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Drone, UAS, and UAV Pilot Training Opelika Alabama AL

UAV Pilot Training Near Opelika, AL

UAV pilot training near Opelika, AL is becoming an increasingly popular flight training option. Still, in the early phases of development, the UAV industry is an exciting industry to follow, but one that is often difficult to understand and often breeds misconceptions. If you're interested in UAVs and UAV pilot training near Opelika, AL, you should consider several things before starting your training.


Modern UAVs are so much more than glorified remote control planes. They are in a near-constant state of development, with new models rapidly outpacing the capabilities of models of just a few years ago. Not to mention, the FAA has struggled to keep pace with regard to establishing a framework to govern UAV pilot certification.

The end result is that UAV pilot training near Opelika, AL is all new and changes a lot. Those interested in UAV pilot training near Opelika, AL would do well to follow the FAA's UAS Integration initiative.

UAV Pilot Training Might Not Be Available to Opelika, AL

Due in part to its newness, UAV pilot training in Opelika, AL isn't yet widely available. New training providers are regularly starting courses in anticipation of the FAA developing a real UAS pilot certificate, but training is still likely to require a bit of travel on your part.

Many of the best training providers are also heavily involved in UAV research in general, including several colleges and universities who recently sponsored test site proposals. As such, you might also need to be accepted to that college or university in general before being able to actually enroll in UAV pilot training.

The only real difference in flying a UAV and flying a more conventional aircraft is the location of the pilot. It is a common misconception that flying UAVs is somehow less difficult than regular flying, but this is simply not accurate. If anything, flying a UAV is more difficult due to the lack of physical sensations of motion. In either case, learning to fly UAVs requires the same understanding of scientific and technical principles of flight as any flight training program.

UAV Flight Training Opelika, AL is Rapidly Changing

As the FAA progresses through the process of integrating UAS into the National Airspace System, they continue to develop best practices and guidelines for training that will provide the basis for the UAV pilot certification process. While there are currently no UAV pilot certificates, it is only reasonable to expect at least a commercial certification to be developed and required in order to operate a UAV.

Until such a time as that certification becomes available, it is likely there will be numerous changes and developments to cope with.

It is most important to understand that, unlike helicopter flight training, for example, UAV pilot training near Opelika, AL is for the future. It is certainly not the distant future, but you can't exactly walk out of a UAV pilot training program into a nice 9 to 5 job flying remotely-piloted aircraft. Please don't let that stop you from pursuing UAV pilot training near Opelika, AL, but do be aware that you're developing skills for the future in a fascinating and innovative career field.

UAV pilot training is experiencing rapid growth and provides the skills of the future. Blended with a current flight training program for more conventional aircraft, you are not only setting the stage for an exciting career today, but you will provide the basis for a very exciting and lucrative future career that will be not only exceptionally interesting but very rewarding.

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UAV Pilot Training in the Military or Civilian?

UAV pilot training has seen a lot of development in the military and, in the last few years, civilian training providers have begun developing the next generation of UAV pilot training. Training that focuses on civilian applications for UAVs.

For example, rather than military surveillance and reconnaissance, civilian UAVs could be used for aerial photography to save property developers' money or pipeline patrols. UAV pilot training has seen a lot of development in the military and, in the last few years, civilian training providers have begun developing the next generation of UAV pilot training. Training that focuses on civilian applications for UAVs.The potential applications of UAVs are endless. Unfortunately, the pool of pilots is minuscule and without pilots, no amount of development can continue for long. If you're looking for an exciting career piloting UAVs, here are several things to consider.

The road to becoming a UAV pilot in Opelika, AL is very similar to that of a commercial pilot. First of all, employers are always looking for applicants with the most education, so if you want to be paid at the higher end of the pay scale, you'll need to earn a 4-year college degree in aeronautics or engineering.

Some aspiring UAV pilots decide to attend a college that offers 4-year degrees and UAV pilot training programs near Opelika, AL. With this route, you'll end up with your degree and usually enough flight hours to apply for an entry-level unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) job. Whether you decide to go to college or not, you will need to earn a private pilot license, a commercial pilot license, and an instrument rating, and build up at least 500 hours of pilot-in-command flight hours.

Many people believe that since UAV pilots don't actually "fly" the airplane, they don't need a pilot license. However, this is usually not the case. To become a UAV pilot nearOpelika, AL you'll need to earn at least a commercial pilot license with an instrument rating and get at least a third-class FAA medical certificate. Learn about UAV pilot jobs.

UAV Pilot License and Ratings Which Licenses and Ratings Will You Need?

UAV pilots in Opelika, AL typically hold some or all of the following licenses, ratings, and certificates:

  • Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Medical Third Class - Certificate
  • Private Pilot - License
  • Commercial Pilot - License
  • Airline Transport Pilot - License
  • Instrument Pilot - Rating

Does a UAV Sensor Operator Need a License?

Depending on the kind of job you're looking for, a UAV sensor operator may or may not be required to possess at least a private pilot license. However, with that said, you will have a huge advantage over other job applicants if you are a certified private or commercial pilot when you apply.

UAV Pilot Jobs in Opelika, AL

The worldwide UAV industry is expected to bring in over $80 billion by 2020, and that means more and more UAV pilot jobs every year. At the time of this writing, SimplyHired.com had over 40 jobs listed for UAV pilot and sensor operators. Read more about UAV pilot salaries.

After UAV Pilot Training in Opelika, AL, Where Will You Work?

The job market for UAV pilots appears to be limitless. However, most UAV pilot and sensor operator jobs in the near future will be in the following industries:

  • Information, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance (ISR)
  • Target Drones
  • Radar Decoy Systems
  • Unmanned Combat Aerial Vehicles (UCAV)

Interesting Helicopter and Fixed-wing Facts for Opelika, AL

One problem associated with helicopter rotor blades occurs because airflow along the length of each blade differs widely. This means that lift and drag fluctuate for each blade throughout the rotational cycle, thereby exerting an unsteadying influence upon the helicopter.

Dream big and dare to fail. –Norman Vaughan

Fun Helicopter and Airplane Facts for Opelika, AL

Helicopters were developed and built during the first half-century of flight, with the Focke-Wulf Fw 61 being the first operational helicopter in 1936. Some helicopters reached limited production, but it was not until 1942 that a helicopter designed by Igor Sikorsky reached full-scale production, with 131 aircraft built.

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