25 November 2025

By Melvin McCleave

For as long as I can remember, flight has been a part of who I am. Not the kind you board at an airport, but the kind you build with your own hands. More than a decade ago, long before drones were stable or mainstream, I was in HobbyTown buying quadcopter frames, ESCs, motors, propellers, flight controllers, and radio receivers so I could assemble my own aircraft from the ground up. Back then, nothing came ready-made. If you wanted a drone, you had to understand it. You had to tune it. You had to wire it. You had to make it fly.

But my passion for flight started even earlier with RC helicopters. I bought every one I could afford, amazed at how they hovered and responded so precisely. After helicopters came fixed-wing planes also built and flown with the same excitement and then toy-grade quadcopter’s . Every time a new model came out, I had to have it. Flying became my daily escape. It wasn’t about photography or business back then—it was about control, elevation, distance, and the thrill of pushing something I built to its limits.

Then the industry evolved. DJI and Parrot brought real stabilization and GPS features to the consumer market. The Phantom 3 changed everything. Flight became smoother, safer, and more predictable—and once again, I had to try every model I could get my hands on. But over time, something inside me shifted. Through my work in public safety, I saw drones in a new light not as toys, but as tools. Tools that could provide critical visibility. Tools that could support search efforts. Tools that could keep people safe.

More than 12 years ago, when drones were still misunderstood, I mentioned the idea of using them in high-risk situations. People agreed the potential was there, but society wasn’t ready for it yet. Still, the idea never left me. Years later, as public safety started recognizing UAV capabilities, I became part of early drone operations and learned the difference between recreational flying and true mission flying. I learned what worked, what failed, what needed adjustments, and how drones could provide real aid in real situations.

But another realization grew in me the commercial world was exploding. Construction, real estate, insurance, agriculture everywhere I looked, I saw drones becoming essential. I wanted to be part of that future. So I invested in higher-end equipment: the Phantom 4 Pro, Inspire models, the Mavic 2 Zoom, and other commercial-grade UAVs. I assumed having great equipment meant opportunities would follow. I was wrong...

No calls 

No clients.

No direction.

Eventually, I stepped back from trying to turn drones into a business. I kept flying in public safety when needed, but the dream of a commercial drone business faded—until one day, a pilot with less than a year of experience showed me that he was doing paid work with just one drone. It crushed me!

Jealousy, frustration, disappointment they all hit at once. I questioned everything? my skills, my purpose, even whether the drone industry was meant for me. For almost a year, I stayed stuck. Flying when others asked, but never building anything of my own.

Then in 2023–2024, something changed. I decided I wasn’t giving up. I believed I had something to offer. So I took a leap built a website, ordered business cards, and started promoting myself. I felt ready yet still, no results.

So I doubled down. I trained through Drone Launch Academy, Pilot Institute, and Drone U to sharpen my skills beyond flying. I studied mapping, thermal operations, photogrammetry, and professional workflows. And soon, subcontracting work arrived with Bees360 and Eberl360, which became a turning point. Those platforms taught me the real standards of insurance inspections precision, consistency, structure, and proper documentation. They strengthened my discipline and gave me confidence.

But during the same period, I experienced some of the hardest moments of my journey. On roofing-related jobs, I had contractors talk down to me, because I was using a UAV.

But then something powerful happened.

One afternoon, I watched a YouTube video by Timothy Brazzel, and it spoke directly into my situation. His message was strong, honest, and timely. He talked about the challenges pilots face, the criticism, the doubt, the disrespect, and the need to stay focused. It felt like he was speaking to me personally. His video lifted me up and reminded me why I started this journey. It was the push I needed to keep going.

And in the middle of all this, I had a mentor who kept me grounded and encouraged: Sinuhe Montoya, Founder of DroneQuote. Sinuhe always told me: “The No’s are the Yes’s. He would tell me. We don’t like hearing No, but sometimes God uses those to guide you or protect you.” His words stayed with me. They helped me stand back up every time I felt defeated. They reminded me that setbacks aren’t the end—they’re preparation.

