For several years now, the drone industry has been booming, opening up a wide range of promising careers for young graduates. Whether you’re interested in drone piloting, operations or civil engineering, Quebec and Canada offer a multitude of job opportunities in this booming field. Immerse yourself in the future of drone piloting, discover the attractive salaries and consider a career in this innovative profession.
What qualifications do you need to fly a drone?
In Canada, flying a drone for commercial or research purposes requires following precise guidelines laid down by Transport Canada, which distinguishes between two levels of certification: basic operations and advanced operations.
Certificate for basic operations
This certificate is intended for pilots who operate their drone at least 30 meters horizontally from any person not involved in the operation. To be eligible, pilots must pass an online exam covering fundamental aspects such as the rules of the air, meteorology, and the safety of drone operations. Flights must take place away from airports and controlled airspace, and must never fly over crowds or gatherings.
Certification in advanced operations
This certification is necessary for pilots wishing to operate within 5 meters of uninvolved persons or directly above them. It is also required for piloting in or near controlled airspace, or in the vicinity of airports and heliports. Candidates must pass a more detailed online exam and a practical test to demonstrate their ability to manage a drone in complex conditions. In addition, drones must be registered and marked with an identification number provided by Transport Canada.
In short, choosing between a basic operations certificate and an advanced operations certification depends mainly on the types of missions you’re planning, and whether you intend to fly your drone in controlled or uncontrolled airspace.
To get started, you need the right theoretical and practical training. This training is crucial to acquiring the necessary skills and understanding the regulations in force. Here’s what you need to do:
- Theoretical training: Prepare for the theoretical exam;
- Hands-on training: learn to control the drone under the supervision of an instructor;
- Certificate: Pass the exam to obtain the required certificate.
In conclusion, for those aspiring to become drone pilots in Canada, advanced operations certification is often the most sought-after, as it opens the door to a wider variety of flight operations and professional applications. However, it’s important to note that this certification is just the beginning. Depending on the specific field of activity and the applications envisaged, additional qualifications or certifications may be required. For example, pilots wishing to use drones for specific applications such as mapping, precision farming or environmental monitoring may need to undergo additional training to master the technologies and techniques relevant to these sectors.
How much does a drone pilot earn in Quebec?
A drone pilot’s salary can vary considerably depending on a number of factors, making it difficult to provide a precise figure without taking the specific context into account. Among the elements that influence salary are the pilot’s experience and skill level, the specific certifications and training he or she possesses, and the complexity and nature of the missions he or she is called upon to carry out.
What does it take to be a drone operator?
The use of drones has been widely democratized in many professional sectors, offering innovative and diversified career prospects. Here are just a few of the professions in which drones play a central role:
Precision farming
In this field, drones are used for crop monitoring, irrigation management and targeted pesticide application. They help farmers maximize yield while minimizing environmental impact through precise resource management.
Surveying and mapping
Drones are revolutionizing traditional surveying methods by enabling the rapid collection of precise topographic data. They are used to create detailed maps and 3D models of the terrain, facilitating project planning and management.
Construction
In the construction sector, drones are used for site inspection, monitoring project progress, and safety surveillance on building sites. They provide an efficient overview and reduce the risks associated with manual inspections.
Forestry
Drones help forest management by facilitating tree inventory, detecting areas affected by disease or pests, and monitoring forest health. They can also be used to plan cuttings and monitor regeneration.
Quarries and sandpits
In quarries and sandpits, drones are used to monitor extraction volumes, inspect sites and manage safety. They provide precise measurements that help optimize resource exploitation.
Public safety
Drones make a major contribution to public safety operations, such as search and rescue missions, crowd control and emergency response. They offer rapid response capability and can access hard-to-reach areas.
The environment
In environmental protection, drones are used to monitor ecosystems, detect pollution and track climate change. They play a crucial role in data collection, helping to ensure the conservation and sustainable management of natural resources.
Each of these professions offers opportunities for professional development, and requires specific technical expertise in handling drones. As drone technology continues to evolve, so do the opportunities for professionals to specialize and innovate in their field.
What does the future hold for drone pilots in Canada?
As the Canadian drone market continues to expand, the future looks particularly bright for drone pilots in Canada. This already dynamic profession is set for sustained growth, thanks to technological innovations and evolving regulations that are opening up new avenues for drone use.
The Canadian government, aware of the potential of this technology, continues to adapt its laws and directives to better integrate the use of drones into the national airspace, while ensuring that this integration is carried out responsibly and safely.
In conclusion, the future for drone pilots in Canada is not only bright, but full of promise. Now is the perfect time for young graduates to take part in this technological revolution and steer their careers towards exciting new horizons.