28th May 2025

Click here to see David's Pilot Profile:

https://www.thedroningcompany.com/pilot/david-schiffner

My career began with the US Navy, where I was fortunate enough to be trained in aircraft maintenance. There’s something about working on airplanes that grabs you—it’s not just about turning wrenches or making sure things are running smoothly. It’s about responsibility, precision, and knowing that the work you do keeps people safe in the air. The adrenaline of being surrounded by heavy machinery and the technical challenge of working on advanced aircraft instilled in me a deep respect for aviation that would stay with me throughout my life. 

After my service, I transitioned into the civilian workforce, but the skills and discipline I learned in the military transferred seamlessly. I spent over two decades at Van Nuys Airport, one of the busiest general aviation airports in the world, where I worked as the Director of Maintenance at a prominent air charter company. I loved it. My work was meaningful, and I was surrounded by professionals who shared my passion for aviation. From routine maintenance to troubleshooting complex issues, every day brought something new. The jets I worked on weren’t just vehicles—they were incredible machines, and each one presented its own set of challenges and rewards. 

However, life has a way of throwing curveballs. In the midst of my successful career in aviation, I suffered an injury to my neck. It was the kind of injury that changed everything. I had always prided myself on being physically capable, but suddenly, my ability to work with my hands and maintain the aircraft I loved so much was taken away from me. The doctors told me I needed surgery, and that recovery would take time—time I simply didn’t have if I wanted to continue in my role. The harsh reality hit me hard: my career in aviation was over. 

Retiring early was a tough pill to swallow. I had dedicated decades to the craft, and the idea of walking away from it was gut-wrenching. But sometimes, life forces you to pivot. I wasn’t going to let this injury define me. Instead, I decided to reinvent myself—this time in a completely different direction. 

After my surgery and a period of recovery, I needed something to keep my mind and body engaged. That’s when I decided to pursue a California Real Estate license. I thought it was the right step—an opportunity to create a new professional life for myself. I joined Keller Williams Beverly Hills and dove into the world of real estate. 

At first, it felt like a natural transition. Real estate was fast-paced and provided a different kind of challenge. However, as I started selling homes, I quickly realized that it wasn’t my true passion. I loved helping people find their dream homes, but something was missing. I wasn’t feeling the same excitement and satisfaction that I had when I was working on airplanes or flying jets. 

Then, one day, while I was out working on a property, I saw a drone flying overhead, capturing stunning aerial footage of the home. It was as if a lightbulb went off in my head. I had always been fascinated by aviation, and this was the perfect marriage of my skills and interests. Why not use my background in aviation to create something new? It was clear that drone videography was not only fun but also had the potential to be a viable career. 

I decided to go all in. I got my FAA Part 107 license, which is the certification required to fly drones commercially. I knew that my deep understanding of aviation would be a huge asset in this field. Flying drones wasn’t just about capturing pretty pictures; it was about ensuring safety and precision. My experience in aviation taught me how to manage risk, how to be meticulous, and how to operate in sometimes tricky conditions—skills that would serve me well in drone photography. 

The more I flew drones, the more I fell in love with it. There’s something magical about soaring above the ground, capturing unique angles and 

perspectives. It’s a new kind of freedom. And the world of real estate was the perfect market for drone videography. I was able to create stunning marketing videos for real estate listings, offering potential buyers a bird’s-eye view of the properties they were considering. 

But it wasn’t just about the work—it was about rediscovering my love for aviation in a new and exciting form. Drone videography allowed me to return to my roots, flying and capturing incredible shots, but it also gave me the creative outlet I had been searching for. It was both an artistic and technical challenge, which was exactly what I needed. 

I am known for my commitment to safety and professionalism. Having worked in aviation for decades, I understand the importance of following strict safety protocols and ensuring that every flight is executed with precision and care. My technical expertise, combined with an artistic eye for capturing the perfect shot, has earned me a loyal following of clients who trust me to deliver exceptional work every time. 

What sets me apart from other drone operators is my comprehensive background in aviation and my ability to understand the technical aspects of drone flight. My background in aviation maintenance gives me a unique edge in troubleshooting technical issues that may arise during flights, ensuring that every operation runs smoothly. My in-depth knowledge of aircraft systems and mechanics translates directly to my work with drones, allowing me to safely and effectively capture the best possible footage. 

My ability to blend technical proficiency with creativity makes me an invaluable asset to any project. Whether it’s shooting aerial footage for a high-end real estate listing, capturing a commercial project, or producing a visually stunning video for a marketing campaign, My goal is always to provide my clients with a product that exceeds their expectations. 

As the drone industry continues to evolve and grow I am very excited about the future of aerial videography and photography. With technological advancements and growing demand for high-quality aerial 

footage, I see a wealth of opportunities to expand my services and reach new markets. My passion for aviation and love for flying will continue to drive me as I seek new ways to innovate and push the boundaries of drone videography. 

My vision is clear: to help clients achieve their goals by providing them with the perfect aerial perspective. Whether it’s a real estate agent seeking stunning property visuals or a business looking to showcase a unique project, I am committed to delivering a final product that is both safe and exceptional. 

With a wealth of experience in aviation, real estate, and drone operations, I believe I can be the trusted professional you can rely on to take your project to new heights—literally and figuratively. Together we can formulate a plan to get the best shot without compromising safety. 

My experience in corporate aviation has made me uniquely qualified in that I have a great understanding of the value of time and quality. 

I have lived in many other states during my tenure in corporate aviation but chose the LA area to buy a home and raise my family as LA offers immense opportunities not to mention the fantastic weather. 

Please contact me as I would love to share ideas and safely deliver the results you deserve.