DRONELIFE has been writing about commercial drones since 2014, and we’ve maintained JobForDrones, a professional pilot network, for almost as long. We’ve seen the painful process of Section 333 Exemptions shift to Part 107 Remote Pilot Certificates, and we’ve seen the number of licensed commercial pilots grow exponentially. In the 3 years since Part 107 was implemented (the FAA issued a press release announcing the new rules on August 29, 2016) the emails and questions we’ve received have changed dramatically: from “How do I get a job and make a living as a drone pilot?” to “Where can I find more licensed drone pilots to hire?”
Major industries like oil and gas have moved beyond the testing stage with drone technology. Now, large enterprise is working to scale operations and grow drone programs throughout the organization. They need skilled pilots, capable of getting high quality and consistent aerial data, to do it. While many drone pilots were hired on short-term contracts previously, now larger drone service providers are negotiating contracts with major enterprise customers and building teams of full-time operators, with benefits, to serve them.
SkySkopes Inc., based out of Grand Forks, North Dakota with additional offices in Minot North Dakota, California, Minnesota, and Texas, is a case in point. Focused on the energy sector, SkySkopes “flies a wide variety of unmanned aircraft for transmission/distribution line inspections, engineering, oil and gas applications, and other innovative use cases that focus on adding value to the energy sector.” SkySkopes issued a press release recently to highlight their need for full time Remote Pilots in Command (RPIC).
Matt Dunlevy, President and CEO of SkySkopes, says that the shift marks significant progress for the industry. “It is fantastic to see that the industrial uses of drones are being proven out,” says Dunlevy. “To me, it shows that even in a regulatory environment with serious, albeit well-founded, restrictions, end users are getting over their reservations in a way where Drone Service Providers can thrive and scale.”
“The energy sector in particular is a space where UAS vendors now have viable business models, and first responders using the same types of commercial UAS have increased public acceptance of drones to an all-time high. These developments are important also to build upon as the many different technologies that go into the operation of drones are advanced.”
SkySkopes Inc. is adding multiple Remote Pilot In Command (RPIC) full time positions, with benefits, to our US team. Candidates will be basedthroughout the United States in a highlyprofessional and dynamic environment,immersed in advanced industry applications.
About Us
SkySkopes is a professional sUAS flight operator headquartered in Grand Forks, ND, with additional offices in California, North Dakota, Minnesota, and Texas. SkySkopes Inc. acquires aerial data for industrial outputs. The company flies a wide variety of unmanned aircraft for transmission/distribution line inspections, engineering, oil and gas applications, and other innovative use cases that focus on adding value to the energy sector.
Job Description
As SkySkopes, we pride ourselves on acquiring great data, while adhering to rigid industry requirements. In order to do this, we are seeking motivated and qualified sUAS pilots to support flight operations in the energy sector. Flight operations will primarily support routine and rapid response inspections for our energy customers nationwide. Qualified candidates will work in teams that adhere to standard operating procedures. Previousmilitary, engineering, or industrial inspection experience is highly desirable. Additional operations include flying for mapping and inspection, conducting sUAS training and consulting, and data processing workflow duties. The ideal candidate will have previous RPIC experience with a background in sUAS operations, general aviation knowledge, demonstrate a willingness tolearn, and possess a safety mindset. Additionally, they must be willing to be based out of Minot, ND, Minneapolis, MN, Los Angeles, CA, or Forth Worth, TX.
Responsibilities and duties include:
- Execution of sUAS flight operations in accordance with SkySkopes’ procedures.
- Manage and assist as needed in the data processing workflow.
- Perform minor integration and maintenance on aircraft as needed.
- Collaborate with coworkers, partners and clients on projects requirements.
Basic Qualifications:
- 14 CFR Part 107 Remote Pilot Certificate
- Authorization to work in the United States
- Valid Driver’s license and clean driving record
- Relevant UAS Experience: 0-3 Years
- Travel required: up to 50-75%
Preferred Qualifications:
- Four-year degree in a sUAS program or other professional aviation program
- 30+ hours of sUAS flight time on transmission/distribution lines
- Private Pilot or Commercial Pilot License with Instrument Rating
- Experience on fixed-wing aircraft, rotorcraft, LiDAR or Optical Gas Imaging
To learn more, please submit your resume credentials to careers@skyskopes.com.
Miriam McNabb is the Editor-in-Chief of DRONELIFE and CEO of JobForDrones, a professional drone services marketplace, and a fascinated observer of the emerging drone industry and the regulatory environment for drones. Miriam has penned over 3,000 articles focused on the commercial drone space and is an international speaker and recognized figure in the industry. Miriam has a degree from the University of Chicago and over 20 years of experience in high tech sales and marketing for new technologies.
For drone industry consulting or writing, Email Miriam.
TWITTER:@spaldingbarker
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