Featured News

Trending News

02 December 2025
<a href="https://www.thedroningcompany.com/news/categories/brazzel" target="_blank" rel="noopener">By Timothy Brazzel</a>
Drone takeover systems &mdash; such as those developed by <a style="color: #ba372a;" href="https://d-fendsolutions.com/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">D-Fend Solutions</a> &mdash; are built to detect, hijack, and safely land drones perceived as unauthorized. Instead of jamming or shooting drones down, these systems &mdash; often using radio-frequency (RF) interception, signal spoofing or decryption &mdash; take control of the drone&rsquo;s communications link, override the original pilot input, and redirect the drone to a safe landing. This approach promises less collateral damage and more controlled resolution than kinetic or purely disruptive methods.
Such tech is typically pitched for protecting sensitive or critical infrastructure: airports, power plants, prisons, public events, etc.
<img src="https://media.thedroningcompany.com/images/tincy/JxxET3bl8ebkUh3FP0YO9cEwWYOfQMQsfIZv1t71.png" alt="" width="135" height="305" />
Photo Courtesy D-Fend Solutions
<h5 class="p1">Why This Matters to Drone Operators&nbsp;</h5>
<ul class="ul1">
<li class="li2">For licensed commercial pilots (under Part 107), even &ldquo;routine&rdquo; flights near restricted or protected zones might be intercepted if takeover tech is deployed near those zones.</li>
<li class="li2">Recreational pilots or hobbyists &mdash; an errant drone flight passing over a protected area could be seized and landed without warning.</li>
<li class="li2">FPV pilots &mdash; especially those flying aggressively (fast, low, near structures) &mdash; might lose control mid-flight, even if it&rsquo;s just an accident rather than malicious intrusion.</li>
</ul>
In short: as this capability spreads, the &ldquo;invisible boundaries&rdquo; become more real &mdash; and ignorance isn&rsquo;t a defense.
<img src="https://media.thedroningcompany.com/images/tincy/oXpJNVhpNrjwFmKr1VyDYgl4FkYpbqdiCmlfAmzY.png" alt="" width="460" height="454" />
<h5 class="p1">Taiwan&rsquo;s Adoption of Drone Takeover Tech</h5>
According to a December 1 report from DroneXL, Taiwan is actively moving to build a national counter-drone network that includes takeover technology &mdash; not just jamming or detection.&nbsp;
Here are the key take-aways:
<ul class="ul1">
<li class="li2">Taiwan&rsquo;s government &mdash; through its homeland-security office and its weapons-development arm (NCSIST) &mdash; issued requirements for the counter-drone system that include RF takeover capability, jamming, and spoofing to protect airports, power plants, and other critical infrastructure.</li>
<li class="li2">The system must be able to decode the transmission protocols used by many civilian drones &mdash; specifically including versions of DJI&rsquo;s OcuSync (versions 2, 3, 4, and 4+).</li>
<li class="li2">That requirement sparked debate &mdash; some lawmakers warn that basing the system around a single brand (DJI) is problematic, both from fairness and effectiveness standpoints. There&rsquo;s also concern over whether decrypting DJI&rsquo;s links is even technically feasible.&nbsp;</li>
<li class="li2">Officials claim the civilian-use takeover plan is separate from the military&rsquo;s counter-UAV purchase, but Taiwan&rsquo;s military is simultaneously acquiring hundreds of counter-drone systems &mdash; with both &ldquo;soft kill&rdquo; (takeover/jamming) and &ldquo;hard kill&rdquo; (possibly kinetic) options for use in a more aggressive defense posture.</li>
<li class="li2">Experts quoted in the article caution that takeover tech works reliably only when the drone uses known, vulnerable or unencrypted links. Homemade drones, custom FPV builds, or drones with strong anti-tampering/encryption may evade takeover altogether.</li>
<li class="li2">Also, in a wartime or large-scale scenario &mdash; with multiple drones, swarms, low-flying routes, or drones carrying payloads &mdash; takeover alone might be insufficient; Taiwan appears to be planning a layered defense: detection, soft takeover, jamming, and hard kill if necessary.&nbsp;</li>
</ul>
Basically, even though takeover tech sounds impressive on paper, things don&rsquo;t always play out that smoothly in the real world. A lot of drones have built-in safety features &mdash; like automatically hovering or landing if their signal gets jammed &mdash; and custom or non-standard drones might not respond to takeover commands at all. Because of that, Taiwan isn&rsquo;t relying on just one method. They&rsquo;re putting together a layered defense system that uses a mix of cyber takeover tools, jamming, and even traditional &ldquo;hard kill&rdquo; options. It really shows how fast counter-drone technology is shifting from a specialized solution to a major part of national defense.
<h5 class="p1">What This Means Globally </h5>
Taiwan&rsquo;s move illustrates how &ldquo;no-fly zones + active takeover&rdquo; frameworks are gaining traction beyond Europe or Middle East &mdash; now advancing in East Asia. This increases chances that similar systems could be adopted elsewhere, including in democratic nations that rely heavily on drones (like the U.S.).
<ul class="ul1">
<li class="li2">For commercial drone operators, hobbyists, and FPV pilots &mdash; this trend underscores the importance of situational awareness. Flying near &ldquo;sensitive sites&rdquo; (infrastructure, airports, power plants, prisons, etc.) may no longer just be illegal &mdash; your drone could be actively hijacked and seized.</li>
<li class="li2">For drone manufacturers and the broader industry &mdash; relying on proprietary or strongly encrypted communications protocols (or adding failsafe/&ldquo;return-home&rdquo; logic) might be essential to protect customers. But even that might not be enough if takeover tech becomes advanced enough.</li>
<li class="li2">For regulators and policymakers &mdash; as this kind of tech becomes more accessible, there will need to be clearer laws and transparency: what counts as a &ldquo;protected zone,&rdquo; who authorizes takeovers, and how seized drones are handled (returned? destroyed?). Civil-liberty, privacy, and property-rights concerns become more urgent.</li>
</ul>
<h5 class="p1">Drone Pilots: Stay Alert</h5>
The escalation from niche counter-drone systems to national-level defense networks shows how quickly drone-related security is evolving. What started as a protective measure around airports and events is morphing into broad infrastructure protection &mdash; and now, national defense strategy (as Taiwan&rsquo;s case shows).
If you fly drones &mdash; commercially, recreationally, or as FPV &mdash; it&rsquo;s more important than ever to:
<ul class="ul1">
<li class="li2">Know where you&rsquo;re flying &mdash; check for restricted zones, critical infrastructure, and local regulations.</li>
<li class="li2">Be extra cautious near sensitive areas.</li>
<li class="li2">Understand that &ldquo;airspace legality&rdquo; isn&rsquo;t just about licensing or paperwork &mdash; the skies are increasingly becoming shared with counter-UAV systems.</li>
</ul>
Because the drone you fly today&hellip; might not always be yours to control.

