Culture
Chinese Pilots Are in High Demand—For Drones
With skilled pilots needed in an increasing number of industries, students hope to enter a potentially lucrative occupation.
China has one of the fastest-growing drone markets in the world, with technology advancing quickly and prices falling just as rapidly. Worldwide, drones have become far more than a hobby. Enthusiasts have found professional use for them in a slew of industries—agricultural and environmental research, fine-art photography and film, and of course delivery services.
And as demand for drone pilots boom, drone-flying schools are becoming increasingly popular in China especially, reports China Daily. China’s Civil Aviation Administration estimates that by 2018, there will be a demand for more than 30,000 civilian drone pilots, according to Shanghaiist. So far, the country has 42 training centers and 700 licensed pilots—“a serious shortage.”