IIT Guwahati launches drone pilot training organisation

Upon completion of the course, students will be awarded a Remote Pilot Certificate (RPC) sanctioned by the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA), Government of India.

Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Guwahati, in collaboration with drone education firm EduRade, has launched Remote Pilot Training Organization (RPTO), spanning across 18 acres and boasting the capability to fly nine medium-class drones simultaneously.

The primary objective of this RPTO is to promote the advancement of drone technology in India. Additionally, it aligns with the vision of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, to establish India as a global drone hub by 2030, thereby contributing to the recently launched ‘Namo Drone Didi’ initiative, IIT Guwahati said in a statement.

Initially, the RPTO will introduce a DGCA-Certified Medium Class Drone Pilot Training Course, tailored to enhance the skills of youth in the North East and other regions of India.

It will also cater specifically to women from self-help groups (SHGs) engaged in agriculture, identified under the Namo Drone Didi Yojna. Upon completion of the course, students will be awarded a Remote Pilot Certificate (RPC) sanctioned by the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA), Government of India. This certification will authorize them to legally operate drones and pursue a career as Certified Drone Pilots.

IIT Guwahati is currently hosting a drone training initiative tailored for diverse defence personnel. This innovative three-month training program, a first-of-its-kind, is specifically designed for Junior Commissioned Officers (JCOs) and other officers, aiming to modernise the operations of the armed forces. The program emphasises comprehensive training on various aspects of drone technologies, including pilot training, software operations, and applications.

EduRade, a brand under RC HobbyTech Solutions (RCH) and incubated in IIT Guwahati Research Park, has been offering aeromodelling workshops since 2015.

"Since the past three years IIT Guwahati has been dedicating itself to cultivate innovation and excellence in drone technology services, education, empowering organizations and individuals to emerge as leaders and pioneers in this swiftly advancing field. As we witness the rapid growth of the drone industry and the mounting demand for drone pilots, the Institute envisions extending drone education, entrepreneurial activity and manufacturing to every corner of India. Through this collaboration, our goal is to nurture a generation equipped with the skills and knowledge essential to excel in the realm of drone technology, thus driving forward progress and innovation in this dynamic field,” said Professor Parameswar K Iyer, Dean PRBR at IIT Guwahati.