Drone Jobs

Featured News

08 November 2023
By&nbsp;<a href="https://www.thedroningcompany.com/pilot/timothy-brazzel" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Timothy Brazzel</a>
Determining the appropriate pricing for drone jobs can be a complex decision, especially in the field of professional drone operations. Many certified drone operators struggle with this matter and find it challenging to come up with a figure that is reasonable and respected by clients or businesses. However, I can provide you with some general guidelines on how to determine pricing for drone jobs, and you can adapt this information to your specific situation.
When calculating how much to charge for drone jobs, several factors come into play:
Location: Since I&rsquo;m based in Southern California, you may charge differently than someone in a less expensive area. Consider the cost of living, competition, and the local market demand.
Experience and Skill Level: Your expertise as a professional videographer can contribute to your pricing. Clients may be willing to pay more for your experience and the quality of your work.
Equipment: Drones come in various models and have different capabilities. The cost of your equipment and any additional camera gear or software will influence your pricing.
Type of Service: The nature of the drone job matters. Are you capturing aerial footage for a real estate listing, creating promotional videos, or filming events for your church? Each type may require different rates.
Time and Labor: Consider the time it takes to plan, set up, fly the drone, and edit the footage. Your hourly rate should cover both the actual flight time and post-production work.
Insurance and Licensing: Ensure that you have the necessary licenses and insurance. These costs should be factored into your pricing.
Market Research: Research competitors in your area and see what they charge for similar drone services. This can help you determine a competitive rate.
Client's Budget: Be aware of your client's budget. Some clients may have a specific budget in mind, while others are more flexible.
Additional Services: Determine if you will offer any additional services like video editing, custom music, or other post-production work, and include those costs.
Travel and Expenses: If the job requires travel, accommodation, or additional expenses, make sure to account for these in your pricing.
It's important to have a transparent pricing structure and communicate this clearly to your clients. You may want to offer different packages based on the scope of the project. Additionally, consider whether you want to charge on a flat fee or hourly basis.
Ultimately, the price you charge for drone jobs should be a balance between covering your costs, making a profit, and providing value to your clients. Don't hesitate to adjust your rates as you gain more experience and build your reputation in the industry.
<h5>Create a Transparent Pricing Structure and Communicate it Clearly to Your Clients</h5>
Creating a transparent pricing structure for your drone services and effectively communicating it to your clients is crucial for building trust and ensuring that both you and your clients are on the same page. Here's a step-by-step guide on how to achieve this:
Define Your Pricing Model:&nbsp;Decide whether you want to charge on an hourly basis, per project, or offer different packages based on the scope of the job. Consider which model aligns best with your services and clients' needs.
Cost Breakdown: Break down your costs into different components, such as equipment, labor, travel expenses, post-production, and any additional services you offer. This will help clients understand what they're paying for.
Base Rate: Set a base rate that covers your time, expertise, and equipment costs. This can be your starting point for pricing.
Package Options:&nbsp;Offer different package options with clear descriptions of what's included in each. For example, you can have packages for basic aerial footage, premium editing, or extended coverage.
Itemized List: Provide an itemized list of services and their associated costs. This can include things like pre-flight planning, on-site shooting, post-production, and additional add-ons like music licensing or extra editing hours.
Travel Expenses: If travel is involved, be explicit about how travel expenses (e.g., transportation, accommodation, meals) will be handled and billed.
Discounts and Extras: Clearly outline any discounts or extra charges. For instance, you might offer a discount for bundled services or extra fees for rush orders.
Licensing and Insurance: Highlight the importance of your licensing and insurance in ensuring safety and compliance. Assure clients that these factors are included in your pricing.
Payment Terms: Specify your payment terms, including the methods of payment you accept, the payment schedule (e.g., a deposit upfront and final payment upon completion), and any late payment penalties.
Client Consultation: Before providing a quote, have a consultation with your clients to understand their specific needs and expectations. This will help you tailor your pricing to their unique requirements.
Clear Contracts: Draft clear, comprehensive contracts that outline all the terms and conditions, including the pricing structure. Both you and your clients should sign these contracts to ensure everyone is in agreement.
