We are pleased to feature some of the best professional drone pilots sharing great images on the platform ! Just hit one of this links and you’ll discover who are the humans behind the drones and the posted images!
And if you ever wonder how to become a professional drone pilot, please read the following article.
What Education Is Needed To Become A Drone Pilot?
HOsiHO is a France-based company that sells licenses allowing customers to use a variety of aerial photos and cinematic shots that can be found in HOsiHO’s online galleries. HOsiHO obtains these drone images and drone videos by signing a contract with drone pilots like you. For instance, see this drone company established in south of France and that has services around the drone in Marseille.
Maybe you might be interested in making money by selling your own drone footage? In order to apply as a contributor and start selling your best work through HOsiHO, you first need to be an experienced pilot capable of showing off a portfolio of your work.
That begs the question, how do you get started as a drone pilot?
Is it as easy as simply buying a drone online and letting it loose when it arrives? Whether you end up selling footage of your drone flights on HOsiHO or not, here are a few things you should know about obtaining the education to pilot drones legally.
Education and Drone Laws
There isn’t much education needed in order to fly a drone but there’s a huge amount of rules and laws to know about. Before flying a drone in a country we suggest that you check about drone rules on one of those very good websites :
However, in order to comply, for example in the USA with the FAA’s rules for flying drones, you will need to obtain a Remote Pilot Certificate confirming that you can fly the drone safely and understand the expectations you are held to regarding others’ privacy and security.
On top of being physically and mentally able to fly a drone safely, you must also be at least 16 years old to legally obtain a license for your drone. You should also:
- Be able to read, write, and speak the major language of the country where you are flying your drone.
- Be in a physical and mental condition to safely fly a drone.
- Stay near your drone so you can easily access it in case of a problem.
- Pass the aeronautical knowledge exam (the Unmanned Aircraft General).
- Become familiar with and complete FAA Form 8710-13. This will allow you to qualify for a remote pilot certificate.
- Complete recurrent training every 24 months in order to keep your remote pilot certificate current.
Recreational Drone Usage
If you are flying a drone for recreation purposes instead of commercial purposes, then here are the facts you need to know.
- Follow the National Safety Leaflet (here) and the detailed guidelines (here).
- Flights must take place outdoors.
- You must always keep in visual contact with the drone.
- Avoid flying at night.
- Avoid flying over other people.
- Avoid flying near airports.
- Fly no higher than 150m.
- Obtain authorization if you intend to fly a drone over 25 kg.
- Have insurance that covers recreation drone flight.
- Do not share aerial pictures.
Commercial Drone Usage
If you are flying a drone professionally for commercial use (fro instance in France), then you should still respect the additional rules, but you also need to:
- Receive a permit for aerial work.
- Register your drone nationally.
- Ensure you have a visible drone identity plate.
- Obtain insurance for commercial drone flight, including third party liability.
- Request authorisation before flying over a populated area.
- If your drone weighs over 25 kg, you will need a special aviation certificate.
Now that you have a decent understanding of how much education is needed to pilot a drone (and of the other rules to know before you fly a drone), you can feel much more confident about preparing to fly a drone for the first time. If you are interested in becoming a contributor to HOsiHO’s drone stock collections, or if you’re interested in looking at example work submitted by other pilots, you can browse the galleries today or contact the agency to ask any questions you may have.
HOsiHO has also its own Drone Pilots Network in France, and you might also be interested to get listed on the new Dronestag Pro Drone Pilots Directory.