What is Drone Takeover Technology?

10 November 2025
<a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/timotbrazz/">By Timothy Brazzel</a>
Every once in a while, a comment comes through that hits you right in the heart.
Recently, one of my viewers wrote something that perfectly captured what so many in the drone community have been silently feeling for years. He said: &ldquo;This hobby has been nothing but an uphill battle for me since 2015. It&rsquo;s like walking through a forest of thorns &mdash; every year, they tear us apart piece by piece. It&rsquo;s been emotional and exhausting for all of us, and I&rsquo;m just tired, brother. Really tired.&rdquo; Those words stopped me. Because I could feel the exhaustion behind them &mdash; not just from one pilot, but from thousands of drone enthusiasts, creators, and professionals across the country who&rsquo;ve watched a once joyful hobby and thriving industry slowly become tangled in politics, policies, and profit-driven agendas. Many of us started flying drones because it gave us something beyond the ordinary &mdash; a sense of freedom, creativity, and perspective. Through our lenses, we saw the world differently. We shared beauty, told stories, built businesses, helped communities, and even saved lives. Yet, in recent years, that freedom has felt increasingly fragile.
<h5 class="p1">A Community Under Pressure</h5>
Let&rsquo;s be honest &mdash; the drone community has been carrying a heavy emotional weight. Every few months, new restrictions, policy shifts, and government proposals seem to surface, each one adding another layer of uncertainty. And at the center of it all, there&rsquo;s one name that keeps coming up: DJI. DJI, the leading drone manufacturer, has long been the heartbeat of our industry. From hobbyists flying their first Mini, to professionals using the Mavic 3 Pro, Mavic 4 Pro, or Enterprise series&nbsp; for commercial inspections, or filmmakers capturing breathtaking landscapes &mdash; DJI made innovation accessible. They pushed technology forward and empowered creators to dream bigger. But now, with recent FCC decisions and the looming possibility that DJI could end up on the Covered List, we&rsquo;re standing at a crossroads. If that happens, it won&rsquo;t mean all DJI drones are instantly grounded &mdash; but it could mean something just as devastating: the slow disappearance of access. No new models authorized. No new imports. No new gear to add to our fleets. And as time goes on &mdash; fewer parts, fewer updates, fewer opportunities. For small businesses, creators, educators, and first responders, that kind of change doesn&rsquo;t just disrupt a hobby &mdash; it disrupts livelihoods.
<h5 class="p1">When Policy Overshadows Passion</h5>
Let&rsquo;s be real &mdash; we all understand the importance of protecting national security. No one in this community is dismissing that. We want a safe, secure, and transparent drone ecosystem in the United States. But the growing frustration lies in how these conversations have been handled &mdash; often with fear-based narratives, political agendas, and corporate greed leading the way. What started as a concern for national safety has turned into a battle over profit, power, and control. When policies are crafted not to protect, but to profit &mdash; the people who suffer most aren&rsquo;t the politicians or the corporations; it&rsquo;s the community. The creators. The small business owners. The firefighters and search-and-rescue teams who rely on DJI tools to save lives. As my viewer wrote, it&rsquo;s heartbreaking. Because this country &mdash; the land of opportunity, innovation, and the pursuit of happiness &mdash; should be the last place where creativity feels chained down.
<h5 class="p1">The Emotional Cost of Uncertainty</h5>
Behind every drone pilot is a story &mdash; a father teaching his kids about technology, a student discovering their first aerial shot, a business owner who built something meaningful from a single spark of inspiration. But lately, those stories are overshadowed by anxiety. Many feel drained, not just financially, but emotionally.
It&rsquo;s the weight of always wondering what&rsquo;s next.
&bull; Will I still be able to fly my favorite drone next year? &bull; Will I be forced to switch to gear that doesn&rsquo;t perform as well? &bull; Will my business survive if the technology I depend on disappears? Those are real questions, and they take a toll. It&rsquo;s no longer just about flying drones; it&rsquo;s about fighting to keep something we love alive.
<h5>The Heartbeat of the Sky</h5>
Yet, even in the middle of all this uncertainty, there&rsquo;s something powerful that keeps us grounded &mdash; hope. Because hope isn&rsquo;t blind optimism; it&rsquo;s faith with wings. It&rsquo;s believing that innovation and integrity can coexist. It&rsquo;s knowing that no matter how complicated the politics become, the spirit of this community is unbreakable. Drone pilots are some of the most creative, passionate, and resilient people out there. We&rsquo;re engineers, artists, and storytellers all rolled into one. We troubleshoot, adapt, and innovate every single day &mdash; and that&rsquo;s exactly why we&rsquo;ll rise above this moment too. If anything, these challenges might just push us to become stronger, more unified, and more innovative than ever before.
<h5>A Call to the Drone Community</h5>
To every pilot, creator, and dreamer who feels like they&rsquo;re walking through that same &ldquo;forest of thorns,&rdquo; I want to say this: you&rsquo;re not alone. Your frustration is valid. Your exhaustion is real. But so is your purpose. Don&rsquo;t let the noise from politics and profit drown out the reason you started flying in the first place. This community was built on vision &mdash; the kind that sees beyond limits, beyond fear, and beyond bureaucracy. Whether DJI stays or goes, the spirit of flight cannot be banned. Our creativity cannot be legislated. Our passion cannot be revoked. Together, we can continue to innovate, advocate, and inspire &mdash; one flight at a time. Let&rsquo;s stay informed, support one another, and speak up with integrity and respect. We can challenge policies without losing hope, and we can protect the future of this industry without losing our unity. Because at the end of the day, no matter how high they try to build walls around innovation, we&rsquo;ll always find a way to rise above them.
<h5>Grounded in Hope</h5>
The world may change, rules may tighten, and technology may shift &mdash; but the sky will always belong to dreamers. And as long as there are pilots who believe in possibility, creators who chase the light, and communities that stand together, there will always be hope. We may be grounded at times &mdash; but we are grounded in hope. So to every pilot feeling worn down by uncertainty, remember this:
&bull; You are part of something bigger. &bull; You&rsquo;ve inspired people to see the world differently. &bull; And that spirit &mdash; your spirit &mdash; is the very thing that will keep this community flying, no matter what comes next.
<h5>Looking for Hope</h5>
<iframe style="width: 668px; height: 376px;" title="YouTube video player" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/DSNgOKxXigU?si=2Fh_oDzJGlHnkDht" width="668" height="376" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen"></iframe>

