Job description: drone operator / drone pilot

drone pilots around a drone

Art And innovation finally met in the world of entertainment: At Allumee, we have combined technology cutting-edge and creativity to offer drone shows unique, captivating the audience with every performance. Behind this technology, there are humans, drone pilots or more simply called, drone pilots. More than pilots, they are true artists contributing to breathtaking drone shows.

Definition of the drone operator profession

The Robert dictionary defines the drone pilot as a "person who directs a drone ». Others understand it as "the person who pilots or uses a drone for purposes recreational Or professional ». Yes, in fact, the drone operator or drone pilot is a specialized professional in the handling of drones for various applications. THE drone operator profession being very regulated, it encompasses not only technical skills of piloting, of programming, but also of legal knowledge.

What does being a drone pilot involve?

Aerial mapping

Drone pilots help create accurate maps for projects urban planning, of architecture, or for capture images of inaccessible terrain.

Environmental monitoring

It is also possible to monitor sensitive natural areas, collect data by participating in species identification animals or plants in danger for example.

Precision agriculture

Drones also help farmers to optimize their yields in monitoring crops, in detecting areas requiring irrigation or even by applying phytosanitary treatments in a very targeted.

Security and surveillance

Drone pilots can participate in security missions And monitor infrastructure sensitive or some events individuals during mass gathering.

Audiovisual and cinema

To capture spectacular aerial shots for documentaries, of the advertisements or productions cinematographic, drone operators are sometimes the only ones who can offer exceptional prospects and often impossible otherwise.

Of course, the possibilities are vast and the applications continue to expand as drones are evolving technologically. In the artistic field, at Allumee, drone pilots play a essential role in the design and production of light shows.

drone launches at a drone show
Launch of the drone show for the inauguration of the Jandri 3S.

How do you train to become a drone operator?

THE drone operator profession being very regulated, so it is imperative to follow a vocational trainingThe use of civilian drones is also regulated by a European regulations which continues to evolve, gradually replacing the old French rules. This regulation distinguishes three categories of activity depending on the risk level: open, specific and certified.

There open category, which concerns activities at low risk, encompasses the uses of leisure and professional. This category is divided into three subcategories defined by the drone weight. All drones weighing between 250 grams and 25 kilos require a statement on a dedicated special platform, and impose a compulsory training.

The compulsory training is divided into two parts: a theoretical and a practical one.

The theoretical exam in the form of multiple choice questions is organized in centers approved by the General Directorate of Civil Aviation. It allows to obtain the Theoretical Aptitude Certificate for Remote Pilots (CATT).

Once the theoretical exam has been passed, a practical training is provided by a certified trainerThis training thus allows you to acquire the SKILLS necessary for pilot a drone in all security And compliance with the regulation in progress.

For the other categories, there Professional Federation of Civil Drones labeling the pilot centers, will be able to provide the accuracy of the current regulations as well as the list of approved trainers depending on the category.

 

Some additional information about the profession

How much does a drone pilot earn?

The salary of a drone pilot depends on his sector of activity and his experience level. Income may vary depending on the frequency of missions, of the project complexity. On average, a drone pilot begins around €2,000 gross per month. This amount can quickly increase with the experience and the technical skills. THE experienced drone pilots or working on prestigious projects can achieve salaries higher than €3,500 gross per month.

Popular qualities

To excel in the drone operator profession, some qualities are essential:

  • Sense of direction: It may seem trivial, but when on the ground, the drone pilot must be able to project himself and envisage the movements of the device.
  • Rigor: Every move counts, the pre-defined flight path is precise and must be methodically orchestrated in complete safety.
  • Responsiveness: Managing technical contingencies in real time requires composure and rapid analytical skills.
  • The relationship: While the drone operator can often work alone, he can also work in a team with other technicians, and, in all cases, remain attentive to the needs of customers.
  • Creativity: In an artistic setting, like at Allumee, imagining and programming captivating choreographies is part of the expectations for unique shows.
  • Passion for technology: As this is constantly evolving, drones are no exception and a passionate drone pilot is usually on the lookout for the latest innovations.

Drone pilots for drone shows

At Allumee, the drone pilots are at the heart of the magic of the shows. They design of the scenographies And pilot drones, or rather the program, to create wonderful light paintings synchronized. How a show drone works is good particular. Each scene is a unique combination technological innovation and of artistic vision. The whole process of creation drone show, from the client's idea to the final performance, integrates at each stage the drone pilotsTogether, they design the scenographies telling a story, transmitting A message, a emotion. These programmed choreographies, the drone operators supervise each step of this millimeter-perfect show guaranteeing a harmonious visual rendering in all security.

Conclusion

At Allumee, our drone pilots bring their expertise, their precision, their mastery and their artistic creativity. Transforming a sky into a visual theater scene, adjusting this ballet of luminous drones into unique show, magic And memorable, this is the mission of our drone pilots. To help you discover a new way of to amaze you.