Drone Pilot (RPAS Operator)

What this career is about

What you will study

Typical learning areas across these routes; the institution’s syllabus defines the exact content.

• Unmanned-aircraft systems and pre-flight checks
• Airspace, weather and flight planning
• Remote-pilot control and emergency procedures
• Navigation, batteries and payload management
• Safety, privacy and operational documentation
• Mapping, inspection or imaging workflows

Professional requirements and qualifications

• Choose a currently approved UAS training organisation and verify the scope of its approval.

• Hold the required licence, ratings and medical assessment for your duties.

• Commercial operating arrangements, aircraft registration and flight permissions must also meet applicable KCAA requirements; the RPL does not replace them.

Career opportunities

• Aerial imaging and media production
• Inspection and survey support with relevant technical skills
• Agricultural or environmental data collection
• Unmanned-aircraft operations and project coordination

Combining flight competence with surveying, GIS, data analysis or industry expertise can support specialist services and supervisory roles.

These are possible pathways, not promises of employment. Employers assess qualifications, competence and experience.