Professional Proposals: Present your pricing structure in professional proposals or quotes. Use software or templates that make it easy to include all the necessary details and present a polished document to your clients.
Discuss Scope Creep: Address the issue of scope creep (additional work beyond the initial agreement) in your contracts and make it clear how additional work will be billed.
Provide Examples: Include examples of past projects and their associated costs to give clients a better understanding of what they can expect.
Open Communication: Encourage open and honest communication with your clients. Be ready to answer their questions and clarify any uncertainties about your pricing.
Review and Update: Periodically review and update your pricing structure to account for changes in your business, equipment upgrades, or market conditions.
Remember that transparency and clear communication are key to a successful client-provider relationship. By following these steps, you can create a pricing structure that clients can easily understand and appreciate.
<h5>Potential Challenges&nbsp;</h5>
Determining the pricing for drone jobs can indeed be challenging due to various factors and considerations. Here are some potential challenges you may face when trying to figure out how to price drone jobs:
Market Variability:&nbsp; The market for drone services can be highly variable. Prices may fluctuate depending on location, demand, and competition. It can be challenging to determine the right pricing strategy in such a dynamic environment.
Lack of Industry Standards: Unlike some industries with established pricing standards, the drone services industry doesn't have universally recognized pricing guidelines. This lack of standards can make it difficult to set competitive rates.
Diverse Services: Drone services can encompass a wide range of applications, from real estate photography to aerial surveys to videography. Pricing may differ significantly depending on the type of service, which makes it challenging to create a one-size-fits-all pricing structure.
Equipment Costs: Drones and their accompanying equipment can be expensive. You need to factor in the initial purchase cost, maintenance, and upgrades. Balancing these costs with your pricing can be a challenge.
Skill and Experience: Pricing may need to reflect your skill level and experience as a drone pilot and videographer. Clients may be willing to pay more for seasoned professionals.
Regulations and Licensing: Complying with drone regulations, including obtaining the necessary licenses, can be costly and time-consuming. These legal requirements can impact pricing.
Client Budget Constraints: Clients may have budget limitations, and balancing their financial constraints with your desired pricing can be tricky. It's important to find a middle ground that provides value for both you and your clients.
Project Complexity: More complex projects, such as those requiring special permissions, additional safety measures, or unique equipment, may warrant higher pricing. However, accurately assessing the complexity of a project can be challenging.
Competitive Analysis: Researching and understanding your competition can be time-consuming, but it's essential. Overpricing can lead to losing clients, while underpricing can harm your profitability.
Negotiation: Some clients may expect or request discounts or customized pricing. Managing negotiation while maintaining a fair rate for your services can be a challenge.
Changing Technology: The drone industry is continuously evolving with new technology and features. Staying current with these advancements and integrating them into your services can be costly and affect pricing.
Unexpected Costs: Unforeseen expenses can arise during projects, such as equipment repairs or unfavorable weather conditions. Determining how to incorporate these costs into your pricing can be difficult.
Ethical Pricing: Pricing too high can deter potential clients, while pricing too low can undervalue your services and the industry as a whole. Striking the right balance can be challenging.
Payment Collection: Managing the collection of payments and handling clients who are slow to pay or dispute charges can be stressful and impact your cash flow.
Transparency: Communicating your pricing clearly and transparently to clients is essential but can be difficult, especially if clients have diverse needs and preferences.
To navigate these challenges, it's important to conduct thorough market research, consider your costs and desired profit margins, and be willing to adapt your pricing as your experience and the market change. Regularly reviewing and adjusting your pricing structure can help you stay competitive and ensure your business remains profitable.
It is my hope that every reader who reads this blog post finds it helpful and useful information that can be applied to every drone business.
