Meet Your 3iC Instructor Robert Dobbin
Agricultural Drone Intelligence, Thermal & 3D Mapping Specialist
From Farming Heritage to Drone Technology
Growing up on a family farm in Northern Ireland gave me a strong appreciation for the countryside, practical skills, hard work and the importance of adapting to new opportunities. As a fifth-generation member of a family connected to the land, I have seen first-hand how farming, technology and education continue to evolve together.
Today, I combine those experiences with a passion for drone technology, helping individuals, businesses, schools and organisations develop the skills, knowledge and confidence needed to operate drones safely, legally and professionally.
One symbol that has become especially meaningful to me is the traditional red farm gate. For generations, the red gate marked the entrance to the farm and the opportunities that lay beyond.
Today, I see it as something much more:
- A gateway to opportunity
- A gateway to learning
- A gateway to future technology careers
That journey is captured in one simple message:
Come Through the Red Gate
Because every professional drone pilot starts somewhere.
Professional Drone Training with Real-World Experience
As Founder of Drone Pilot Training Academy and a 3iC Instructor, Examiner and Practical Flight Assessor (RAE 1625), I provide professional drone training across Northern Ireland, Ireland and beyond.
Since 2018, I have helped hundreds of students develop the knowledge, confidence and practical skills required to achieve recognised UK drone qualifications, including the A2 CofC and GVC.
Training is suitable for:
- Complete beginners
- Recreational and FPV pilots
- Schools and STEM learners
- Agricultural and environmental professionals
- Surveyors and construction professionals
- Commercial drone operators
Training is practical and combines:
- Real-world flight exercises
- DJI Flight Simulator training
- Risk assessments and RAMS
- Emergency procedures
- UK drone regulations
- Operational planning
The focus is always on developing safe, confident and professional drone pilots.
Commercial Drone Services Across Northern Ireland
Alongside training, I also provide professional drone services across Northern Ireland, including:
- Aerial photography
- Mapping and surveying
- Thermal inspections
- Livestock checks
- Water leak detection
- Drainage inspections
- Boundary inspections
This real-world operational experience allows me to bring practical examples, industry insight and live operational knowledge into every training session.
Smart Farming NI – The Future of Agriculture
I am also the founder of Smart Farming NI, an initiative exploring the future of drones, precision agriculture and rural innovation across Northern Ireland.
Smart Farming NI supports:
- Crop monitoring
- Livestock management
- Field mapping
- Drainage surveys
- Water leak detection
- Boundary inspections
Helping farmers, landowners and young people understand how drone technology is shaping the future of agriculture.
STEM Workshops, Schools & Public Demonstrations
As an AccessNI and DBS vetted instructor, I deliver:
- Drone STEM Workshops for Schools
- Summer Scheme Drone Programmes
- Public drone demonstrations
- Community engagement events
- Industry-focused training sessions
I am fully insured for commercial drone operations, training delivery, public demonstrations and community events across Northern Ireland.
This allows me to safely deliver drone education, practical workshops and live demonstrations in a wide range of environments.
Innovative Learning Support
Drone Pilot Training Academy is also one of the first providers to introduce an AI Booking Assistant and developing AI Study Coach, helping students access:
- Course information
- Booking support
- Training guidance
The goal is simple:
To help students continue learning and progressing whenever they need support.
A Safe and Professional Training Environment
Training takes place at a dedicated 20-acre drone training facility in Carryduff, near Belfast, providing a safe and controlled environment for practical learning.
Students benefit from:
✔ Public Liability Insurance
✔ AccessNI Clearance
✔ DBS Clearance
✔ Structured Risk Assessments
✔ Professional Safety Procedures
✔ Real-world practical experience
Book Your Drone Training
Whether you are flying for fun, building new skills, exploring career opportunities or working towards professional drone qualifications, my aim is to provide supportive, practical training that helps you achieve your goals with confidence.
Ready to take the next step?
Come through the red gate and start your drone journey today.
Agricultural Drone Intelligence, Thermal & 3D Mapping Specialist
