Drone Training in Virginia
2,500+ PILOTS TRAINED AND 600+ 5-STAR REVIEWS
Browse Available Dates
Here’s how it works — Use the buttons below to browse James’ availability and to select a date and time for your training. We’ll ask some additional questions and will then follow-up with you to confirm that your class has been booked.
Training Levels:
Level 1: Ideal for beginners. An intro to drone hardware, software, regulations & flight.
Level 2: Ideal for those with some experience. A progression from our Level 1 class covering advanced flight modes & precision flying.
If you’d like to book a class for 2+ people, click here.
If you wish to buy drone training as a gift, click here.
If you need to pay by check, by purchase order, or have any other questions, please send an email to training@horizonap.com or call us at (888) 626-9052
Instructor: James Newton
Training Location
Browse Available Dates
Here’s how it works — Use the buttons below to browse Al’s availability and to select a date and time for your training. We’ll ask some additional questions and will then follow-up with you to confirm that your class has been booked.
Training Levels:
Level 1: Ideal for beginners. An intro to drone hardware, software, regulations & flight.
Level 2: Ideal for those with some experience. A progression from our Level 1 class covering advanced flight modes & precision flying.
If you’d like to book a class for 2+ people, click here.
If you wish to buy drone training as a gift, click here.
If you need to pay by check, by purchase order, or have any other questions, please send an email to training@horizonap.com or call us at (888) 626-9052
Instructor: Al Cire
Al Cire is a park ranger with experience in natural resource management, law enforcement, and wilderness search & rescue. With a BS in Wildlife Conservation and 30+ years as an instructor in various subjects, he launched his agency’s drone program and serves as UAV Coordinator and flight instructor. He currently operates his own business, Raptor Drone Services located in central Virginia, specializing in inspections, mapping, and construction progression. He is familiar with numerous drone models and can train you on his DJI Air 3, Autel EVO II or any DJI drone you bring.
Training Location
2,500+ PILOTS TRAINED, CUSTOMERS RATE 4.9 OUT OF 5 STARS
Having little to no experience flying a drone, this class was great! James taught me the basics, shared best practices to prepare for flying, and overall worked to help me gain confidence while in flight. I would recommend this class to anyone interested in learning to fly drones.
Brenton H
The training was great! The instructor, James, was very knowledgeable about all aspects of sUAS operations, FAA requirements, and so much more! It definitely exceeded my expectations!
Charles R
I was very impressed with the set up. I received a reminder email from UAV Coach. My instructor, James Newton, contacted me in advance of the training date and then followed up with an email to include directions and a reminder on what equipment I needed to bring. The training was informative and comprehensive. The instructor was very well versed and clearly knowledgeable on the subject of drone flight operations and provided information to include additional resources to continue my training. And as promised, sent the information via email so that I would have a hard copy. 5 Star Review!
Sheryl H
Frequently Asked
Questions
Can I book a group of 4 or more?
Yes — we’re happy to chat with your group about training options. Email training@horizonap.com or call us at (888) 626-9052
What kind of drone will I get to fly?
Our coaches train with DJI equipment — you’ll be flying either a DJI Mavic, DJI Phantom, or DJI Inspire model. If you have questions about the best professional drone models, we’re happy to help.
Can I bring my own drone?
Yes — many of our students prefer to fly with their own equipment. We’ll ask you to make sure that your firmware is up-to-date, to fully charge your transmitter, phone/tablet and to bring extra batteries. We’ll also ask that you’ve registered your drone through the FAADroneZone portal.
Do I need to be FAA Part 107 certified?
No — our instructors are certified and insured under our company policy, so you don’t have to be. If you’re interested in becoming a certified drone pilot, check out our FAA certification guide. We’d love to help you study!
What about inclement weather?
We won’t make you fly in the rain! We’ll work with you and your local flight instructor to reschedule.
Is this a test prep class for the FAA Part 107 drone exam?
No — this is a hands-on drone flight class. If you want to get FAA-certified, check out our industry-leading Part 107 online test prep and training course.
Can I buy a class for someone as a gift?
Absolutely! Click here to learn more.
What's the difference between Level 1 and Level 2 training?
Can I bring a friend, colleague, or family member with me?
