The efforts began with introducing code COR 315318 - Drone Pilot in Romania's Occupational Classification. Until this step, drone piloting wasn't recognised as an occupation in the labour market, meaning it couldn't be officially classified in employment relationships, there were no dedicated study programmes with state-recognised diplomas, and no unified framework for evaluating professional competencies.

The Occupational Standard for the Drone Pilot qualification programme was developed by Skyline Drones as an integrated UAS solutions provider and endorsed by the Drone Association as an entity with technical expertise in aeronautics. The approved standard defines the theoretical and practical training programme, necessary professional competencies, responsibilities and specific activities, working conditions and performance criteria required for this occupation.

"We took on this initiative knowing it would take time and wouldn't be simple. It was a long process with many bureaucratic stages, but we moved forward because we were convinced the industry needed this framework," said Ciprian Iorga, CEO of Skyline Drones. "The drone pilot profession already existed in reality, people were flying professionally, earning from it, building careers, but on paper they didn't exist."

For the Drone Association, approving the occupational standard represents more than an administrative success. "It's a concrete step towards maturing Romania's UAS industry. Our role was to ensure this occupation was defined correctly, with respect for aviation safety, European regulatory framework and field realities," said Botond-István Csuzi, Founding Member of the Drone Association.