NASHVILLE, TN, August 7, 2024—UAV Coach, the nation’s top provider of drone education and training, has released a newly updated version of Drone Pilot Ground School to help drone pilots pass the FAA’s Part 107 test. The updated course was recently released on July 24 as the company celebrates 10 years of working to support drone pilots.

“We are so excited about this updated version of Drone Pilot Ground School,” says Brad Tucker, CEO of UAV Coach. “Our focus at UAV Coach has always been on helping commercial drone pilots gain the knowledge and skills they need to be successful, and this newly updated course is the perfect way for us to celebrate ten years of doing this important work.”

UAV Coach launched Drone Pilot Ground School on June 21, 2016—the same day the FAA released the Part 107 rules. Since launching, over 65,000 drone pilots have used the course to earn their Part 107 certification. UAV Coach students have over a 99% pass rate on the test, and the company is trusted by nationally recognized organizations like the NYPD, NBC Universal, Granite Construction, and Tesla to train their drone pilots.

Drone Pilot Ground School walks students through the Part 107 test, covering key topics in a self-study format. The new version of the course has been completely updated, including:

• New videos and course content fully up-to-date for 2024.
• New personalized study plans to help students succeed and progress at their preferred pace.
• New virtual flashcards to provide even more study tools to help students pass the exam the first time.
• New Spanish subtitles for more accessible learning.

To celebrate its 10th anniversary, UAV Coach is offering $100 off Drone Pilot Ground School now through August 14. See an example lesson from the updated course now.

About UAV Coach

UAV Coach is the nation’s top provider of drone education and training. UAV Coach specializes in helping people get their commercial drone license through their online test prep course, Drone Pilot Ground School, with a 99% pass rate, which has helped over 65,000 drone pilots pass the FAA’s Part 107 test. UAV Coach offers free and paid educational resources for drone pilots, including in-person training and free access to the FAA’s TRUST for recreational flyers. UAV Coach was founded in 2014 with the mission of empowering drone pilots every step of their journey.

Media contact: Zacc Dukowitz (Zacc@UAVCoach.com)

The post UAV Coach Celebrates 10th Anniversary with Newly Updated Part 107 Course appeared first on UAV Coach.

This month marks UAV Coach’s 10th anniversary.

To celebrate the anniversary, we’ve released a newly updated Drone Pilot Ground School, our test prep course for the FAA’s Part 107 exam.

We’ve completely reimagined the course with:

• Brand new videos
• Virtual flashcards
• Personalized study plans
• Spanish subtitles

And a lot more, which we’ll cover below in this article.

To celebrate the new version of the course, we’re offering $100 off thru August 14th.

Sign up now to get the discount.

Celebrating Ten Years by Doubling Down on Our Commitment to Drone Pilots

When UAV Coach first started in 2014, the FAA’s Part 107 certification didn’t exist. From 2014 to 2016, the only way to operate drones commercially was to obtain a Part 333 exemption.

In 2016, the FAA released the Part 107 rules.

On the same day the rules came out we launched Drone Pilot Ground School, our online test prep course to help drone pilots pass the Part 107 test.

Since then, we’ve trained over 65,000 drone pilots to become Part 107 certified. Our students have over a 99% pass rate on the test, and we’re trusted by nationally recognized organizations like Tesla, the NYPD, and NBC Universal to train their pilots.The journey to get to this point has been incredible. And all of our success has come from you, our students.

That’s why we wanted to celebrate UAV Coach’s 10th anniversary by creating a completely up-to-date version of Drone Pilot Ground School.

[Want to see what the course looks like? See inside one of our lessons!]

The original course was made in 2016, just before the FAA released the Part 107 rules.

After a few years, we felt like we could do better. So we completely redid Drone Pilot Ground School, reshooting videos, creating new lessons to address notes from our students, and making the learning experience more seamless.

Now, we created a completely new, up-to-date version of Drone Pilot Ground School to provide the very best resources for our students—keep reading to learn more about the updates we made.

What’s New in Drone Pilot Ground School

Here’s a closer look at the updates we made in the new version of Drone Pilot Ground School.

NEW Most Updated Industry Content

We guarantee that you will be getting access to the industry’s most up-to-date content so that you can have confidence in passing the FAA exam.

Our videos are NEW as of July 2024, no outdated videos here!

Here’s a look inside the new course:

NEW Personalized Study Plans

Complete the course in one week or spread it out over the course of two weeks or one month. With our study plans, you’ll be able to pace your training to your ideal completion time.

NEW Virtual Flash Cards

Our course now includes digital flash cards to provide even more study tools to help you pass the exam the first time. Guaranteed.

NEW Spanish Subtitles

Although you need to be able to read, speak, write, and understand English to become a certified drone pilot; we now offer Spanish subtitles for more accessible learning.

Ready to become a commercial drone pilot?

