17 Drone Operator Interview Questions and Answers

Drones are becoming increasingly prevalent in both commercial and military settings. As a drone operator, you would be responsible for flying a drone and carrying out various tasks, such as taking photos or videos, surveying an area, or dropping off and picking up packages.

Before you can start your new job, you will likely need to go through an interview process. This may include a written exam, an oral exam, and/or a practical exam. To help you prepare, we have put together a list of sample drone operator interview questions and answers.

Are you comfortable working in a fast-paced environment?

Employers may ask this question to see if you can keep up with the pace of a drone operation. They want to know that you’re able to work quickly and efficiently while still maintaining accuracy. In your answer, explain how you stay organized and focused in high-pressure situations. Show them that you have experience working under pressure and that you enjoy it.

Example: “I am very comfortable working in a fast-paced environment. I find that when things get hectic, I’m at my best. When there’s a lot going on around me, I feel more motivated to perform well. I think I thrive in these types of environments because I like being challenged. I always make sure to take a moment to organize myself before starting any task so I can be as efficient as possible.”

What are some of the most important skills for a drone operator to have?

Employers ask this question to make sure you have the skills necessary for the job. They want someone who is organized, detail-oriented and able to multitask. When answering this question, list some of the most important skills a drone operator needs. Explain why these are important so the employer knows that you understand what’s needed in the role.

Example: “The two most important skills for a drone operator are attention to detail and organization. You need to be able to notice any changes or problems with the drone while it’s in flight. This means being able to pay close attention to all aspects of the drone as well as its surroundings. Organization is also important because you need to keep track of many different things at once. For example, you may need to monitor multiple drones at once while also keeping an eye on your location.”

How do you stay calm and focused when working in a high-pressure situation?

Employers ask this question to make sure you have the ability to stay calm and focused when working in a high-pressure situation. They want to know that you can work well under pressure, which is an important skill for drone operators. In your answer, explain how you remain calm and focused even when there are many things going on around you. Show them that you have strong time management skills and that you’re able to prioritize tasks effectively.

Example: “I am very good at remaining calm and focused during high-pressure situations. I think it’s important to take deep breaths and relax before starting any task. This helps me focus on what I need to do and not get distracted by other things happening around me. I also use my time management skills to help me stay focused. I always plan out my day so that I’m prepared for all of my tasks.”

What is your experience with using drones?

This question can help the interviewer determine your experience level with drones and how you use them. If you have no prior drone operating experience, consider describing a time when you used similar technology or equipment to complete a task.

Example: “I’ve been using drones for about five years now. I started out as an enthusiast who would fly my drone around town just for fun. Eventually, I began to take aerial photography more seriously and learned how to edit photos in Photoshop. I also took some online courses on drone operation and safety. Now, I work part-time at a local park where I operate drones to capture footage of wildlife.”

Provide an example of a time when you had to adapt to a difficult situation while operating a drone.

Employers ask this question to learn more about your problem-solving skills and how you adapt to challenging situations. In your answer, explain a specific situation that involved adapting to a difficult situation while operating a drone. Explain what steps you took to solve the issue and what the outcome was.

Example: “One time I had to operate a drone in a very windy area. The wind made it hard for me to control the drone, so I had to be extra careful when maneuvering it. After several minutes of flying, I got used to the controls and managed to get some great footage despite the weather conditions.”

If hired, what would be your primary area of focus as a drone operator?

This question is a great way to determine how much experience the candidate has in drone operations. It also allows you to see what they consider their strongest skills and abilities as an operator. When answering this question, it can be helpful to list your top three strengths as a drone operator.

Example: “My primary focus would be safety. I believe that safety should always be at the forefront of any operation, especially when working with drones. I am highly experienced in safe flight procedures and have never had an accident during my time as a drone operator. Another area I would like to focus on is efficiency. I understand that every company wants to get the most out of its employees, so I would work hard to ensure that all of my flights are completed quickly and efficiently.”

What would you do if you noticed a problem with your drone while on a job?

Employers ask this question to make sure you have the skills and knowledge necessary to operate a drone safely. In your answer, explain what steps you would take to fix the problem and ensure that it doesn’t happen again. You can also mention any specific training you’ve had in repairing drones.

Example: “If I noticed a problem with my drone while on a job, I would first try to figure out what caused it. If it was something simple like a loose wire or battery, I could quickly repair it myself. However, if it was more complicated, I would call for backup from another operator. This way, we could swap out our drones and continue working without missing a beat.”

How well do you work with others?

Drone operators often work in teams, so employers ask this question to make sure you can collaborate with others. In your answer, explain how you handle disagreements and communicate with other team members. Show that you are willing to compromise and respect the opinions of others.

Example: “I am a very collaborative person who is always open to hearing new ideas from my colleagues. I have worked on many projects where I was one of several drone operators, and I always made sure to listen to everyone’s input before making any decisions. If someone had an idea that I didn’t think would work, I would offer up another solution or compromise. I believe it’s important to find a balance between following orders and offering suggestions.”

