Advanced Skills for a UAV Drone Pilot:

Mastering the Complexities of Commercial Operations

As the demand for drone technology grows across various industries, the role of the UAV drone pilot has evolved from basic aerial photography and videography to more complex operations. Today’s UAV (Unmanned Aerial Vehicle) pilots are tasked with performing intricate missions that require specialised skills, certifications, and an understanding of industry-specific challenges.

In this post, we’ll explore the advanced skills every UAV drone pilot needs to master in order to take on more challenging and high-stakes commercial operations. From BVLOS (Beyond Visual Line of Sight) flying to operating in hazardous environments, we’ll cover the areas that set advanced UAV drone pilots apart from their peers.

Advanced Skills for UAV Drone Pilots

The Difference Between Basic Drone Piloting and UAV Drone Piloting

At the heart of professional drone operations is the distinction between basic drone piloting and operating UAVs for complex commercial tasks. While a basic drone pilot may focus on straightforward missions such as real estate photography or wedding videography, a UAV drone pilot takes on tasks that require a deeper understanding of aviation, regulatory compliance, and mission-critical operations.

Basic Drone Piloting

  • Typically limited to flying drones within visual line of sight (VLOS)
  • Conducts simple operations such as aerial photography, inspection, or recreational flying
  • Requires standard certifications such as the Remote Pilot Licence (RePL)

UAV Drone Piloting

  • Often involved in Beyond Visual Line of Sight (BVLOS) operations
  • Specialises in high-risk or industry-specific missions (e.g., infrastructure inspections, mining, security)
  • Requires advanced certifications, approvals, and a strong knowledge of aviation and safety regulations
  • Must handle complex environments, including hazardous areas or restricted airspaces

The advanced skills required for UAV drone pilots set them apart, making them valuable assets in industries where drones play a critical role in operational efficiency and safety.

Specialised UAV Drone Pilot Skills for High-Risk Industries

As a UAV drone pilot, you’ll need to develop a broad range of skills that go beyond basic flying techniques. Depending on the industry you work in, these skills will include flying in challenging environments, navigating complex regulatory frameworks, and handling highly specialised equipment.

1. Infrastructure Inspection and Monitoring

One of the fastest-growing sectors for UAV drone pilots is infrastructure inspection. UAVs are now regularly used to inspect bridges, pipelines, wind turbines, and power lines. The precision and stability of drones make them ideal for identifying structural defects, corrosion, or wear without putting human inspectors at risk.

Advanced Skills for Infrastructure Inspection:

  • Precision Flying: UAV pilots must be able to fly in close proximity to structures, often in windy or otherwise adverse conditions, without causing damage or losing control of the drone.
  • Thermal Imaging: Pilots often use drones equipped with thermal cameras to detect temperature anomalies in electrical grids or industrial plants. Understanding how to interpret thermal data is crucial.
  • Data Management: Beyond capturing footage, UAV drone pilots must also manage and analyse large amounts of data collected during inspections, often in real-time.

2. Mining Operations

Mining companies increasingly rely on UAVs for tasks such as site mapping, volumetric analysis, and environmental monitoring. These operations require a UAV drone pilot with specialised knowledge of working in rugged, often remote environments.

Advanced Skills for Mining Operations:

  • Mapping and Surveying: UAV drone pilots must understand geospatial data collection, working with advanced software to create 3D maps and models of mining sites.
  • Autonomous Flight Programming: Mining operations often require drones to fly pre-programmed paths over large areas. UAV pilots must be adept at using automated flight management systems to plan and execute these missions.
  • Hazardous Environment Management: Mines can present numerous hazards, from dust and debris to extreme weather conditions. Pilots need to be skilled at managing the risks of flying in such environments.

3. Security and Surveillance

UAV drones have become essential tools for security operations, enabling companies to monitor large areas and provide real-time surveillance in a cost-effective manner. UAV drone pilots in this field must excel at quick decision-making, often in high-pressure situations.

