Professional Drone Pilot: A Day in the Life

This is a day in my life as a professional drone pilot. I film for businesses, tv shows and more using both camera drones and FPV drones.
What's it like working as a professional drone pilot filming for TV shows? It's probably way different than you would expect and every show is different but this is an example of what a day in the life of a pro drone pilot is like. Using drones from DJI like the Air 2s, Mavic 2 Pro and Inspire 2 as well as custom built FPV drones that carry go pros all the way to a RED Komodo to capture the footage needed for different TV shows.
Learn how to use and fly your drone to creat professional results by taking my course here: www.solocreato...
Find my favorite camera and drone tech here:
www.amazon.com... (affiliate link)
I use Artlist for all my music: geni.us/kqV9l (affiliate link)
Join my patreon to see behind the scenes content and more!
www.patreon.com/jakesloan
Connect on:
Facebook: / jakesloanpage
Instagram: / jakesloan
Twitter: / jakesloaninak
Jake Sloan
PO BOX 212445
Anchorage, AK 99521
DISCLAIMER:
Jake Sloan is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com.
This video and description contains affiliate links, which means that if you click on one of the product links, I’ll receive a small commission.

[@SunriseWaterMedia]

Incredible level of work you do, Jake. I'm definitely interested to see how you travel with all that equipment and lipos!

[@JakeSloan]

Thank you so much!!

[@TheLittleHomestead]

I love information like this. I'm preparing to add drone work to my repertoire and this is critical information that I need to determine how it will fit into my business model. Thank you so much for all of the drone tutorials that you've done so far. Keep 'em coming!

[@JakeSloan]

Awesome to hear! I have more coming on this subject too so stay tuned. Cheers!!

[@alangabriel8036]

Love this kind of video! Hope to see more soon would love to see more with the siccario like what you did with Ken Heron. Keep up the great work man

[@JakeSloan]

Thanks Alan, I have a video about that drone specifically planned for the future!

[@0zymanndias773]

Ive been watching your videos for a while man, it’s nice to see you flying around Chicagoland

[@JakeSloan]

Thanks a lot! It's been a lot of fun to be around here for bunch this summer

[@pwidmayer]

Good video Jake. Although you didn't cover the endless hours in front of the computer with your footage!~

[@JakeSloan]

Hahahaha well fortunately for me on this shoot I just hand everything over to the editor! I do stabilize it first but that’s relatively easy…

[@SunriseWaterMedia]

When you flew above the water around 6:30, did you scout it out with a slower flight first?

[@JakeSloan]

That I pretty much just did it. I did find out that the pool is 3-4 ft deep and a huge snapping turtle lives in it so I made up my mind to NOT crash into it 😜

[@SunriseWaterMedia]

@@JakeSloan Oh.... Simple enough, just decide not to crash. Got it. Lol

[@JakeSloan]

lol

[@audiogek]

Bit short, but great video, wouldn't mind watching more. Thanks!

[@JakeSloan]

I would have more except any other footage was stuff I couldn’t share lol

[@mikehrenak1390]

This is awesome more is better air2 s army out

[@JakeSloan]

Thanks Mike!

[@DDsAerialViews]

Hey Jake. Thanks for taking us to work with you. Some really nice locations. More then a happy to travel with you anywhere buddy. Fly Safe!

[@JakeSloan]

Thanks D&D!!

[@JohnBurnet1]

Great and very interesting 👍

[@JakeSloan]

Thanks John!!

[@RecoveryoneDrone]

Glad you explain/mention that the RR was there for track safety operations. I just took my renewal class for my certification, The FRA is serious about track safety.

[@JakeSloan]

Yeah railroads in many areas are considered critical infrastructure and flying over/around them is a no no. Fortunately for this show we had permission from the railroad and permits to fly there specifically. We also had a representative from the railroad safety department there with us to make sure we and the railroad employees were operating safely. I didn’t want to show flying there without a mention of the fact that there is more needed than just showing up to film trains! Cheers man’

[@RecoveryoneDrone]

@@JakeSloan I mention your video on Those Guys live stream today, I felt it was that important for others to see.

[@JakeSloan]

Thank you!