Get $100 off the newly updated Drone Pilot Ground School now.

The post Want to Become Part 107 Certified? Get $100 Off Our Newly Updated Test Prep Course, Drone Pilot Ground School appeared first on UAV Coach.

We’re also covering a Shark Week video that features drones testing the agility of great whites, the potential dangers of Remote ID for drone pilots, DJI’s annual report on drones in agriculture, and Wing’s latest innovation in drone delivery.

Now on to the links!

DJI Ban Won’t Get Passed—For Now

 

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The Countering CCP Drones Act—commonly called the DJI ban, since it calls for banning all DJI drones in the U.S.—is not moving forward. The law was included in the House version of the 2025 NDAA (National Defense Authorization Act) and sent to the Senate last month. Last year, the ASDA (American Security Drone Act) was included in the 2024 NDAA, and became law that way. (The ASDA implemented a Chinese drone ban for federal agencies.) The Senate hasn’t included the Countering CCP Drones Act in its version of the 2025 NDAA, which it released last week. Assuming no changes get made, this means the DJI ban isn’t moving forward for now.

LEARN MORE

Drones Hang Food in Front of Great Whites to Test Their Agility

We’ve heard of using drones to keep people safe from sharks. But have you heard of using drones for testing sharks’ agility? That’s the use case featured in the video above, which the Discovery Channel put out recently during its annual Shark Week. In the video, researchers use drones equipped with a bait line to test the agility of great white sharks (which, no surprise, is pretty incredible). Jump to 00:42 in the video to see what we’re talking about.

LEARN MORE

Is Remote ID Dangerous for Drone Pilots?

A commercial drone pilot in Texas recently shared a disturbing story about someone using Remote ID to locate and threaten him while he was doing agriculture work with his drone. According to the pilot, a stranger figured out “exactly where I was using the remote ID broadcast” and then drove up and almost pinned “me between their car and my trailer and in the middle of my landing zone.” The stranger had a gun and “started screaming at me to get the damn drone off his . . . land.” The pilot goes on to clarify that he wasn’t on the man’s land, and was in fact working for the land’s owner.

This is exactly the kind of situation drone pilots worried about when the FAA first proposed the Remote ID rule. At the time, the FAA addressed these concerns by saying that only authorized authorities would be able to use the Remote ID broadcast to locate pilots. Clearly, that’s not been the case. And with more and more people shooting at drones and harassing drone pilots, these concerns seem more valid now than ever.

LEARN MORE

Annual Report Shows Major Growth for Agriculture Drones

Credit: DJI

Speaking of drones in agriculture, DJI just put out its annual report on the subject. The report’s findings are impressive, showcasing the big, positive impact that drone technology is having on farming—and on the environment. Here are some standout stats from the report:

• Ag drones are operating in 100 countries and regions.
• Ag drones have helped save 210 million metric tons of water (the equivalent of the annual water consumption of 390 million people).
• Ag drones treated 500 million hectares of farmland in the last year (that’s 1.9 million square miles).
• Ag drones have helped reduce carbon emissions by 25.72 million metric tons (the equivalent of saving 1.2 billion trees).

The report also details the legislative progress made for ag drones throughout the world, taking a close look at many of the countries where they operate. Follow the link below to read the full 35-page report.

LEARN MORE

Wing’s Latest Innovation in Drone Delivery

We’ve all seen drones use a wire to lower packages to the ground. But have you wondered how they actually hold and release the package from the line? There are different ways to do it, and Wing has created an innovative “pill” package hook that is a crucial part of how its deliveries get made. The pill is designed to be aerodynamic and be stable in flight—even when going as fast as 65 mph. Watch the video above to see how it works.

LEARN MORE

Make sure to sign up for our free weekly newsletter using the button below so you can get our weekly newsletter every Saturday, with this roundup and our other featured stories from the week.

The post Drone News Roundup: DJI Ban Not Moving Forward, Feeding Sharks from Drones, and More! appeared first on UAV Coach.

But it’s true—Commercial UAV Expo 2024 is less than two months away!

And this year’s a big one, with the conference celebrating its 10th year, which is practically a century in the fast-moving world of drone technology.

After the drone conference shakeup that happened during COVID, Commercial UAV Expo has emerged as the clear front runner in the world of drone events. These days, it’s one of the biggest, best U.S. commercial drone conferences you can find.

Every year we start getting excited around now because we know the conference is coming up.

In this post, we’re going to share all the reasons we’re excited for Commercial UAV Expo 2024. If you’re on the fence about attending, this post may help you make a decision. And if you already know you’re going, we hope this post will serve to get you pumped.

When and Where Is Commercial UAV Expo 2024?

As it has been for several years, the conference will be held at Caesars Forum in Las Vegas, NV. The dates this year are September 3 to 5.

Right now you can get early bird pricing for $300 off. This deal is good until July 19.

Learn more about attending, or keep reading for our nine reasons to attend.

