Airbus Launched DGCA-approved Drone Pilot Training Courses in India.

Airbus Launched DGCA-approved Drone Pilot Training Courses in India

Airbus, the European aerospace company, has launched a drone pilot training programme in India to meet the growing demand for skilled professionals in the drone industry. The five-day course, which is approved by the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA), will be held at the Airbus Training Centre in Bengaluru starting from June 26, 2023.

Designed for micro and small-category drones, the course will cover both theory and practical flying lessons. The DGCA-approved course will be taught by Airbus instructors and cover various topics, including drone regulations, basic flight principles, air traffic control procedures, maintenance, operations, and aerodynamics. 

Students will receive both simulator and practical flying lessons with drones provided by Airbus. Upon successful completion of the course, students will receive a certificate from Airbus.

Candidate Eligibility

According to the Toulouse-based manufacturer, eligible candidates for the program must have the following :
1. Completed Class 10 education
2. Be between 18 and 65 years old
3. Hold a valid Indian passport
4. Provide a medical certificate of fitness.

These requirements ensure that participants are well-prepared and meet the necessary health standards for operating drones and undergoing training.

Laurie Alder, Head of Customer Services at Airbus India and South Asia, highlighted the company's commitment to supporting India's aviation infrastructure development and expanding their training offerings. The drone training initiative aims to provide industry-specific skills and knowledge to aspiring drone pilots, enabling them to pursue successful careers in the rapidly growing industry.

Last year at a NITI AYOG event, Hon’ble Aviation Minister Jyotiraditya Scindia talked about India's strategy for developing the drone industry. During his discourse he said, “Today, a drone pilot can be trained by being a 12th class pass, no college degrees are required. With 2-3 months of training, this person is in his or her job as a drone pilots with around Rs 30,000 per month salary. We need close to 100,000 drone pilots in the years to come. So the opportunity is tremendous”. 

As reported by the Mint, based on industry estimates, nearly 60,000 drones are operating in India including 20,000 - 30,000 as recreational devices. As many as 41 drone schools are established in the country. 

Airbus is the latest international company to offer drone pilot training in India. Other companies that offer similar courses include UAV Academy, DronesGuru, and DroneSchool among others.

How to Apply for the Airbus Drone Pilot Training Programme

To apply for the Airbus Drone Pilot Training Programme, interested candidates can write to dronetraining.india@airbus.com or contact +91-9717892020 for more information.

Recognized Private Training Organizations (RPTOs) in India

RPTOs are private training organizations that have been officially recognized by the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) in India. As of current information, there are approximately 57 approved RPTOs in India. Readers interested in obtaining more detailed information about these organizations can visit the official website of the DGCA or refer to the relevant publications and guidelines provided by the DGCA regarding RPTOs in India.