Collaboration with The Indonesian Drone Pilot Association in the Certification of Licensed Drone Pilots
The Marine Science Study Program, in collaboration with APDI, held the first drone pilot training and certification in Bengkulu Province. This activity aims to support the fulfillment of licensed drone pilots. This activity is a follow-up to the Regulation of the Minister of Transportation Number PM 47 of 2016 concerning Amendments to the Regulation of the Minister of Transportation Number PM 180 of 2015 concerning Control of the Operation of Unmanned Aircraft Systems in the Airspace Served by Indonesia. All drone pilots must have a license to fly drones and register drones with the Ministry of Transportation.
Thirty-four drone pilots have been certified in basic and advanced classes as APDI remote pilots. The APDI drone pilot training and certification activities started with class material and field test certification. The class material is carried out to provide an understanding of 12 aeronautical knowledge, which will be online on August 29-31, 2022. The speakers are from the Directorate of Aviation Navigation, Airworthiness and Aircraft Operation of the Ministry of Transportation of the Republic of Indonesia, Airnav Indonesia from Perum LPPNPI, and remote pilot instructor APDI. Field practice will be held on September 24-25, 2022, at the University of Bengkulu University’s Football Field and Marine Science Study Program Hall. Field materials consist of the practice of pre-flight procedures, knowledge of basic maneuvers, and advanced knowledge of maneuvers, as well as theoretical competency tests on 12 aeronautical knowledge and basic and advanced level remote pilots.
In addition to training and certification of APDI remote pilots, the Bengkulu Regional APDI organization was also formed, chaired by Eko Nofridiansyah, S.Pi., M.Sc. as a lecturer in Marine Science Study Program, Faculty of Agriculture, Bengkulu University. With the formation of this organization, it is hoped that it can increase the knowledge and competence of drone pilots in the Bengkulu area by applying regulations in Indonesia.
Drone technology has been widely used in various fields, such as surveys and mapping, coastal and marine management, disaster mitigation, land cover, regional development, etc. Therefore, everyone who uses a drone needs to have a license. The Indonesian Ministry of Transportation recognizes APDI as an institution that certifies remote pilot drones throughout Indonesia. Through APDI, remote pilot drones are expected to be able to fly safely, responsibly, and with dignity.
(Editor: Ana Ariasari)
