Nine candidates have passed Taiwan's remote drone pilot practical examination in the first testing session held on Matsu, according to Matsu Daily. The Lienchiang County Fire Bureau organised the three-day examination under the supervision of an inspector from the Civil Aeronautics Administration.
A total of 23 candidates took the practical test at a site below the Houao Reservoir on Nangan. The examiner assessed applicants on pre-flight inspections, take-off, landing, hovering, altitude management and navigation along designated routes. Nine candidates passed: five military personnel from a drone squadron and garrison battalion, two firefighters, one police officer and a volunteer worker.
Lienchiang County Magistrate Wang Chung-ming said drones are vital tools for public safety and disaster response. The fire bureau said it plans to deploy drones across the islands for coastal search and rescue, fire reconnaissance, thermal searches and emergency delivery of supplies.
