How to Hire a Drone Pilot
A 5-Point Guide
to Vetting Professionals
You have successfully posted your job brief, and the applications are coming in. Now comes the most critical phase of your project: choosing the right drone operator.
Hiring a drone pilot can feel daunting. The technology is complex, the regulations are strict, and the difference between a professional and an amateur is not always obvious… until it is too late.
As a platform founded by legally licenced operators, we want to help you make this decision with confidence. Here is our 5-point checklist for what to look for when hiring a drone pilot.
Hiring a drone pilot can feel daunting. The technology is complex, the regulations are strict, and the difference between a professional and an amateur is not always obvious… until it is too late.
As a platform founded by legally licenced operators, we want to help you make this decision with confidence. Here is our 5-point checklist for what to look for when hiring a drone pilot.
More Than Just a Drone Understanding the Real Risks
Ask every potential pilot these five questions. A true professional will have the answers ready.
1. Legal Licencing and Certification (And How to Check)
This is the first and most important hurdle. A drone is an aircraft, and flying it for commercial gain is a licenced activity in almost every country.
- What to Ask: “Can you please provide a copy of your current, valid commercial drone licence or certification?”
- What to Look For: The pilot must hold the correct credentials for your country. This would be a Remote Pilot Licence (RPL) from the SACAA in South Africa, a Part 107 Certificate from the FAA in the US, or a valid EASA certificate in Europe, among others. A professional will provide this document without hesitation.
2. Specific, Valid Aviation Insurance
Standard business insurance does not cover drone operations. This is a critical point that many clients miss.
- What to Ask: “Can you please provide your certificate of aviation public liability insurance?”
- What to Look For: The document must explicitly mention “aviation” or “UAS/UAV/Drone” operations. Check the policy limit (e.g., R2 million, $1 million, etc.) to ensure it is sufficient for your project’s risk level, and most importantly, check the expiry date.
3. A Professional Portfolio of Relevant Experience
Drone operation is not a one-size-fits-all skill. A pilot’s experience must match your project’s needs.
- What to Ask: “Could you share a portfolio of 2-3 projects you have completed that are similar to this one?”
- What to Look For: If you are hiring for a cinematic real estate video, a portfolio full of 2D farm maps is not a good fit. If you need a thermal roof inspection, look for examples of thermal data, not just pretty aerial photos. You are hiring them for their data-gathering expertise, not just their ability to fly.
4. A Clear Understanding of Safety, Airspace, and Risk
A professional pilot’s first priority is safety and legal compliance. They should be able to articulate their process clearly.
- What to Ask: “What is your process for checking airspace and conducting a pre-flight risk assessment for this location?”
- What to Look For: A professional will give a confident answer. They will mention checking airspace maps (like VFR charts or digital apps), performing an on-site assessment for hazards (like power lines, trees, or pedestrians), and having an emergency plan. If they sound vague or dismissive of this, it is a major red flag.
5. Professionalism and Clear Communication
This is a simpler, but equally important, metric. How do they conduct themselves?
- What to Ask: (This is one you ask yourself). Are their emails clear and well-written? Do they respond in a timely manner? Do they ask intelligent questions about your project brief?
- What to Look For: A good operator will often ask you questions to clarify the deliverables or location. This is a sign of an expert, not a nuisance. It shows they are already thinking through the project.
How the DPN Verified Badge
Simplifies This Entire Process
We know this checklist can seem like a lot of work. That is precisely why we created the DPN Verified Badge.
When you see that badge on an operator’s profile, it means a DPN moderator has already stepped in to handle the most critical part of this checklist. We have manually reviewed their uploaded documents to confirm they hold a valid licence and that their documentation is current.
While you should still check for relevant experience and insurance, gives you immediate peace of mind and a powerful head-start in your vetting process. It is our commitment to building a network of true, compliant professionals.
