The Importance of Drone Training

Drones are changing the way many industries operate – from contractors to surveyors and even first responders. These devices are able to accomplish tasks in a much faster and safer manner. However, before a drone can save you time and money, you have to learn to fly it correctly. While you can scour the internet for self-taught lessons, a comprehensive course can help you become a more competent drone pilot.

In addition to passing the FAA knowledge test, drone training helps you understand regulations, insurance, data processing, getting the most out of your drone’s capabilities, and more. It’s also helpful to have a course that doesn’t just cover the basics – it should also provide practice exercises and quizzes to make sure you have the knowledge necessary for your specific use case.

Drone training is also critical for those who intend to use their drones commercially. Federal laws require that anyone who wants to make money off of their drones pass the FAA’s remote pilot exam. This requires you to be familiar with a wide range of subjects, including altitude restrictions, radio frequencies, airspaces, weather conditions, and aeronautical charts. A good drone education course will prepare you for the exam with illustrations, animations, and thorough explanations. It should also include hundreds of sample questions that give you feedback on why each answer was right or wrong.

Aside from the necessary knowledge and skills, drone pilots must be highly attentive to detail and able to work under stress. They must also be strong communicators, capable of working in teams, and have good visual acuity and manual dexterity. If you’re interested in a career as a drone pilot, it’s worth taking the time to find an online drone training program with a great reputation in the industry. It doesn’t have to be a land-grant university like Clemson, but it should have a track record of producing successful drone pilots.

Once you’ve passed the Part 107 exam, it’s time to move on to more advanced tasks. To do so, you’ll need to be comfortable flying your drone continuously. Begin by practicing with your drone on a flat surface. Once you’re comfortable, try a few maneuvers while rotating the drone to different angles. Then, change the direction it’s facing by adjusting the right stick up or down (pitch) and the left stick backward or forward (yaw). Finally, adjust the drone’s height by pushing the right stick upward or downward (throttle). Keep doing this until you can consistently maneuver your drone in various directions. Once you’ve mastered this, it’s time to start looking for jobs! Depending on the industry, some employers may prefer previous experience with drones, but more and more are opening their doors to those with brand-new Part 107 certificates. This means that, if you’re qualified and willing to work hard, your drone training could lead to lucrative opportunities in a variety of industries.