<h5>Watch &amp; Learn</h5>
<iframe style="width: 670px; height: 377px;" title="YouTube video player" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/UsHcbVIhWhU?si=Mt_ps0_3tqKQeWzk" width="670" height="377" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen"></iframe>
<h5>More Content By Timothy Brazzel</h5>
<a style="color: #ba372a;" href="https://www.thedroningcompany.com/blog/drone-jobs-near-me">https://www.thedroningcompany.com/blog/drone-jobs-near-me</a>
<a style="color: #ba372a;" href="https://www.thedroningcompany.com/blog/timothy-brazzel-takes-you-on-a-drone-roof-inspection">https://www.thedroningcompany.com/blog/timothy-brazzel-takes-you-on-a-drone-roof-inspection</a>
<a style="color: #ba372a;" href="https://www.thedroningcompany.com/blog/-timothy-brazzel-s-drone-journey">https://www.thedroningcompany.com/blog/-timothy-brazzel-s-drone-journey</a>
<a style="color: #ba372a;" href="https://www.thedroningcompany.com/blog/drone-dialog-timothy-brazzel">https://www.thedroningcompany.com/blog/drone-dialog-timothy-brazzel</a>
&nbsp;

HOW TO PRICE FOR DRONE JOBS

23 August 2023
<a href="https://www.thedroningcompany.com/pilot/timothy-brazzel" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Timothy Brazzel</a> shows how drones and insurance companies are a good match for job seekers.
A Farmers Insurance agent contracted Brazzel to use a drone to document a replaced roof. The video below shares Brazzel's process and experience as he goes step-by-step through the entire job.&nbsp;
<h5>Go to Work with Brazzel!</h5>
<iframe style="width: 668px; height: 376px;" title="YouTube video player" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/k2x41wNf_h8?si=BOxQTHrirKNBr32U" width="668" height="376" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen"></iframe>
<h5><a href="https://www.thedroningcompany.com/blog/-timothy-brazzel-s-drone-journey">Click to Read Brazzel's Pilot's Story</a></h5>

Timothy Brazzel takes you on a drone roof inspection

By Chris &ldquo;<a style="color: #ba372a;" href="https://www.youtube.com/c/thedronegeek">The Drone Geek</a>&rdquo; Fravel
Header Image Courtesy <a href="https://airdronecraze.com/how-to-profit-air-drone-craze/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Airdrone Craze</a>&nbsp;
One of the most frequently asked questions posed by new commercial drone pilots around the world is, &ldquo;How much should I charge for drone video/photos?&rdquo; Pricing is a tricky thing to figure out when first getting started as a commercial remote pilot and with factors such as available market share, the competition&rsquo;s pricing, skill level, and demand all playing into that decision, it can be hard to know where to start.
Let&rsquo;s set in stone the most important considerations to make when figuring out what you should charge:
<ul>
<li>Skill Level</li>
<li>Offerings</li>
<li>Turnaround Time</li>
<li>Market Valuation</li>
<li>Competition&rsquo;s Pricing</li>
<li>Service Demand</li>
</ul>
There may be other factors that play into this decision unique to you or a certain group of pilots, but I can say with confidence that these are the six pillars that will dictate your pricing.
<h3>SKILL LEVEL</h3>
<img src="https://media.thedroningcompany.com/images/tincy/2vQgvGU6hyucQWJiZcUSUHrlK15k6QDrg4yS5ExZ.jpg" alt="" width="462" height="259" />
Straight-forward and to-the-point. This boils down to two facets: How much variety you offer with your shots, and how well you edit/produce/process your finished product. Let&rsquo;s talk about the variety of your shots first, before moving on to your ability to edit.
No matter if you&rsquo;re collecting photos or videos for multimedia production, images and telemetry for mapping, using your drone to spray crops in the agriculture industry, or anything in between and beyond, there is a level of skill that is required to produce consistent, efficient, and reliable results.
If you use automated flight planners such as <a href="https://www.dronedeploy.com/">DroneDeploy</a>, <a href="https://www.pix4d.com/">Pix4D</a>, <a href="https://www.dji.com/ground-station-pro">DJI GS Pro</a>, <a href="https://www.skygrid.com/">SkyGrid</a>, or anything else, you&rsquo;re going to end up with a consistent, albeit limited, end result straight out of the camera. On the other hand, when you fly manually for a job or project, you may not get consistent results in terms of flight paths and movement, but you unlock a world of incredible variety for your shots. The only catch is you have to master these manual maneuvers to the point that you can use them in professional projects, multimedia, or otherwise.
