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 experience, preferably in industry – construction, media, agriculture, logistics, inspection, real estate.
• Proven track record of safe and compliant drone operations.

Performance Metrics (KPIs)

• Number of successful missions completed.
• Accuracy and quality of collected data.
• Compliance with DGCA and safety regulations.
• Zero tolerance for safety violations or incidents.
• Maintenance and readiness of UAV fleet.

Career Progression

Drone Pilot → Senior Drone Pilot → UAV Operations Manager → Head of Aerial Operations

Note: All drone operations must comply with the Drone Rules, 2021 issued by DGCA (India) or respective country regulations if operating internationally.

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: ₹11, ₹32,654.96 per month

Work Location: In person