You might already have a full-time job but need a little extra cash on the side or perhaps you prefer the freedom of working on different projects. That’s where becoming a professional commercial drone pilot comes in.
Becoming a drone pilot as a side hustle or side gig has been climbing the ranks of popular hobbies that make money. But how can you become a commercial drone pilot? And is it any different to a hobbyist? On paper it seems easy to become a commercial drone pilot but, it takes some serious skills and training to deliver profession service to your customers.
Global Drone Solutions offers some top-notch, ahead of the game drone courses but if you still want to learn a little bit more about how to get this exciting career started, keep reading.
So, What’s The Difference Between a Commercial Drone Pilot and a Hobbyist?
Your first thought might be skill set when it comes to the difference between the two and although taking part in commercial drone training does give you some seriously awesome flying skills that’s not the only difference between the two.
The training will include subjects like aerodynamics, meteorology, battery management, navigation and charts, human factors to name a few.
As a hobbyist you can earn money from drone flying, if you work within the excluded category standard operating procedures, which are restrictive. The other challenge is obtaining insurance for your hobby/business. You will find your clients will ask to see your drone pilots’ licence and insurance, as part of their duty of care.
What Do I Need to Do to Become a Drone Pilot in Australia?
There are three basic steps you must cover if you are planning on becoming a commercial drone pilot and offering aerial inspection and services to the public.
- Get A Commercial Drone Pilot License
You need to attend a CASA training, course through an approved training company, like Global Drone Solutions. Once you have completed and met the requirements, Global Drone Solutions will lodge your application with CASA, who will email you drone pilot’s licence. Global Drone Solutions give you 2 options to obtain your drone pilots licence, a 5-day in class course or alternatively an online course. that covers all the subjects that CASA require, including 5 hours of flying experience and even some extra special advanced flying skills to up your game.
- Register Your Drone With CASA
Honestly, this is very important, because if you’re caught without the registration, you could be looking at a fine in the region of anywhere from $10,000 to $12,000.
- Get Some Commercial Drone Insurance
Just like any other business that has certain risks, a business that offers commercial drone inspections and services, will need insurance. Not only will this protect you as the pilot, but also others and property.
Choosing this career path is rewarding, both personally and financially. The need for qualified drone pilots is increasing dramatically across a broad range of industries. Including aerial photography, weddings, real estate, mine and land surveying, search and rescue, to name a few. The applications for drones are only limited by your imagination. This is an awesome opportunity to join this exciting industry.
So, if you’re ready to join the rapidly expanding drone industry, Global Drone Solutions is ready to offer you the best commercial drone training.
Contact us here or call us on 1300 437 663 to see how we can kickstart your drone flying future.
See our video ‘Learn How To Make Money With A Drone‘
