
Simuflight decided to venture into drone pilot training to offer a quality solution to the drone industry and its increasing demand for well-trained professional drone pilots. The drone experience is rather different and very up and coming within not only the aviation industry but many other industries too. Drones are the future and can be used in so many applications. But first…
What is a drone?
Drones are also referred to as Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs). It is a small or large unmanned aircraft that can be controlled remotely. It’s used for many purposes, including photography and filming, aerial mapping, search-and-rescue operations, crop dusting, firefighting, law enforcement, surveillance, scientific research, military applications, etc.
The operator sometimes uses an app on their smartphone to control the flight of the UAV.
Drones were developed exclusively for the use of the aerospace and military industries but in recent years have grown popular for mainstream private use too.
Drones have built-in robotic systems using ‘Artificial Intelligence – therefore they do not use onboard pilots but rather the pilot controls the drone through remote control from a distance.
Using GPS and other sensors the drones have highly advanced and intelligent systems that can judge height (or altitude), distance and follow a flight plan to be able to complete the task at hand.
Different drones can travel different distances. Close-range drones can travel up to three miles (4.8 km) and are mostly used by beginners. Close-range drones can travel up to 30 miles (48 km). For espionage and intelligence gathering, short-range drones are used to travel up to 90 miles (144 km). Intelligence gathering, scientific studies, and meteorological research are some of the things that could be done with mid-range UAVs. The longest-range drones are called “endurance” and can go beyond the 400-mile range (643 km).
What can drones be used for?
Drones make perfect candidates take on some of the toughest jobs in the world because they can be controlled remotely and flown at different heights. They can assist in a search for survivors after a hurricane, give law enforcement and the military an eye-in-the-sky during terrorist situations, and advance scientific research in some of the most extreme climates.
Drones are a vital tool for photographers and videographers too and are often used within the film industry.
Drones are being used in a variety of ways. They’re being used to deliver packages, they’re being used as aerial photography and video cameras, they’re even being used by the military to drop bombs on people from above!
Qualified and well-trained drone pilots have been flying these unmanned aircraft for years – but now there’s an increasing number who want to use them to make some money off their business ventures and personal use.
Different types of drones:
Many, many different types of drones exist – but 4 main ones should be looked at and discussed as they have different uses and capabilities.
1. Multi-Rotor Drones
These drones have many rotors or propellers which allow them to take off and fly vertically.
Having more than one rotor is beneficial for more intricate maneuvers but it does make it more difficult to control – therefore the more rotors the tricker control gets, but the more freedom of flying you have.
Multi-rotors usually have limited time and speed when it comes to flying which could be a restriction depending on what you want to do.
They come in many different shapes and sizes and these are the ones usually used for photography or video purposes.
2. Fixed Wing
Unlike multi-rotors, these drones cannot hover and therefore need a runway or catapult to take off on. Instead of rotors, they have a fixed-wing like an aircraft.
This is a good drone for surveillance operations but because it cannot hover it is not a good option for photography or video footage.
Fixed-wings are often used for long-distance trips or as hobby aircraft. They can fly for up to 16 hours and do not require charging unless they are connected to other electronic equipment.
This drone type requires more experience with drone flying, especially in takeoff and landing.
3. Single-rotor drones
Most comparable to helicopters in design, structure, and control. It has one large rotor and one small one at the tail to control the drone’s heading. Coupled to artificial stabilization systems like gyros they are maneuverable and can be mastered with appropriate training…
4. Fixed-Wing Hybrid VTOL
These are the latest models in drone technology. They combine the best of both worlds – the stability of fixed-wing yet the dynamic abilities of the multi-rotors. These hybrid drones combine the best of both fixed-wing and rotor-based drones, with the ability to take off vertically.
This is the best option for commercial use and great for deliveries of goods as it can fly for long distances and is extremely versatile.
Hybrid units can be simply fixed-wing drones equipped with vertical lift rotors. Some people reposition themselves to fly straight up during takeoff and then shift to a horizontal position once in the air. Some designs have wings and rotors that swivel to change from vertical to horizontal flight.
Benefits | Limitations | Commonly Used For | |
Multi-Rotor |
|
|
Aerial Photography and Video Aerial Inspection |
Fixed-Wing |
|
|
Aerial Mapping, Pipeline and Power line inspection |
Single-Rotor |
|
|
Aerial LIDAR laser scanning |
Fixed-Wing Hybrid |
|
|
Drone Delivery |
Why do you need a Commercial Drone license or RPL to fly a drone?
A remote RPL (Remote Pilot’s License) is becoming protocol everywhere to fly a drone legally. This is especially true for a commercial drone operator or commercial operations of any sort.
A wide variety of information is covered during the drone pilot training programs to obtain the drone pilot license as many regulations and subjects need to be looked at and learned.
- Drone Pilot Ground School and Theory – which includes subjects of Air Law, Human Factors, Flight Principles, Operational procedures, Technical and General, Meteorology and Navigation
- Practical Training
Doing your RPL license, therefore, provides you with valuable information about who you are sharing the sky with i.e a manned aircraft and how to share aviation space safely.
Simuflight is now offering aviation training specifically in the field of Drone Pilot Training, for Remote Pilot Licenses using state-of-the-art drone simulation and drone equipment.
The course runs over 7 days. On completion, you will receive a South African Civil Aviation Authority issued Remote Pilot License qualification for unmanned aviation.
Instruction is presented by highly qualified and experienced instructors with both unmanned and manned aviation backgrounds.
It culminates in flight training which consists of 5 hours of simulated and practical drone flying time as well as the practical skills test.
Whether you want to upskill yourself or uplevel your videography this course is your stepping stone to becoming a commercial drone pilot – Anyone can do it.
No previous flying experience is required.
Contact us for more information regarding our newest course!