Economy

Will Your Next Job Be Piloting Drones?

With commercial use expected to surge, would-be operators have more options for training.
A drone carries a UPS package during a company demonstration of drone delivery in Massachusetts.Brian Snyder/Reuters

Last year, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) released its requirements for flying drones that weigh under 55 pounds. The rules state that the pilot must keep the drone in sight at all times, not exceed 100 miles per hour, and operate the drone only during daylight hours. Pilots must also report accidents that result in an injury.

While the list of rules for operating a drone is long and detailed (read the whole thing here), the requirements for becoming a drone pilot are relatively simple. You need to be at least 16 years old. You also need to pass a written test. After that, you can fly a registered drone. And it’s becoming increasingly possible to find work that will pay you for this skill.