Hyderabad Set to Establish Drone Port for Pilot Training; Details Inside

Telangana State Aviation Academy Partners with ISRO’s NRSC to Enhance Expertise in Remote Sensing.

Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy announced plans for the establishment of a Drone Port in Hyderabad, following discussions with officials. This initiative aims to bolster the city’s infrastructure and facilitate the growth of the drone industry.

The proposed Drone Port, slated for construction at Pharma City, will cover an area of 20 acres. It is intended to meet the increasing demand for pilot training and provide a platform for drone manufacturing companies to conduct trials.

The initiative is a response to concerns raised by the Telangana State Aviation Academy regarding the challenges of conducting training at Hyderabad Airport due to increasing air traffic.

The Telangana State Aviation Academy has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with ISRO’s National Remote Sensing Centre (NRSC) to enhance expertise in the field. This partnership seeks to provide advanced training for drone pilots, aiming to bolster skills and capabilities in the domain of aerial remote sensing and drone operations.

In the presence of Chief Minister Revanth Reddy, Minister Komatireddy Venkat Reddy, and ISRO Chairman S. Somanath, the agreement was formalized. It outlines comprehensive training modules covering drone piloting, data management, and analysis.

As part of the collaboration, NRSC scientists and drone pilots will undergo a specialized 15-day training course focusing on data analysis, processing, and mapping at the Academy.

The growing utilization of drones across various sectors, particularly agriculture, highlights the importance of initiatives like these training programs. Drones are increasingly employed for tasks such as fertilizer and pesticide spraying, providing efficiency gains for farmers and creating job opportunities for Self-Help Groups.

Chief Minister Revanth Reddy emphasized the significance of extending training to government officials, starting from Tehsildars upwards, to enhance awareness and utilization of drone technology.

ISRO Chief S. Somanath commended the innovative approach to drone training and praised the Telangana Aviation Academy’s track record of excellence, having received the best aviation award in the country 12 times.

Chief Minister Revanth Reddy has instructed officials to address the renovation needs of Warangal Airport alongside the Drone Port project. This includes assessing the feasibility of restoring damaged runways to support commercial operations.

Efforts are also underway to consult with the Airports Authority regarding the establishment of airports in the Kothagudem and Bhadrachalam areas, identified as conducive for airfield development.

Ankit Kumar, CEO of Skye Air, warmly welcomed the planned establishment of a Drone Port in Hyderabad, hailing it as a decisive step towards positioning India as a premier global hub for drone technology by 2030.

The Drone Port concept addresses the crucial need for skilled drone pilots, facilitating India’s swift adoption of drones across diverse sectors. With drones increasingly utilized for delivery and aerial taxi services, the Drone Port provides a vital testing ground for startups to refine their models.

Read more Tech News