Imagine having technologies that supersede time, save costs, and gather accurate data that stays within your space. It sounds good, right? Well, the answer to all of the above is drone technology. In the fast-paced real estate world, Drones have become an essential part of the process.
As the need for aerial inspection has gained massive popularity, the role of drone pilots has become extremely unavoidable. However, to fully utilise their skills and potential, it has become a necessity that they are trained in the required courses.
The courses and training are not about obtaining certificates, but they are important for gaining expertise in operating drones efficiently and accurately.
In this blog, we will provide information regarding the training required by aerial inspection drone pilots.
Drone Flight Training (Basic)
The course is specifically designed for pilots who have no prior experience and training in drone flying. The course introduces the pilots to the mechanics of operating unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) and covers topics like:
- Training and familiarising yourself with the controls of drones.
- Understanding the aspects of GPS navigation and operating return-to-home functions.
- Understanding and managing battery life.
- Making them practise safe takeoffs and landings.
- Also highlights the regulatory framework specifications, particularly the UK’s CAA (Civil Aviation Authority) guidelines.
Remote Pilot Certificate
Before starting to operate the drones on a commercial basis, pilots must be certified with the two main certifications that are:
- A2 CoFC is the certificate of competency that is best suited for pilots who are working in less complex environments. The certification allows flying drones with uninvolved people but with maintaining a certain limit.
- GVC, the General Visual Line Of Sight Certificate, is mandatory for more complex operations and allows work in more congested areas to cover extended operations that, in some cases, include operations beyond the visual line of sight (BVLOS).
Each certification course includes theory tests and practical flight assessments to ensure that the pilot has adequate knowledge of both flight skills and practical regulations.
Aerial Inspection And Training Of Surveying
Once a pilot has been trained with the above certifications, it is time to focus on the fundamentals of aerial inspection. Surveys and inspections based on drones differ significantly from basic drone operations. They require specific techniques for collecting data and detailed data analysis.
The training specifies:
- Techniques to capture data
- Photogrammetry
- Thermal imaging
- Understanding the use of specialised inspection software
Beyond Visual Line Of Sight (BVLOS) Training
It is extremely important training required by pilots who want to operate drones over greater distances, where the drones no longer stay within the pilot’s direct line of sight.
These BVLOS operations are normally conducted for large-scale operations and inspections, such as pipelines, roads, or power lines because keeping the drone within the visual limit would be impractical.
It must also be noted that such operations are subject to strict guidelines and regulatory instructions, often requiring permits. To obtain the permit, certified BVLOS training is required.
Safety And Risk Management Training
Being an aerial inspection pilot, you are not only responsible for your equipment, but being equipped to handle risk-associated situations is also mandatory. The pilot must be able to assess and mitigate the associated risks.
In this training, pilots would be trained with the following:
- Performing site assessment before conducting a flight.
- Creating emergency landing procedures.
- Maintaining awareness of the situation during critical circumstances.
Continuing Professional Development (CPD)
A drone pilot must stay updated with the latest innovations, software, and changing regulations. These CPD programmes enable a pilot to:
- Learn about the latest drone technologies.
- Master new inspection methodologies.
- Updated knowledge about the regulations.
Wrap Up
The process of flying drones and becoming an aerial inspector is not only about handling the equipment. It requires the pilot to gain knowledge about the laws of compliance and regulatory standards.
With accurate training and education about regulatory laws, pilots could master the art of flying drones. This would unlock a world of opportunities in industries that depend on aerial inspections.