[@AlienDrones]

Nice work Jake, fun to see some different locations and the different equipment used for each... Thanks for taking us along friend!

[@JakeSloan]

Thanks Man!

[@kevinwells4986]

Hi Jake, thanks man for the video, and the flying is always excellent. Are you still remaining up 'north' most of the time? I imagine you can make more $ with what you are doing here, just curious. I have absolutely loved your remote videos as well. These are some serious drones though! I'll keep watching your podcasts. Glad to watch you doing anything with a drone man.

[@JakeSloan]

Thanks Kevin. This was a lot of work all at once so I’ll be back in Alaska soon and working there again

[@CaminoAir]

Sorry, but only hoping to get a coffee during the day is a prohibitive working condition for me! Great work and thank you for sharing it with us.

[@JakeSloan]

Lol oh I got coffee! 😜

[@michaelpoczynek]

Very cool and interesting.... love to know what googles you are using and your Inspire 2 set up (in a video). The quality is amazing.

[@JakeSloan]

Thanks! I use the DJI fpv goggles for fpv stuff and the inspire 2 set is a dual pilot operation (one flying one with camera control). We both run crystal sky monitors on our controllers.

[@michaelpoczynek]

@@JakeSloan Thanks, Jake. Have a wonderful week!

[@dougcooper4917]

I Really Enjoyed This Video Jake!! Very Interesting!! Please Show More!!

[@JakeSloan]

Thanks Doug!! I think I definitely will do more of these style

[@T-ROUGE00]

Do you do any car commercials? Or any car drifting videos?

[@JakeSloan]

I don’t have anything on my channel but you can see my work in this video: kzbin.info/www/bejne/gpTOepWrjsyii7c

[@Fuckgravityfpv]

So, how do you get into this line of work after you get your drone license?

[@JakeSloan]

I have some videos planned on just that so stay tuned!!

[@Fuckgravityfpv]

@@JakeSloan thank you kindly. I'm looking for a side gig and although probably not easy to get started, I can still have fun with a drone till I make something happen. I've got patience too.

[@esencix]

​@@JakeSloancould you link that video pls?

[@esencix]

Im curious about the amount of work/time that went before even getting out and flying ? Im thinking things like the permissions/planing/also what you aloud to put out in media and so? Great video never the less! 🙌👌

[@Fuckgravityfpv]

​@@esencixive been filming local clubs to get my experience up but we usually discuss and do planning before we get on location and then adapt for other things once at location. Alot of times i have to adapt to changing conditions so planning isnt always 100% but as long as im following basic guidelines such as not flying over non participants or being unsafe, things work out and footage has turned out very well as we take multiple shots for footage. Hope my experience helps in anyway

[@barrykrohn8724]

You are really good FPV flyer. Took my breath away. Vlog need more details on how you set up equipment and how you set your mind in picturing the shoot.

[@JakeSloan]

Thanks! I’ll work on a video about that

[@TwilightPhantom1]

Cool video! Thank you

[@JakeSloan]

Thank you!

[@maryannejennings1979]

Fantastic insight into the work you can do as a Done Pilot, brilliant, and each job is different due to location and local conditions, again a wonderful inside thank you much for this experience - brilliant thank you!

[@JakeSloan]

Thanks!

[@marklazenby703]

Hey Jake - Love the behind the scenes / over the shoulder look at a working drone professional, so yeah, would like to see more. Are all those drones yours? If so, quick question, save and purchase Inspire 2 or wait for Inspire 3 and / or DJI Pro 3? Haven't been able to catch up for a while, so great to see you in action again.

[@JakeSloan]

Thanks Mark! I would not buy an inspire 2 currently I would wait, it looks like the Mavic 3 will come out in January now but it also looks like it might challenge the inspire quality

[@jonnmedds]

Hi from the UK. Love this day in the life of a drone pilot format. Would definitely like to see more. Keep up the good work.

[@JakeSloan]

Thanks!!

[@BMan_FPV]

That was a sick ride-a-long jake... loved it🔥🔥👊👊

[@JakeSloan]

Thanks man!

