Story and Photo by Jonathan Tan
Drone photography, characterised by stunning aerial perspectives of the world we live in, may be the rage amongst photography enthusiasts, but the practical applications of these multirotor flying devices extend far beyond that.
As a future skill, drone flying can be one of the tools you need to get your job done, particularly in industrial applications such as structural inspection and land surveying, shared Mark Yong, co-founder and CEO of Garuda Robotics, a homegrown drone data solutions company.
“I think that drone flying is going to be a skill that most people want to have. Being a drone pilot may not be a dedicated role, but something that you do as part of your regular duties, such as inspecting a building,” he said.
While drone technology may not solve all industrial problems, Mr Yong shared that it can mitigate risks for roles that involve climbing up to high places or entering dangerous areas such as the side of a floating oil rig to check for readings.
Future Skill
Recognising drone operations as a skill for the future, NTUC’s e2i (Employment and Employability Institute) is presently collaborating with Garuda Robotics to subsidise 50 per cent of the cost for the Professional Multirotor Pilot Course offered in the latter’s training academy.
Besides teaching trainees how to operate a drone and the right conditions to do so, the week-long course also emphasises professional standards, particularly in the areas of risk assessment, safety and compliance with prevailing regulations applicable to drone flights.
A Trainee’s Perspective
Exploring the potential drone technology can bring to his company saw Assistant Geographic Information Systems Manager Clifford Lee from Lee Boon Haw Registered Surveyor sign up for the course in October 2017.
“Drones can be another tool that can be used to assist us in data collection, especially from a different perspective, such as from the air,” he said.
Mr Lee added that instead of having to physically climb roofs to do site surveys, a drone could help achieve the same outcome.
“The company has always been looking into this and we feel that at this point in time, the industry is mature enough to actually start looking into this technology,” he said.
Mr Lee also shared how the perspectives picked up from the course will be useful in helping him create the necessary protocol to support future operations, particularly in the areas of licences and permit applications.