As with anything, no matter if you use programs to automate missions or you do everything manually, repetition builds consistency and skill. If you&rsquo;re a pilot just starting out and jumping head-long into the commercial sector, you&rsquo;re going to want to consider pricing your work lower until you have gained consistency in your proficiency. On the other hand, if you&rsquo;ve been in the game for a while and you offer a high-level product &ldquo;behind the sticks,&rdquo; then you can safely factor this into the higher end of the pricing scale. It all depends on where you are at and how honest you are with yourself about that.
<h2>OFFERINGS</h2>
<img src="https://media.thedroningcompany.com/images/tincy/aacwjNRDY3CPTaXEZaor51CkCFvOPbOhbyuZzJXG.png" alt="" width="470" height="312" />
What is your speciality? Drone photography? Drone video? Drone mapping? Drone modeling? Drone inspections? Drone delivery?
Once you have determined that, also determine what other types of drone product and/or service you wish to offer. Maybe you&rsquo;re a drone mapping business that also dabbles in photography and video for multimedia. Maybe you do drone video, but also have the ability to offer inspection services. The combination doesn&rsquo;t matter, but the idea of multiple offerings does.
This truly comes down to a &ldquo;jack-of-all&rdquo; versus a &ldquo;master-of-one&rdquo; mentality. If you offer a variety of services at a reasonably professional level, but do not specialize in any particular area, you&rsquo;re going to have plenty more opportunities for jobs and projects, but you may need to consider a lower rate if you cannot deliver the same quality a specialist might offer. Specializing usually means you will offer a much more refined product within your area of expertise. In this scenario, it&rsquo;s a safe bet that you will be able to charge more for your specialized area, but will have limited opportunities for jobs and projects because of the narrow focus.
<h2>TURNAROUND TIME</h2>
<img src="https://media.thedroningcompany.com/images/tincy/21Bdy6RNcyFx9zQk9PeX95A8mIvZ9zZTO5cn0IYU.png" alt="" width="340" height="344" />
While it&rsquo;s relatively easy to know how quickly you can turn projects and jobs around to get the client a finished product, sometimes this is a job-by-job or project-by-project variable that will change depending upon the circumstances.
In general, the faster you can turnaround a project, the more you can justify charging your client. Whereas the longer it takes you to turn a project around the less you should charge. A client will often pay more for the guarantee of a speedy delivery on the end-result of your flight. On the flipside, a client will be more understanding of a longer turnaround time if they aren&rsquo;t paying a premium for your services. It&rsquo;s a balance that is totally up to you to strike.
On a per-job-basis you can decide just how much to charge for speedy turnarounds without adjusting your base rate. I call this &ldquo;exception pricing&rdquo; because it is pricing that falls outside of your normal charges. I value my time more than I do money (which is ironic because time is money in almost all situations). For that reason, I limit the hours in which I work on a project unless it is my own personal passion project. I am not somebody who typically pulls all-nighters or skips meals to complete a project&mdash;not because I don&rsquo;t care about what I do, but because I believe in balance above all else (cue the Thanos memes).
<img src="https://media.thedroningcompany.com/images/tincy/AmJnssQx4xbP4XUieDMBQtzwMhHmOIvCUss5tTAO.jpg" alt="" width="465" height="486" />
If a client comes to me during a peak busy-time period and needs a project turned around in an incredibly short amount of time, I will make room for them in the front-end of my schedule, but will charge accordingly as a sort of &ldquo;convenience fee.&rdquo; You may feel differently about your time and how you value it, but that&rsquo;s entirely your call to make!
<h2>MARKET VALUATION</h2>
<img src="https://media.thedroningcompany.com/images/tincy/Pkvqy4Hjy0W2yFMGN9zNTtyDZpUC31XtOcx7xsxJ.jpg" alt="" width="468" height="312" />
This is your market&rsquo;s &ldquo;cost-of-living.&rdquo; Whether you are flying drones commercially as a full-time career, or it&rsquo;s just your nifty little side hustle, your pricing is heavily influenced by your market&rsquo;s valuation. A drone pilot in a major metropolitan area such as Boston, Miami, Los Angeles, Seattle, etc. will be able to charge more per hour or per job than a pilot from Greasy Corner, Arkansas (<a href="https://www.google.com/maps/place/Greasy+Corner,+AR+72346/@35.0051816,-90.4490728,4452m/data=!3m1!1e3!4m5!3m4!1s0x87d51077ae054441:0x605a0c382f9d8a0f!8m2!3d35.0073156!4d-90.4484342">yes, that&rsquo;s a real place</a>).