Grounded in Hope: The Unbreakable Spirit of the Drone Community

Product News

20 October 2025
<a href="https://www.thedroningcompany.com/news/categories/brazzel" target="_blank" rel="noopener">By Tim Brazzel</a>
If you&rsquo;ve ever spent hours out in the field flying your drone, you know that after a while your arms, neck, or your back start screaming for mercy. It&rsquo;s like you signed up for a surprise upper-body workout you didn&rsquo;t ask for. Yeah&hellip; It&rsquo;s happened to me many times.
But what if I told you there&rsquo;s a way to make flying your drone not only easier on your body but&nbsp; also more comfortable, secure, and even stylish? That&rsquo;s exactly what I discovered at the Commercial UAV Expo 2025 in Las Vegas when I met Brian Saunders from Fitek Gear &mdash; a company that&rsquo;s redefining what ergonomic gear looks and feels like for drone pilots.
<h5 class="p1">Comfort Meets Innovation</h5>
<img src="https://media.thedroningcompany.com/images/tincy/JRrWWLKuwDBU5VSE0SFG3aKxGqiEkc9awSQz01lo.png" alt="" width="318" height="429" />
At the Expo, I got hands-on with Fitek Gear&rsquo;s Drone Controller Harness &mdash; and honestly, it blew me away. The setup was refreshingly simple: slide it on, adjust a couple straps, and you&rsquo;re ready. It fit snug, felt secure, and within minutes, I mostly forgot I was wearing it. That&rsquo;s a rare compliment when equipment actually becomes invisible to your mindset and lets you focus on the shoot.
As a videographer and drone cinematographer, the creative possibilities jumped out at me immediately. This isn&rsquo;t just a harness for holding a controller &mdash; it&rsquo;s a creator&rsquo;s tool. I mounted my action camera on it, then my mirrorless camera. Both felt stable and locked in place. Suddenly I was thinking bigger than &ldquo;just flying.&rdquo; I pictured multi-angle shoots, hands-free behind-the-scenes footage, quick camera swaps, and streamlined workflows where I didn&rsquo;t have to constantly set equipment down to make an adjustment.
<h5 class="p1">What You Get</h5>
In the video, I break down everything that comes in the package. At its core, the harness is built with sturdy yet flexible components and comes with two different types of brackets. The primary bracket I talk about most features two unscrew-able plates &mdash; a smart design that supports a wide range of drone controllers from DJI, Autel, and others. Whether you fly a compact consumer model or a larger controller, this bracket adapts. That kind of compatibility is huge if you switch gear often or work on varied shoots.
The second bracket gives you alternate mounting options and adds to the harness&rsquo;s versatility. Together, these brackets make the harness usable for both pilots and content creators who want to attach cameras or other gear without a complicated rig system.
<h5 class="p1">Real-World Testing</h5>
Here&rsquo;s where the harness proved its value &mdash; during an all-day shoot at a unionized strike event. That was my true stress-test: long hours, a busy environment, and the need to move fast between shots. These are not controlled studio conditions &mdash; this is real-world hustle.
<h5 class="p1">Key Takeaways</h5>
All-Day Comfort &mdash; I wore the harness literally all day. Normally, after hours of flying I&rsquo;d feel shoulder and forearm fatigue. Not this time. The weight distribution is excellent; the harness transfers load off the arms and into the torso, letting you stay nimble and focused.
Hands-Free Freedom &mdash; The ability to go hands-free was a game-changer. During the event I switched between capturing aerials and grabbing quick B-roll on my mirrorless. Being able to step away from the controller without juggling gear made workflow infinitely smoother.
Professional Presence &mdash; Let&rsquo;s be honest: gear affects perception. Multiple people complimented the setup and one guy told me seeing my rig made him hesitate to fly because he didn&rsquo;t have the credentials I did (Part 107). The harness communicates competence &mdash; it&rsquo;s a practical confidence booster.
Fast Attach/Detach &mdash; The bracket release mechanism is efficient. When you&rsquo;re in the field and time matters, you need hardware that doesn&rsquo;t slow you down. The Fitek brackets attach and&nbsp; detach without fuss, and that small efficiency compounds over a long day.
<h5 class="p1">Honest Drawbacks</h5>
No product is flawless. Here are a couple of honest observations:
Warm Weather Considerations &mdash; On a hot day you might sweat more across your back or stomach. I&rsquo;m slim and didn&rsquo;t find it unbearable, but in high-heat situations add a lightweight moisture-wicking layer and you&rsquo;ll be fine.
More Mounting Options Would Be Nice &mdash; I&rsquo;d love additional attachment points for quick-access pouches, battery holsters, or a side camera mount. Currently you might have to reach into a Pelican case or backpack for spare batteries or accessories. Adding modular attachment points would turn this from &ldquo;excellent&rdquo; into &ldquo;indispensable.&rdquo;
<h5 class="p1">The Little Things That Matter</h5>
<img src="https://media.thedroningcompany.com/images/tincy/sXs9nrTavAX23dkaK0wwZpBFcLeQ7LUPSrA2wVrv.png" alt="" width="317" height="256" />
Beyond specs and brackets, the harness changes your workflow psychologically. You care less about &ldquo;will this setup hold&rdquo; and more about &ldquo;what shot do I want next?&rdquo; For creative work, that&rsquo;s priceless. The harness lets you treat your controller like a tool that&rsquo;s always ready &mdash; not a thing you&rsquo;re constantly babying. I felt more confident, moved smoother between shots, and even found myself smiling a little more because I wasn&rsquo;t fighting fatigue.
<h5 class="p1">Use Cases Beyond Flying</h5>
Because of its adaptability, this harness is useful beyond flying drones. I used it to mount one of my action cameras and a mirrorless camera &mdash; perfect for BTS (behind-the-scenes) content, vlogging during events, or fast documentary-style shooting where you need to be both mobile and stable. For creators who wear many hats on a shoot (pilot, camera op, director), this harness effectively becomes a wearable workstation.
<h5 class="p1">Why It&rsquo;s Worth It</h5>
The Fitek harness is more than comfort &mdash; it&rsquo;s a workflow upgrade. It saves time, reduces fatigue, and elevates your presence in the field. For creators, that&rsquo;s worth more than a few extra dollars on a piece of gear. The harness helps you stay efficient, focused, and &mdash; yes &mdash; professional-looking. And for folks who fly long hours, that ergonomic support pays dividends in both quality and stamina.
<h5 class="p1">Final Thoughts&nbsp;</h5>
<img src="https://media.thedroningcompany.com/images/tincy/jqkL6kQa6baCObWowXDtc0CqJyQDmv3IetaZ0y5H.png" alt="" width="316" height="479" />
After testing the harness at the UAV Expo and using it during an intense real-world shoot, I can say this: it&rsquo;s one of the best accessories I&rsquo;ve tested this year. It&rsquo;s simple to use, comfortable for long sessions, and I believe with a few updates and modifications, it will be flexible enough to suit a variety of rigs and cameras. If you&rsquo;re a content creator, commercial pilot, or someone who demands dependable gear in the field, this harness should be on your shortlist.
<h5 class="p1">Watch the Review!</h5>
<iframe style="width: 672px; height: 378px;" title="YouTube video player" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/PRzeBKGdXd0?si=9lgpgGcTWbrwDe1O" width="672" height="378" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen"></iframe>

