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Want To Be A Pilot But You Can't Pass The Health Tests? Become An Unmanned Aircraft Systems Operator

18 December 2015 by Fred Peters

If you want a career in the aviation field but are unable to pass the rigorous medical evaluation to become a pilot, consider becoming an unmanned aircraft systems operator. Unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) are popularly known as drones, and you could earn a starting salary close to six figures if you choose drone operation as your major. 

Drones can service a wide range of fields and industries. Here's what you need to know about the potential career opportunities, the importance of a degree, and a taste of what you will learn in aviation college. 

Potential Careers

There are a number of specialties you can choose from when it's time to fulfill your dream of becoming a pilot of an unmanned aircraft. You can really hone in on your personal preferences so your ultimate career choice specialty is one that will take off and soar you to new heights of achievement. Here are 5 of the many specialties you can choose from. 

• Serve the agricultural industry by providing mappings of moisture, growth, and pests from above. These maps help farmers assess their crops and livestock. By providing this service, farmers can assess and inspect their crops and livestock without causing any disturbances to them. 
• Become a government contractor as a drone operator overseas. Often, government contractors are used to scout areas of conflict with drones for the military and government agencies like the CIA. 
• Drone operators can easily inspect pipelines and power lines, especially in remote areas that cannot be accessed by vehicle. Typically, infrared cameras and sensors compile data and mapping information that is used to determine if there are any areas of concern, such as fallen trees and damage by wildlife. 
• Contract with law enforcement and other authorities in your area to provide aerial views of problems such as extensive fires, traffic jams, border surveillance, and disaster assessment. 
• Work with insurance companies to provide photographs and maps of  properties for the visual assessment of insurance adjusters after events such as fires and storm damage. 

Importance of Education 

While drone operator education is not currently regulated, many states are considering restrictions due to unauthorized and unsafe operating practices. It's also important to know that drone operation is subject to FAA regulation. 

Also, education will give you a competitive edge. As in any field or industry, employers are more likely to hire someone with an education from an accredited degree program versus someone who is self-taught. And with pending restrictions and regulations that are being considered by federal, state, and local authorities as technology continues to advance, a degree can get you ahead of the game. 

What You'll Learn in Aviation College

There's more to operating a drone than you may realize. During your courses in an aviation college, you will learn some of the following. 

• The science of wind and weather and how they affect the aerodynamics and propulsion of unmanned aircraft systems. 
• The automated communication process between the remote and the receiver, which is called telemetry. 
• The use of technology, such as infrared sensors that are connected to digital cameras. 
• The use of software systems that define geographical boundaries by using global positioning systems (GPS) and radio frequency identification (RFID), which is called geofencing. 
• The methods of planning flights and how to get clearance for your flight patterns through the area air traffic controllers. 
• The operation of various types and sizes of unmanned aircraft systems. 

As with all educational experiences, it's a good idea to attend a college that is accredited by the U.S. Department of Education. However, since there currently are no regulations regarding education for drone operators, be sure to choose a college with coursework that at least covers the essentials listed above. 

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