9 Reasons to Attend Commercial UAV Expo 2024

Here are the reasons we’re getting excited for the conference this year.

1. Best-in-Class Technology

The exhibition hall is always one of the best parts of any tech-focused conference. And the hall at Commercial UAV Expo is a standout, because all the heavy hitters in the drone industry are there.

This year, the expo will feature over 300 exhibitors showcasing the latest in commercial UAS technology.

The Elios 3 in flight inside a trailer at Commercial UAV Expo 2022

And if this year is like the last few, you can even fly Flyability’s Elios 3 on the exhibition floor—because they bring in a trailer where they literally let you fly right at the booth. That’s pretty cool.

2. Vertical-Specific Drone Deep Dives

Want to learn more about a specific section of the drone industry? Or learn a little about a lot of different commercial drone applications?

Whether you want to go deep on one application or just get a lay of the land for how drones are being used in work, Commercial UAV Expo is a great place to learn.

The conference program this year will offer talks in five key drone verticals:

• Construction
• Drone Pilot Program
• Energy and Utilities
• Infrastructure and Transportation
• Policy

View the full 2024 conference program.

3. Innovative Hydrogen Track

In addition to the five core tracks above, this year there will again be a track put on by the HYSKY Society.

This event does cost extra. But it’s a really unique offering. The HYSKY Society Hydrogen Aviation Course brings together all pieces of the hydrogen aviation ecosystem: hydrogen production, hydrogen logistics, hydrogen infrastructure, hydrogen fuel cells, and engines, and hydrogen aircraft.

The course offers participants the opportunity to gain in-depth knowledge about the latest advancements, technologies, and applications in the field of hydrogen aviation, designed to provide a solid foundation for understanding the principles, challenges, and opportunities associated with hydrogen-powered aircraft.

Learn more about the HYSKY Course.

4. The Keynotes

Commercial UAV Expo 2024 brings in top talent to speak every year, and this year’s shaping up to be no different.

Keynotes are a great opportunity to get personal perspectives from the top thought leaders, visionaries, and innovators in commercial drones operations.

Hear from industry experts about where the drone industry is headed from a regulatory perspective, how AI is impacting drone operations right now, and more.

5. Special Workshops and Events

Every year, Commercial UAV Expo puts on special events in addition to the main lineup of talks and panels.

Here are this year’s top workshops and events:

• Photogrammetric Mapping with UAS—led by ASPRS.
• LiDAR Mapping with UAS—led by ASPRS.
• From Air to Ground: Comprehensive Lidar Mapping Solutions—led by GeoCUE.
• Transforming UAVs into Real-World Mapping and Surveying Solutions—led by Trimble.
• From Drone Data to Survey Deliverable—led by Virtual Surveyor.

Learn more about special workshops and events at the 2024 conference.

6. Almost 4,000 Attendees Anticipated

Last year about 3,750 people attended Commercial UAV Expo. And this year the number may be even higher, if you can believe it.

Pulling people in from over 70 different countries, the event will truly be a global meeting place for all things drone-related.

7. The DRONERESPONDERS Public Safety Summit

Presented by AIRT, the Public Safety Summit is a co-located event that takes place over two days during Commercial UAV Expo.

Credit: DRONERESPONDERS

The Summit features programming designed to educate and prepare first responder UAS program managers and remote pilots at every experience level for public safety UAS operations.

If you work for a public safety agency and have been wanting to get up to speed with how to use drones, this event is a great opportunity to jump start your knowledge for using drones in your work.

Learn more about the Summit here.

8. Networking

Attendees at Commercial UAV Expo this year include people from top drone-related companies, government agencies, and some of the biggest companies in the world.

Where else can you rub shoulders with thousands of people who work with drones?

If you’re looking for work, to hire a drone pilot, to partner with another drone hardware or software company, or just to grow the list of contacts you have in the drone industry, Commercial UAV Expo is a great place to do it.

9. Live Outdoor Flying Demonstrations

Want to see the latest drone technology on display—not just in an exhibit hall, but actually in the air? Commercial UAV Expo’s live demos are the place to do it.

Here’s what Commercial UAV Expo has to say about this year’s live demos:

Leading vendors will demonstrate a range of drone applications. Not only will airframe and sensor capabilities be showcased, but a sophisticated AV set up will allow users to view resulting data sets and processing solutions for the full end-to-end view of the technology. Drone experts will be on-hand to narrate live scenarios and field questions from the audience.

Here are the companies participating in the live demos this year:

• Autel Robotics
• Event 38 Unmanned Systems
• Frontier Precision Unmanned
• ideaForge
• Skyfish

Learn more about this year’s live demos.

Want to Attend Commercial UAV Expo 2024?

Take advantage of early bird pricing, which gets you $300 off from now until July 19. Register here.

Hope to see you there!

