Unmanned aircraft systems operator

An Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS) Operator is a professional responsible for piloting, monitoring, and managing drones (unmanned aerial vehicles or UAVs) for various applications. These systems are used in industries such as military, commercial, agriculture, surveillance, filmmaking, logistics, and emergency response.

Key Responsibilities of a UAS Operator:

Pre-Flight Planning
- Conduct risk assessments and airspace checks.
- Ensure compliance with aviation regulations (e.g., FAA Part 107 in the U.S.).
- Plan flight paths and mission objectives.
Drone Operation
- Pilot UAVs manually or via automated systems.
- Monitor telemetry, battery life, and sensor data.
- Adjust flight parameters as needed for safety and mission success.
Data Collection & Analysis
- Operate cameras, LiDAR, multispectral, or other sensors.
- Process and analyze aerial data (e.g., mapping, inspections, surveillance).
Maintenance & Troubleshooting
- Perform pre- and post-flight checks.
- Conduct basic repairs and software updates.
Regulatory Compliance
- Maintain operator certifications (e.g., FAA Part 107, A2 CofC in the UK).
- Follow local aviation laws and privacy regulations.

Required Skills & Qualifications:

Technical Proficiency: Understanding of drone systems, sensors, and software (e.g., DJI, Pix4D, DroneDeploy).
Situational Awareness: Ability to assess weather, obstacles, and airspace restrictions.
Problem-Solving: Quick decision-making in case of malfunctions or emergencies.
Certification: Depending on the country, a remote pilot license may be required (e.g., FAA Part 107 in the U.S., EASA A1/A3 in Europe).