Mahendra Singh Dhoni, the former captain of the Indian cricket team, has added a fascinating new feather to his cap, A Certified Drone Pilot. Already an investor and brand ambassador for the Chennai-based Garuda Aerospace, Dhoni has now deepened his association with the firm by successfully completing his drone pilot training.
Dhoni earned his certification from Garuda Aerospace’s DGCA-approved Remote Pilot Training Organization (RPTO) located in Chennai. This move further solidifies his commitment to a company he has been backing for some time.
The Flight Plan: How Dhoni Became a Pilot
The idea for Dhoni to become a drone pilot began as a casual conversation about a year and a half ago. Agnishwar Jayaprakash, the Founder and CEO of Garuda Aerospace, mentioned that they had trained a large number of pilots, and Dhoni’s immediate response was, “Wish I could be a drone pilot too”.
Despite his busy schedule, the cricket legend finally made the training happen last week. According to Jayaprakash, Dhoni demonstrated exceptional focus and picked up the skills very quickly. His unwavering support for the company’s mission to revolutionize the drone industry serves as a huge encouragement for the entire Garuda Aerospace team.
The Importance of Certified Drone Pilots
The drone industry is experiencing rapid expansion, which, in turn, is increasing the demand for skilled and certified pilots. This certification is crucial for ensuring compliance with both safety and regulatory standards.
The training program at Garuda Aerospace is a critical step in promoting safe and certified drone operations. It is comprehensive, combining both theoretical ground classes and intensive practical flying sessions. Trainees get hands-on experience using both simulators and actual drones. Garuda Aerospace, which is a DGCA-approved RPTO, has already trained over 2,500 aspiring pilots under the guidance of its Master Instructors.
Garuda Aerospace: A Pioneer in Indian Drone Technology
Garuda Aerospace holds the distinction of being an industry trailblazer, having secured six DGCA approvals. Notably, it is the first-ever Indian drone startup to receive dual DGCA certifications for both manufacturing and training. Furthermore, the company has received DGCA authorization to conduct drone pilot training across both the small (under 25 kg) and medium (above 25 kg MTOW) categories.
M.S. Dhoni’s move from cricket pitches to the pilot seat is a powerful endorsement, not just of Garuda Aerospace but of the growing importance and legitimacy of the drone industry in India.
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