High School

Drone repair work requires mechanical, electrical, and technical knowledge as well as good communication skills for dealing with customers and coworkers. Take classes in computer science, math, science, English, foreign language, and machine shop. Foreign language classes are also helpful for working with people from other countries.

Postsecondary Education

Educational requirements for drone repair technicians vary by employer; for some, a high school diploma or associates degree may be sufficient. However, technicians with a bachelors degree improve their job prospects. A growing number of colleges and universities offer education programs in unmanned aerial vehicle technology. For example, Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University in Daytona, Florida, offers the bachelor of science in uncrewed aircraft systems (https://erau.edu/degrees/bachelor/uncrewed-aircraft-systems), with courses that focus on various applications areas of unmanned aircraft systems.

Some students prepare for the field by completing apprenticeship programs.

Certification

Drone repair technicians may earn certificates from vocational-technical schools. For example, Northland Community & Technical School, in Thief River Falls, Minnesota, offers an uncrewed aircraft systems maintenance technician certificate that concentrates on the maintenance and repair of unmanned aerial systems. Required classes include avionics, microcomputer maintenance, networking, fabrication integration, control stations, among other courses. To enroll, students are required to have the Federal Aviation Administration Airframe and Powerplant Certification. See more information at https://www.northlandcollege.edu/academics/programs/uncrewed-aircraft-systems-maintenance-technician-certificate/specifics. Contact schools in your area to learn about available programs.

Other Education or Training

Many engineering and other technical associations—as well as postsecondary institutions and for-profit, online learning providers—provide continuing education classes and webinars on topics such as electrical and electronics systems, drone construction, aerodynamics, and other topics.

Certification or Licensing

Drone repair technicians who fly drones for work or business may be required to hold an operator certificate from the Federal Aviation Administration. The requirements for drone pilot certification are listed on the FAAs Web site at https://www.faa.gov/uas/getting_started.

The Association for Unmanned Vehicle Systems International offers the AUVSI trusted operator certification credential to both individuals and organizations that operate drones for commercial purposes and certain other nonrecreational purposes. Applicants must demonstrate expertise in the safe operations of drones. Visit https://www.auvsi.org/trusted-operator for more information.

Many drone repair technicians have internship or apprenticeship experience in drone repair work. Employers prefer to hire technicians with several years of practical work experience.

The job requires strong knowledge of electrical and mechanical systems and equipment, as well as software and hardware programs. Repair technicians are adept at using different mechanics and specialty tools and materials to repair drone components. In addition to strong technological knowledge, dexterity, and good hand-eye coordination, technicians must have solid communication and interpersonal skills to be able to work well on teams and for interacting with customers in a professional way. Other important traits include strong organizational, time-management, analytical, and problem-solving skills.