How to Become a Professional Drone Pilot

[@mr.pickles8285]

Whoa! That escalated quickly... "Join the Military!".. Man, I just came here to be a drone construction pilot...

[@the_black_eagle1642]

😂

[@drehardin]

Very 😂

[@braselton94]

Because of you I passed! I commented this on another video, but that one was from three years ago and thought I would share this on a newer video. Thank you so much for the inspiration!

[@washengineer3632]

yay!!!! so glad to hear that!!! I need to make an update

[@BillSprague]

Thanks, Taylor. I’m an ex-military officer with a Private Pilot license and a Land Surveyor’s license. I’m considering enrolling in a course given by Topcon to start doing photogrammetry. I have probably 40 years of experience in photogrammetry and large scale mapping,, so the transition should be fairly easy. Thanks for the encouragement.

[@Lowpressure29]

Seriously considering getting my Part 107. The only thing is, I won't be in the U.S. too much longer and I know I'll have to get a different cert based on the country I'm in. So I'm info gathering right now and your vids are extremely helpful! Much appreciated!

[@LibertarianGal]

Why did you stop uploading? Thanks for the content you did share with us. Hope to see an update.

[@DroneManMurphy]

Yes, I’m missing her wonderful videos too! Where did you go?!?

[@randyvalimont4006]

Taylor, I'm seeing responses from 2020 and some 2021. Good ones. All good reviews. I've been following your channel off-and- on for a long time. And others. You're a bright and intelligent entrepreneur. You are rock solid - business oriented. You are pleasant and clear spoken. Very professional. You enjoy sharing your knowledge and enthusiasm with your readers. I've just retired and have a DJI Mini 2. It's absolutely awesome. I've flown it 4 times so far. I'll selectively go back through your videos and pick the ones I want to review. I've already passed 3 Part 107 practice tests. Your are doing a very good job. One tip: If you wear Bluetooth hearing aids...they may interfere with your controller and your drone connecting. I removed my hearing aids and started all the standard lift-off commands again and didn't have an issue. The dreaded "RC and device are not connected" line didn't appear again. You're clear for lift off. 😁

[@guinness11]

I'm currently studying to get my Part 107 and looking to start a new career flying drones. I just recently discovered your videos and they have been a big help! Thank you for making them!

[@DroneroHQ]

You're welcome! What topic(s) would help you on your journey?

[@guinness11]

@@DroneroHQ I'm just kind of interested in what other equipment might be needed. Do you just strictly fly drones or is there times when you have to use a handheld camera for ground work?

[@Cloud-ql3oy]

Hey, thank you for this vid. I highly appreciate it and I'm super excited as I finished my course at Drone pilot ground school. I pick them because you recommended them in another vid. Again it's just great to see another Blk woman killing it in aviation and science. I look forward to becoming a drone pilot and then furthering myself to become a drone engineer. #blackgirlmagic

[@jforester7]

Having serving in the military myself, I feel like I can speak to your first option. Everyone needs to understand that you aren't going to just join the military and expect to be in a drone flying program. Many of these programs are extremely hard to get into. You could literally spend your entire contract just trying to get into one. Out of the three routes, I would argue this is probably the hardest and longest route to take just for the goal of flying drones commercially. Serving in the military isn't all it's cracked up to be, so choose this option very wisely, otherwise you may find yourself hating life somewhere in the middle of nowhere.

[@Outlaw22YT]

Jason Forester could you expand on that please? I’m looking into joining the air force uas program, but I’m not going to join just to sit around and wait trying to get into the program. Thanks

[@DroneroHQ]

@@Outlaw22YT do you have a college degree? If so, talk to an OFFICER recruiter (there's 1 or 2 per state) about becoming an RPA pilot. If you don't have one, talk to a regular AF recruiter about becoming a sensor operator. Google both of these...lots of info online about both career fields and what they entail. Sensor operators are enlisted airmen who use the sensors attached to the UAV. RPA pilots run the missions and pilot the aircraft. They are commissioned officers. It is possible to get a contract for both of these off of the street, if you qualify, get a clearance (top secret or higher), and there are slots available.

[@FutebolMusicaDance]

i agree lmao

[@seacprogrammer8455]

@@DroneroHQ How can I fly fighter Drones with combat lasers and high pursuit speeds :-) Oh wait I do that already never mind

[@designplus6610]

Thank you very much for pointing me in the correct direction.