The post 9 Reasons to Attend Commercial UAV Expo 2024 appeared first on UAV Coach.

There are dozens of ways you can make money flying a drone these days. And more and more drone pilots are going into business for themselves, either as a side hustle or as a full-time gig.

In this in-depth guide to drone businesses, we cover the basics for getting your drone business started, including a step-by-step guide that covers everything you need to know.

We also have a list of 36 drone business ideas to help you come up with ways to make money with your drone.

Here’s a menu in case you’d like to jump around:

• How Much Can You Make Running a Drone Business?
• Drone Business Startup Costs
• How to Start a Drone Business: A Step-by-Step Guide
• The Top 7 Most Profitable Drone Business Ideas
• 29 More Drone Business Ideas

How Much Can You Make Running a Drone Business?

On average, commercial drone pilots working full time can make between $50,000 to $100,000 annually.

The profitability of a drone business can vary significantly depending on several factors, including:

• The niche you choose.
• The location where you work.
• The level of skill and certification you’ve achieved as a drone pilot.

Image source

In some specialized fields, you can make a lot more than $50-$100K a year. Three of the most lucrative areas to be a drone pilot right now are aerial mapping, cinematography, and industrial inspections.

You’ll notice right away that each of these requires skills beyond just flying a drone.

For aerial mapping, you need to have a good sense of how to do mapping and how to use mapping software. For cinematography, you’ll need to understand how a drone pilot’s work fits into the fast-moving schedule of a TV or movie production, and how to actually get the aerial shots a director wants. And for industrial inspections you’ll probably need some basic understanding of how inspections work, or at least an internal contact in a company that does inspections.

Among these three, aerial mapping is probably the easiest to get into. Why? Because you don’t necessarily need strong contacts who are already doing the work to find clients.

If you can hone your mapping skills and start offering solid services, you have a good chance of building a client base.

[Want to offer drone mapping? Learn more about our online aerial mapping course, Drone Mapping Essentials.]

Key Factors Influencing Drone Pilot Income

1. The Niche You Choose

Specialized services can command higher fees.

For example, agricultural surveying and real estate drone photography can be highly profitable due to the unique value they provide.

In agriculture, drone pilots can perform tasks such as crop monitoring and health assessment, which are crucial for maximizing yields. This can lead to substantial earnings, with some operators charging $150 an hour or more for their services.

In real estate, realtors can use drone photography and videography to create compelling property listings that can significantly enhance the marketability of homes. Drone pilots in this niche can charge between $200 and $400 per project, and sometimes a lot more, depending on the complexity,location, and quality of their work.

2. The Location Where You Work

The geographic area where you operate your drone plays a crucial role in determining potential earnings.

Urban areas or regions with high economic activity typically offer more opportunities for drone services and, consequently, higher rates. For example, drone operators in metropolitan areas like New York or San Francisco can charge premium rates for services due to the high demand for aerial footage in real estate, construction, and media industries.

In contrast, operators in rural or less economically vibrant areas may find fewer opportunities and lower rates for their services. However, niches like agricultural surveying may still be lucrative in these regions.

3. The Level of Skill and Certification You’ve Achieved

Having advanced certifications and extensive experience can help you make more as a drone pilot—sometimes a lot more.

To start, any drone pilot doing work should have a Part 107 certificate. This is required for commercial drone work, and most clients know to ask about this these days.

But getting certifications in actual piloting skills—and, beyond that, actually doing lots of the work you become certified in—can also help you land profitable clients.

Specialized training in areas like thermal imaging or GIS (Geographic Information Systems) can open up higher-paying opportunities in sectors such as infrastructure inspections and environmental monitoring. And drone pilots with these advanced skills can earn $150 to $300 per hour or more.

[Related read: Can You Shoot Down a Drone Over Your Property? And What Do You Do If Someone Shoots at Your Drone?]

Additional Factors that Impact Drone Business Income

Here are some other things to think about when it comes to how much you can make running a drone business:

• Diversity of services. A drone business that provides multiple services, such as aerial photography, surveying, and drone mapping, can attract a broader client base and increase their revenue streams. But be careful—offering too many types of services can stretch you thin, and may be a red flag to potential clients that you’re not actually an expert in the services you’re selling.
• Project-based earnings.Many drone businesses operate on a project basis, which can vary widely in terms of complexity and compensation. Simple aerial photography gigs for real estate might pay $200 to $500 per job, while more complex industrial inspections or land surveys can bring in several thousand dollars per project.
• Long-term contracts. Companies in construction, agriculture, or utilities often require ongoing drone services for monitoring and inspections—if you can get long-term contracts in areas that require repeat service, you can get steady income and financial stability.

Drone Business Startup Costs

Starting a drone business can be expensive, especially if you’re starting from scratch.

But how much exactly do you need to get started?

