Certified Drone Pilot School. Drone, also known as Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAV ), started as a military technology, but evolved rapidly and found wide use in various fields , in the 2010s, with advances in communication, hardware and battery technologies, Drone became cheaper & accessible, starting to be used outside the military, for the general public. The Drone can be both a toy and a work tool, depending on its use and how one utilizes it. Let’s look at the two aspects of Drone as a toy: Many people use Drone for fun and exploration. Flying in open spaces, taking spectacular photos and videos, and learning how to fly is a fun activity, there is a whole community around Drone racing (FPV – First Person View). Competitors operate the drones at high speeds on special tracks, which is exciting for both pilots and spectators alike.
Drone as a work tool:
Rescues and investigations: In rescue and search operations, drones can quickly reach remote areas or rugged landscapes, locating people in need. Mapping and topography: Drones are used for accurate surveying and mapping of topographic data, saving time and resources in various projects. Security and Surveillance: Drones are increasingly being used for surveillance of high security areas such as factories, warehouses, or public places & during large events. They can detect illegal movements or anomalies in real time, providing additional security. Fire Safety :Drones have emerged as a critical tool for the fire service, helping to fight fires and enhance firefighter safety. Security Bodies : Police are using Drone to enhance the effectiveness of their operations and improve the security of public places and events. Professional Photography & Videography: Drone have become an integral tool for professional photographers and videographers. They offer unique aerial photos and shots that were not possible before without expensive equipment : In agriculture, drones are used to monitor crops, identify problems, and optimize resource consumption (e.g. water, fertilizer). Aerial spraying : Drone aerial spraying helps in precise spraying , in rugged areas but & in saving water & fertilizer, Traditional spraying often exposes workers to hazardous chemicals. With drones, spraying is done from a distance, reducing the possibility of contact with pesticides and improving worker safety.
Infrastructure Inspection: Drones are used for inspections of buildings, bridges, pipelines, wind turbines and other infrastructure, reducing the need for dangerous work at height. Thermographic imaging (IR – Infrared): Inspection of photovoltaic panels using Drone is a modern, efficient method that allows fast and accurate detection of problems or malfunctions in large installations.
Construction and engineering: Drones are used to monitor progress on construction sites and create 3D models of structures, facilitating design and cost estimating. Surveillance of fish farms: With sensors & cameras, Drones can monitor fish health, detect disease and can track production. Humanitarian aid and medical missions: In critical situations, Drones are used to transport medical supplies to remote or inaccessible areas, in emergencies or in areas affected by natural disasters.
Control of wildlife and the environment: Researchers use drones to monitor wildlife, record animal migration patterns, and detect illegal activity such as poaching. They can also monitor pollution, forest fires, and other environmental threats. Product delivery: major companies such as Amazon and UPS are testing and implementing Drone delivery systems for faster service in hard-to-reach areas. Many companies such as logistics companies, such as the US and Canada, are making it easier for delivery services to be delivered to customers in major cities. EU legislation: The use of Drone in the European Union has grown rapidly in recent years, both for commercial & recreational purposes, Hence the EU has created a single regulatory framework for flight safety, privacy protection, and accident prevention. So from January 2021, the European Aviation Safety Agency , EASA has put in place a single regulation applicable to all Member States. Drones are categorised into three main categories, depending on the level of risk they carry:
Open Category (Open Category):
- For Drone weighing from 250 g to 25 kg & used for non-commercial purposes.
- Operator’s license required.
Specific Category (Specific Category):
- It concerns Drone used for commercial purposes or carrying greater risks.
- An Operator’s Licence & a risk analysis of the Flight Activity is required from the Civil Aviation Authority.
Certified Category (Certified Category):
- It concerns large drones or flights that have high risks, such as transporting passengers or large cargo.
- Certification is required for both the Drone and the pilot.
The Patras Drone Academy started its operation in 2019 with the then National Regulation and in a short period of time made its presence felt not only in the city of Patras but throughout Greece as the success rates in the theoretical exams reached 100%. This was due to the cooperation of the school with active flying pilots of the Air Force, where they imparted the Aviation Education & knowledge on the subject of Drone. Today Drone is evolving as an essential partner in a wide range of Professional activity & the common legislation of the EU & EASA helps in this direction because it aims to harmonize the rules of flight throughout the European Union, providing a clear and uniform framework for the safe and responsible use of Drone. Patras Drone Academy is a Certified Operator Licensing Centre by the Civil Aviation Authority & EASA, offers to the trainee pilots Certification in the Open Category for A1-A3/A2 & in the Special Category in Standard Scenarios STS-01 & STS-02 in a modern environment with physical presence on the school premises & in an asynchronous format, through a Training platform. The Instructors are highly trained to offer a comprehensive Training focused on safety, responsibility and specialized knowledge, of course, could not miss & Flight Training, where with the latest generation Drone & in a safe environment, the student learns the handling & acquires expertise for a safe flight. After completing the flight course, the prospective pilot is ready to undertake a mission & complete it successfully. When operating in the Special Category & activities are conducted within the confines of a standard scenario, using an appropriate Drone, submit a declaration of compliance with that scenario to the APA & await confirmation of receipt & completeness to begin your flights. All other Special Category operations require an Operational Authorization (OA) issued by the APA. The operator submits an application for operation accompanied by a risk assessment of the intended operation using a risk assessment methodology. One possible method is the Specific Operation Risk Assessment (SORA). This methodology helps to identify the level of risk of the operation & mitigation measures. When compliance with the required conditions is found, the AOC issues a permit to operate to the operator. As a Drone operator flying in the Special Category, you must:
- Develop operational procedures.
- Develop procedures to ensure the safety of the business.
- Drone operator should have completed the training and examination required for the type of operation.
Patras Drone Academy undertakes the implementation of the Flight Operations Manual until its final approval by the Civil Aviation Authority. My name is Koukoutsis Dimitrios & I am the owner of Patras Drone Academy.
