Drone License: Unlocking New Career Opportunities
Drones have taken centre stage in many industries over the past decade, revolutionising the way we capture imagery, survey land, and even deliver goods. But to take advantage of the vast opportunities that drones present, you need more than just access to a good drone—you need a drone license. With a license, drone pilots can work commercially, whether in Australia, the United States, or Europe, unlocking a wide range of career opportunities.
A drone license isn’t just a legal requirement for commercial operations; it’s a gateway to exciting new fields like aerial cinematography, agricultural surveying, real estate marketing, infrastructure inspections, and even drone-based deliveries. Whether you’re looking to work in the film and TV industry, take your agricultural knowledge to the skies, or explore new opportunities in inspection services, getting certified is the first step. Flying Glass, with its extensive experience and international certifications, provides top-tier training to help you get your license and embark on your new career.
What is a Drone License and Why Do You Need One?
A drone license is a certification that allows pilots to operate drones for commercial purposes legally. In many countries, including Australia, the United States, and throughout Europe, flying a drone for any form of payment or for work purposes without a license is illegal. The regulations are designed to ensure that operators are trained and knowledgeable about flight safety, airspace restrictions, and how to handle potential hazards.
In Australia, this license is known as the Remote Pilot Licence (RePL), issued by the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA). In the USA, commercial operators must obtain a Part 107 license from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), while Europe follows the guidelines set by the European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA). Flying Glass is certified to provide training that meets the requirements of all these regions, making it the perfect starting point for your drone career.
What Career Opportunities Does a Drone License Open Up?
Getting your drone license doesn’t just give you the legal right to fly for work—it opens up a wide array of job opportunities across many industries. Drones have become essential tools in fields like filmmaking, real estate, construction, agriculture, and even emergency response. Once you’re licensed, here are some of the exciting career paths you can explore:
1. Aerial Cinematography and Photography
One of the most visually striking uses of drones is in the film and television industry. Drones provide a unique perspective for capturing sweeping landscapes, dynamic cityscapes, and intricate shots that were once only possible with helicopters or cranes. A licensed drone operator is in high demand in the world of aerial cinematography.
At Flying Glass, we specialise in providing drone services for TV, film, and TVCs, with our licensed pilots working on high-profile projects for companies like Netflix, BBC, and Amazon. Whether you want to capture stunning footage of Sydney’s iconic Harbour, remote wilderness locations, or complex city environments, holding a drone license opens the door to exciting and creative opportunities in aerial filmmaking.
2. Real Estate Marketing
The real estate industry has embraced drones for their ability to capture high-quality aerial images and videos of properties. Licensed drone pilots are hired to provide aerial tours of homes, commercial buildings, and large estates, helping real estate agents and developers showcase properties in a way that traditional photography cannot.
With a drone license, you can work with real estate companies to provide stunning aerial views of properties, giving prospective buyers a clear view of the land, layout, and surrounding neighbourhood. This is particularly useful for showcasing large rural properties, luxury homes, or new developments that benefit from a top-down view.
3. Infrastructure and Construction Inspections
Drones are revolutionising the way construction companies and infrastructure managers perform inspections. Licensed drone pilots are employed to carry out aerial surveys of bridges, roads, pipelines, and buildings. Using drones, inspectors can safely examine difficult-to-reach areas and identify any issues without putting workers in danger.
Drone inspections are faster, more cost-effective, and provide more detailed results than traditional methods. With your drone license, you can work with construction firms, government bodies, and utility companies to conduct these inspections. This sector is seeing huge growth, with more and more companies realising the benefits of drone-based inspections for both safety and efficiency.
4. Agriculture and Land Management
In the agricultural sector, drones are being used to monitor crops, survey large areas of farmland, and even apply pesticides. Licensed drone pilots can use aerial data to help farmers improve crop yields, monitor the health of their fields, and manage irrigation more effectively.
A drone license enables you to work with agricultural businesses, providing services that improve efficiency and productivity. With drones, you can capture data that helps farmers monitor soil health, identify pest infestations, and make more informed decisions about their crops. In this field, drone pilots are increasingly becoming an essential part of precision agriculture.