There are a number of resources online to help you narrow-down your area&rsquo;s cost-of-living. Use a variety of them to get the gist of where your market is at and price accordingly. A great method for figuring out how that relates to your service is to price-check contract workers in similar fields (photographers, film studios, land surveyors, etc.) in your area and use that to create a ballpark for your rates. Keep in-mind that just because a photographer charges $150/hr. does not mean you should charge $150/hr. It is purely a starting point to better narrow-down what you should be charging for your drone services.
In a future article we will be sharing data that will give you a better idea of the average rate range of drone pilots across the country. You can then use that data to determine your rates based upon your market&rsquo;s valuation and the other 5 pillars on this list.
<h2>COMPETITOR PRICING</h2>
<img src="https://media.thedroningcompany.com/images/tincy/qaP4qssVXTshMlVDmqtMZLSilCA0f9nF4exul0ug.jpg" alt="" width="491" height="327" />
Be aware of the pricing of your competitors as it will have an impact on how attractive your pricing is for your work. I can&rsquo;t advise on how to handle this particular aspect as it will vary from situation-to-situation, but I can say the principle rule-of-thumb is this:
If your competitor is priced high, it is wise to price your work down by 10 percent in order to push your way in to take the necessary share of business. If your competitor is priced low, it can be argued that pricing 10 percent higher reinforces the idea that your work is better-quality and therefore more attractive to potential prospects.
Remember two things regarding the above rule:
<ol>
<li>It is not okay to undercut competition on pricing. Meaning that if a competitor is charging $150/hr. for drone services, then you should not price your work at $50/hr. just to steal business away from them. Doing this cheapens the value of what drone pilots do and the liability we take on when flying our drones&mdash;which means we all lose. Always keep your price cuts or competitive pricing within a reasonable range of your competition. </li>
<li>When intentionally pricing a job or your base rates higher than your competition, remember that there is an upper-limit to what people and companies are willing to pay for your services. As the business that prices higher, it is up to you to remember your market&rsquo;s valuation and price accordingly. You will be setting the tone for the rest of the field which requires pricing that accurately reflects the services we offer. Your responsibility is just as important as the responsibility of the person or company pricing lower not to undercut the market.</li>
</ol>
The rates set by your competitors will play into how you price your work, but remember to be true to what you believe your work is worth. Giving your competition too much influence on your pricing empowers them and disenfranchises you as a business owner.
<h2>SERVICE DEMAND</h2>
<img src="https://media.thedroningcompany.com/images/tincy/QVajopmLUEJHNWJ1fRtNUa0DvKSdyu9EAgsnM4He.png" alt="" width="460" height="280" />
It may be a smart idea to reach out to area businesses and organizations that you think might require drone services to gauge their interest in them. This sounds archaic, but the power of drone technology is still not totally understood by the larger populace. It&rsquo;s up to you to gauge the interest and try to drive it up by educating the people, companies, and organizations in your area.
It does not take a rocket scientist to understand that if there is no call for drone services in your market area, then there is no point in even beginning to price your services out as nobody will be inquiring about them. At the same time, if the demand is sky-high and you have too much work opportunity in your market area to keep up with, then you can price your services out as you see fit in order to find the balance between optimizing workload and revenue.
<h2>IN CONCLUSION</h2>
Pricing is a tricky thing to handle when it comes to drone services. If you find yourself stuck in this phase of your drone-business offerings, don&rsquo;t get too frustrated. Charge what you think is fair and keep in mind the pillars outlined in this article to assist in that venture. The most important rules to remember are to not undercut and not overcharge.
In the near-future, <a href="https://www.thedroningcompany.com/">The Droning Company</a> will be publishing an article that will serve as an informational asset that will better help you price out your drone services. We will include data gathered by our team to give specific figure ranges for drone pilots in both major metropolitan areas, rural areas, and everything in between as best we can. Keep your eyes on our site for that article as it will be invaluable when it comes to helping you get started with pricing your work.