We’ve broken drone business startup costs into three tiers to help you see what it will cost depending on your budget. Each tier includes detailed cost estimates for essential items in starting a drone business, including things like drone hardware, software, training, insurance, and marketing.

1. Lean Drone Business Startup Costs

A lean startup approach is ideal for those looking to enter the market with minimal upfront investment. This tier focuses on basic equipment and essential certifications.

Here’s the breakdown:

• Drone hardware: $1,000 – $2,000. This budget allows for the purchase of a basic commercial drone suitable for general aerial photography and simple inspections.
• Training and certification: $150 – $500. Costs for obtaining the FAA Part 107 certification, including study materials and exam fees.
• Insurance: $500 – $1,000 annually. Liability insurance to cover potential damages and operational risks.
• Software: $200 – $500 annually. Basic software for flight planning and photo/video editing, such as DroneDeploy’s basic plan or Adobe Premiere Elements.
• Marketing and branding: $500 – $1,000. Initial costs for setting up a simple website, business cards, and some online advertising.

Total estimated lean startup cost: $2,350 – $5,000

2. Medium Drone Business Startup Costs

This tier is suitable for entrepreneurs looking to provide a wider range of services with higher-quality equipment and more comprehensive coverage.

• Drone hardware: $3,000 – $6,000. Mid-range drones such as the DJI Phantom 4 Pro or Autel EVO II that offer better camera quality and more robust features for commercial use.
• Training and certification: $500 – $1,000. Includes advanced training courses in areas like thermal imaging or 3D mapping to expand service offerings.
• Insurance: $1,000 – $2,000 annually. Comprehensive liability insurance with higher coverage limits for more extensive operations.
• Software: $500 – $1,200 annually. Advanced software for mapping, 3D modeling, and data analysis, such as Pix4D or advanced DroneDeploy plans.
• Marketing and branding: $1,500 – $3,000. Includes costs for a professional website, SEO services, and broader online and offline marketing efforts.

Total estimated medium startup cost: $6,500 – $13,200

3. Pro Drone Business Startup Costs

A pro-tier setup is designed for those aiming to launch a fully-fledged drone business with top-tier equipment and comprehensive service capabilities.

• Drone hardware: $10,000 – $20,000+. High-end drones like the DJI Matrice 300 RTK or Yuneec H520E that support a wide range of sensors and payloads for industrial applications.
• Training and certification: $1,000 – $2,500. Advanced certifications and specialized training in sectors like oil and gas inspections, search and rescue, or cinematic production.
• Insurance: $2,500 – $5,000 annually. Extensive liability and equipment insurance to cover high-value operations and assets.
• Software: $1,200 – $3,000 annually. Professional software packages for extensive data analysis, real-time monitoring, and comprehensive drone management systems.
• Marketing and branding: $3,000 – $7,000. Includes comprehensive branding services, extensive marketing campaigns, and participation in industry events to establish a strong market presence.

Total estimated pro startup cost: $17,700 – $37,500+

How to Start a Drone Business: A Step-by-Step Guide

Starting a drone business can be a rewarding venture, but it requires careful planning and execution.

Here are the key steps to follow when getting started to help you launch your drone business successfully.

Step 1: Get Certified

Before you can operate a drone commercially in the U.S., you must obtain your FAA Part 107 certification, which is required for commercial drone pilots.

The certification process involves studying for and passing a written exam that covers drone regulations, airspace classification, weather effects, and more.

We offer an online test prep course called Drone Pilot Ground School to help drone pilots get ready for the exam. We’ve trained over 60,000 pilots and have a pass rate of over 99%—learn more here.

Step 2: Choose Your Niche

Identify a specific niche for your drone business.

Popular niches include aerial photography, real estate surveys, agricultural monitoring, construction site inspections, and more. Make sure to choose a niche that has a viable market demand in your area and, ideally, aligns with your interests and existing skills (or skills you plan to establish).

You can do your market research on job sites like Indeed.com or just by searching for both “drone jobs in [your location]” and “[drone niche] in [your location]” to get a sense both for competition and for possible drone work opportunities.

Step 3: Buy Your Equipment

Invest in quality drone equipment that suits your chosen niche.

For example, a drone for aerial photography will need a high-resolution camera, while a drone for agriculture might require specialized sensors for crop monitoring.

Image source

Step 4: Get Insured

Obtain liability insurance to protect your business against potential damages or accidents. Drone insurance typically covers both the drone itself and any potential liabilities resulting from its operation.

Learn more about drone insurance with our partner Skywatch.

Step 5: Register Your Business

Choose a business structure (typically this will be an LLC or sole proprietorship) and register your business with the appropriate state and local authorities.

This step ensures that your business is legally recognized and allows you to operate under a business name.

Step 6: Create a Business Plan

Develop a comprehensive business plan outlining your business model, target market, revenue streams, and growth strategies. A solid business plan will help you stay focused and attract potential investors.

