Drone Pilot Career?

george1907 · Oct 7, 2020

Hi guys, new to the forum.

I used to do videography work and have over the last few months had some experience flying a friends drone, and really love it and thinking about buying my own. Also thinking about drone pilot career prosects but its hard to find solid information online. From what ive read, drone pilots are in demand (not sure how covid has effected the industry) and can earn a good wage?

What are peoples thoughts about someone new coming into the game? Would it take long to get work and earn a living? Does it depend a lot on networking and being able to showcase yourself enough? Are there better options than being self employed?

Any advice would be appreciated!

Many thanks

Meta4 · Oct 7, 2020

george1907 said:
From what ive read, drone pilots are in demand

As well as demand, you have to consider supply.
Good drones are very inexpensive and there's no shortage of drone flyers that are also wanting to make a few $$.
Also many businesses that can make use of drone imagery have noticed that drones are cheap and easy to fly and are doing it themselves..

itsneedtokno · Oct 7, 2020

Check out our sister forum!

commercialdronepilots.com

Definitely not as active, but some good info there.

If you are really good, and I mean REALLY GOOD at Cinematography you need to make a website that shows so.

Then start marketing to whatever industry you'd like.

I do Real Estate. I love architecture, and Photography, so it works.
I take 100-200 ground based pictures (edited down to roughly 50). I usually only take about 10-15 drone pics (edited down to 5ish).

The drone is a niche item with real estate, but with other industries they are crucial

Otisangb · Oct 7, 2020

george1907 said:
Hi guys, new to the forum.

Welcome to the forums George.
I think Meta hit the nail on the head. My analogy would be to scuba diving industry. Lots of people love to do it as a sport/hobby. Most instructors working in a dive shop have first careers and they instruct part time at lower wages at least in the U.S. Some however get certified to the highest ranking in technical diving as instructors. There they command a higher wage as there is less supply of them. As to networking and answering calls at all hours sales, and generating business will be the owner.

Compared to drones, I think you would be much more marketable if you are a professional photographer, can do inspections etc. Can you do it sure, but don't quit your day job.

Thomas B · Oct 7, 2020

Welcome to the forum from the deserts of Arizona! Enjoy.

old man mavic · Oct 7, 2020

welcome to the forum

dirkclod · Oct 7, 2020

Welcome to the forum.
I hope you will find our site helpful and look forward to any input , photo's/video's you might post .
Don't be shy and ask anything if you can't find it by searching . Thumbswayup

wjkrysak · Oct 7, 2020

Welcome to the forum. You will find helpful advice and support here. We look forward to your participation and seeing your part of the world.

mrjohnc1 · Oct 7, 2020

Welcome!

zeusfl · Oct 7, 2020

Welcome to Mavic Pilots

Drone Master · Oct 7, 2020

Welcome to Mavic Pilots!

Enjoy the forum! Thumbswayup

BigAl07 · Oct 7, 2020

george1907 said:
Hi guys, new to the forum.

I used to do videography work and have over the last few months had some experience flying a friends drone, and really love it and thinking about buying my own. Also thinking about drone pilot career prosects but its hard to find solid information online. From what ive read, drone pilots are in demand (not sure how covid has effected the industry) and can earn a good wage?

WELCOME to the forum

Building ANY business is a challenge and a struggle but a DRONE business is even tougher. The cost for entry is LOW.... the knowledge for entry is LOW.... the Experience for entry is LOW... so while there may be a lot of demand that is a whole LOT of UAS operators for this jobs. Unfortunately many of them are willing to work for cheap or FREE and completely dilute the industry.

george1907 said:
What are peoples thoughts about someone new coming into the game? Would it take long to get work and earn a living? Does it depend a lot on networking and being able to showcase yourself enough? Are there better options than being self employed?

Building a brand/business is a LOT of work. It requires you to hold many positions beyond flying, editing, and processing the DATA. You've got to be networker, cheer leaders, accountant, marking director, and so much more. You've got to be able to confidently sell yourself and your product on an almost daily basis.

I don't say this to scare you off but to let you know it's TOUGH!!!

Allen

Steel63 · Oct 8, 2020

Greetings from ? Florida

MA2 317 · Oct 8, 2020

Hello from the Hoosier Heartland george1907.

Good luck with the future business.

Welcome to the Forum.

Robert Mitchell · Oct 8, 2020

Ive been doing this professionally for several years now and it has taken that long to generate a reasonable amount of work. I was previously a landscape and commercial photographer and as others have said, this is more important than drone skills. Also, knowing someone in the industry you want to specialize in. Trust me, it is going to take some time.
But, if you are serious and motivated, get your part 107 (absolutely necessary legally, and will give you a competitive advantage) hone those skills and start pounding the pavement.

Biggles846 · Oct 8, 2020

The OP lives in the UK. Part

Robert Mitchell said:
Ive been doing this professionally for several years now and it has taken that long to generate a reasonable amount of work. I was previously a landscape and commercial photographer and as others have said, this is more important than drone skills. Also, knowing someone in the industry you want to specialize in. Trust me, it is going to take some time.
But, if you are serious and motivated, get your part 107 (absolutely necessary legally, and will give you a competitive advantage) hone those skills and start pounding the pavement.

The OP lives in the UK, Part 107 not relevant.