<h3>MORE RESOURCES</h3>
<a href="https://www.thedroningcompany.com/blog/how-to-find-a-drone-job" target="_blank" rel="noopener">https://www.thedroningcompany.com/blog/how-to-find-a-drone-job</a>
<a href="https://www.thedroningcompany.com/blog/7-steps-to-become-a-certified-drone-pilot" target="_blank" rel="noopener">https://www.thedroningcompany.com/blog/7-steps-to-become-a-certified-drone-pilot</a>
<a href="https://www.thedroningcompany.com/blog/how-to-become-a-commercial-drone-pilot-step-by-step" target="_blank" rel="noopener">https://www.thedroningcompany.com/blog/how-to-become-a-commercial-drone-pilot-step-by-step</a>
<a href="https://www.thedroningcompany.com/blog/how-drones-work" target="_blank" rel="noopener">https://www.thedroningcompany.com/blog/how-drones-work</a>
<a href="https://www.thedroningcompany.com/blog/how-to-become-a-drone-pilot" target="_blank" rel="noopener">https://www.thedroningcompany.com/blog/how-to-become-a-drone-pilot</a>

The Price is Right: What to Consider When Pricing Drone Work

How To

Drone Facts

Are you considering becoming a commercial drone pilot?
It&rsquo;s an exciting thing to look forward to, as you can choose from numerous industries to work for, and the list is continuing to grow with time. In this article, we will discuss some of the important steps to get you where you need to be as a commercial drone pilot.
<h5>Purchase a High-Quality Drone</h5>
<img src="https://media.thedroningcompany.com/images/tincy/BqBoTDFoPIx5MQw5qJDiybT3KhFbw2Iw6AaKAMRf.png" alt="" width="266" height="218" />
You&rsquo;ll need to purchase a drone in order to practice flying on your own time. When purchasing a drone, be sure to do extensive research to ensure the drone you get is right for you. There are many different types of drones out there, so research is important.
For instance, there are drones with advanced features and others with basic features. Ultimately, it depends on the specifics of the type of work you plan on getting into. In addition, you may need to purchase certain equipment based on your needs.
Adequate research of the type of drone and equipment you need is imperative. It&rsquo;s a big decision, as drones and drone equipment can be costly. Therefore, you want to be sure you find something that suits your needs and is right for the projects you plan to take on.
<a href="https://www.thedroningcompany.com/blog/budget-drone-deal-of-the-week" target="_blank" rel="noopener">https://www.thedroningcompany.com/blog/budget-drone-deal-of-the-week</a>
<a href="https://www.thedroningcompany.com/blog/dji-mavic-3-cine-premium-combo-the-scoop-on-a-5000-drone" target="_blank" rel="noopener">https://www.thedroningcompany.com/blog/dji-mavic-3-cine-premium-combo-the-scoop-on-a-5000-drone</a>
<a href="https://www.thedroningcompany.com/blog/keeper-s-corner-002" target="_blank" rel="noopener">https://www.thedroningcompany.com/blog/keeper-s-corner-002</a>
<h5>Get Your Commercial Drone Pilot License</h5>
<img src="https://media.thedroningcompany.com/images/tincy/MQzdrzrftW03jmMEUsa7WLLQAkF03bAJqax8sA6D.png" alt="" width="323" height="216" />
In the United States, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) is the organization that oversees and mandates drone rules, and it also issues drone licenses. In order to obtain your drone pilot license, you must meet a number of criteria, as well as register and pass the Unmanned Aircraft General (UAG) exam. The exam consists of 60 multiple-choice questions, which tests your knowledge of everything aeronautics, such as:
<ul>
<li>Laws and regulations related to drone operations</li>
<li>Flight restrictions</li>
<li>Weather plans</li>
<li>Airport operations</li>
<li>Maintenance</li>
</ul>
Be sure to prepare and study for the exam. There are many different resources available, including study groups and study guides that you can use independently.