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Step 7: Build Your Brand

Establish a professional online presence by creating a website and setting up social media profiles. Your brand should clearly communicate the services you offer and your unique selling points.

Step 8: Market Your Services

Implement a marketing strategy to reach potential clients. Use a mix of online advertising, social media marketing, and networking events to promote your services. Consider offering introductory discounts or packages to attract new customers.

Step 9: Network and Partner

Attend industry events and join professional associations to network with potential clients and partners. Building strong relationships within your industry can lead to valuable business opportunities and referrals.

Step 10: Get Clients!

This could also be Step 1, or even Step 0.

Without clients you don’t really have a business. So don’t be shy—get out there and start meeting with people, letting them know what you offer and offering to do work at introductory rates, or even for free at first until you have a client base.

The key is to start bringing in money as soon as you can, so you can have a sustainable business that supports you.

But also be patient. It may take months, or even years, before your business is bringing in the level of full-time income you want. If you work at it and are consistent and persistent, your business will grow over time.

The Top 7 Most Profitable Drone Business Ideas

Running a drone business can be pretty profitable—especially if you choose a niche that aligns your expertise with market demand in your area.

Here are some of the most profitable drone business ideas, with a breakdown of what’s required to get started, special skills needed, essential gear, and estimated startup costs.

1. Aerial Photography and Videography

Capturing high-quality aerial images and videos for various clients, including real estate agents, event planners, and marketing firms.

• Special skills. Proficiency in photography and video editing is essential, along with a good understanding of angles and lighting from the air.
• Gear. A drone with a high-resolution camera, a computer with video editing software like Adobe Premiere Pro ($20.99/month), and additional batteries.
• Estimated startup costs. $1,500 – $3,000.
• Tips. Market your services through social media and by building a portfolio on platforms like Instagram and YouTube.

2. Real Estate Photography

Providing aerial shots and video tours of properties for real estate agents and property developers.

• Special skills. Knowledge of real estate marketing and the ability to highlight property features from a bird’s eye view.
• Gear. A drone with a high-quality camera, like the DJI Phantom 4 Pro ($1,500 – $2,000), photo editing software, and possibly a drone with a 3-axis gimbal for stability.
• Estimated startup costs. $2,000 – $4,000.
• Tips. Develop partnerships with local real estate agencies and offer package deals for regular listings.

Image source

3. Agricultural Surveys

Using drones to monitor crop health, map fields, and provide farmers with actionable insights to improve yields and reduce costs.

• Special skills. Understanding of agriculture, precision farming, and the ability to interpret NDVI (Normalized Difference Vegetation Index) maps.
• Gear. A drone equipped with multispectral sensors, such as the Parrot Bluegrass Fields ($5,000 – $8,000), data analysis software, and a high-capacity battery.
• Estimated startup costs. $6,000 – $10,000.
• Tips. Connect with agricultural extension services and offer demonstrations to farmers.

4. Inspection Services

Conducting inspections for infrastructure such as bridges, buildings, wind turbines, and power lines to identify damage or wear.

• Special skills. Knowledge of inspection standards and the ability to operate drones in complex environments.
• Gear. A robust drone like the DJI Matrice 300 RTK ($12,000 – $20,000) equipped with thermal and zoom cameras, and inspection software.
• Estimated startup costs. $15,000 – $25,000.
• Tips. Certification in industrial inspection and safety training is highly recommended.

A drone being used for a bridge inspection | Credit: Skydio

5. Construction Site Monitoring

Providing aerial surveys and progress reports for construction sites to improve project management and ensure safety compliance.

• Special skills. Familiarity with construction processes and the ability to create detailed aerial maps and 3D models.
• Gear. A drone such as the DJI Mavic 2 Pro ($1,600 – $2,000) with mapping capabilities, photogrammetry software like Pix4D ($350/month), and additional batteries.
• Estimated startup costs. $3,000 – $5,000.
• Tips. Partner with construction companies to offer ongoing site monitoring services.

6. Event Photography and Videography

Capturing aerial footage of events such as weddings, concerts, and sports games to create unique perspectives and memorable highlights.

• Special skills. Experience in event photography, the ability to handle crowd settings, and advanced video editing skills.
• Gear. A drone like the DJI Air 2S ($999 – $1,299) for high-quality footage, video editing software, and extra batteries for extended coverage.
• Estimated startup costs. $1,500 – $3,000.
• Tips. Network with event planners and offer promotional deals to showcase your services.

7. Drone Mapping and Surveying

Providing detailed maps and 3D models for land surveying, urban planning, and environmental monitoring.

• Special skills. Proficiency in GIS (Geographic Information Systems) and knowledge of surveying techniques.
• Gear. A high-end drone like the SenseFly eBee X ($12,000 – $15,000) with mapping software, and RTK (Real-Time Kinematic) GPS equipment.
• Estimated startup costs. $15,000 – $20,000.
• Tips. Pursue certifications in surveying and mapping to enhance your credibility and attract higher-paying clients.

