With China becoming the biggest drone manufacturer in the world, many young people, particularly men, are flocking to drone schools, hoping they would soon land in a well-paid and exciting new job as a drone pilot.

China has already produced different kinds of drones ranging from remote-controlled 3D urban mappers, drones for photgraphy and videography and tear-gas spraying equipment for police to passenger-carrying drones, but the emerging problem now is the lack of qualified individuals to fly them.

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Drone schools like TT Aviation Technology Co., one of the more than 40 institutions that offer drone flying courses in China, offers a two-week intensive training at 8,000 yuan ($1,200). Throughout the course, students are taught about the policies and mechanisms to fly drones. Their skills are tested both through simulators and real drones. 

At the end of the course, students can attempt to get a professional license required by the Civil Aviation Administration to maneuver drones heavier than 7 kilograms (15 pounds) and fly higher than 120 meters (400 feet).

One aspiring student Xu Honggang believes that the license will give him the opportunity to get a piloting jobs that pays at least 5,000 yuan ($780) per month, which is higher than average, while those with experience are likely to receive twice that salary. 

According to TT Aviation's general manager Yang Yi, the drone industry currently needs over 10,000 pilots across the country; however, there are only 1,000 pilots who hold a license. Yang explained that piloting a drone is similar driving a car as it also requires systematic skill training and study.

Wu Haining, vice president of Shandong Qihang Surveying and Mapping Technology Company, said that professional drone pilots are needed to ensure the safety of drone operations. "Although we have insurance, we still need strict regulations for studying and training to avoid any incidents," Wu said.

Tagsdrone, drone pilots, TT Aviation Technology Co., pilot, drone pilot, drone school