Company Description

Garuda Aerospace is one of India's largest drone technology startup, specializing in designing and manufacturing affordable, precision-focused drones to optimize industrial and human operations. Established in 2015, the company has completed over 1,000,000 drone flights and holds unique dual certifications for Remote Pilot Training Organisation (RPTO) and drone manufacturing from DGCA. Its portfolio includes 40 advanced drone models, serving over 100 government agencies and 500 private clients. With a mission to positively impact 1 billion lives, Garuda Aerospace is shaping the future of drone technology in agriculture, surveillance, mapping, and Industry 4.0 applications from its base in India’s burgeoning drone industry hub. The company’s prominence is further bolstered by MS Dhoni, who serves as both an investor and brand ambassador.

Role Overview

Garuda Aerospace is seeking a licensed Airline Pilot to transition into operating advanced UAV systems (Flexrotor – VTOL fixed-wing platforms) for long-endurance and mission-critical applications.

This role combines manned aviation expertise with next-generation unmanned systems, requiring strong command over flight safety, airspace management, and mission execution in complex operational environments.

Key Responsibilities

Flight & Mission Operations

• Plan and execute UAV missions using Flexrotor VTOL fixed-wing systems

• Apply airline-grade flight planning, navigation, and safety protocols to UAV operations

• Oversee complete mission lifecycle: pre-flight → execution → post-flight

Operational Safety & Compliance

• Ensure strict adherence to DGCA regulations, UAV guidelines, and internal SOPs

• Conduct detailed risk assessments and airspace evaluations

• Maintain aviation-level documentation: logs, reports, incident records

Mission Planning & Control

• Design mission profiles based on:

• Range & endurance

• Payload requirements

• Terrain and airspace conditions

• Monitor flights through Ground Control Systems (GCS) and telemetry feeds

• Manage contingency protocols, emergency procedures, and failsafe execution

Qualifications

Mandatory – Airline Background

• Valid CPL / ATPL (DGCA or equivalent)

• Minimum 1,000–3,000 flight hours (preferred depending on seniority)

• Strong experience in:

• Flight planning

• Airspace management

• Safety and emergency procedures

UAV / Technical Transition (Must Be Willing / Trained)

• DGCA Remote Pilot Certification (or willingness to obtain immediately)

• Strong interest in unmanned aviation systems

• Ability to transition from cockpit-based flying to Ground Control Systems (GCS)

Preferred

• Experience in:

• Military aviation / ISR / surveillance missions

• Fixed-wing aircraft operations

• Exposure to:

• Autonomous systems

• BVLOS operations

• Mission planning software

Core Competencies (Why Airline Pilots Fit This Role)

• Aviation-grade decision-making under pressure

• Deep understanding of airspace, safety, and compliance frameworks

• Structured approach to checklists, SOPs, and risk mitigation

• High discipline in flight operations and documentation

Role Positioning

This is not a conventional drone pilot role.

You will be part of building India’s next-generation unmanned aviation ecosystem, operating:

• Long-endurance UAV systems

• Mission-critical deployments

• Advanced aerial intelligence platforms

Transitioning from cockpit to command centre — from piloting aircraft to managing autonomous aerial systems.

Additional Requirements

• Willingness to work in field and mission environments

• Open to technology-driven operations (AI, telemetry, automation)

• Flexibility for travel and deployment across India