Can you make money as a done pilot

The thought of being a professional, certified commercial drone pilot sounds very alluring, but can you make a decent living off a drone pilot salary? And if so, how exactly? First, we need to address where exactly drone pilots work. A quick check on a few of the leading job boards can you make money as a done pilot reveal what to expect in this line of work. The field is pretty competitive. The best set of job listings yielded only a little over one hundred jobs. Salary jobs dedicated solely to drone operation are no more than a handful nationwide. We can categorize the employment opportunities for drone pilots into three primary categories:.

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After a few months with your drone, you probably know the ropes. Or your friend hires you to take an establishing shot for his short film. But before you can make money with your drone, you have to become a certified remote pilot. The number must be displayed somewhere on the aircraft. Registration is valid for three years, after which you must renew it. Getting certified means you can start making money as a drone pilot, but it also means you have to follow more guidelines than a recreational flyer. Most requests are addressed within 90 days. With your certification, you can do:. Like any job, some positions require more experience than others.

Air Ambulance and Rescue Pilots

Some may require additional certifications or equipment, like a Light Detection and Ranging camera for certain kinds of crop imaging. What’s next? Want to take action? Manage your drone income Want to dive deeper? Make money on your footage Want to explore related?

Drone Pilot Salary Expectations

UAV technology is quite developed these days, and as a result of this, there is a broad range of great drones on the market. Most people usually use these drones just to have fun, to enjoy flying and to take photos or make aerial videos. However, although most people use drones just recreationally, there are various ways that drones could also be used to make a profit. Are you curious to find out how to make money with a drone?

First, you will need to make a small investment

Perhaps you want to make a few extra bucks or possibly build a thriving business out of your aerial photography. Drones have become so accessible and inexpensive that just about anyone can afford to do aerial photography today. Something that was once limited to the professionals is now available for photo amateurs, enthusiasts, and entrepreneurs. Aerial photographs are quite impressive and are sought out by event planners, art collectors, and by a variety of industries and businesses. It has become easy to sell your aerial images and make money with your drone.

Commercial Airline Pilots

Many parts of the state are very difficult to reach by any means other than the air. Cover of Eminem’s surprise album has hidden message. For many drone pilots, flying drones augments their existing work. Photo Credits Digital Vision. You only get paid to sell the plane not to fly it. What you cannot do is fly directly for hire. Retirement Planner. Sally French is a former social media editor at MarketWatch. Economic Calendar Tax Withholding Calculator. WRONG the purpose of the flight was photography and the flying was not incidental to the photography but the reason for it Can we all agree he was righteously Busted.

Drone Training

It worked for Andrew Dean, who had been working as a waiter after leaving his job with the U. Air Force. Four years ago, he invested in drone equipment, as well as a thermography certification course to boost his skill set. For a drone pilot, no day is ever the. Most drone pilots work as freelance can you make money as a done pilot, flying drones for major companies and small businesses. Tampa, Fla. Willingness to travel is an important job requirement. Moss just returned from New Mexico after finishing a job for a fire investigator who wanted aerial images to find ignition points.

For many drone pilots, flying drones augments their existing work. That first year also came with his biggest investment, including buying gear, a laptop, thermal cameras and a thermography certification. See also: FAA expects huge increase in commercial drones in next 5 years. Dean said that he lands most of his highest-paying gigs because of his thermography certification. INTC, Drones also require accessories, like memory cards, car chargers and cases.

Moss says he carries 13 batteries with. Then there is insurance. He recommends pilots have business liability, as well as hull coverage, which covers physical property damage. Some major insurance companies like State Farm will cover drones, which could be a good idea for full-time drone pilots. For people flying occasionally, companies like DroneInsurance. Related: Only one drone pilot has ever been busted for flying without a license — and he got a warning.

Where does the business come from? Some companies like Washington, D. Dean specializes in using drones for post-storm damage inspections, which means he only gets that kind of rapid business in the wake of a storm. Another avenue for making money in drones? For more: Tour operators take a flier on drone photography trips. In peak tourist season, she says she will average around 10 students a week. Her class teaches students how to set up their drone if they already have one, as well as photography basics.

For remote students, she also offers drone lessons as a contractor through photo retailer Polar Pro. The photography gear site last month expanded its offering from selling photo gear to launching PolarPro EDU, a series of live, one-on-one educational classes. But it is also turning into a blessing in disguise for Buenrostro. While she gets offered fewer gigs shooting videos, more people are buying drones, which means more people needing lessons. See also: Apple cracks down on drone pilot who shoots epic Apple campus videos.

And as drones become ubiquitous, more companies are learning how they can benefit from aerial data. Farmers are increasingly seeking aerial data to optimize water or pesticide usage, biologists are using them to track animal patterns, and construction companies want aerial images to survey their progress. Drone pilots say the market for easy drone piloting jobs, like taking simple real estate photos, is the most crowded. But the pilots who are making six-figures say the trick is to specialize.

Moss said the people who are making the most money have GIS and mapping experience. Dean has cornered the market in aerial thermal imagery for commercial restorations. Add billing, invoicing and marketing, and actually flying the drone only makes up a small percentage of the day, Moss added. Compete with quality. Sally French is a former social media editor at MarketWatch. Economic Calendar Tax Withholding Calculator. Retirement Planner.

Sign Up Log In. Home Personal Finance Careers. By Sally French. Comment icon. Text Resize Print icon. Looking for a gig that pays six figures? Consider being a freelance drone pilot. His story is not unusual. Sally French. MarketWatch Partner Center. Most Popular. Advanced Search Submit entry for keyword results.

One of the best things about a hobby like photography is the ability to take on a few freelance assignments and make the gradual transition to being a professional. Drones offer a similar route, but if you are going to make money from a drone there are a few rules and regulations that are unique to flying cameras. What professional pilots really have to deal with is checklists, regulations and communication. In fact with all drones over g 8.

2) Airspace charts & apps

By its nature this is bureaucratic and complex. A good trainer will put a human face on all this for you, and you should be looking for an organization you can build a relationship. They will remember you, and help you keep your paperwork up can you make money as a done pilot date. Budget for annual renewals or re-training as qualifications are updated. This kind of change is happening in every jurisdiction, and you need to monitor it, or work with someone who handles that for you. Your training will tell you how to read the aviation charts, but you should still pick up a printed one for your bag. Great examples are. Commercial liability insurance is a necessity, and the market has got options for those working full time or operating more casually, with most offering the choice between monthly renewing policies and flexible per-flight protection. UK pilots look at Moonrock Insurance and Flock who have an app which can give you a live risk-metric and quote based on your choice of aircraft, location and time. With many professional aircraft shorter than the average blade of grass, a take-off and landing mat is essential, but avoiding dirt and sand is just as crucial. There is also an important safety case to be made for it.