Review: Fitek Gear Drone Controller Harness

02 September 2025
<a href="https://www.thedroningcompany.com/news/categories/brazzel" target="_blank" rel="noopener">By Timothy Brazzel</a>
The topic of DJI and the ongoing U.S. drone ban has been at the center of conversations in the drone community for quite some time. As the most dominant drone manufacturer in the world, DJI has built a reputation for producing reliable, user-friendly, and innovative products that both hobbyists and professionals have come to rely on. But with increasing political pressure, growing security concerns, and an uncertain regulatory future, many drone pilots in the U.S. are asking the same question: What&rsquo;s next for DJI? Recently, I watched a fantastic discussion on Bill The Drone Reviewer&rsquo;s YouTube channel, featuring Rick Smith from Drone Valley. Rick shared some insights that really stuck with me, laying out a few possible strategies DJI might pursue to get around the U.S. ban. These aren&rsquo;t confirmed moves, but they&rsquo;re realistic scenarios worth exploring. Today, I want to break down those options, talk about the pros and cons, and share some of my own thoughts on how DJI might navigate this storm. Let&rsquo;s dive in.
<h5 class="p4">Option 1: Build a Factory in the U.S.</h5>
At first glance, this might sound like the &ldquo;golden ticket&rdquo; solution. If DJI were to build a manufacturing facility here in the United States, they could sidestep tariffs, create American jobs, and possibly earn back some goodwill from lawmakers. Imagine the headlines: &ldquo;DJI Opens Drone Factory in the U.S.&rdquo; From a public relations standpoint, that&rsquo;s huge. It&rsquo;s a move that not only addresses political concerns but also demonstrates a tangible investment in the U.S. market. Customers might even feel more confident purchasing DJI drones, knowing they&rsquo;re &ldquo;Made in America.&rdquo;
The Pros
<ul class="ul1">
<li class="li3">Avoid tariffs and potential import restrictions.</li>
<li class="li3">Improve DJI&rsquo;s public image by creating U.S. jobs.</li>
<li class="li3">Build trust with American lawmakers and consumers.</li>
</ul>
The Cons
<ul class="ul1">
<li class="li3">Building a factory is extremely expensive. We&rsquo;re talking billions of dollars in construction, labor, and logistics.</li>
<li class="li3">It takes years to design, build, and scale a facility that can match DJI&rsquo;s current production levels in China.</li>
<li class="li3">The supply chain for critical drone components is still heavily tied to Asia, meaning DJI couldn&rsquo;t truly escape global dependencies.</li>
</ul>
In short, while this sounds great on paper, it may be a long shot in practice. By the time a U.S. factory is up and running, the drone landscape could look very different.
<h5 class="p4">Option 2: Partner with a Major U.S. Company</h5>
The second option is more practical in the short term: DJI could partner with a well-established U.S. company. Imagine DJI teaming up with a tech giant like Apple, Amazon. By aligning with a U.S. brand, DJI might soften political opposition and create a hybrid product that feels less &ldquo;foreign&rdquo; while still delivering the innovation they&rsquo;re known for.
The Pros
<ul class="ul1">
<li class="li3">Faster than building a U.S. factory.</li>
<li class="li3">Creates a sense of legitimacy through collaboration with a trusted American company.</li>
<li class="li3">Could help DJI maintain its market share in the U.S. while avoiding a full ban.</li>
<li class="li3">&nbsp;</li>
<li class="li3">The Cones</li>
<li class="li3">Partnerships often require compromise. DJI might lose some control over design, branding, or pricing.</li>
<li class="li3">Profits would be shared, and DJI may not like giving up part of its dominance.</li>
<li class="li3">Political pushback might still linger, since critics could argue it&rsquo;s still &ldquo;DJI tech in disguise.&rdquo;</li>
</ul>
Still, this path is more realistic. Big companies have partnered across borders before, and if the right deal were struck, it could allow DJI to stay relevant in the U.S. without starting from scratch.
<h5 class="p4">Option 3: License Their Technology to Other Brands</h5>
This option is one we&rsquo;re already seeing in action. DJI has the ability to license its technology to other companies, who then rebrand and sell drones under different names. Examples include Anzu Robotics, Specta Air, and Skyrover. In other words, DJI provides the brains and guts of the drone, but the name on the box belongs to someone else. In Manny cases, these drones appear to be identical in terms of the outer shell, maybe with a change of color and so forth, but at the end of the day it&rsquo;s clearly DJI&rsquo;s footprint.
<ul class="ul1">
<li class="li3">The Pros</li>
<li class="li3">Keeps DJI&rsquo;s innovations in the market without DJI being directly involved.</li>
<li class="li3">Allows U.S.-based companies to sell drones with trusted technology.</li>
<li class="li3">Avoids some of the political baggage tied to DJI&rsquo;s brand name.</li>
<li class="li3">The Cons</li>
<li class="li3">Dilutes the DJI brand, which has become synonymous with drone excellence.</li>
<li class="li3">Consumers might feel confused or skeptical if too many &ldquo;DJI lookalikes&rdquo; flood the market.</li>
<li class="li3">DJI earns less than if they sold drones directly, since revenue comes through licensing.</li>
</ul>
Think of it this way: buying a licensed drone from another company is a bit like eating generic cereal. It might taste the same, but it just doesn&rsquo;t feel like the real deal when the box doesn&rsquo;t say Fruit Loops. That being said, this option is probably the most immediate and realistic path forward. DJI gets to continue profiting, consumers still get access to their tech, and U.S. lawmakers can point to American companies as the sellers.
<h5 class="p4">So, Which Option Makes the Most Sense?</h5>
Each of these paths has its strengths and weaknesses. Building a U.S. factory sounds patriotic but might be too costly and slow. Partnering with a major U.S. company could work but would require compromise. Licensing tech seems like the easiest short-term move, but it risks watering down DJI&rsquo;s brand identity. If I had to place a bet, I&rsquo;d say DJI will lean more heavily on licensing in the near future. It&rsquo;s the least disruptive option, keeps their technology in the market, and gives U.S. companies room to grow while still relying on DJI&rsquo;s expertise. But that doesn&rsquo;t mean the other options are off the table. DJI is a global powerhouse, and if the U.S. market is important enough to them, we may see some combination of these strategies unfold.
<h5 class="p4">The Bigger Picture</h5>
At the end of the day, the DJI ban is about more than just drones. It&rsquo;s about international politics, security concerns, and the balancing act between innovation and regulation. For us as drone pilots, it can feel frustrating to have the tools we love caught in the middle of something so complex. But there&rsquo;s also opportunity here. Whether DJI adapts by building, partnering, or licensing, the drone industry as a whole will evolve. New players will rise, competition will increase, and we might even see more innovation come out of this than we expect. The question is: are we ready for it?
<h5 class="p4">Final Thoughts</h5>
The drone world is changing quickly, and DJI is at a crossroads. Whatever path they choose, it will shape not just their future, but the future of drones in the U.S. market. So now I want to turn the question over to you: Which option do you think DJI should pursue? Do you like the idea of U.S.-made DJI drones? Would you feel comfortable buying a rebranded DJI drone through another company? Or do you think a big partnership makes the most sense? Drop your thoughts in the comments below &mdash; I&rsquo;d love to hear your perspective. And if you&rsquo;d like to dive deeper into this discussion, check out my latest video on YouTube channel, &ldquo;Inspire With Drones,&rdquo; where I unpack this topic in even more detail: https://youtu.be/sjIfQpbGaUo As always &mdash; fly safe, fly smart, and stay tuned.
<h5 class="p3">Watch the "Tim Talk" on DJI</h5>
<iframe style="width: 677px; height: 381px;" title="YouTube video player" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/sjIfQpbGaUo?si=JsBNevuZs0NnlWKE" width="677" height="381" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen"></iframe>

