I work at a drone software company and already have my Part 107 license. My job is mostly at a desk, and I want to move into more hands-on UAV work, especially with offshore wind turbine inspections. Would getting a university certificate or an associate degree in UAVs make any difference in advancing my career?
If you’re already licensed, I don’t think you need it unless it’s absolutely required for the job or adds some useful knowledge for what you want to do.
I don’t think you need it. Focus on field experience instead, especially if the job doesn’t demand it.
chadguru said:
I don’t think you need it. Focus on field experience instead, especially if the job doesn’t demand it.
I’ve done a lot of turbine blade inspections. It’s more about skill and experience than having a degree.
chadguru said:
I don’t think you need it. Focus on field experience instead, especially if the job doesn’t demand it.
I’ve inspected countless turbine blades myself. Now I design and build the drones used for those inspections.
No, just get more flight hours. Look into what qualifications a turbine inspector actually needs. The goal is to be the person who can handle the entire job and use the drone as one of the tools, just like a surveyor would.
I got a UAV certificate while working on a bachelor’s in agriculture. It’s not really needed, but it can help software developers understand what pilots deal with.
I’m halfway through an Uncrewed and Autonomous Systems degree at Embry Riddle. It’s been thorough, but honestly, I could’ve learned most of it online. For me, the real value has been networking and access to resources like specialized databases. If you already work in the field, the degree might not add much, but it’s still worth considering if you’re interested.
Not really. You’d be better off getting inspection certifications like CSWIP. Find what’s relevant in your market and focus on gaining field experience.
I found a job listing for an onshore wind turbine inspector that asks for a 2-year degree in unmanned systems, aviation, or a related field. It’s not offshore, but it shows that some companies might value the qualification. A degree might help with your resume, especially if the job doesn’t strictly require it. Good luck!
@Ash
It’s not actually a requirement for that position. Even though they list it, they don’t enforce it.
It sounds like a money grab by the university. I doubt it would have any real value in the field.
What you need is experience and offshore sea survival training from GWO. I’ve worked on offshore wind inspections before.
I work for a wind turbine inspection company. While having a UAV certificate might look nice, it’s not required (except for the Part 107 in the US). We don’t hire new pilots for offshore work because it’s so challenging. If you start with onshore projects and prove your skills, you can work your way up. The hardest part is finding pilots who can handle emergencies with large drones in extreme conditions—wind, heat, cold, etc. Flying DJI Airs is not enough.
You’d probably benefit more from a business degree.
Lane said:
You’d probably benefit more from a business degree.
That sounds like something a government type would suggest.
Have you thought about specializing in programming AI for UAV systems? For example, your system could scan turbines in RGB and thermal, detect issues, and gather more detailed data. Maybe even ultrasonic imaging could be a useful addition.
It’s not worth spending money on something so specific unless your employer is footing the bill. If they’ll pay, go for it. Otherwise, look into free resources like MITX.
It depends on your goals. If you’re interested in advancing your knowledge and your employer supports it, then it’s worth looking into. Otherwise, field experience might be more valuable.