Where could drones take you?

There is no single correct path. People reach these careers through work, certificates, community college, university, the military, or starting a business, and many switch routes along the way.

1. Stage 1

   What you can do now

   • Decode today's weather in METARverse (opens in a new tab)
   • Learn the airspace around KSLE in Chartology (opens in a new tab)
   • Start Part 107 lesson 1 (opens in a new tab)
   • Practise the workplace side of flying for hire in HireLearning (opens in a new tab)

2. Stage 2

   High-school preparation

   • Drone / aviation CTE courses
   • Physics
   • Earth science (weather)
   • Geography

3. Stage 3

   Skills to build

   • Precise manual control (hover, orbits, figure-8s)
   • Preflight planning and checklists
   • Weather and airspace decisions
   • Crew communication
   • Emergency procedures

4. Stage 4

   Certifications

   • TRUST certificate (free, for recreational flying)
   • FAA Part 107 Remote Pilot Certificate (minimum age 16)
   • Manufacturer or enterprise platform training

5. Stage 5

   Portfolio projects

   • Flight log with hours and aircraft types
   • Mission plans with weather and airspace analysis
   • A short reel of smooth, safe flight footage

6. Stage 6

   After high school: choose a route

   Straight to workCommunity collegeUniversityMilitary

   • Straight to work

     Earn Part 107, build a portfolio and start with local jobs or an employer that trains.

     e.g. Real estate media · Construction site capture · Inspection company trainee

   • Community college

     Two-year UAS programs add advanced flight training, maintenance and mapping.

     e.g. Central Oregon CC — Aviation UAS option

   • University

     Bachelor's UAS degrees prepare you for operations management and advanced missions.

     e.g. UND UAS Operations · Embry-Riddle Uncrewed & Autonomous Systems

   • Military

     Every branch trains UAS operators and maintainers.

     e.g. Army, Air Force, Navy and Marine Corps UAS career fields

   Compare programs in Opportunity Radar

7. Stage 7

   Possible entry-level positions

   • Drone pilot / technician
   • Visual observer
   • Aerial media assistant
   • Inspection pilot trainee

8. Stage 8

   Long-term careers

   • Chief pilot
   • UAS program manager
   • BVLOS operations lead
   • Flight instructor / trainer