Can DJI Beat the U.S. Drone Ban?

19 August 2025
<a href="https://www.thedroningcompany.com/news/categories/brazzel" target="_blank" rel="noopener">By&nbsp;Timothy Brazzel</a>
In September 2025, I&rsquo;ll be boarding a flight from Southern California to South Korea &mdash; not for vacation, but for a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity: to represent the United States at the International FIDA World Cup Drone Soccer Competitions.
For those who may not know, drone soccer is a fast-growing international sport that combines aviation, robotics, and competitive teamwork. Players pilot drones encased in protective spheres, navigating through aerial &ldquo;goals&rdquo; in high-energy matches that are as exciting to watch as they are to play. It&rsquo;s not just a sport &mdash; it&rsquo;s a movement inspiring students and communities to explore STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) in a whole new way.
<h5 class="p1">Why This Matters</h5>
<iframe src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/piwfuCSrfUk?si=FEQSVeC_0nAbGXux" width="560" height="314" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen"></iframe>
Representing the U.S. on the world stage is more than just a personal milestone. This competition is an opportunity to: - Showcase U.S. drone talent to an international audience. - Build global relationships within the drone and robotics communities. - Inspire young people to get involved in STEM and aviation.
I&rsquo;ll be documenting the entire journey &mdash; from travel, to behind-the-scenes moments, to the intense drone soccer matches &mdash; and sharing it all with my audience through an in-depth video feature. My goal is to make you feel like you were right there with me in South Korea.
<h5 class="p1">How You Can Help</h5>
Traveling to an event like this comes with significant expenses &mdash; flights, lodging, meals, and equipment needs. I&rsquo;ve set up a GoFundMe campaign to help make this trip possible, and I would be deeply grateful for your support.
<img src="https://media.thedroningcompany.com/images/tincy/qW8qkLoKlTTYMw86gC05I583S81wa9jUl3Dt8Al9.png" alt="" width="307" height="307" />
Every donation, no matter the amount, brings us one step closer to representing the U.S. and sharing this incredible story with the world. If you&rsquo;re unable to give financially, simply sharing the campaign with others is a powerful way to help.
&nbsp;
Here is a direct link to Tim's GoFundMe campaign: <a style="color: #e03e2d;" title="Donate Here" href="https://www.gofundme.com/f/support-timothy-brazzels-journey-to-south-korea/cl/o?utm_campaign=fp_sharesheet&amp;utm_content=amp13_t1&amp;utm_medium=customer&amp;utm_source=copy_link&amp;lang=en_US&amp;attribution_id=sl%3A4603ea2e-7ecf-4e96-bdd4-f1f23b976b9f&amp;ts=1755629939">Donate Here</a>
&nbsp;
<h5 class="p1">Final Thoughts</h5>
This journey isn&rsquo;t just about me. It&rsquo;s about representing our country, inspiring the next generation, and showing the world what&rsquo;s possible when passion, technology, and teamwork come together. Let&rsquo;s make history &mdash; together.
<h5 class="p2">About TImothy Brazzel</h5>
<img src="https://media.thedroningcompany.com/images/tincy/goHcEk5B4Yu6rOxZqDoTDZspqt3KJ5qyD2heuCDH.png" alt="" width="185" height="135" />
I&rsquo;m a Part 107 certified commercial drone operator, video solutions specialist, and columnist for The Droning Company. Over the past three years, I&rsquo;ve had the privilege of working alongside industry leaders such as Skip Fredricks (Hollywood Drones) and Tim Ingram, CEO of FIDA USA and Camp of Champs. These experiences have sharpened my skills in drone cinematography, videography, and storytelling &mdash; and have fueled my passion for bringing the world of drones to wider audiences.

