How to get Drone Jobs by Timothy Brazzel.

[The Droning Company]

How to Get Drone Jobs!

 

[Cafguy]

When Timohy Brazzel Writes an article most of us Dronies tend to listen! But I am curious as to what he thinks of the current situation as it applies to DJI Drones.
Is it a wise move in his opinion to start a company with a fleet of DJI's or because of DJI's reaction to being thrown under the bus by the U.S. government, should someone starting a Drone based business seriously consider employing a full time Drone tech and builder to supply their Drone needs and stay in the air. just curious........

 

[Timothy Brazzel]

When Timohy Brazzel Writes an article most of us Dronies tend to listen! But I am curious as to what he thinks of the current situation as it applies to DJI Drones.
Is it a wise move in his opinion to start a company with a fleet of DJI's or because of DJI's reaction to being thrown under the bus by the U.S. government, should someone starting a Drone based business seriously consider employing a full time Drone tech and builder to supply their Drone needs and stay in the air. just curious........

Thank you for the kind words. I'm truly honored that my articles have earned the trust of so many fellow dronies. I’ve been watching the DJI situation closely, and it’s definitely raised some valid concerns for those building or scaling a drone-based business.

To your question—is it still wise to build a fleet around DJI? My take is this: For now, yes—but with a contingency plan.

DJI still leads the industry in terms of performance, reliability, and value. Their ecosystem is well-established, and for many applications—mapping, inspections, media production, agriculture—it’s hard to beat the ROI. But the writing on the wall from U.S. lawmakers and the potential for future restrictions means we can’t ignore the risk.

If I were starting from scratch right now, I’d still lean into DJI for core operations, but I’d also:

• Start building familiarity with non-Chinese alternatives like Skydio, Freefly, Anzu Robotics, or even Parrot depending on the use case.
• Network with custom drone builders or technicians who can help design or repair platforms should DJI availability or service become an issue.
• Keep a close eye on the final outcome of the proposed ban legislation and how it will be enforced.

Bottom line: DJI may be “under the bus,” but they’re still the best ride available at this moment. That said, if you’re building a business meant to last 5–10 years, future-proofing your fleet and training your team across multiple platforms is a strategic move—not just for survival, but for staying competitive.

Appreciate the question. These kinds of conversations are what help push the industry forward. Because of this question, I may create a YouTube video on it and further wright an article to. Thanks for your support, and I hope this info helps you!

 

[Matt W]

Thank you for the kind words. I'm truly honored that my articles have earned the trust of so many fellow dronies. I’ve been watching the DJI situation closely, and it’s definitely raised some valid concerns for those building or scaling a drone-based business.

To your question—is it still wise to build a fleet around DJI? My take is this: For now, yes—but with a contingency plan.

DJI still leads the industry in terms of performance, reliability, and value. Their ecosystem is well-established, and for many applications—mapping, inspections, media production, agriculture—it’s hard to beat the ROI. But the writing on the wall from U.S. lawmakers and the potential for future restrictions means we can’t ignore the risk.

If I were starting from scratch right now, I’d still lean into DJI for core operations, but I’d also:

• Start building familiarity with non-Chinese alternatives like Skydio, Freefly, Anzu Robotics, or even Parrot depending on the use case.
• Network with custom drone builders or technicians who can help design or repair platforms should DJI availability or service become an issue.
• Keep a close eye on the final outcome of the proposed ban legislation and how it will be enforced.

Bottom line: DJI may be “under the bus,” but they’re still the best ride available at this moment. That said, if you’re building a business meant to last 5–10 years, future-proofing your fleet and training your team across multiple platforms is a strategic move—not just for survival, but for staying competitive.

Appreciate the question. These kinds of conversations are what help push the industry forward. Because of this question, I may create a YouTube video on it and further wright an article to. Thanks for your support, and I hope this info helps you!

Skydio is the reason for the potential DJI ban. Their use of congress in corporate warfare disgusts me beyond belief. I would NEVER buy a drone from Skydio.

 

[Timothy Brazzel]

Skydio is the reason for the potential DJI ban. Their use of congress in corporate warfare disgusts me beyond belief. I would NEVER buy a drone from Skydio.

Did I say Skydio? I completely understand sir... But let's be honest, we know that someone will do that and resort to what Skydio is offering because they don't know any better. I wanted to be transparent enough with what's out there so others can make the decision for themselves. But I am with you brother! Thank you for your feedback Matt, I was hoping someone would spot that. Take care!

 

[Felix le Chat]

Did I say Skydio? I completely understand sir... But let's be honest, we know that someone will do that and resort to what Skydio is offering because they don't know any better. I wanted to be transparent enough with what's out there so others can make the decision for themselves. But I am with you brother! Thank you for your feedback Matt, I was hoping someone would spot that. Take care!

Just as a matter of interest, exactly what is Skydio offering to the average consumer?

Let's not forget that the vast majority of American drone users don't run their 'inventory' to service a full time business... and if they do want to start a drone-centric business, nor are they ever likely to be able to afford a... "broad cross-platform training program..." with technically equivalent drones that:

a) currently don't exist for the average consumer, and

b) when they do exist: will cost at the very least double in comparison to the equivalent DJI drone... that they already own.

Or am I forgetting that the general consensus in the 'community' is that it's perfectly okay to watch non-business drone users being thrown under the bus.

Addendum

In point of fact, over 90% of the drone fliers I know personally operate at a professional level of competence and voluntarily contribute their time and expertise in providing aerial photography for long term research projects across a broad spectrum of disciplines from academic to ecological. The fact that they do so without being a registered business does not diminish the professionalism nor the quality of the end product.

 

[Felix le Chat]

The current cost of your list of DJI 'alternatives'.

SKYDIO
"...Skydio’s New X10 Drone Looks Amazing...but Skydio won’t sell it to you....(the X10) is being provided to the police, the military, and other public service organizations..."
(source: PetaPixel article; October 2023)
Could only find a vendor who openly stated the Skydio X10 price in India
Cost:
2,700,000.00 rupees
$30,871.77


FREEFLY
Platforms: Alta X and Astro (cinelifters)
Cost:
Alta X: $29,500.00
Astro: $39,289.80
...not what you'd call 'consumer' class


PARROT
Platforms: Anafi AI & Anafi USA
Cost:
Anafi USA:$7,000.00
Anafi USA T Govt. Edition: $9,399.00
Anafi AI:$5,350.00


ANZU ROBOTICS
Malaysian DJI clones that during the last FAA teardown showed DJI branded electronic components. But are now "made in America, with American software"... but let's play the game...
Cost:
Raptor: $5,499.00 (Mavic 3 sprayed green)
Raptor T: $8,499.00 (Mavic 3 T sprayed green)


DJI
Equivalent consumer class camera drone (UK marketplace prices)
Cost:
DJI Mavic 3 Pro: £1,829.00 ($2,482.47)
DJI Mavic 3T (Raptor T equivalent): £4,839 ($6,565.73)
DJI Mavic 4 Pro: £2,459.00 ($3,337.56)


*NOTE: research for Freefly: Parrot and Anzu Robotics drones undertaken through ADORAMA marketplace as of 13th August 2025.

 

[BlueHeeler]

Awesome thread here and some good insight too.
My first drone was and still is a Skydio2 but mothballed at this time, I really like it and will be keeping it until
some visiting low IQ extraterrestrial steals it, I am actually saving it for commercial work in the near future, my only complaint is the Camera sensor and the flight time ( 23 minutes ), but still a viable drone.