With the rising demand for drone technology in various industries like agriculture, media, construction, and defense, becoming a certified drone operator in India has emerged as an exciting and lucrative career path. However, operating drones for commercial purposes requires official certification, which ensures safe, legal, and efficient flying practices. This guide provides a step-by-step roadmap on how to get certified as a drone operator in India.

Why Get Certified?

The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA), India’s civil aviation authority, has implemented strict guidelines for flying drones, especially for commercial purposes. The New Drone Rules 2021 simplify the regulatory process but still require certification for operating drones beyond a recreational purpose. Certification is necessary for the following reasons:

Compliance with Indian Law: Operating a drone commercially without certification is illegal and could result in fines and legal consequences.
Career Opportunities: Industries hiring drone pilots, such as media, agriculture, and construction, require certified operators.
Safe Operations: Certification ensures that drone pilots are trained to operate drones safely and efficiently.
Access to Restricted Zones: Certified drone operators can request permission to fly in restricted airspaces, expanding business opportunities.

Categories of Drones in India

The DGCA has categorized drones into five weight classes, which determine the level of certification required:

Nano Drones: Less than or equal to 250 grams.
Micro Drones: Between 250 grams and 2 kg.
Small Drones: Between 2 kg and 25 kg.
Medium Drones: Between 25 kg and 150 kg.
Large Drones: More than 150 kg.

Certification is typically required for drones classified as micro and above, especially for commercial use.

Step 1: Learn the Basic Regulations

Before you begin your journey as a certified drone operator, it’s essential to familiarize yourself with the drone regulations in India. The New Drone Rules 2021 are a comprehensive framework governing drone operations in the country.

Key points include:

Drone Registration: Every drone, except for nano drones used recreationally, must be registered with the DGCA via the Digital Sky platform.
No-Permission-No-Takeoff (NPNT): Drones need permission for every flight, which is requested through the Digital Sky platform.
Green, Yellow, and Red Zones: These zones define where drones can fly without permission (green), where they require permission (yellow), and where they are prohibited (red).

Step 2: Choose the Right Training Institute

To become a certified drone operator, you must complete training at a DGCA-approved Remote Pilot Training Organization (RPTO). These institutes provide the necessary theoretical knowledge and practical flying skills required to operate drones.

Here are some of the recognized DGCA-approved drone training institutes in India:

Indian Institute of Drones (IID)
Indira Gandhi Institute of Aeronautics
The Bombay Flying Club
Hawking Technologies
Drone Destination

Step 3: Enroll in a Drone Pilot Training Program

The training programs offered by RPTOs typically consist of two phases: theoretical learning and practical flying.

Theoretical Training:

The theory component covers the following topics:

Air Regulations: Understanding the DGCA’s rules and regulations regarding drone operations.
Principles of Flight: Basic aerodynamics and how drones fly.
Flight Planning: How to plan and execute drone missions, including navigating airspace, assessing weather conditions, and ensuring safe flight paths.
Safety Protocols: Essential safety measures and procedures to minimize the risk of accidents.
Maintenance and Troubleshooting: Basic drone maintenance and repair procedures.

Practical Training:

The practical part focuses on teaching you how to fly a drone, perform maneuvers, and handle real-life flight scenarios. The training includes:

Basic Flight Skills: Takeoff, landing, hovering, and navigating.
Advanced Flight Maneuvers: Flying in different conditions, managing wind, and performing emergency landings.
Data Capture: Learning how to use drone-mounted cameras and sensors for specific tasks like aerial photography, mapping, and surveillance.

Most drone pilot courses last between 5 and 10 days, depending on the RPTO and the complexity of the program.

Step 4: Pass the Certification Exam

Once you have completed the training program, you must pass a certification exam, which consists of both a written test and a practical flight test.

Written Test: Assesses your knowledge of air regulations, flight planning, safety procedures, and drone operations.
Practical Test: Evaluates your ability to control a drone during different flight scenarios and perform specific tasks safely.

Passing both components of the exam is required to obtain your Remote Pilot Certificate (RPC).

Step 5: Apply for Your Remote Pilot License (RPL)

After successfully completing the training program and passing the exam, you need to apply for your Remote Pilot License (RPL) through the DGCA’s Digital Sky platform. Here’s the process:

Create an Account on the Digital Sky platform.
Upload Documentation, including:
- Proof of completed drone pilot training.
- Identification documents (such as Aadhaar card or passport).
- Proof of age (you must be at least 18 years old to apply).
Submit the Application and pay the required fees.
Receive Your License: Once approved, your Remote Pilot License will be issued. This license is mandatory for commercial drone operators.

Step 6: Maintain and Renew Your License

Your Remote Pilot License needs to be renewed periodically, typically every five years. To maintain your license, you must adhere to the following:

Follow DGCA Guidelines: Always operate within the guidelines set by the DGCA to avoid penalties.
Log Flight Hours: Regularly log your flight hours to demonstrate continued proficiency.
Renew Your License: Apply for renewal through the Digital Sky platform, submit required documents, and pay renewal fees.

Career Opportunities After Certification

Once you are a certified drone operator, several industries open their doors to you. Some career options include:

Aerial Photographer/Videographer: Drones are widely used for capturing aerial footage in media, real estate, and event industries.
Drone Surveyor: Industries like construction, agriculture, and infrastructure rely on drones for surveying land, monitoring crops, and inspecting structures.
Drone Pilot for Delivery Services: With the advent of drone delivery systems, logistics companies are exploring drone-based delivery solutions.
Drone Operator in Agriculture: Precision farming and crop monitoring are increasingly being done with drones.
Drone Pilot for Law Enforcement: Law enforcement agencies use drones for surveillance, search and rescue operations, and crowd management.

Conclusion

Becoming a certified drone operator in India is not only an exciting career path but also one that is in high demand across various industries. By following the steps laid out in this guide—understanding regulations, choosing a reputable training institute, obtaining certification, and applying for your license—you can turn your passion for flying drones into a professional and rewarding career.