EYES in the SKY
How to Become a Certified Drone Pilot? What you need to know about getting your commercial drone license?
Salmendra Chand is the Chief Remote Pilot and RPAS instructor in Fiji. He is employed at Drone Services Fiji
For pilots looking to be part of the thriving drone industry: Surveying, Mapping, Emergency services, or filming and media production, the journey begins with a clear understanding of the rules for being a compliant, responsible operator, and ultimately – getting the necessary training to help you become a certified drone pilot.
All over the world, there are more than 100,000 certified commercial drone pilots and approximately close to 150 certified Pilots in Fiji (this is an estimate number) — and as more enterprises and organisations continue to adopt drone technology, the need for skilled drone operators will continue to rise.
Drone pilots have to do everything from collecting visual, LiDAR, and thermal data to shooting striking photographs and films. Drones also help keep workers safe by allowing them to explore dangerous parts of a worksite, like inspecting roof, Network towers without actually setting foot on it.
The list of industries that rely on drones to get the job done is long.
Relevant sectors include, but not limited to:
Surveying and mapping, construction, real estate, building inspection, entertainment and public safety.
DO I NEED TO OBTAIN A COMMERCIAL DRONE LICENSE?
In almost every case, no matter where you are in the world, the answer to this question will be an emphatic yes — unless you’re flying in very specific conditions for personal and recreational use. Commercial drone use is typically defined to include any time you stand to profit from operating your drone.
While not every country clarifies a difference between commercial and recreational drone use, registration of some kind is usually necessary to determine the category and classification of use. The path from certification to a fledgling career in drones, however, may look different depending on your goals.
For potential pilots looking for an entrepreneurial route, you can become a drone solution provider, which not only supplies industrial drone equipment across the relevant industries, but the company also offers a variety of training services that are specific to the customer’s drone program needs.
In other avenues, you can find jobs where typical vacancies include aerial photography, real estate, property insurance, as well as more technical vacancies like aerial surveying and mapping, where drones are commonly used.
COMMERCIAL DRONE LICENSES IN FIJI
In Fiji, Civil Aviation Authority of Fiji (CAAF) is the governmental body that is responsible for regulating the national airspace. And drone pilots are classified into two categories:
Hobbyists: Includes drone pilots flying for recreational purposes; Commercial users: Pilots flying with the intent of generating commercial value.
Establishing which type of classification you fit under will allow you to understand the rules and regulations that are applicable — with hobbyists subject to a lower level of oversight than the Commercial categories.
Commercial drone pilots are subject to the CAAF’s Small to Medium UAV Rule (Published in the Fiji AIC 08-19) — which states that commercial pilots must hold a Remote Pilot Certificate and register their UAV with CAAF.
And specifies the allowable weight of a UAV, as where your drone can go. Notably, drones must weigh less than 7kg, including payload and must be kept within the pilot’s visual line of sight and in Class G airspace. The eligibility criteria to receive a Remote Pilot Certificate, include: Passing the Certification (Part 101 or Part 102) test; The ability to read, speak and write English; The physical and mental condition to fly a drone safely
To begin the certification process:
Be 16 years of age and above, enroll with CAAF Authorised Training Centre (clause 9 of the Fiji AIC 08-19) to take in the certification course and test.
The course covers multiple subjects, including:
■ Restrictions and regulations;
■ Operating requirements;
■ The effects of weather on a UAS;
■ Emergency procedures;
■ The impact of drugs and alcohol on flight ability; and
■ Maintenance and preflight inspection procedures
Once a pilot has passed the test, they should complete CAAF’s Form OP138 and register with CAAF. A printable remote pilot certificate and CAAF Authorisation will then be issued and emailed. Commercial drone pilots should keep this certificate in an accessible place at all times when working with a drone or other UAS.
■ source: www.caaf.org.fj, https:// www.heliguy.com/blogs/dronelaw, https://www.propelleraero. com/blog/worried-about-newdrone-regulations-in-europe-foursimple-steps-to-get-your-dronein-the-air-legally, https://www. commercialuavnews.com