Advanced Skills for Security Operations:

  • Night Flying and BVLOS: Many security operations require drones to fly at night or beyond visual line of sight. Pilots must have the necessary certifications and approvals to conduct these flights legally and safely.
  • Real-Time Data Transmission: In security scenarios, UAV pilots often need to transmit live video and data feeds to security teams on the ground, ensuring rapid response to potential threats.
  • Risk Assessment: Security operations can involve flying over sensitive or high-risk areas. UAV drone pilots must be able to assess risks and implement strict safety protocols to avoid accidents.

Advanced Certifications and Approvals Required for UAV Drone Pilots

To operate as a UAV drone pilot in high-stakes or complex environments, you will need more than just a basic Remote Pilot Licence (RePL). Advanced certifications and approvals are often required to carry out certain tasks, particularly when flying in restricted or hazardous areas.

1. BVLOS Certification

One of the most valuable certifications for UAV drone pilots is the Beyond Visual Line of Sight (BVLOS) approval. BVLOS operations allow drones to fly outside the pilot’s line of sight, making them ideal for long-distance missions such as surveying vast mining areas or monitoring critical infrastructure.

How to Get BVLOS Approval:

  • Obtain a BVLOS Endorsement: BVLOS operations require pilots to undergo specialised training and certification. You’ll need to demonstrate advanced flying skills and a thorough understanding of airspace management, risk mitigation, and emergency protocols.
  • Submit an Application to CASA: In Australia, BVLOS operations must be approved by CASA. This process involves submitting a detailed safety case, outlining how you plan to manage the risks associated with flying beyond visual line of sight.

At Flying Glass, we offer consultancy services to help drone operators apply for BVLOS certification, as well as guidance on how to safely conduct these operations.

2. REOC (Remote Operator’s Certificate)

For businesses or organisations managing multiple drones or larger operations, obtaining a Remote Operator’s Certificate (REOC) is essential. The REOC allows companies to perform more complex missions, including BVLOS operations, night flying, and flights in controlled airspace.

Key Benefits of a REOC:

  • Flexibility: A REOC allows UAV drone pilots to operate across various industries, from security to industrial inspections, with greater freedom to perform complex missions.
  • Legal Compliance: It ensures that all operations comply with CASA’s strict regulations, giving clients confidence in the safety and professionalism of your services.

Common Challenges Faced by UAV Drone Pilots

Operating as a UAV drone pilot presents its own set of challenges. From navigating complex airspace regulations to ensuring the safety of operations in hazardous environments, UAV pilots must be prepared to manage a variety of risks.

1. Navigating Restricted Airspace

One of the most significant challenges for UAV drone pilots is managing flights in restricted or controlled airspace. This is particularly relevant when working in urban environments or near critical infrastructure such as airports.

Solution: To operate legally in restricted airspace, UAV drone pilots must apply for special permissions from CASA. This involves submitting detailed flight plans and demonstrating how you will manage risks associated with flying in high-traffic areas.

2. Managing Safety in Hazardous Environments

Whether it’s flying over industrial sites, near power lines, or in mines, operating in hazardous environments requires UAV drone pilots to be vigilant about safety. Drones are often exposed to extreme conditions, from dust and high temperatures to high winds.

Solution: UAV drone pilots need to undergo additional training and certifications that prepare them for these high-risk operations. They should also be equipped with rugged drones designed to withstand challenging conditions.

At Flying Glass, we regularly operate in demanding environments, and our consultancy services are available to help UAV drone pilots develop the necessary operational plans and safety protocols for their specific industries.

Conclusion: Taking Your UAV Drone Pilot Career to the Next Level

Becoming a successful UAV drone pilot requires more than just the ability to fly. It involves mastering advanced skills, obtaining specialised certifications, and understanding the unique challenges of working in industries like mining, infrastructure inspection, and security. By developing these skills and pursuing certifications like BVLOS and REOC, you’ll be able to take on more complex projects and expand your career opportunities.

At Flying Glass, we offer the tools and expertise you need to advance your career as a UAV drone pilot. From showreel-worthy cinematography to high-risk industrial inspections, our team has experience across a wide range of industries. Get in touch with us to learn more about our drone services and consultancy offerings, and see how we can help you excel in your UAV drone pilot career.