9781422275146

DID YOU KNOW? Drones have been around since July 1849, when the Austrians launched 200 pilotless balloons mounted with bombs to attack the city of Venice.

DRONE PILOTS Drone pilots operate unmanned aerial vehicles. They work for companies, government agencies, nonprofits, and other organizations. Some pilots are self- employed, meaning that they launch their own businesses and offer services to clients who need drone pilots. Although they work in many industries, most drone pilots do the following. • Conduct pre-mission meetings with customers and/or flight directors • Create flight plans that detail what needs to be accomplished during the mission • Recheck weather conditions • Conduct safety risk assessments prior to flight • Launch the drone by using the controller to direct it to take

off, by throwing it into the air—with the assistance of a catapult or other launching device—or by releasing it from a manned aircraft • Pilot the drone by using a joystick, computer displays, or other control devices to complete the goals of the mission

CHAPTER 1: WHAT DO DRONE PILOTS DO? 13