Yes! A shared experience with a friend or family member is a great way to learn together and have fun. Our instructors will tailor the experience for your group. You can purchase a group session of 2 people for $395 for 2.5 hours (save $97 per person!) or a group session of 3 people for $495 for 3 hours (save $130 per person!)
Are you insured?
Yes — we hold an insurance policy that covers up to $1 million in liability during the course of your training class. If you bring your own drone to the training, while we would not insure any damage to the drone itself, our liability policy still covers you.
Is this training class right for me?
Our students come from a wide variety of backgrounds and industries. If you’re looking to go deep into the DJI Go 4 or DJI Fly app, explore intelligent flight modes and fail-safe settings and to really understand what to do before, during, and after your flight to not only fly safely but to comply with the regulations, then yes, we’d love to see you book time with us.
What's your cancellation policy?
training is TAILORED TO YOUR
SKILL LEVEL AND GOALS
DURING A TYPICAL session YOU WILL:
- Meet with an expert and friendly instructor in a convenient outdoor location, like a park or athletic field
- Learn on a popular DJI drone model provided by the instructor
- Have 45-60 minutes of hands-on flying time to master orientation and basic flight maneuvers (Level 1) or more advanced flight modes and precision flying (Level 2)
- Walk through the DJI Go 4 or DJI Fly app
- Learn how to handle obstacles such as lost GPS, low battery charge or emergencies
- Practice flying under various intelligent flight modes
- Capture photo and video at your flight location
- Understand best practices of being a safe drone pilot
- Ask questions about regulations, software, flight operations management, and more
- Sign up with a friend, colleague, or family member to share the experience. Learn together. Have fun together. Save money together!
Does your team need hands-on drone training?
We work with companies and organizations
An engineering team of four from Amgen needed to survey vertical structures. We set up a custom drone training with one of our Los Angeles instructors.
Southeastern Building Corporation wanted to use drones to capture aerial images of their residential and commercial construction projects. Our Nashville drone instructor trained two of their employees.
The Rutherford County GIS Department needed to survey land and infrastructure for things like development projects and flood zones. Our Nashville instructor trained three of their team members.
Fort Valley State University wanted to train 10 graduate students in their Engineering Technology Department to conduct research projects with their DJI Phantom. We built a half-day custom training with two instructors and two drones.
PRICING FOR INDIVIDUALS AND GROUPS
1 PERSON
.-
2 hours
GROUP OF 2
Save $52 per person!-
2.5 hours
GROUP OF 3
Save $103 per person!-
3 hours
Bring a friend, colleague, or family member to share the experience.
Sign up and save together!
Flying Your Drone in Virginia
Before your training class, it might be helpful to familiarize yourself with the drone laws in Virginia.
If you are flying a drone for fun, you are considered a ‘recreational’ pilot and should be following the Recreational Flyers & Modeler Community-Based Organizations rules. You’ll need to complete The Recreational UAS Safety Test (TRUST), register your drone, and understand where you can and cannot fly.
If you are flying a drone for ‘commercial’ purposes, you’ll need to get your FAA drone pilot certificate. This takes about 15-20 hours of studying and requires you to pass a 60-question multiple-choice exam. Here’s more information about how to get your drone pilot license.
And for fun, here’s a list of the best places to fly a drone in Richmond and Virginia Beach. Blue skies and safe flying out there!
Drone Flight Training
At a Glance
Training Sessions from 2-3 Hrs
Individual or small group sessions typically start at 2 hours and go up to 3 hours with a larger group — this lets each student get plenty of hands-on 'stick time.'
FAA-Certified Part 107 Pilots
Our instructors are professional, experienced and friendly. All are FAA-certified as Remote Pilots and many have military and commercial aviation experience.
Flight Ops & Intelligent Flight Modes
Take your knowledge to the next level with flight operations apps, pre-flight and post-flight checklists, intelligent flight modes and more.
DJI Equipment & Software
We use popular DJI models to teach you the ins and outs of both the drone hardware and the flight software — transferable knowledge if you're already flying or plan to fly a DJI system.
Multirotor Flight Proficiency
Gain confidence, learn how to handle emergencies and feel in control of the drone. Practice flying both basic and advanced maneuvers.
Regulatory Compliance & Safety
Learn the rules about where and when you’re allowed to fly and stay smart, safe and compliant.