[@ConceptNewEra]

This video was awesome, in the process of deciding whether or not I should buy the DJI fpv drone! Love the vibes and adventures in this video, can’t wait to see what you do next time like this! 💯✔️🔥

[@JakeSloan]

Thanks man!

[@flysafe7543]

Good work jake, cool and very interesting video to watch…👍👍👍👏👏👏 another busy day !💪

[@JakeSloan]

Thanks Oliver!

[@stefanpetersen9249]

Jake you videos are amazing as always , if I would be able to get a fraction of your skills I would be very happy. All the best to you from Thailand 🙏🏻🇸🇪🇹🇭

[@JakeSloan]

Thank you!

[@Sandlingjunction]

I have a drone and it scares me to fly it, a second-hand DJI Mavic Pro (1st). I know it must be down to practice, despite all the apps out there so unsure where to fly, etc, so seldom do. Watching your video, re-ignites my desire to learn, and maybe in time I will become a little more proficient and thus more confident , (In time ) best wishes Paul

[@JakeSloan]

Glad to hear it!

[@nk-dw2hm]

I know this is a year old so it might not be relevant anymore, but there are a lot of fpv sims that allow you to use an external controller. Nothing replaces hands on experience, but it's the next best thing

[@FLRCQUAD]

Cool video and some outstanding flying too! Most people don't have a clue how much preparation time and effort it takes to do all that as well as driving bottom line you have to be dedicated to be a commercial Drone Pilot for sure I love flying RC Airplanes RC Drones and RC Rock Crawlers!

[@JakeSloan]

Thank you so much!

[@frankc.9853]

That first location is on my stomping ground! I was thinking of flying with the 360 sphere there... Didn't know I'd need RR permission though. I am close to trying the Avata but not there yet.

[@JakeSloan]

nice!

[@chriswedgworth]

Nice

[@JakeSloan]

Thanks!

[@Just_Klaas]

Like this kind of video!

[@JakeSloan]

Awesome thanks!!

[@NateLeeProductions]

More in the life stuff.

[@JakeSloan]

Thanks!

[@Backcountryhiker]

Yes, enjoyed all the locations where you filmed. I have to say that, being a beginner, I was kind of on the edge of my seat when you were flying in that narrow slot in the park! Maybe in a few years, I'll be able to do that----without breaking a sweat!

[@JakeSloan]

LOL thanks!

[@xDCMTx]

I’m starting my commercial drone business up pretty soon but I’m torn about FPV applications. Is there a significant advantage to spending the extra hundreds of $ for a headset if my controller has next to zero latency?

[@JakeSloan]

Not really but as always it really depends on your needs and application

[@algorithmassault2165]

Love the Alaska hat

[@JakeSloan]

Thanks. I live in Alaska and like to represent lol. Cheers

[@iamtuben2]

More More More More.

[@JakeSloan]

LOL got it

[@JaredSpink]

Digging the vlog

[@JakeSloan]

Thanks Jared!

[@opaitaon5230]

This is amazing dude. Just found out these drone courses in Europe, still a very unknow profession in Europe. How much is the salary? Cant find this info anywhere

[@JakeSloan]

Salary varies wildly depending on what your doing with drones. I’m self employed so I charge based on my value.

[@FlyZoneFpv]

This is great Jake. Hope your enjoying Chicago!.🤙

[@JakeSloan]

I’ve hardly been there lol. Everything has been outside of and around it so sleeping there yes. That’s been great lol. Other than that this trip has been a lot of other places! The next few days will be in Birmingham 🥵

[@FlyZoneFpv]

@@JakeSloan yep! Definitely😂

[@simonlalonde9919]

Very good video

[@JakeSloan]

Thank you!

[@MoleMedia]

Amazing work mate, really do enjoy this form of video from you.

[@JakeSloan]

Thank you!

[@andyherrera8929]

Hey buddy, it was very interesting video. I would like to know how much you charge for them.

[@JakeSloan]

It varies drastically based on the job and what drones will be flying

[@sab35263]

Great video, can you do a video on your equipment and how you log your flights? Also, what are you doing for remote ID?

[@JakeSloan]

I will be remote id compliant, I'll have to see if I can do a video on the vlog setup soon

[@trimotionmedia5487]

Who is paying you to get all this, what seems to be, random footage? Pretty cool stuff

[@JakeSloan]

This was all for a show that will air on PBS.