[@jalladin]

Hey Taylor, thanks for taking the time to share so much valuable content and information. I’m interested to hear more about how to get more training hours and building up a body of work for future clients to see. I was actually a jet engine mechanic in the Air Force but got out to pursue a different career. Starting my own drone business has been something I wanted to do for a while. I just moved back to Virginia from NYC. So the opportunities to do more data collection and mapping are here but I still need to take my part 107 so I’ll have to definitely focus on that soon. I currently own a Mavic 2 Pro btw. But I would love to hear your opinion on building a portfolio of work so businesses will want to hire me. If there is anything type of work I can do that’s unpaid ( until I get the 107) that could help me gain more experience and help me network. Thanks!

[@DroneroHQ]

You can't do any type of commercial drone work legally, paid or unpaid, until you get your 107 unfortunately. Get your 107 asap and then look around your area and see what industries are prevalent. I.e. construction a thing? Real estate boom? Mining? Etc.

[@silverpro8356]

@@DroneroHQ Hey Taylor love your videos. Are you still making them or taking a break from youtube ?.

[@DabeginningDaendning]

great videos can't wait 2see more video.

[@jorgegrimany236]

Love your content

[@pattyneumeier9896]

Taylor, Thank you so much for the information & inspiration to take the 107 and begin a drone business of my own. You are awesome!

[@DroneroHQ]

Thanks Patricia 😊

[@ShayShea]

Awesome video and informative. Thank you Taylor!

[@DroneroHQ]

You're welcome :) Anything you'd to see a video about next?

[@kevindrone3231]

Great knowledge. Need more uploads

[@CHASA]

Any budget but good quality drone recommendations for beginners?

[@serphil09]

Love your videos!!! Thanks for sharing your information and insight!

[@DroneroHQ]

You're welcome. Anything you'd like to see next?

[@serphil09]

@@DroneroHQ where do i start!! LOL!!! you have given a lot of information in previous videos and i’m going thru them all to make sure i don’t miss anything. One thing i would suggest is a video on your camera settings and if you use filters or not. Also maybe start vlogging about the average day in the life of being a drone pilot and running your drone business…do you offer classes or seminars??

[@strong-tower]

I wish this was around back in the day.

[@DroneroHQ]

Back in what day? lol It's not too late :)

[@strong-tower]

Dronero you’re right but If this was around when I joined the military I would’ve probably gone that route. I almost joined the Army to fly helicopters but decided the Air Force would fit me better.

[@NorthWesTrav253]

I just picked up the Parrot Anafi and I am hooked! I got my hobbyist license for now while I work out the kinks. I can’t wait to get my 107 and make some cool footage along the way! I subbed for sure!

[@DroneroHQ]

Thanks for the sub Travis! :) What would you like to see a video about next?

[@NorthWesTrav253]

@@DroneroHQ I have to comb through what you’ve put up so far. But maybe how to land potential clients during COVID. Or how to master certain drone shots.

[@terrysingh565]

Great content. Thanks for sharing!

[@bigrickshaberdashery2759]

Hey Taylor, thanks for the info.

[@dronelifehexacopter]

Bummer looks like this is your last video? I don't see any past 8/2020. I've just started watching your videos. Have my part 107 and have done a few jobs, but interested in doing a lot more.

[@DroneroHQ]

More to come!

[@sniper1958]

Hi Taylor, haven’t seen any new videos from you in a while I hope all is well.

[@kamalraj6487]

Just started watching your channel. Are you still posting videos

[@DroneroHQ]

I will be soon...

[@stardustblue3625]

Did you get out of the biz???

[@011Cronos]

I just wanted to say I like your content and you are one of the few that I have been following in order to figure out what I wanted to do. Now about the military Drone Operators in the military. At least in the Army with sUAS there are no certifications that allow you to fly drones within the US. We simply close the airspace by opening a RAS (Restricted Airspace). You get certified on each type i.e. Raven and Puma. The larger (medium UAV's and higher) might give you qualifications/certifications. But its not universal. Its not like they get their 107 or anything from it. Again thanks for your info I am looking forward to my Army retirement and picking up drone operations full time. I am getting into the business now slowly so I have it partly figured out by the time I make retirement in four years. Have a great day.

[@DroneroHQ]

Thanks for sharing that info about Army UAS. :) Do you feel like your military time has prepared you at all for civilian sUAS ops?