Do you have any questions for us about the position or company?

This is your opportunity to show the interviewer that you’ve done some research on their company and are genuinely interested in working for them. It’s also a chance to ask any questions you have about the position or the hiring process.

Example: “I was impressed by how much this company has grown over the last few years, and I’m excited to be part of it. One question I do have is what your expectations are for drone operators at this company. What kind of training programs are available? Are there opportunities for advancement?”

When operating a drone, what is the most important thing to remember?

This question is a great way for an interviewer to assess your knowledge of drone operation. Your answer should include the importance of following safety protocols and how you would implement them in your work.

Example: “The most important thing to remember when operating a drone is to always follow FAA regulations. I have been working as a freelance drone operator for three years, and during that time, I’ve learned all about the rules and regulations regarding drone flight. For example, I know that it’s illegal to fly over people or private property without permission. I also understand that drones must remain within their line of sight at all times.”

We want to improve our customer service. Tell me about one thing you could do to improve the customer experience when using a drone to capture footage.

This question is an opportunity to show your problem-solving skills and how you can improve a process. You can answer this question by describing a time when you improved customer service in the past, or you can describe what you would do if you were starting from scratch.

Example: “I once worked with a client who was unhappy with our drone footage because it wasn’t clear enough. I asked him for more details about his experience so that I could understand exactly what he didn’t like. He told me that he couldn’t see the players’ numbers on their jerseys. I explained to him that we had already captured those images during practice, but they might be too small to see at full resolution.

He agreed to let us capture additional footage of the team practicing again so that we could zoom in closer. After capturing new footage, we delivered it to him and he was very happy with the results.”

Describe your process for calibrating your drone before each use.

The interviewer may ask you a question like this to assess your attention to detail and ability to follow instructions. Your answer should include the steps you take when calibrating your drone, including any specific tools or software you use.

Example: “I start by reading through all of the calibration instructions in my operator’s manual. Then I connect my drone to its charger and wait for it to fully charge before turning on the controller. Next, I turn on the controller and make sure that the drone is within range of the controller. Finally, I calibrate the drone using the controls on the screen.”

What makes you the best candidate for this position?

Employers ask this question to learn more about your qualifications and how you feel you can contribute to their company. Before your interview, make a list of all the skills and experiences that make you an ideal candidate for this role. Focus on what makes you unique from other candidates and highlight any certifications or training you have that may be relevant to the job.

Example: “I am passionate about technology and aerial photography, so I’ve been working hard to become a certified drone operator. In my previous position as a photographer, I learned how to use drones to capture stunning photos and videos. I also understand the importance of safety when operating drones, which is why I took a course in drone piloting certification. These skills make me the best person for this position.”

Which programming languages do you have experience with?

The interviewer may ask this question to see if you have experience with the programming language they use for their company. If you don’t have experience with the specific language, consider mentioning a similar language and how it helped you learn the new one.

Example: “I’ve worked with Python and C++ in my previous job as a drone operator. I found that Python was easier to work with because of its flexibility and ease of learning. However, I also learned C++ while working with Python, which gave me more insight into the process of coding.”

What do you think is the future of drone technology?

Employers may ask this question to see if you are passionate about drone technology and want to continue developing it. They might also be looking for someone who can help their company stay on the cutting edge of drone technology. In your answer, try to show that you have a passion for drones and what they can do in the future. Explain how you would like to use them or what you think other people will use them for.

Example: “I believe that drone technology is only going to get better. I am excited to see what new features we develop and how we can use them. For example, I think that one day we will be able to control drones with our minds. This could allow us to take aerial photos without having to touch the controls at all.”

How often do you update your knowledge about drone technology?

Employers want to know that you are committed to learning more about drone technology. They may ask this question to see if you have a passion for the industry and how often you look for new information. In your answer, share what resources you use to learn about drones. You can also mention any certifications or training programs you’ve completed in the past.

Example: “I am passionate about drones and always looking for ways to improve my skills as a drone operator. I subscribe to several drone magazines and online newsletters so I can stay up-to-date on the latest news and developments in the industry. I also take part in monthly webinars hosted by our local drone association. These webinars give me an opportunity to network with other professionals while learning from experts.”

There is a bug in the software you use to operate your drone. What is your process for fixing it?

This question is a great way to assess your problem-solving skills and ability to work independently. Your answer should include the steps you would take to fix the bug, as well as how you would communicate with your team about it.

Example: “If there was a bug in the software I use to operate my drone, I would first try to replicate the issue on another computer or device. If I could not find a solution, I would contact my supervisor immediately so they can help me troubleshoot the issue. Once we have identified the problem, I would then research ways to solve it. Depending on the severity of the bug, I may need to wait for an update from the company before implementing a temporary solution.”