Want to learn drone mapping? Check out our online drone mapping course and our in-person drone mapping workshops.

29 More Drone Business Ideas

Looking for more drone business ideas?

Below we continue the list from the last section, adding 29 more ideas to make a total list of 36 drone business ideas.

Image source

8. Environmental Monitoring

Deploy drones to monitor environmental conditions, track pollution levels, and assist in conservation projects.

9. Security Surveillance

Provide aerial surveillance for security purposes, including monitoring large events, securing perimeters, and patrolling private properties.

10. Pipeline and Power Line Inspections

Conduct aerial inspections of pipelines and power lines to detect leaks, damages, and potential hazards, improving maintenance efficiency.

11. Telecommunication Tower Inspections

Use drones to inspect telecommunication towers, reducing the need for risky manual inspections and increasing inspection frequency.

12. Wind Turbine Inspections

Deploy drones to inspect wind turbines for damages or maintenance needs, providing a safe and efficient alternative to manual inspections.

Credit: DJI

13. Solar Panel Inspections

Inspect solar panels for defects or performance issues using drones equipped with thermal cameras.

14. Marine and Coastal Surveys

Use drones to conduct surveys of coastal and marine environments for research, conservation, and development planning.

15. Film and Television Production

Provide aerial shots and unique perspectives for film and television productions, enhancing visual storytelling.

16. Advertising and Marketing

Create aerial content for advertising and marketing campaigns, offering unique angles and captivating footage for brand promotions.

17. Drone Training and Certification

Offer training programs and certification courses for aspiring drone pilots, covering basics to advanced flight techniques.

18. Drone Repair and Maintenance

Provide repair and maintenance services for drones, ensuring they remain operational and safe for commercial use.

19. Custom Drone Design and Manufacturing

Design and manufacture custom drones tailored to specific business needs or industry applications.

20. Drone Data Analysis

Offer data analysis services for businesses that need to interpret data collected by drones, such as crop health analysis or 3D mapping.

21. 3D Mapping and Modeling

Provide 3D mapping and modeling services for construction, mining, urban planning, and other industries that require detailed topographical data.

22. Archaeological Surveys

Use drones to conduct aerial surveys of archaeological sites, helping researchers to identify and document findings without disrupting the site.

23. Search and Rescue (SAR) Training

Offer training programs for search and rescue teams on how to effectively use drones in their operations.

Credit: DJI

24. Custom Aerial Surveys

Provide custom aerial surveys for various industries, including agriculture, construction, and environmental monitoring.

Note: Be cautious when using the word survey in your marketing materials and service offerings. Some states, such as North Carolina, have been telling drone pilots they can get in trouble for using the word.

25. Sports and Action Photography

Capture dynamic aerial footage of sports events and action activities, such as skiing, Formula 1 racing, surfing, and mountain biking.

Credit: Red Bull

26. Infrastructure Inspections

Use drones to inspect infrastructure such as bridges, tunnels, and buildings for maintenance and safety checks.

27. Agricultural Drone Sales and Rentals

Sell, lease, or rent specialized drones for agricultural purposes, including drones for crop spraying and monitoring.

28. Delivery Services

Offer drone delivery services for small packages, food, and medical supplies, providing a fast and efficient alternative to traditional delivery methods.

29. Public Safety Support

Offer drone services to public safety agencies for tasks such as crime scene investigation, emergency response, and crowd monitoring.

Credit: DJI

30. Drone Rental Services

Provide rental services for drones, allowing customers to rent drones for specific projects or periods without purchasing them.

31. Wedding and Event Photography

Offer aerial photography and videography services for weddings—especially destination weddings—and other events, capturing unique perspectives and memorable moments.

32. Forest Management

Use drones to monitor forest health, track illegal logging, and assist in conservation efforts.

Credit: DroneSeed

33. Surveying for Mining Operations

Conduct aerial surveys of mining sites to assess land conditions, plan excavation work, and monitor environmental impact.

34. Scientific Research

Use drones to gather data for scientific research, such as wildlife studies, environmental monitoring, and atmospheric sampling.

35. Art and Cultural Heritage Documentation

Capture aerial images and videos of historical and cultural sites for documentation and preservation.

36. Drone Consultant Services

Provide consulting services to businesses looking to integrate drones into their operations, offering expertise on equipment selection, training, and regulations.

The post How to Start a Drone Business: A Complete Guide—Includes 36 Drone Business Ideas [New for 2024] appeared first on UAV Coach.

Underneath that dry phrase is the roiling debate about DJI and whether we can trust drones or drone components made in China. Because when you ask about supply chain, you’re really asking: Does that drone have any connection with China?

And that question couldn’t be more timely. At the moment, a law that would ban DJI completely is moving forward in Congress.

