Bandan Kumar Maharana

DGCA Certified Remote Pilot Instructor (Small Class & Medium Class – Rotorcraft Category) and DGCA Certified Remote Pilot (Small & Medium Class – Rotorcraft Category) with hands-on experience as a UAV Test Pilot and Drone Systems Professional. I am a technically driven UAV professional with practical experience in drone assembly, system integration, configuration, testing, troubleshooting, flight operations, and performance optimization. My experience includes building UAV platforms from the ground up, integrating flight controllers, propulsion, navigation and sensor systems, communication components, and application-specific payloads. I conduct structured ground and flight testing to evaluate stability, performance, reliability, safety, and operational readiness. I have practical experience with ArduPilot-based UAV systems and flight controllers including Cube Orange+ and Pixhawk 2.4.8. I am proficient in Mission Planner, QGroundControl (QGC), and Betaflight for flight-controller configuration, firmware setup, parameter management, calibration, sensor verification, diagnostics, troubleshooting, and test-flight preparation. I have experience identifying and resolving issues involving UAV electronics, sensors, propulsion, flight-controller configuration, communication, and integrated systems through systematic testing and field troubleshooting. As a UAV Test Pilot, I focus on structured and safety-oriented flight testing, validating aircraft behaviour under different operating conditions, identifying performance limitations, and providing technical feedback for system improvement. I work with technical and operational teams to verify aircraft configuration, conduct pre-flight and post-flight checks, investigate anomalies, and support reliable deployment of UAV platforms. I have also contributed to UAV pilot training and technical knowledge-transfer programs, including training defence personnel in UAV operations, system functionality, flight procedures, safety practices, and operational workflows. I have delivered technical training on advanced drone platforms covering system architecture, flight-controller functions, mission planning, operational procedures, troubleshooting, emergency handling, maintenance, and mission readiness. My approach combines practical field experience with a strong focus on safety, accuracy, documentation, and continuous improvement. I am comfortable working in demanding field environments and handling technical challenges where systematic problem-solving is essential. I continuously work to improve UAV flight performance, system reliability, operational efficiency, and compliance with applicable aviation and UAV regulations. Core Expertise: UAV Test Flying • Remote Pilot Training • Drone Assembly & Integration • ArduPilot • Mission Planner • QGroundControl • Betaflight • Cube Orange+ • Pixhawk 2.4.8 • Flight-Controller Configuration • Sensor Calibration • System Diagnostics • Troubleshooting •