Drone Pilot Positions in High Demand: Droning Service Companies Searching for Licenced Pilots Immediately
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The commercial drone market is becoming increasingly specialized, and this maturation is causing a significant challenge: a shortage of qualified drone pilots. According to the Drone Analyst's 2021 Market Sector Report, this shortage is primarily due to the rapid growth in drone applications outpacing the supply of trained personnel.
The report, which gathered responses from 1,800 individuals located in 110 countries and working in 39 different industries, revealed that the difficulty of finding pilots has increased from 7% in 2020 to 12% in 2021. This shortage is not merely about the number of drone users, but about the availability of qualified pilots who can safely and effectively operate drones in increasingly complex commercial and public safety contexts.
The growing demand for drone operations across sectors such as agriculture, delivery, infrastructure inspection, and public safety is stressing the need for more qualified pilots. However, the specialized training required, costs involved, and evolving regulatory environments make it difficult to swiftly scale the workforce of certified drone operators.
In some cases, there are only a handful of drones that can do a certain kind of job, and these drones may require pilots with specific certifications or training. Having a Part 107 certification may not be enough for some high-paying drone jobs. Some drone service companies require pilots with experience in specific types of work, such as roof inspections or inspections in confined spaces.
The issue of "Difficulty finding pilots" was only an issue for about 6% of respondents in 2018, but it has since grown. From 2020 to 2021, "Sourcing training" rose as an issue of concern for service companies from about 2.5% to 9%. This suggests that there could be a shortage of qualified drone pilots or an issue connecting drone pilots with those who want to hire them.
Regulations on Beyond Visual Line of Sight (BVLOS) operations are the second most important concern for drone service companies in 2021. Privacy and data security concerns have re-emerged as issues in the drone industry. Limited working capital is the most important concern for drone service companies.
In conclusion, the shortage of qualified drone pilots is a pressing issue in the drone industry. As the commercial drone market continues to grow and diversify, it is crucial to address this shortage to ensure safe and effective drone operations in various sectors.
- To mitigate the growing shortage of qualified drone pilots, there is a need for increased training programs and educational initiatives in drone technology.
- As the drone industry evolves, careers in drone piloting, operations, and maintenance are becoming more lucrative, attracting individuals interested in finance and business.
- The FAA (Federal Aviation Administration) should prioritize establishing clear and comprehensive regulations for drone operations, including BVLOS (Beyond Visual Line of Sight), to ensure the safety of drone pilots and the general public.
- The shortage of certified drone pilots has become a significant barrier to entry in many specialized fields within the drone industry, such as public safety and infrastructure inspection.
- Investing in education-and-self-development, specifically in drone technology and industry-specific training, could boost the number of qualified drone pilots and facilitate the growth of the drone business.
- Drone technology, with its potential to revolutionize industries, offers numerous opportunities for businesses and individuals looking to pioneer in emerging sectors, but the shortage of qualified pilots may hinder this growth.