[@patrickeul]

I like this style vid.

[@JakeSloan]

Thanks

[@danielduarte6149]

I watched it in hopes of learning something, but I didn't learn anything. There's the hint.

[@JakeSloan]

You saw exactly what the video title suggested, a day in the life. I have other videos that teach... There's the hint

[@TheThaiLife]

This is a great syle of video. Really enjoy this. Would love to know financial details, even just really general. Thanks for these videos.

[@JakeSloan]

I am working on some stuff like that for the future

[@TheThaiLife]

@@JakeSloan I look forward to that!

[@joewolfe2022]

How are you following visual flight rules? The drone seemed to be really far from where you guys were.

[@JakeSloan]

The inspire 2 is visible from quite a distance since it is such a large drone, staying within visual line of sight will depend on many factors but should always be followed unless of course you have a waiver to fly beyond visual line of sight. For the FPV flights a visual observer is required and actually the distances flown are not very far due to FPV not having a very strong signal link to the goggles, but since it is filmed with a super wide angle lens it makes it seem much farther and much larger space than it is.

[@richardfreeman239]

Great video. Please make more of this content

[@JakeSloan]

Thanks, will do!

[@droneviewgis6699]

Yes, this was a great point of view. Great job!!

[@JakeSloan]

Thanks!

[@garrettpaul4680]

I'm interested in becoming a drone pilot. what are the first steps to becoming one?

[@JakeSloan]

you will need to find out the rules in the country where you live, but generally purchasing an inexpensive drone like a DJI Mini 3 or Mini 3 pro and starting to fly it to gain the skills is a great place to start

[@user-pc7ef5sb6x]

Do you do any editing of the footage before you give it to the client?

[@JakeSloan]

Not usually unless they are paying me to edit it for them

[@johnpftd]

I like this Jake. Keep em coming.

[@JakeSloan]

Cool thanks John!

[@AlanHouser]

Probably too late to vote, but I love the vlog-style format for sure!

[@JakeSloan]

Thanks! I plan to do more of these types of videos!

[@MikeHarness]

Awesome work, and also, nice SRT ;-)

[@JakeSloan]

Thank you lol

[@nk-dw2hm]

Is there anything that can be done to improve chances of recovering a drone after a crash, flyaway, or other incident? Return to home settings would be my first thought for connectivity issues, but is there anything else that can be done? I've got insurance on my drone, so as long as I recover the body I can get a replacement. Ive only had 1 crash (so far) but the battery ejected so all "find my drone" type features would've been useless. Love your content and appreciate your interaction with the community. Edit to add: a video on drone insurance would be really interesting as well, especially if some brands are known to be better or worse than others when it comes to coverage or replacement.

[@JakeSloan]

I’ll have to think about doing a drone insurance video. As far as loss goes there are add on buzzers that will activate in the event of a crash but other than that return to home settings are a musy

[@nk-dw2hm]

@@JakeSloan I forgot about the buzzers, I always forget about useful fpv-world stuff when thinking about drones for video/photo work. My biggest fear is being unable to recover the drone due to it falling in a murky lake or river. I've got autel care and I'm praying it won't be a pain/hassle when I have to send it in for repairs. Honestly a general "post crash" video would be interesting too if insurance is a little too niche. I have a feeling I'm not the only one who feels like their relatively cheap drone is still a big investment as a hobbyist Thanks for the reply!

[@alaskavfxfilmer]

Perfect way to wait for the livestream

[@JakeSloan]

Nice

[@frankc.9853]

Question... Do you remember the altitude when fly through the bridge crossing?

[@JakeSloan]

not off hand but it wasn't very high

[@frankc.9853]

@@JakeSloan Thanks! I may try it... 🙃

[@theseasonalinsights]

Hi Jake, I had a problem that I have balanced the Ronin SC but still it doesn't work properly. some time it starts vibration and the camera shakes badely. Please make a detailed video on Ronin SC.

