So, you want to be a drone pilot

He now makes a very good living filming aerial sequences for companies such as BMW (see “Five Questions: Luke Bannister,” March/April 2021 Flight Training). But there are several options if you’d like to cash in on drone flying technology:

Mapping and modeling—Capture scenery to produce maps with topographic depth and size or create digital facsimiles that various clients use to “walk through” a space.

Thermal imagery—Help catch the bad guys or aid in search and rescue operations using drone technology that identifies body heat.

Real estate—Leveraging drone technology to create stunning images for real estate marketing materials.

Inspections—Infrared photos can spot structural problems in buildings and other structures. You send the data to the engineers.

Movies and television—Filmmakers save money by using drones in place of helicopters for those James Bond-style chase scenes.

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How

There are different methods for obtaining an FAA remote pilot certificate, depending upon whether you are a pilot or nonpilot applicant. You are a pilot applicant if you hold a pilot certificate (any grade, except student pilot, for any aircraft category) issued by the FAA under Part 61 of the federal aviation regulations and have accomplished a flight review within the past 24 calendar months. If you do not meet these requirements, you are a nonpilot applicant.

Pilot applicants

Option 1: Take the online course.
Option 2: Take the knowledge test.

Nonpilot applicants

Unlike pilots with a current flight review, all other applicants must take and successfully pass the FAA remote pilot knowledge test.

aopa.org/go-fly/drones

AOPA can help you protect your certificate and assets and keep you up to date on issues that may affect your flying. Learn more about drone memberships at aopa.org/drones