[@011Cronos]

No not at all. Unless its for Search and Rescue or maybe law enforcement operations yes. Currently all active drones used in the sUAS weight class are all fixed wing with EO and FLIR cameras. Its helped a lot but only now are micro helicopters such as Black Hornet and the first few quadcopters are being tested for use like Skydio X2D and Parrot ANAFI USA.

[@frankc.9853]

y interest now are more about starting and building a client base. Any advice?

[@aarondavedeloverjes1043]

Where's the link for the small drone to practice with? I'm scared to do practice on my dad's drone hahahaha

[@rubymoca]

I would love to know as well.

[@MindSoul_444]

It's been a while since you've made a video. I hope all is well!

[@totoroutes5389]

Great videos 👍🏽. Is your drone gig work done on macOS ? Which online platform do you use to present and deliver your drone-videos to your clients ? Is Pix4d available for macOS? Which drone mapping editing app do you use on your Mac ? 🌞

[@publicsafetyrobotics7068]

Great video! Thanks for sharing this content. Love your style! AJ

[@DroneroHQ]

Thanks Adam 😀

[@Odin31b]

Thanks for the video.

[@DroneroHQ]

You are welcome!

[@blackfalconfpv2175]

Thank you

[@DroneroHQ]

Welcome!

[@ShinobiSauce]

very educational

[@aerialoklahoma3799]

I loved this video. I am currently studying for the 107. This was helpful. :)

[@DroneroHQ]

Glad it was helpful! Let me know when you pass

[@aerialoklahoma3799]

@@DroneroHQ I will. Thank you for inspiring us all!

[@marlowemorris752]

hello, I'm in Atlanta Ga. and am looking to start a drone business.

[@DronesUnlimited]

Nice work Taylor

[@DroneroHQ]

Thanks! : ) We should collab someday

[@richardbottslotsandmore5696]

Great videos... Very interesting...Thanks.

[@DroneroHQ]

Glad you like them!

[@Jakethetechnicalenthusiast]

So do you have a link or any suggestions on what forms to use for completion of transaction and business transactions, for this drone industry. Currently I am focused on mapping and land surveying, utilizing Phantoms.

[@erebuszeptepi5575]

Thanks superb video

[@DroneroHQ]

Most welcome! :)

[@erebuszeptepi5575]

@@DroneroHQ hey is there a way we can communicate or network? Pertaining to 107

[@DroneroHQ]

Sure, shoot me a fb message.

[@1QKGLH]

Great video, as always Taylor. I love your style, straight, to the point, and no fluff. I've had my 107 for about 9 months (counting the winter months) and am having a hard time finding work. Real estate is LOW pay and hard to get because the FAA doesn't enforce the 107 law. That means the estate agent gets his/her nephew Tommy to take pics of the house for free. How do you recommend getting into commercial stuff?

[@DroneroHQ]

Target another niche that isn't real estate. If there isn't a need for what you're offering, find a different offer or a different market.

[@mccormickgrinder]

As a disabled person wanted to try something else For employment, so have plenty of time on toy drones. In your opinion is the dji mini 2 the best started drone, if not what is ?

[@DroneroHQ]

DJI mini 2 is pretty good, especially if you're on a budget. A used P4P could also be a good one if you can find a good deal.

[@mccormickgrinder]

@@DroneroHQ Thank you, enjoy your videos. You inspire me thanks again TJ

[@blackfalconfpv2175]

I am going the self thought route looking to take the part 107 Any recommendations .

[@DroneroHQ]

Yes, I did a video on the 107 test that should help: kzbin.info/www/bejne/raSznKV7bKx3qaM

[@jray7265]

Thanks for all the info! New to your channel, but I love your content and help. What would you say is an honest income range for doing professional drone work? Thanks again!

[@DroneroHQ]

It really depends on the type of work that you're doing and your experience. I've seen ranges from $15/hr for simple real estate work that requires no experience to over six figures a year.

[@jray7265]

@@DroneroHQ thank you. I am looking to do it FT. So I will definitely put forth the work and time.