Taking U.S. Drone Soccer to the World Stage

12 August 2025
<a style="color: #ba372a;" href="https://www.thedroningcompany.com/news/categories/brazzel" target="_blank" rel="noopener">By Timothy Brazzel</a>
Sometimes the best opportunities are the ones you didn't expect to show up. It&rsquo;s up to you to embrace them, make them count, and if it doesn&rsquo;t work out&mdash;appreciate the experience and keep moving forward. For the past four months, I've taken weekdays, and time off from my full‑time job to work part‑time with DronePower1, a startup that uses drones to clean and power‑wash solar panels in the low desert&mdash;places like La Quinta, Palm Desert, and Palm Springs. It&rsquo;s hands‑on, fast‑paced, and unlike typical drone work I&rsquo;ve done before. Some maybe wondering. Why take time away from your full-time job to work this other position? Aren&rsquo;t you losing income?' The answer is no. I use my personal paid time, which allows me to take on solar panel drone jobs during the cooler parts of the day. Since this job involves working in warm conditions at times, early starts are essential for both efficiency and safety."
<img src="https://media.thedroningcompany.com/images/tincy/8EmBCwGjAoZ6M2lIm3A4remGATyo9g9fgCp1CsMz.png" alt="" width="456" height="303" />
<h5 class="p1">The Tech and Team Behind the Work</h5>
At the heart of the operation is the Joyance JTC10 drone. Here&rsquo;s what makes it technically impressive: - Take‑off weight: ~20 kg; net weight ~12.6 kg - Fly up to 60 m altitude, with 15&ndash;23 minutes per battery - Spraying width: up to 500 mm, with flow rate ~10 L/min - Efficiency: Can cover 500 m&sup2; per flight, or up to 1,500 m&sup2;/hour - Pressure: Up to 4,100&ndash;4,200 psi (adjustable) - Smart features: Obstacle radar, IP56 protection, and fast battery swaps. This drone is tethered to water and power, letting it hover steadily while delivering high‑pressure cleaning. The precision and efficiency are nothing short of game-changing in high‑altitude cleaning applications.
As a team, we rely on constant communication&mdash;using headsets, and a dedicated spotter to monitor the tether and visual line-of-sight, and careful coordination in desert heat. It&rsquo;s work that demands both technical focus and situational awareness; days with up to three to four homes serviced can be hot and intense, yet undeniably rewarding.
<img src="https://media.thedroningcompany.com/images/tincy/m1FVuvChfdZLnAJQ08fplAYi3Kipfv5k1FYxJel4.png" alt="" width="368" height="337" />&nbsp;
Joyance JTC10 drone
<h5>What It's Like Out There</h5>
Working these jobs feels like merging technology with tangible satisfaction. There&rsquo;s something deeply motivating about flying over dusty solar panels, quickly revealing clean, gleaming rows beneath the desert sun. Seeing the customer&rsquo;s gratitude&mdash;watching their eyes light up as panels transform&mdash;is a powerful reward. I usually earn between $50&ndash;$70 per hour, a strong side income that offers much more than money&mdash;it&rsquo;s autonomy, teamwork, innovation. But more than that, this job has a heartbeat. DronePower1 is young and growing, but it&rsquo;s rooted in solving a real-world problem: keeping solar energy systems operating at peak performance through smart cleaning, from having to climb on top of rooftops, risking ones safety and possibly or unintentionally damaging solar panels. A mentor of mine once said, &ldquo;Opportunities don&rsquo;t always come dressed like opportunities. Sometimes they look like hard work, noise, or even trouble.&rdquo; This gig embodies that idea&mdash;it wasn&rsquo;t glamorous, but it&rsquo;s full of purpose.
<img src="https://media.thedroningcompany.com/images/tincy/E4COXtBO64VLcOBuRFLWMhsKZJkKdLfa0tRvsw2I.png" alt="" width="316" height="241" />
Flight controller
<h5 class="p1">Drone Industry Growth and the Future of Flight</h5>
The drone industry is not just growing&mdash;it&rsquo;s exploding. Let&rsquo;s look at some forecasts: - The global commercial drone market is projected to climb from $30 billion in 2024 to $54.6 billion by 2030, at a CAGR of 10.6% (Grand View Research). - More broadly across all segments, the overall drone market may surge to $163&ndash;165 billion by 2030, with even more optimistic estimates reaching $260 billion (TS2.space). - Drone Industry Insights forecasts the global commercial drone space hitting $54.6 billion by 2030, with energy (utilities) as a leading vertical. - Even sectors like Advanced Air Mobility (AAM)&mdash;passenger air taxis and delivery drones&mdash;see potential valuations of $20.8 billion by 2035. These trends underscore a bright future for drone-related work. As automation expands and regulations evolve&mdash;such as FAA&rsquo;s new BVLOS rules and advanced autonomy certifications&mdash;there will be increasing demand for certified drone pilots, inspectors, and operators to navigate complex operations and maintain safety standards.
<h5 class="p1">Lessons Learned and Words to Live By</h5>
Through this journey with DronePower1, I&rsquo;ve learned: - Embrace unexpected doors: This side job wasn&rsquo;t on my radar, but stepping in opened a new world of education and experience. - Combine heart with technology: Cleaning solar panels with a drone might sound mundane&mdash;until you see it in action. - Stay resilient whether it works out or not. As I often say: &ldquo;If it works out&mdash;great. If it doesn&rsquo;t&mdash;thank your mentors, embrace the lesson, and keep going.&rdquo; I owe deep thanks to Skip Fredricks of Hollywood Drones and Stuart Smith of The Droning Company for their guidance, techniques, and insights that helped shape my field expertise. Also, huge appreciation to the entire DronePower1 team, and the CEO Paul Lyman, founder and aviation expert with over 30 years of military and commercial experience&mdash;this endeavor is as much yours as it is mine.
<h5 class="p2">Watch Now!</h5>
<iframe style="width: 665px; height: 374px;" title="YouTube video player" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/Nn7ADwipoXs?si=n5cfyPHosHixXPHE" width="665" height="374" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen"></iframe>

Job Strategies: Harnessing Opportunity in Unexpected Places

05 August 2025
<a href="https://www.thedroningcompany.com/pilot/timothy-brazzel" target="_blank" rel="noopener">By Timothy Brazzel</a>
I have built a successful company providing drone videography/photography and video editing services for&nbsp;weddings and engagements, real estate, roof inspections, special events, social media content for marketing and branding, commercial properties, and more.
Let me share some ideas with you, so you can build or expand your own company. Opportunities are out there. Go get them!
<h5>Get Those Drone Jobs Now!</h5>
<iframe style="width: 668px; height: 376px;" title="YouTube video player" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/GMfOYUTz3S8?si=PUXXo1p-gsi8BWOA" width="668" height="376" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen"></iframe>

How to Get Drone Jobs!

