Drones businesses are actively seeking drone pilots with Part 107 credentials at the present time.
In the rapidly expanding drone industry, the demand for qualified pilots has seen a significant surge in recent years. This rise is driven by the industry's growth in both commercial and military sectors, with the global drone services market projected to exceed $63 billion by 2025.
The diversity of applications, such as package delivery, infrastructure inspection, emergency assistance, and military operations, has led to an evolution in the skill sets required for high-paying drone jobs. Beyond basic piloting, these roles now demand technical proficiency with advanced drone systems, regulatory compliance, cybersecurity, and integration with AI technologies.
High demand exists for drone operations managers who can oversee fleet operations and ensure legal compliance, as well as for AI and predictive maintenance engineers who use algorithms for proactive system upkeep, thereby enhancing safety and efficiency. Certifications related to cybersecurity, such as CISSP and CEH, are increasingly valuable due to drones' vulnerability to cyber threats.
Moreover, adaptability to new technologies, understanding of regulatory frameworks (such as FAA rules and environmental standards), and the ability to navigate complex operational challenges are critical skills for commanding high remuneration in this sector.
The commercial drone market is becoming increasingly specialized, with some drone service companies requiring pilots with experience in specific types of work, such as roof inspections or inspections in confined spaces. In some cases, there are only a handful of drones that can do a certain kind of job, and pilots will need to know how to fly those drones to get those jobs.
A recent survey by Drone Analyst's Market Sector Report, which gathered responses from 1,800 people in 110 countries and 39 different industries, revealed that in 2021, 12% of respondents indicated "Difficulty finding pilots" as an issue, and "Sourcing qualified pilots" was a concern for about 16% of respondents. Furthermore, "Sourcing training" rose as an issue of concern for service companies from about 2.5% to 9%.
This pilot shortage might not be a shortage of Part 107 pilots, but could be driven by the need for new, specialized training and skill development among those who are already FAA-certified to fly drones. The industry's maturation is reflected in these findings, as the commercial drone market becomes more specialized and the need for unique skills and training becomes more pronounced.
In 2018, only 6% of respondents faced the issue of finding enough qualified drone pilots, and in 2020, it was 7%. However, these difficulties have subsided since the implementation of LAANC, making it easier for drone service providers to obtain waivers.
Privacy concerns have also been a recurring issue in the drone industry. In 2018, these may have been related to negative public perception of drones, while privacy concerns in 2021 may be related to worries about Chinese drones secretly recording user data.
As the drone industry continues to grow and evolve, it's clear that the pilot profession has matured into a multifaceted role requiring technical expertise, regulatory knowledge, cybersecurity awareness, and proficiency with emerging AI tools to meet the demands of this rapidly growing and increasingly sophisticated industry.
- The increased demand for drone pilots is driven by the expanding drone industry, particularly in commercial and military sectors, with the market projected to exceed $63 billion by 2025.
- Beyond basic piloting, high-paying drone jobs now demand technical proficiency with advanced drone systems, regulatory compliance, cybersecurity, and integration with AI technologies.
- The commercial drone market is becoming increasingly specialized, with some companies requiring pilots with experience in specific types of work, like roof inspections or inspections in confined spaces.
- The pilot shortage may not be a lack of Part 107 pilots, but could be due to the need for new, specialized training and skill development among those who are already FAA-certified to fly drones, as the industry matures and becomes more specialized.