5. Emergency Response and Search and Rescue
Drones are also being employed in emergency response situations, where they can provide real-time information to first responders. Whether it’s searching for missing people, assessing natural disaster areas, or assisting in firefighting efforts, drones can cover large areas quickly and safely, providing crucial information to ground teams.
A licensed drone operator can work with emergency services, local governments, and non-profits to provide aerial support during these critical operations. Having a drone license can make you an essential part of a search and rescue team, helping save lives with technology.
Flying Glass Drone School: Your Gateway to Certification
To unlock these exciting career opportunities, the first step is getting your drone license—and that’s where Flying Glass comes in. As one of Australia’s leading drone training providers, we offer comprehensive courses that prepare you for both national and international licensing requirements. Whether you’re looking to get certified in Australia with the RePL or need guidance for flying in the USA or Europe, Flying Glass has you covered.
Our drone school provides a mix of theoretical and practical training, covering everything from aviation regulations and airspace classifications to flight safety and emergency procedures. With our expert trainers, you’ll gain the skills and confidence you need to operate drones professionally and safely.
Customised Training for Organisations
Flying Glass also offers bespoke training solutions for businesses, councils, and government organisations. We understand that every organisation has unique needs when it comes to drone operations, which is why we tailor our courses to meet those requirements. From infrastructure inspections to emergency response training, we design our programs to fit the specific needs of your team.
We also offer on-site training, allowing us to come to your location and deliver custom courses that prepare your team for the real-world challenges they’ll face. With a drone license from Flying Glass, your team will be ready to tackle any aerial job with professionalism and expertise.
What You Need to Know About Getting a Drone License in Australia
In Australia, getting a drone license requires completing a CASA-approved course, such as the one offered by Flying Glass. The course covers both theory and practical components, ensuring that you understand not only how to operate a drone safely but also how to navigate Australia’s complex airspace and regulatory environment.
Some of the key areas covered in the training include:
- Airspace and Flight Regulations: Understanding controlled, restricted, and prohibited airspace.
- Flight Safety: Learning how to manage risk and respond to emergencies during flight operations.
- Practical Flying: Hands-on experience operating drones in a range of environments.
Once you’ve completed the course and passed the required assessments, you’ll be issued a Remote Pilot Licence (RePL), which allows you to operate drones commercially in Australia. With this license, you can also apply for endorsements that permit you to conduct more advanced operations, such as flying at night or operating in controlled airspace.
Getting a Drone License in the USA and Europe
In addition to helping you get licensed in Australia, Flying Glass also provides training and consultancy services for obtaining a drone license in the USA and Europe. Each region has its own regulations, but the key principles are the same: safe, responsible flying and compliance with local laws.
The United States
In the United States, commercial drone operators are required to obtain a Part 107 license from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). The Part 107 exam covers topics such as airspace classifications, flight restrictions, and aviation weather, as well as drone-specific knowledge like remote identification.
Flying Glass offers guidance and training that prepares you for the Part 107 exam, ensuring you have the knowledge needed to pass the test and operate legally in the United States.
Europe
In Europe, drone operators must comply with the European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) regulations. The rules for flying drones in Europe vary depending on the country, but EASA sets overarching guidelines that all member states follow. Depending on the category of operation—open, specific, or certified—drone pilots may need different levels of certification.
Flying Glass helps you navigate these requirements, ensuring that you’re fully compliant with EASA regulations and ready to work across Europe.
Conclusion: Take Flight with a Drone License from Flying Glass
Obtaining your drone license opens up a world of opportunities across various industries, from film and real estate to agriculture and emergency response. At Flying Glass, we provide the training and expertise you need to get certified and embark on a successful career in drone operations. Whether you’re looking to fly commercially in Australia, the USA, or Europe, we’re here to guide you every step of the way.
Contact us today to learn more about our drone training programs, and let us help you unlock the full potential of your drone license.