Don't Give Up On Your Drone Dreams

21 April 2025

Are you feeling stuck on your journey to becoming a certified Part 107 Drone Pilot? Overwhelmed by the amount of information, resources, or self-doubt clouding your path?

Let me assure you—you’re not alone.

In this article, I want to speak directly to the discouraged, the unmotivated, the overwhelmed… the dreamers who feel like giving up.

After more than three years as a certified drone pilot, I’ve experienced the highs and the lows, the setbacks and the victories. And I’ve learned a few lessons that just might be what you need to hear right now. This isn't just about drones. It's about stepping fully into your purpose.

Let’s dive into the three key truths I wish someone had told me when I started.

Certification is Just the Beginning

Let’s rewind the clock a bit.

I remember how I used to talk about my journey—how I spent four years preparing to take my Part 107 exam. Yep, four years. Not because I didn’t want it badly… but because I allowed fear and self-doubt to delay my progress. I was overwhelmed by how much I needed to learn, and I was doing it all on my own—piecing together scattered YouTube videos and online content.

Now, don’t get me wrong. There’s tons of helpful information out there. But for my learning style, it wasn’t structured or consistent enough. I needed something that walked me through the process, step-by-step, with clarity.

In January 2022, everything changed. I made a decision—I was all in. I discovered a platform called Remote Pilot 101, and I committed myself to finishing the course in one month. I dove into the lessons, took as many practice tests as possible, and when I felt confident, I scheduled my exam.
February came, and I passed!

I share that with you because I want to remind you that the certification process is just the starting point. It’s an amazing milestone, yes. But it’s not the finish line. You don’t want to stop at just getting certified.

Instead, use that momentum to position yourself for more. Continue learning, keep exploring, and put yourself out there to gain real experience. That’s where growth happens. Add to your résumé, build your portfolio, and start creating opportunities that didn’t exist before.

You Don’t Have to Know Everything

This one right here is big.

So many people—especially aspiring drone pilots—get caught in a perfectionist trap. You feel like you have to know everything before you can even begin. You tell yourself, "Once I finish this course… once I learn that technique… then I’ll start."

But here’s the truth: You don’t need to know it all.

You just need to start.

When I first got certified, I didn't have a clue about LiDAR, 3D mapping, thermal imaging, or even drone inspections. But over time, I learned. I took jobs I felt under-qualified for and educated myself along the way. I made mistakes, sure—but those mistakes became lessons that leveled me up.

Knowledge is valuable, yes—but applied knowledge is what makes the difference. So if all you're doing is gathering information but never taking action, you're missing the point.

Start with what you know and grow from there.

Here’s what I learned: every job, every client, every flight taught me something new. And when I didn’t know something, I found out. That’s how you build confidence.

Don’t let the idea of “not being ready” stop you from becoming who you’re called to be.

Your Future Is Bigger Than Your Fear

I need you to hear this loud and clear:

Your fear is lying to you.

Fear tells you you’re not good enough. That you’ll fail. That you don’t have what it takes.
But let me remind you—your future is bigger than your fear.

Fear paralyzes. Confidence frees. And confidence is essential to becoming a skilled drone pilot.

If you let fear take the wheel, you’ll never apply for that job, never take on that project, never launch that business. You’ll remain stuck, standing on the edge of something amazing, too afraid to leap.

I’ve been there. I get it. But if I hadn’t taken the leap—if I let fear win—I never would have experienced what I’m doing today.

Let me share this with you: Right now, I’m working with a company called DronePower1. We clean solar panels using commercial drones tethered to a pressurized water line. It’s a totally new venture for me—and let me tell you, it’s nothing like flying a DJI Mavic. Different size. Different weight. Different flight dynamics. Different software. I had to learn new terminology, understand new systems, and get used to new safety protocols.

But because I had previous experience doing visual roof inspections with drones, I wasn't intimidated. I knew I had what it takes—and what I didn’t know, I would learn.

So I stepped in with confidence… and it’s been one of the most exciting learning experiences of my career.

And guess what? That opportunity came because I didn’t let fear stop me. I didn’t know it all. I wasn’t an expert. But I said yes—and I grew into the role.

So now I’m telling you: Say, yes.

Yes to the opportunity. Yes to the dream. Yes to the learning curve. Yes to the growth.

Everything begins with a decision. A decision to believe in yourself—even when it’s hard. A decision to show up—even when it’s uncomfortable. A decision to take action—even when fear says otherwise.

If you want to succeed in this drone space—or any space—it starts with what’s happening in your mind.

You don’t need all the gear. You don’t need a million followers. You don’t need to be the top expert in your field.

What you need is belief. Grit. Consistency. A willingness to learn and keep showing up.

Because the truth is ... You already have everything you need to get started.

You’ve got this.

Let’s fly higher—together.