[@ladroneman5267]

Hello, I love your show! I would like to know about flying your drone in FL. I live in the St. Pete/Tampa area and it is not easy locating a good drone flying location to practice. Do you know of any good flying spots here that would not get me in trouble with the police? Thank you for your time. Albert

[@SuperPrincehall]

Awesome videos, I have followed you for some time and just passed the 107 test. All the videos are spot on and provides all relevant information. Do you think with the Gov. grounding DJI affects business? I have been trying to get an inspire for months and they are all out of stock. What are your top 3 drone recommendations for business purposes? Considering inspections, surveying and real estate, or is there a need for two different drones that covers needs for capabilities. Living in Texas, but thinking about moving back to Colorado. Keep pushing those videos.

[@DroneroHQ]

If you're working for clients that don't allow dji, then yes. If not, then it shouldn't affect you for now. As far as top 3 drones...that's hard to answer. What's your budget?

[@apostlebrian1]

Hey can I shadow you on a project or two?

[@Vulcan17]

I’m 16 and I fly as a hobby but I’ve always been told that I should try to do it as a part time thing. So I plan on getting my 107 certification sometime next year. I had also planned to join the air national guard to pay for my college when I graduate and I wanted to know if you had any advice on how I could go about joining a class through the air national guard. Ps. I really liked your video, it was very informative and you seem like a very kind person 🤗

[@DroneroHQ]

What do you mean by joining a class through the ANG? Do you mean you want to fly drones in the Air National Guard? If so, you'll have to speak to a recruiter and see if there are any Sensor Operator jobs (AFSC 1U0X1) available in your state. (can't be an RPA pilot in the Air National Guard as enlisted, so sensor operator is the next closest thing). If the job is available, you qualify, and you sign a contract for it, then the ANG will send you to sensor operator tech school (after BMT). From there you'll be a sensor operator for the ANG part-time.

[@DrNyokc]

HEY TAYLOR ..... where are you its been a while ... hope you are ok ... you got me hooked on your channel...

[@DroneroHQ]

Haha, I'm still around and have been flying A LOT! I'll be posting again soon though. Thanks for checking ❤

[@HHHunters]

Do you still make videos on this?

[@DroneroHQ]

Yes...just been busy lately.

[@haywardmccullough2762]

As a veteran I advise anyone to not get your hopes up high about WHAT you WANT to do in the military! I guarantee you will be surprised! I will go the sel

[@lertocwest5191]

need more vidz!!!!!! question. as a newbie abt to get the license and with a very broke pocket (only have 1k to start with) shud i get a drone n equipment first or find jobs ? need answers asap plz

[@DroneroHQ]

Well you can't do any work without the equipment and without knowing how to operate it. In your case, you could get a used drone that's good enough to get started and then work your way up from there. Or save up more money and get what you really want. Really depends on what niche you're going into.

[@chw14556]

Is this still worth getting into now? Is the space going to grow? Will there be enough jobs for something that is so relatively easy to get into? Just some questions I have.

[@DroneroHQ]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/l4qclYiGo82LaZY Made a video answering this question

[@MrThfknsamurai]

I'm assuming you don't do anything with drones anymore and it's not worth being a drone pilot unless your job makes you learn so you don't lose your job... eventually sensors will be too good and no pilot is needed.

[@TruckDriver326]

where you been 3 year

[@washengineer3632]

I've been busy doing drone stuff.

[@Supp_FooFPV]

Do you run inav on your drone?

[@DroneroHQ]

Idk what inav means.

[@bravo86831]

Inav is drone software uploaded on the drone.

[@daj722013]

Do I need to get a part 107 license if my KZbin channel is not monitized and my drone is under 250 grams and I want to post my videos on youtube

[@DroneroHQ]

No you do not.

[@gjhoward]

How does the Remote ID controversy play into all of this?

[@DroneroHQ]

We'll have to see how remote id shakes out. As of now, it's hard to say specifics.

[@jwstevens87]

@ 6:10 you're welcome

[@Caribbeanminds]

Still at it???

[@washengineer3632]

Professional drone stuff - yes; making videos- working on it.

[@jrgenhelgesen1973]

Hey, I sent u an email a while back... would appreciate your respons.

[@sniper1958]

When I was a Marine Recruiter in the 80's the Corps didn't have drones. That would have been a great selling tool.

[@DroneroHQ]

Yea for sure...the stuff they get to fly is fun too!

[@chrisjones5637]

Drone pilot needed $300 hour plus incentives ohio

[@goldenstandard187]

Thank You

[@danmontoya1102]

Thanks for the info.

[@DroneroHQ]

You bet!