Drone pilot CV and certificates

Overview

The drone sector job market is growing continuously — real estate photography, industrial inspections, agriculture, filming and SAR operations all require qualified pilots. Presenting your certificates clearly on a CV improves your chances of getting work or projects.

Employers and clients often do not know the nuances of EASA categories — your job is to present what you hold and what it operationally permits in clear, understandable terms.

Rules

Present certificates on your CV as follows: category first (A1/A3, A2, STS-01, STS-02), issuing authority (TKA, Lithuania), expiry date. Add a short description of what each certificate operationally permits.

Avoid unexplained abbreviations. For example, write 'A2 certificate (permits commercial flights within 30 m of people with C2-class aircraft)' rather than just 'A2'.

Licence

The most important licences in the aviation job market: A1/A3 (baseline, required for all ≥250 g operations), A2 (for commercial work in residential areas), STS (over people and specific missions).

Additional qualifications valued on a CV: FPV flight experience, thermal camera operation, mapping software skills (Pix4D, DJI Terra), flight log management experience.

Next step

First step toward a drone career: obtain A1/A3 — the minimum requirement for any commercial work. A2 and STS certificates will open a broader share of the job market.

Explore career opportunities in the drone sector at /drone-career. The A2STS platform prepares you for all exam levels.

Frequently asked questions

Is A1/A3 enough for a commercial drone pilot role?

Depends on the role. A1/A3 is the minimum baseline. Most commercial positions — inspections, real estate photography, mapping — require A2 or STS.

Do clients ask for certificate copies?

Professional clients and large companies often request copies of certificates and insurance. Keep digital copies ready and be prepared to provide them on request.