Once you pass the exam, you will need to sign into your Integrated Airman Certification and Rating Application (IACRA) and fill out the FAA Form 8710-13, which is required to obtain your commercial pilot license.
<a href="https://www.thedroningcompany.com/blog/7-steps-to-become-a-certified-drone-pilot" target="_blank" rel="noopener">https://www.thedroningcompany.com/blog/7-steps-to-become-a-certified-drone-pilot</a>
<a href="https://www.thedroningcompany.com/blog/pass-the-faa-part-107-commercial-drone-pilot-test-" target="_blank" rel="noopener">https://www.thedroningcompany.com/blog/pass-the-faa-part-107-commercial-drone-pilot-test-</a>
<h5>Networking is Key</h5>
<img src="https://media.thedroningcompany.com/images/tincy/w970Y0BwFgf3aj9YWNowRIvHnoTdeH6t5PqbY2Tw.png" alt="" width="322" height="174" />
Networking is an important part of getting your name out there and seeking opportunities. There are many different ways you can network, including in-person networking events, LinkedIn, Facebook Groups, YouTube, and more.
You may be wondering how social-media platforms can help you network. You can meet people in the industry in many different ways using LinkedIn and other social-media platforms. For instance, you can upload clips of yourself flying a drone on Instagram, Facebook, and YouTube, and include your contact information for business inquiries. People in need of a skilled drone pilot will be able to see your impressive skills and they may contact you for work.
In addition, try joining Facebook Groups that are related to commercial drones. Facebook Groups are a great resource for communicating with others in your industry, finding jobs, and more.
<a href="https://www.thedroningcompany.com/blog/make-money-with-your-drone-" target="_blank" rel="noopener">https://www.thedroningcompany.com/blog/make-money-with-your-drone-</a>
<h5>Practice Makes Perfect</h5>
<img src="https://media.thedroningcompany.com/images/tincy/N5oKoM1ivWvd56tuz8ULaNzugU1SPyEtdAMRP9FH.jpg" alt="" width="311" height="208" />
Practice is essential. The more practice and experience you have, the better. The better you become, the more opportunities you can go after.
<a href="https://www.thedroningcompany.com/blog/top-5-things-to-remember-when-flying-a-drone" target="_blank" rel="noopener">https://www.thedroningcompany.com/blog/top-5-things-to-remember-when-flying-a-drone</a>
<a href="https://www.thedroningcompany.com/blog/how-drones-work" target="_blank" rel="noopener">https://www.thedroningcompany.com/blog/how-drones-work</a>
<h5>Discover the Roles Out There</h5>
<img src="https://media.thedroningcompany.com/images/tincy/gcKlwRuC9K2tJT2PMAGztpaGDyFpb61OPd4UMCix.png" alt="" width="319" height="214" />
Once you become certified, it is a good idea to discover the different types of roles that are available. Do you plan to work with a company or prefer freelance work? What types of industries interest you&mdash;real estate, entertainment, construction, surveying, or something else?
As mentioned previously, there are many different types of industries to choose from and the list continues to grow, making it a great time to seek out opportunities. There is no shortage of industries out there that are looking for a skilled commercial drone pilot.
<a href="https://www.thedroningcompany.com/blog/commerical-drone-pilot-salary-2021" target="_blank" rel="noopener">https://www.thedroningcompany.com/blog/commerical-drone-pilot-salary-2021</a>
<h5>Join The Droning Company</h5>
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The Droning Company is home to drone pilots nationwide. The website allows drone pilots to find jobs throughout the United States. If you&rsquo;re looking for a job or freelance work, simply sign up, create an account, and check out job listings that perfectly match what you&rsquo;re looking for.
In addition, The Droning Company allows pilots to post work portfolios, so those searching for an experienced, licensed, and insured drone pilot can find you and learn about the specialized equipment you have and the types of jobs at which you excel.
The Droning Company is your one-stop shop for all things drone related. It is the perfect resource that every commercial drone pilot should take advantage of. Beyond finding jobs, The Droning Company also provides industry updates, featured drone pilots, gear reviews, informational posts, and much more!
If you&rsquo;re looking for a <a href="https://www.droneblog.com/drone-jobs/">drone job</a>, be sure to join The Droning Company and learn more about the many opportunities that are available.
