Why did you get the 107?

[Bob4131]

I believe there are over 100,000 107 pilots in the US. I know a few inspect power lines etc - but that is alot of people. May I ask for an informal poll, why did you take the test?
1) Needed for my job where I am an employee - inspect power lines, etc
2) Needed for my small business - I already generate significant yearly revenue (after getting the 107, of course) using drones doing wedding photography, farm land inspections, real estate photos, etc.
3) It currently is a small part of my existing business or an extension of skills for my existing business - wedding photography or real estate agent. Drones will not a major source of income but is an important addition to what I offer. (A real estate agent may not make a dollar from droning but by offering drone photos - the agent may get alot more properties to list).
4) I want to sell photos or videos or have just started to do so. But this is definitely a second income for me. I have a full time job, are retired with a pension, etc, just starting a drone business with hope it will be a significant source of income - but not there yet, etc.....
5) I just wanted to be licensed, I have no real concrete plans to do this for income.
6) Some other reason, for example being able to get electronic authorization to fly near airports or to do SAR for the local police/fire departments or ???

Reading the responses from other posts, I often wonder what people do with their drones in a commerical sense. Thanks

 

[TR Ganey]

A couple reasons. I enjoy flying my drones taking videos and pictures and don't want to be concerned about any legalities by giving these products to others to do with as they see fit. Being in L.E. there are times and situations where using my drone would be considered commercial so there's that. At some point I may choose to do some flying for pay so there's that. I also happen to be of the mind set that eventually the FAA will mandate drones capable of being flow X distance from the operator can only be purchased and possessed by certified 107 pilots. There will eventually be rules and standards in place to combat the idiots and criminals who choose to intentionally cause havoc with drones. Like other tools and hobbies when the government gets involved the only thing they know to do is to make it harder on the law abiding citizen knowing full well that the idiots and criminals are not going to acquire their equipment legally and will still create havoc. jes my .o2

 

[naiku]

I don't have my 107 yet, but plan to get it for essentially your reason 2. I don't see it becoming my primary source of income, but a nice little extra each month.