How to Make Money as a Drone Pilot in 5 Easy Steps

Flying drones may be something you enjoy as a hobby but do you realize all those years of experience you have accumulated could be capitalized on. Perhaps taking aerial photos and video has been your passion that is a skill that can be commercialized by making money as a drone pilot.

Step One: Get FAA Certified

The initial first step to making money as a drone pilot is to get FAA certified. Certification training courses can be taken online or through in-person classes. Perhaps you have already taken a certification course as in some states it is now mandatory to be able to fly drones. In order to earn an income flying drones FAA certification is required for most commercial-type jobs, even on a freelance basis.

Step Two: Practice and More..

Certification is not the end, but the start of the beginning. It is time now to develop on the experience and skills you already have using the more advanced features of your drone. Beginner drones will now need to be upgraded to more advanced, something with a decent built-in HD camera, altitude hold, plus a few extra batteries to allow for longer flight times.

Step Three: Develop Your Drone Pilot Niche

This step involves some forethought and imagination in order to develop your future earnings as a drone pilot. Skilled photographers are always in demand from local district and commercial advertising with realtors and others .You can really get creative here– working with local farmers using flyovers to monitor crop development the biggest restriction is your imagination.

Step Four: Finding Your Clients

You have now gone through the process of deciding your niche opportunity, now  who is going to pay for your services. The chances are that you will begin as freelance in order to test the water. Prospecting for clients is never going to be easy. Until you have a reputation and become established you will only be able to charge low amounts. Finding clients involves flyers, postings and classified ads, social media and other outlets. Let everyone know what you do in your local community. All you need is a start from local farmers, realtors, wedding planners, roofing contractors. Aerial wedding photography can be a good start this could lead to other opportunities through recommendations. Persevere and do not let the odd setback get you down, this is like every other business it will take time to develop but you will enjoy the process.

Step Five: Develop Your Services 

Now you are starting to become established and clients are coming your way. Word of mouth is one of the most powerful forms of advertisement every job you do helps to develop your reputation. Now you are in the driving seat and you will be able to charge more.

 Wrap Up

A worthwhile career–or just a freelance opportunity as a drone pilot could be yours. Having read through the steps in this article now is the time to put  yourself  on the path to success.