UAS systems.

• Deployment Opportunities: Entry-level roles typically involve two 4-month deployments where you will gain hands-on experience. After completing deployments, experienced operators can earn over $40 per hour for stateside positions and up to $500 per day for deployments. These roles often require flexibility and a willingness to deploy internationally but offer invaluable experience and a pathway to more lucrative positions within the industry.

These roles require flexibility and a willingness to deploy internationally, but they provide invaluable experience and a pathway to high-paying roles within the industry.

Path 3: High-Paying Roles as an External Pilot

One of the most lucrative and lesser-known roles in the UAS industry is that of an External Pilot. Unlike standard Group 2 & 3 UAS operators who primarily monitor automated systems, external pilots are tasked with manually flying drones during critical development and testing phases. This role is essential for instances where new systems, autopilots, or flight dynamics are being tested, and human intervention is required to prevent costly failures.

Understanding the Role of External Pilots

In current UAS operations, particularly with Group 2 and 3 drones, automation plays a dominant role. These systems are highly autonomous, relying on advanced flight software that minimizes the need for manual intervention. Consequently, most UAS operators are trained to manage these automated systems rather than manually flying the drones. This creates a significant skills gap, as the ability to hand-fly these drones is not typically within the standard operator's training or experience.

The critical need for external pilots arises during development and integration of new technologies, such as when introducing new payloads, autopilot systems, or modifications that could affect the drone’s flight dynamics. In these scenarios, the risk of automation errors increases, and external pilots are required to manually control the UAS to safeguard against malfunctions that could lead to crashes. Given that these drones can cost anywhere from $100,000 to over $500,000, the presence of a skilled external pilot can be the difference between a successful test and a catastrophic loss.

Why There’s a Shortage of External Pilots

The shortage of external pilots in the UAS industry can be attributed to several factors. First, the reliance on automation in current operations means that most operators never develop the skill set required for manual flying. The typical path to becoming a Group 2 & 3 UAS operator emphasizes knowledge of regulations, safety procedures, and automated flight operations rather than manual piloting skills.

Additionally, many of the traditional UAS operators lack experience with various RC platforms, which is a valuable background for external pilots. Those who have honed their skills in RC flying, particularly with quads, fixed-wing, and VTOL systems, are uniquely positioned to excel in this role. This background provides a strong foundation for the hand-flying expertise required to manage complex and often unpredictable flight scenarios during testing.

Moreover, the demand for external pilots is rapidly increasing due to the growth of new UAS startups and the expansion of existing platforms, many of which require testing and integration of novel technologies. Yet, the pool of qualified external pilots remains small because the industry’s focus has largely been on automation, creating a significant opportunity for individuals with the right skills.

Leveraging Part 107 and RC Experience for External Pilot Roles

While the traditional Part 107 path is a great starting point, it doesn’t fully prepare pilots for the hands-on demands of an external pilot. However, combining a Part 107 certification with extensive experience in flying various RC platforms—such as drones, helicopters, and fixed-wing aircraft—can set you apart as a highly desirable candidate for external pilot positions.

RC experience cultivates essential skills in manual flight control, real-time decision-making, and situational awareness, which are crucial when intervening during testing or development flights. If you are an RC enthusiast or have professional experience in RC piloting, highlighting these skills in your resume can significantly boost your appeal to companies seeking external pilots.

Breaking into the External Pilot Niche

• Networking: Building connections with UAS companies, especially those involved in development and testing, is key. Utilize platforms like LinkedIn to reach out to professionals already in the field, attend industry-specific events, and actively participate in discussions related to UAS testing and external piloting.
• Leverage Existing Experience: If you have a background in RC flying or have built custom drones, make sure to emphasize these skills. Demonstrating proficiency in manual flight can make you a standout candidate for external pilot roles, as these skills are in short supply but high demand.
• Target Niche Opportunities: Many external pilots operate as independent contractors or through specialized companies. Start by seeking out smaller UAS startups or companies with ongoing testing needs. These organizations are often looking for pilots who can provide the manual control expertise that their standard operators lack.

Building Your Network and Advancing Your Career

Securing the necessary certifications and gaining experience are just the first steps. To truly excel as a drone pilot, especially in specialized roles like external piloting, building a strong professional network is crucial. Here are some strategies to help you connect with the right people and advance your career:

• Optimize Your LinkedIn Profile: Clearly highlight your certifications, hands-on experience, and any relevant projects. Join drone-specific groups, follow companies of interest, and engage with posts from industry leaders. Don’t hesitate to reach out directly to professionals for informational interviews or advice.
• Attend Industry Events: Conferences like the Commercial UAV Expo and AUVSI XPONENTIAL provide excellent opportunities to meet potential employers and learn about the latest advancements in UAS technology. These events often include networking sessions, workshops, and even job fairs.
• Join Online Communities: Participate in forums and dedicated LinkedIn groups for drone professionals. These platforms offer valuable insights, job leads, and opportunities to connect with others in the industry.
• Engage in Thought Leadership: Share your insights and experiences through social media, blog posts, or articles. Establishing yourself as a knowledgeable and engaged professional can open doors to new opportunities and collaborations.

Conclusion: The Sky's the Limit

The journey to becoming a drone pilot is as varied as the industry itself. Whether you aspire to operate small commercial drones, take on complex roles with military-grade UAS, or excel as an external pilot, there are paths to fit your background and ambitions. Success in this field relies on obtaining the right certifications, gaining relevant experience, and strategically networking to position yourself for opportunities.

As the drone industry continues to evolve, new roles and demands will emerge, offering the potential for rewarding and lucrative careers. By staying informed, connected, and committed to continuous learning, you can carve out a unique and successful path as a drone pilot.

For more information on becoming a drone pilot, visit the FAA's guide on becoming a drone pilot.

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For those looking to further their knowledge and credentials in the drone industry, explore our certifications, including the highly valuable DoD UAS Operations Transition Certification.