Wenzhou is poised for a new leap in drone education and low-altitude economic development, following the city's designation of its first official youth drone examination center.
Recently, Wenzhou Yihao Yi Technology Co., Ltd. passed the rigorous review by the China Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association (China AOPA)— a national association approved by the State Council— and has officially become the sole authorized examination center in Wenzhou for the"Mengtian Program" Youth Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) Skill Level Test. This milestone marks a significant step in cultivating skilled talent for the rapidly expanding low-altitude economy.
As of the end of 2024, China's UAV industry has surpassed 20,000 operating enterprises, generating an annual output value of approximately 210 billion yuan, a year-on-year increase of 39.5%. Industry forecasts project a talent shortfall exceeding 1 million professionals in the coming years, driven by the booming demand for certified drone pilots, operators, and technical support staff.
China AOPA's certification system is widely recognized as a benchmark for professional competency in the UAV sector. With the implementation of the Interim Regulations on the Management of Unmanned Aircraft Flight, the need for standardized training and formal qualifications has surged.
As Wenzhou's only designated testing center, Yihao Yi Technology leverages its standardized curriculum and a professional UAV training site at the Ouhai Olympic Sports Center to build a comprehensive ecosystem encompassing training, certification, and competitive events. Beyond commercial training, the company actively promotes public drone literacy through science outreach programs, enhances community safety by supporting police volunteer drone units ("Yijing" teams), and participates in drafting industry standards for UAV docking stations (drone nests).
By integrating education, practical application, and policy collaboration, Yihao Yi is not only preparing the next generation of drone professionals but also laying a solid foundation for Wenzhou's ascent in the national low-altitude economy landscape.(Chen Yao)