Drone Pilot

**Job Title**: Drone Pilot / UAV Operator

**Location**: Thane / Mumbai / Maharashtra / India
**Department**: Operations / Surveying / Media / Security / Logistics
**Reports to**: Operations Manager / Project Head

**Job Purpose**

The Drone Pilot will be responsible for planning, executing, and monitoring drone (Unmanned Aerial Vehicle - UAV) operations for surveying, mapping, media, inspection, security surveillance, logistics etc.. The role includes ensuring compliance with DGCA (Directorate General of Civil Aviation) regulations, maintaining flight safety, handling pre
- and post-flight checks, and delivering accurate data, imagery, or services as required by projects.

**Key Roles & Responsibilities**
- **Flight Operations**:

- Plan, prepare, and execute drone flights in compliance with mission objectives.
- Conduct pre-flight, in-flight, and post-flight checks as per safety protocols.
- Operate drones in manual and automated modes for photography, videography, surveying, inspection, or delivery.
- Monitor weather, airspace restrictions, and surrounding environment before and during flights.
- **Regulatory Compliance**:

- Adhere strictly to DGCA regulations under India’s **Drone Rules, 2021** and subsequent amendments.
- Ensure drone and pilot are registered on **Digital Sky Platform**.
- Maintain all necessary permissions including **Unique Identification Number (UIN)**, **Unmanned Aircraft Operator Permit (UAOP)** if applicable, and **Remote Pilot Certificate (RPC)**.
- **Safety & Risk Management**:

- Conduct risk assessment prior to every flight.
- Maintain line of sight with UAV at all times during operations (unless BVLOS approval obtained).
- Avoid flying in prohibited, restricted, or danger zones without prior approvals.
- Ensure no flight over crowds, airports, military zones, or critical infrastructure unless explicitly permitted.
- **Technical & Maintenance**:

- Perform regular calibration and maintenance of drone equipment.
- Keep logs of flight hours, maintenance schedules, repairs, and incidents.
- Update software/firmware for drones and supporting equipment.
- **Data Management**:

- Collect, process, and deliver data such as high-resolution images, video footage, 3D mapping, or survey results.
- Maintain confidentiality and security of all aerial data.
- Coordinate with GIS/Survey/Media teams for integration of data.
- **Coordination**:

- Work closely with project managers, surveyors, engineers, or media teams.
- Train junior staff in basic UAV handling (if required).
- Report incidents, near misses, or technical failures immediately to supervisors.

**Licenses, Certifications & Validations Required (India - DGCA Norms)**
- **Remote Pilot Certificate (RPC)**: Mandatory for flying drones above the Nano category (250g). Issued by DGCA-authorized Remote Pilot Training Organizations (RPTOs).
- **Digital Sky Registration**: Drone and pilot must be registered on the DGCA’s Digital Sky platform.
- **Unique Identification Number (UIN)**: For the drone, required except for Nano drones.
- **UAOP (Unmanned Aircraft Operator Permit)**: Required in certain cases for commercial operations (not needed for Nano and Micro drones in some conditions).
- **Other Validations**:

- Age: Minimum 18 years.
- Educational: Passed Class 10 or equivalent.
- Medical Fitness: Valid Class 2 Medical Certificate (or as mandated by DGCA).
- Security Clearance (if required for sensitive operations).

**Do’s and Don’ts (as per DGCA and best practices)**

**Do’s**:

- Do fly only in permitted airspace with prior approval (if required).
- Do maintain direct visual line of sight (VLOS) unless BVLOS approval granted.
- Do check weather conditions before flying.
- Do keep drone within max height and distance as per DGCA category.
- Do keep fire extinguisher and first-aid ready during large operations.
- Do maintain detailed flight and maintenance logs.
- Do follow No Permission - No Take-off (NPNT) protocol where applicable.

**Don’ts**:

- Don’t fly over airports, heliports, military bases, international borders, or government buildings without authorization.
- Don’t fly near large crowds, highways, or disaster-affected areas unless permitted.
- Don’t carry explosives, weapons, or hazardous materials.
- Don’t exceed battery capacity, payload, or manufacturer’s recommended limits.
- Don’t fly under the influence of alcohol, drugs, or fatigue.
- Don’t share or misuse aerial data without company and regulatory approval.

**Skills & Competencies**
- Strong understanding of aviation safety rules and DGCA Drone Rules 2021.
- Technical knowledge of drones, sensors, GPS, mapping tools, and cameras.
- Ability to troubleshoot mechanical, electrical, and software issues.
- Proficiency in drone-related software (e.g., DJI Ground Station, Pix4D, DroneDeploy, ArcGIS).
- Good communication, observation, and situational awareness skills.
- Analytical skills for interpreting aerial data.

**Experience**
- Minimum 2 years of UAV flying exp