With renewed determination, I finally built the courage to visit a local contractor in person. I was nervous, but my wife encouraged me: (“You got this she said )Just be yourself.” Instead of simply talking, I built a portfolio to earn the opportunity.

And then—it happened.

Legacy Homes extended their hand and gave me a chance. That opportunity didn’t just open a door. It changed my entire path. I have now worked with Legacy Homes for over a year, documenting their beautiful properties across North Carolina, South Carolina. Their trust, professionalism, and support helped shape what DronesAboveLLC is today. I am deeply grateful to Vitaliy, the owner, and the entire Legacy Homes team. Working with them is an honor I will always value.

Today, my company—DronesAboveLLC—is built on passion, resilience, technical skill, and the belief that “no” is not rejection, but redirection. I hold an Associate of Applied Science in Criminal Justice from Gaston College, along with my FAA Part 107 certification, and advanced training through multiple academies. My journey includes years of public safety experience, hands-on building, high-skill technical training, real-world inspections, and a lifetime of passion.

Special Thanks & Acknowledgments

I would like to give special recognition to several incredible individuals who have played meaningful roles throughout my drone journey. Their support, mentorship, and opportunities helped shape who I am as a pilot and who I am becoming in this industry.

• Dallin Hales – Liles Construction

Thank you for the opportunity to document the Maiden FS-10 Fire Station project. This was one of the early sparks that helped me grow and gain confidence in the field. That project will always hold a special place in my journey.

• Rich – AZ Drones

A major mentor whose guidance, advice, and encouragement helped me understand the true potential of professional drone work. Rich’s experience and leadership made an impact on me when I needed it.

• Alex Jackson – Interstate Roofing

Thank you for your support, insight, and belief in the capabilities of drone technology. Your respect for the work I do has meant a great deal.

• Ruth Patel & David Young – Drone Launch Academy

Your training, resources, and leadership helped develop my foundation as a professional pilot. Drone Launch Academy has played a major role in sharpening my technical skills and deepening my knowledge in this field.

• Sinuhe Montoya & Michael– DroneQuote

I want to give a very special shoutout to both Michael and Sinuhe for helping develop my website and giving me the guidance I needed to present my brand the right way. Your encouragement, honesty, and willingness to help me grow have been invaluable.

• Jerimiah Contreras – FlyGuys Nationwide

Thank you for your professional support, leadership, and guidance. Your communication and willingness to help has truly meant a lot.

• Stuart Smith — Owner of The Droning Company 

A heartfelt thanks for reaching out personally with advice, support, and encouragement. Your perspective and guidance pushed me to elevate DronesAboveLLC and keep building my brand with confidence.

Legacy Homes

My experience with Legacy Homes has become far more than a business relationship — it has grown into something personal, meaningful, and truly special. After a full year of working with Legacy, I can say with complete honesty that what stands out the most is not just the opportunity, but the relationship. The craftsmanship and art behind every home they build is remarkable, and documenting these projects from the foundation stage to the final finish has been exciting, rewarding, and inspiring. I love seeing the transformation week by week and month by month watching each home come to life through the lens of my drone. I am especially grateful to Vitaliy, who has shown nothing but humility, professionalism, and genuine care. No matter how busy he is, he has always made time for me and answers the phone or makes it a point to return my call without delay. That level of respect is rare, and it means more to me than I can put into words. The entire Legacy Homes team has been outstanding to work with, and I deeply value the relationship we’ve built. It is truly an honor to support them and be even a small part of the beautiful homes they create for families.

Above all, I thank God for guiding my steps, and I thank my wife for her unwavering love and encouragement. Without her, I wouldn’t be where I am today.

My journey is far from over, It’s only just beginning.

I am Melvin McCleave, Founder of DronesAboveLLC—and I’m ready for whatever comes next.

DronesAboveLL in Action