May 28, 2025
By Timothy Brazzel
In 2023, I released a YouTube video titled &ldquo;How to Get Drone Jobs?&rdquo; and it quickly became one of my top-performing uploads. The feedback was overwhelmingly positive, and to this day, it's one of the highest-ranked videos on my channel. But something has shifted. The drone job market isn&rsquo;t quite what it used to be. Pilots who are certified, passionate, and doing everything right are still struggling to find consistent work.
<img src="https://media.thedroningcompany.com/images/tincy/0mbdXjkZ1MMHfgZ7z4SkLISM9NBEIeGMYyT7xH7w.png" alt="" width="677" height="385" />
One recent comment I received perfectly sums up what so many drone pilots are feeling: &ldquo;Dude!! I have been looking for something like this for a while. Thank you for posting this video. I'm signing up today! I've been struggling to get jobs on my own, driving around looking for construction sites, talking to Real Estate agents etc.. etc. One last question, did you set your fee with the insurance company, or did they tell you what they were willing to pay?&rdquo; This pilot had just signed up for TheDroningCompany.com, a job board and media platform centered around the drone industry. While it&rsquo;s not a guaranteed job magnet, it&rsquo;s still a valuable space to promote your brand and stay informed on the latest in the drone world. But platforms alone won&rsquo;t get you the jobs you&rsquo;re looking for. Today&rsquo;s market requires something more.  
<ol>
<li>The Reality of the Current Drone Market: </li>
</ol>
The drone space is saturated not with just certified drone pilots, but with hobbyists as well. With the affordability of consumer drones and the ease of certification such as TRUST, &amp; Part 107, more pilots are entering the field than ever before. That means more competition, fewer easy wins, and a much higher need to stand out. I talk about this more in my corresponding YouTube video.  Traditional methods like cold-calling real estate agents or driving around construction sites aren&rsquo;t as effective as they once were. Many of the companies that needed drone content have either already partnered with someone or are now doing it in-house. So how do you rise above the noise? 
<ol start="2">
<li>Be Where the Attention Is: </li>
</ol>
Platforms like <a href="https://www.thedroningcompany.com/">TheDroningCompany.com</a> are helpful &mdash; not necessarily for landing a flood of gigs, but for establishing an online presence. Your goal should be visibility. When companies look you up, what will they find? A professional pilot with a digital portfolio? Or someone with a dusty LinkedIn page and no current content?  Use job boards as a tool, but don&rsquo;t rely on them. Use them to send traffic to your personal page, YouTube channel, or business website. Make it easy for people to trust and hire you.  
<ol start="3">
<li>Build Your Brand and Story:</li>
</ol>
People hire people, not just pilots. You need a brand. What do you stand for? What industries do you serve? How do you solve problems better than your competitors? Document your journey. Post behind-the-scenes content. Share your wins, your failures, and your lessons learned. Companies like DronePower1, where I briefly worked, weren&rsquo;t just impressed by my drone skills or degree &mdash; the CEO appreciated my integrity, my communication, and how I carried myself. &nbsp;In short, my character.  
<ol start="4">
<li>Develop Your Character and Reputation:</li>
</ol>
This part isn&rsquo;t talked about enough: Character matters. One of the most underrated business strategies is simply being good to work with.  Are you reliable? Communicative? Open to feedback? People don&rsquo;t want to chase you for updates or deal with egos. The industry is growing up, and professionalism matters more than ever.  Being a skilled pilot is table stakes. Being a pilot people enjoy working with &mdash; that&rsquo;s your superpower.  
<ol start="5">
<li>Think Strategically, Not Desperately: </li>
</ol>
If you're waiting for opportunities to come to you, you'll be waiting a long time. Instead of hoping for jobs, start creating them. Identify businesses that could benefit from aerial content and pitch them with custom ideas. Offer free samples if needed to get your foot in the door.  And remember relationships beat resumes. People hire people they know, trust, and see value in. Show up in person. Network. Attend drone expos or local business events. Some that I&rsquo;ve included are the 2025 Palm Springs Drone Fest, Commercial UAV, and the AUVSI Xponential trade shows.  
Final Thoughts  
The landscape has changed, but so have the opportunities. There&rsquo;s still massive demand for drone work &mdash; but it&rsquo;s going to those who are seen, trusted, and known. Don&rsquo;t just chase jobs. Build a presence. Develop your brand. Cultivate your reputation. And most importantly, focus on being the kind of person others want to work with. I created this blog post for those drone pilots out there grinding every day, wondering why the calls aren&rsquo;t coming in. You&rsquo;re not alone, but you don&rsquo;t have to stay stuck either. Let&rsquo;s level up &mdash; together.  
<iframe src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/0YM-BqJs0jI" width="560" height="314" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen"></iframe>
If you haven&rsquo;t yet, check out my original video on &ldquo;Why You're not Getting Drone Jobs in 2025 (And how to fix it)&rdquo; and stay tuned for more insights coming soon. Also, subscribe to my YouTube channel as well <a href="https://www.youtube.com/@Inspirewithdrones3342">(Inspire with Drones)</a>
<a href="https://www.youtube.com/@Inspirewithdrones3342"><img src="https://media.thedroningcompany.com/images/tincy/9aztda16MM8d3NUW35HN9XRvIIkaLfAS0NI5FNeU.png" alt="" width="495" height="331" /></a>
&nbsp;  👉 Q&amp;A for You: What&rsquo;s been your biggest challenge in landing paid drone jobs&mdash;and what&rsquo;s one thing you&rsquo;ve tried that either worked or didn&rsquo;t work at all? Send me an email to:
timothy@thedroningcompany.com
I&rsquo;d love to hear your story and might even feature it in a future video!  
Stay elevated, Timothy Brazzel

