Summary of Key Points
The outstanding performance of drones in disaster relief efforts, such as rescuing tanker drivers during typhoons, has sparked a craze for obtaining relevant certifications. However, the reality is that the certification process is fraught with barriers—long duration, high difficulty, and numerous airspace restrictions. Training institutions have undergone significant changes due to stricter policies, and what the industry truly needs are professionally trained individuals with systematic knowledge, not just licensed amateurs. The illusion of everyone becoming a drone operator has faded, and while the low-altitude economy holds great potential, blindly pursuing certifications won’t lead to financial success.
Detailed Analysis
1. Certification: An Easy Process in Dreams, a Tortuous Reality
Many people are attracted by the professionalism of disaster relief drones and wish to obtain certification, but the reality is far from the “quick course” promised by advertisements. For example, Jin Xiaolei, a director in Beijing, tried to get a remote pilot license but struggled due to work commitments, only completing the exam after more than a year of intermittent study. The theoretical part involved selecting 100 questions out of 1300, while the practical component required flight training and additional computer-based route planning. She even failed the practical test due to operational errors caused by strong winds, and the exam was indefinitely postponed due to airspace restrictions. The promise of a “guaranteed pass for 30,000 yuan” from intermediaries turned out to be a scam.
In short, obtaining a drone certification is as cumbersome as getting a driver’s license—more than just technical training; you also need to wait for available airspace and dedicate at least half a year to complete the process. The idea of obtaining a certificate easily is wishful thinking.
2. Training Institutions: From 4,000 to 1,600 due to Policy Changes
At the peak of the industry, there were over 4,000 drone training institutions nationwide; now, only about 1,600 remain. This is due to stricter regulations. The 2024 “Provisional Regulations on the Management of Unmanned Aerial Vehicle Flight” require commercial drones to be operated by those with CAAC (Civil Aviation Administration of China) licenses, and in 2025, the qualifications of training institutions will be further scrutinized, with new applications being restricted. Many previously unqualified institutions operated by fraud, selling courses at low prices and passing students on to others for a profit. These practices have been eliminated.
Exams are now very competitive; in Jiangsu, up to 3,000 people take the exam daily during peak periods, and only about half pass. With two months of summer exams and weather interruptions, students with no prior experience have only 20 days for training, making it extremely difficult to pass on the first attempt.
3. The Industry Needs Professionals, Not Just Certificates
Many believe that a certificate guarantees a high-paying job, but the industry lacks trained professionals. For instance, the drone program at Hangzhou Technical College saw its first batch of graduates quickly hired by companies, and even more were pre-booked for internships before graduation. These students have years of training, including practical skills in operating drones, repairing them, and conducting surveys. Companies prefer to train their own operators as it facilitates better management and airspace coordination.
In other words, having a certificate alone is not enough; you need to be skilled in operating different drone models, handling emergencies, and understanding industry applications (such as pesticide spraying or surveying techniques) to secure good jobs.
4. The Illusion of “Everyone Becoming a Drone Operator” Is Over
Many people pursue certifications for fun, but most drones used for recreational purposes do not require a license (e.g., small, consumer-grade drones from DJI, which can be flown with a simple registration). Certificates are necessary only for commercial applications. Additionally, the space for recreational use is shrinking—airspace in Beijing is highly regulated, and outdoor flights require approval. This has led to a surge in used drone sales (200% increase in January 2026) and a sharp drop in the resale value of popular models. Profit-making opportunities (e.g., drone performances or agricultural spraying) are monopolized by institutions, leaving amateurs with little chance.
5. The Low-Altitude Economy Is Promising, but Certifications Don’t Lead to Quick Money
The low-altitude economy is expected to grow from 1.5 trillion yuan in 2025 to 3.5 trillion yuan by 2035, creating a shortage of over 1 million professionals. While this sounds attractive, it’s not a path for those who simply obtain certifications. It’s similar to the situation with counseling certificates eight or nine years ago: out of 1.2 million certified individuals nationwide, fewer than 50,000 were actually practicing. A drone license is just the starting point.
To succeed in the low-altitude economy, you need either a formal education or practical experience in a specific field (e.g., agriculture or inspection). Blindly pursuing certifications is a waste of time and money.
Conclusion
The low-altitude economy is indeed a promising sector, but don’t be misled by promises of easy certification and high-paying jobs. Real skills are far more important than a piece of paper. If you want to enter this industry, determine whether you want to use drones for fun or for profit. If you aim for profits, focus on acquiring practical skills rather than just obtaining a certificate.