The DJI Mavic 3 Enterprise | Credit: DJI

Called the Countering CCP Drones Act, first responders and many others—including us at UAV Coach—have spoken out against this law, since it would remove choice from the consumer and hurt many small business owners.

But whether the DJI ban passes or not, supply chain concerns are here to stay. And this is where Green UAS comes in.

What Is Green UAS?

Green UAS is an initiative led by AUVSI in collaboration with the U.S. Department of Defense (DOD).

The program is designed to provide a trusted framework for certifying the cybersecurity and compliance of commercial drones, ensuring they meet security standards set by the U.S. government.

The Skydio X10, which was recently added to the Blue UAS list

The DOD’s Blue UAS program vets drones for use by the federal government, putting them through a long, exhaustive, and expensive process. But not all companies can afford to do this—and, depending on their target uses, not all those who use drones really need to have their tech vetted to such a degree.

The solution? Green UAS—drones that meet security requirements but aren’t as strictly vetted as Blue UAS.

• Blue UAS is focused on drones for federal and defense applications. It certifies drones for use by the federal government by putting them through a rigorous, lengthy vetting process.
• Green UAS is focused on drones for commercial applications. It’s a complementary program that certifies drones for use by private companies by putting them through a vetting process that mirrors the Blue UAS process, but in a way that makes sense for the private sector.

Providing Certification at a Time of Uncertainty

Here’s another way to think about Green UAS.

For large companies that use drones in their operations, they don’t necessarily need Blue UAS. But they may face pressure to buy drones that have met certain security standards, including supply chain standards.

The Anzu Raptor is a new commercial drone that meets NDAA supply chain requirements

For these companies, there is no current solution for buying a drone that they know is guaranteed to meet these standards.

Sure, drone companies can say they are “NDAA compliant”—meaning, free from components made in China—but there is no formal certification for being NDAA compliant. It’s just a thing you say.

Green UAS fills this gap by providing a formal certification process.

And it has the stamp of authority, through its connection with AUVSI and DOD. So, for companies who just want an option that has been certified “safe” by a recognized authority, Green UAS provides just that.

Why Green UAS Matters—Both for Private Companies and for Federal Agencies

Green UAS is focused on vetting drones for private companies. But it has a symbiotic relationship with drones for federal agencies, and will most likely become a feeder for some commercial drones into the Blue UAS framework.

Here are four reasons Green UAS matters, regardless of whether you use drones for government work or for work at a private company.

Skyfront’s Perimeter 8

1. Enhanced Security and Compliance

On the security front:

• Private companies can be reassured that their technology meets security requirements. This reduces the risk of cybersecurity threats, such as data breaches or unauthorized access to sensitive information, as well as helping project the message to clients and partners that the company cares about security.
• Federal agencies benefit from a reliable pool of compliant drones that can be deployed for various missions without concerns about security vulnerabilities.

2. Facilitates Wider Adoption of Drone Technology

On the adoption front:

• Private companies can have clear guidelines on which drones are trustworthy, encouraging adoption and making it easier for companies to integrate drones into their operations.
• Federal agencies will know that Green UAS drones meet NDAA or other regulatory requirements, providing clarity on which technology they can use in their work. (Federal agencies are not necessarily limited to using Blue UAS.)

3. Supports Innovation and Economic Growth

On the innovation and growth front:

• Private companies will benefit from the growth of innovation within the drone industry that Green UAS could engender, by lowering the barrier to entry set by Blue UAS and creating a clear path to being a “trusted drone” that companies can use for a range of applications.
• Federal agencies can also benefit from the growth of trusted drone companies, since the establishment of trusted guidelines could foster not only innovation but create economic incentives for companies to create solution-specific technology to meet government needs.

4. Aligns with National Security Interests

On the national security front:

• Private companies can be sure that the drones they use adhere to security protocols that protect national interests.
• Federal agencies can realize the same benefit, ensuring they maintain a secure operational environment by using access to drones that are vetted and approved for use in sensitive missions.

Green UAS Drones

So which drones are on the Green UAS cleared list? Just one so far.

At the moment, only Skyfront has completed the review process and received a Green UAS designation.

The Skyfront Perimeter 8 | Credit: Skyfront

But there are 15 drone companies currently in the process of securing Green UAS status. Here’s all of them:

So is Green UAS the future of commercial drones?

Right now it’s hard to say. But it certainly could be.

If supply chain concerns continue to grow—and it looks likely they will, regardless of what happens with the DJI ban—then companies may become more and more interested in knowing they’re buying secure technology.

And at the moment, the only recognized process for buying secure drone technology would be to buy Green UAS.

For now, Green UAS is more of an idea than a reality. But as more drone companies begin to join the cleared list and these drones become real options for companies, we’ll start to see whether private companies really are more attracted to buying these drones than competing options.

The post Is Green UAS the Future of Commercial Drones? appeared first on UAV Coach.