How to Stand Out and Land High-Quality Drone Jobs in Today’s Market

Brazzel

12th May 2025
By The Droning Company columnist Timothy Brazzel.
Hey what&rsquo;s up, Drone fam, I have a very inspiring topic to talk about, that I believe will indeed benefit you and your drone business in 2025, and in years to come. If you&rsquo;re flying for business, there&rsquo;s one topic you can&rsquo;t afford to ignore: contracts. Whether you're doing real estate shoots, events, inspections, or creative projects, having a solid contract isn&rsquo;t just smart it&rsquo;s essential.
Why Do You Need a Contract?
The answer is simple: protection. A well-written contract protects you legally and financially. It also lays out clear expectations for both you and your client, reducing the chances of miscommunication or disputes.
Types of Drone Contracts to Consider
There isn&rsquo;t a one-size-fits-all solution, so here are a few key contract types you should be familiar with:
- Service Agreement &ndash; Great for covering the basics of most drone jobs.
- Licensing Agreement &ndash; Perfect when you're providing footage for limited or broad usage.
- Subcontractor Agreement &ndash; A must if you&rsquo;re hiring other drone pilots to work under you.
- Non-Disclosure Agreement (NDA) &ndash; Essential when dealing with private or sensitive client material.
Key Clauses Every Contract Should Include
Regardless of which type you&rsquo;re using, make sure your contract includes these five critical clauses:
1. Scope of Work &ndash; Define exactly what services you're providing.
2. Payment Terms &ndash; Clarify how and when you'll be paid.
3. Cancellation Policy &ndash; Set boundaries for last-minute cancellations or rescheduling.
4. Usage Rights &ndash; Determine who owns the footage and how it can be used.
5. Insurance Requirements &ndash; State what coverage you carry and what&rsquo;s expected of clients or subs.
Where to Find Good Contract Templates
You don&rsquo;t have to start from scratch. Great contract templates can be found on platforms like:
- HoneyBook: <a style="color: #ba372a;" href="https://www.honeybook.com">https://www.honeybook.com</a>
- Bonsai: <a style="color: #ba372a;" href="https://www.hellobonsai.com">https://www.hellobonsai.com</a>
- Docracy: <a style="color: #ba372a;" href="https://www.docracy.com">https://www.docracy.com</a>
Some drone forums also share free versions. For something more legally airtight, consider using LegalZoom or consulting a lawyer who understands freelance or creative contracts.
<iframe src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/tUr2NSCVDDY" width="560" height="314" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen"></iframe>
Use E-Sign Tools to Save Time
Don&rsquo;t underestimate the power of convenience. Tools like DocuSign, Adobe Sign, or HelloSign make it easy for both you and your client to sign documents quickly no printer required.
If you&rsquo;d like access to one of my personal drone contract templates, or want a breakdown of individual clauses in detail, check out my corresponding YouTube video and click on the link in the description to download a free template, also, drop a comment on my YouTube video or reach out directly.
Until next time keep flying smart, and fly with purpose.
&nbsp;

"Must Have" Drone Contracts: Protect Yourself Before You Fly

21 April 2025
<a style="color: #ba372a;" href="https://www.thedroningcompany.com/news/categories/brazzel" target="_blank" rel="noopener">By Timothy Brazzel</a>
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&mdash;you&rsquo;re not alone.
In this article, I want to speak directly to the discouraged, the unmotivated, the overwhelmed&hellip; the dreamers who feel like giving up.
After more than three years as a certified drone pilot, I&rsquo;ve experienced the highs and the lows, the setbacks and the victories. And I&rsquo;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&rsquo;s dive into the three key truths I wish someone had told me when I started.
<h5 class="p3">Certification is Just the Beginning</h5>
Let&rsquo;s rewind the clock a bit.
I remember how I used to talk about my journey&mdash;how I spent four years preparing to take my Part 107 exam. Yep, four years. Not because I didn&rsquo;t want it badly&hellip; 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&mdash;piecing together scattered YouTube videos and online content.
Now, don&rsquo;t get me wrong. There&rsquo;s tons of helpful information out there. But for my learning style, it wasn&rsquo;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&mdash;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&rsquo;s an amazing milestone, yes. But it&rsquo;s not the finish line. You don&rsquo;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&rsquo;s where growth happens. Add to your r&eacute;sum&eacute;, build your portfolio, and start creating opportunities that didn&rsquo;t exist before.
<h5 class="p3">You Don&rsquo;t Have to Know Everything&nbsp;</h5>
This one right here is big.
So many people&mdash;especially aspiring drone pilots&mdash;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&hellip; once I learn that technique&hellip; then I&rsquo;ll start."
But here&rsquo;s the truth: You don&rsquo;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&mdash;but those mistakes became lessons that leveled me up.
Knowledge is valuable, yes&mdash;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&rsquo;s what I learned: every job, every client, every flight taught me something new. And when I didn&rsquo;t know something, I found out. That&rsquo;s how you build confidence.
Don&rsquo;t let the idea of &ldquo;not being ready&rdquo; stop you from becoming who you&rsquo;re called to be.
<h5 class="p3">Your Future Is Bigger Than Your Fear</h5>
I need you to hear this loud and clear:
Your fear is lying to you.
Fear tells you you&rsquo;re not good enough. That you&rsquo;ll fail. That you don&rsquo;t have what it takes. But let me remind you&mdash;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&rsquo;ll never apply for that job, never take on that project, never launch that business. You&rsquo;ll remain stuck, standing on the edge of something amazing, too afraid to leap.
I&rsquo;ve been there. I get it. But if I hadn&rsquo;t taken the leap&mdash;if I let fear win&mdash;I never would have experienced what I&rsquo;m doing today.
Let me share this with you: Right now, I&rsquo;m working with a company called DronePower1. We clean solar panels using commercial drones tethered to a pressurized water line. It&rsquo;s a totally new venture for me&mdash;and let me tell you, it&rsquo;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&mdash;and what I didn&rsquo;t know, I would learn.
So I stepped in with confidence&hellip; and it&rsquo;s been one of the most exciting learning experiences of my career.
And guess what? That opportunity came because I didn&rsquo;t let fear stop me. I didn&rsquo;t know it all. I wasn&rsquo;t an expert. But I said yes&mdash;and I grew into the role.
So now I&rsquo;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&mdash;even when it&rsquo;s hard. A decision to show up&mdash;even when it&rsquo;s uncomfortable. A decision to take action&mdash;even when fear says otherwise.
If you want to succeed in this drone space&mdash;or any space&mdash;it starts with what&rsquo;s happening in your mind.
You don&rsquo;t need all the gear. You don&rsquo;t need a million followers. You don&rsquo;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&rsquo;ve got this.&nbsp;
Let&rsquo;s fly higher&mdash;together.
<h5 class="p2">Watch This!</h5>
<iframe style="width: 677px; height: 381px;" title="YouTube video player" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/EA6Wlw1hTWE?si=Z-_OPq1mLAldJfiw" width="677" height="381" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen"></iframe>
If you&rsquo;re looking for more content like this&mdash;<a href="https://www.youtube.com/@Inspirewithdrones3342" target="_blank" rel="noopener">subscribe to my channel. </a>
We&rsquo;re building a community of passionate drone pilots, dreamers, and doers.

Featured News Trending NewsWhat is Drone Takeover Technology?

Featured News Trending NewsGrounded in Hope: The Unbreakable Spirit of the Drone Community

Featured News Product NewsReview: Fitek Gear Drone Controller Harness

Featured News Trending NewsCan DJI Beat the U.S. Drone Ban?

Featured News Trending NewsTaking U.S. Drone Soccer to the World Stage

Featured News Trending NewsJob Strategies: Harnessing Opportunity in Unexpected Places

Featured News Trending NewsHow to Get Drone Jobs!

Featured News Product NewsHow to Stand Out and Land High-Quality Drone Jobs in Today’s Market

Product News Brazzel"Must Have" Drone Contracts: Protect Yourself Before You Fly

Featured News Trending NewsDon't Give Up On Your Drone Dreams