[@JakeSloan]

I don’t have the ronin sc anymore but balancing, auto tuning is a must. Sometimes the motor strength must be turned down a bit to help

[@theseasonalinsights]

@@JakeSloan ok let me watch the video of Ronin SC in detail. and let you know.

[@Pigwatch666]

It’s interesting can I make decent living being a drone pilot

[@JakeSloan]

you can for sure

[@aftabahmed4158]

It's so good to see your work, is your fpv drone water proof?

[@JakeSloan]

Yes, it is

[@lynsmith1096]

Good video Jake and some great footage

[@JakeSloan]

Thanks Lyn!

[@poogie1376]

When you running for public office again?

[@JakeSloan]

Not sure

[@2Dronesheads]

I mean a lot of information on basically nothing.

[@JakeSloan]

this is literally a day in the life, no information was promised other than that...

[@multiplexor5920]

Awesome. How do you find soo much work??

[@JakeSloan]

a lot of work in the beginning but now mostly word of mouth and working to follow up leads

[@devdawar5240]

Hello sir, i am from india and i am doing drone pilot training

[@JakeSloan]

Excellent!

[@khumaloslindile]

I wish you would do more kinds of this video

[@JakeSloan]

I am starting to, you can see the latest one here: kzbin.info/www/bejne/jWTYm6eeosaLjtU

[@devdawar5240]

Tell me about Drone Pilot Jobs

[@JakeSloan]

There are a lot of different jobs from video and photo work to inspection and other work

[@delcodrone2856]

last one through the woods was awesome!

[@JakeSloan]

Thanks!

[@tnrockyraccoon]

Awesome stuff Jake.

[@JakeSloan]

Thank you!

[@tripbreaker]

And ummm, yeah.

[@JakeSloan]

yeah

[@gg18rico]

Srt in Chicago ...nice !!!

[@JakeSloan]

Sure is!

[@Sahil-ru9xg]

please make more of these

[@JakeSloan]

will do

[@marekslinins9146]

👍👍👍👍👍👍

[@JakeSloan]

Thanks

[@vonner1003]

I liked this one much more than the reviews. Those are good for the scenery, this was more interesting. My only suggestion would be to have more time stamps for when things were happening. 👍🏻

[@JakeSloan]

Thanks!

[@pacom5543]

Thank Brother

[@JakeSloan]

You’re Welcome

[@DannyEngesser]

I've enjoyed all your videos, but would definitely like to see more like this. Thanks!

[@JakeSloan]

Fantastic thanks!!

[@minus0ne-yT]

Great video!

[@JakeSloan]

Thanks!

[@brucea.kenney7957]

great style Jake

[@JakeSloan]

Thank you

[@Ryy_Ryy]

This makes me want to learn how to fly drones. I want to be a drone camera operator one day. Thank you for making this video!

[@JakeSloan]

nice!

[@kevinhawthorne5257]

Awesome video

[@JakeSloan]

Thanks

[@PermafrostBeards]

This will be great to show to the next drone camp! Thanks!

[@JakeSloan]

Awesome!!

[@toljarudnev4454]

❤патоматич,облёт лбьектв

[@JakeSloan]

Cheers

[@HawaiiAerialProductions]

Very Cool Jake. Thank you for sharing

[@JakeSloan]

Thanks!

[@andreysidorenko5247]

Why fpv drone do you use

[@JakeSloan]

I use several that I built

[@andreysidorenko5247]

What about the one through the canyon?

[@poogie1376]

You do an incredible job. All the way around

[@JakeSloan]

Thanks

[@PIDtoolbox]

Nice looking footage! Well done

[@JakeSloan]

Thank you! Cheers!

[@jamessmithfilms]

Good Stuff man!!!

[@JakeSloan]

Thanks James!

[@liquidbotanorama3786]

nice video and thank you. all is see though is thousands of euros around hahaha drone here drone there fpv gear someday...

[@JakeSloan]

Maybe one day!

[@Twerk4Brandon]

Jake, I’m trying to get my dad one of these drones. He does everything for me and I feel he deserves one exactly like this one. Where can I find it? Please please please I hope you reply 🥺

[@JakeSloan]

I would get your dad this one here: kzbin.info/www/bejne/j5XRqYitap6Ji6M