Not too long ago, drone flying was a niche activity. Now, with new policies aimed at boosting the “low-altitude economy” and increased recognition for the profession, training to obtain noncommercial aircraft licenses has exploded in popularity.

Professionals and young learners alike are rushing to obtain certifications approved by the Civil Aviation Administration of China (CAAC), a now-indispensable qualification for the industry. For some, the license is a way to turn a passion into a profession; for others, it’s a way to pivot and enter a relatively untapped industry, where as yet there are only 225,000 licensed drone operators for the nearly 1.9 million registered drones.

As demand for training institutions certified by CAAC or the Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association has surged, eager learners have signed up for intensive courses to get certified and enter potentially lucrative fields where drones are being integrated, such as agriculture, surveying, emergency response, and entertainment. For many of these aspiring drone operators, the industry is reaching new heights.

“I love flying, and I love drones,” says Wen Yifan, a drone learner. “I want to obtain the highest-level license for each drone.”