More About The Droning Company 
The Droning Company will be extremely beneficial to your growth. Whether you are looking for a job, wish to learn more about the latest drone-industry news, or want to check out the latest tech innovations, pilot tips and tricks, and product reviews, you will find everything there is to know about the drone industry all in one place.
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How To Find A Drone Job

Drone Operation

As exciting as it sounds, becoming a certified drone pilot takes a lot of work and dedication. It&rsquo;s not as straightforward as it sounds&mdash;especially if you plan to become a certified drone pilot for well-paid and high-quality jobs.
First off, let&rsquo;s go over what a drone pilot is. To put it very simply, a drone pilot is an individual who operates a drone&mdash;otherwise known as an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV).
In the world of commercial drones, certified <a href="https://www.thedroningcompany.com/blog/how-to-become-a-drone-pilot">drone pilots</a> operate for companies, military and government agencies, and other industries. Drones are generally used to take photographs, videos, and/or ollect data.
What Does a Drone Pilot Do?
Drone pilots can take on a variety of jobs. There are many different industries in which a drone pilot can work, including but not limited to:
<ul>
<li>Real Estate: Over the years, using drones for real-estate promotions and marketing has become extremely popular, as they offer an unique and innovative way to capture images and videos of a property.</li>
<li>Marketing: Drones offer creative ways to implement marketing campaigns in a wide range of industries.&nbsp;</li>
<li>Surveying: Drones help surveyors conduct examinations and can provide helpful information.</li>
<li>Construction Projects: Many construction companies use drones for photos and other data&mdash;including 3D images.</li>
<li>Inspections: Drones can be used for inspections in hard-to-reach areas.</li>
<li>Entertainment: Drones have become increasingly popular in the entertainment industry, including filming concerts, live-sporting events, movies, television shows, and more.</li>
<li>Safety Measures: Drones have the ability to help in public-safety measures, such as assisting firefighters.</li>
</ul>
Commerical Options for certified drone pilots include filming real-estate videos, such as this one below by The Droning Company Featured Pilot <a href="https://www.thedroningcompany.com/pilot/nathan-sheets" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Nathan Sheets</a>.&nbsp;&nbsp;
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How to Become a Drone Pilot?
As mentioned previously, <a href="https://www.thedroningcompany.com/blog/how-to-become-a-drone-pilot">becoming a certified drone pilot</a> is not as simple as it sounds. In fact, there are very important steps that you must take in order to become certified:
&bull;&nbsp; Buy, Rent, or Get Access to a Drone Subscription
If you join a company, you may be able to have the company provide you with a drone. On the other hand, many drone pilots end up purchasing, renting, or getting a drone subscription so they can practice their skills on their own time. Be sure to do thorough research when acquiring a drone. Some drones have more-advanced features you may need for your projects, or you may need to purchase additional equipment to do a job.
&bull;&nbsp; Prepare and Study&nbsp;
Another essential step in becoming a certified drone pilot includes studying for the exam provided by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). This exam is only necessary for individuals who wish to become a commercial drone pilot. Be sure to prepare and study for the exam thoroughly. Additionally, you should review the latest requirements and guidelines regarding drones. While you can study independently, there are also online study groups you can join, as well as training courses and study guides. The more prepared you are for the exam&mdash;as well as for your commercial tasks in the future&mdash;the better pilot you can become.
&bull;&nbsp; Register and Pass the FAA Exam
Once you are prepared for the FAA exam, be sure to register for it. Once you are registered, you will be able to take the exam. You must pass the exam in order to become a commercial pilot. The exam covers a variety of topics, including drone laws and regulations, Flight restrictions, weather plans, airport operations, and maintenance. There are about 60 multiple-choice questions on the exam and you are given two hours to complete it.
&bull;&nbsp; Acquire a Remote Pilot Certificate
Once you&rsquo;ve passed your FAA exam, the next step is to complete the online application for a remote pilot certificate.
Register Your Drone
If you received your remote pilot certificate through the FAA, then you will need to register your drone. This can be done online and will be valid for three years.
Practice
The more practice and experience you have, the more specialized you will be in drone flying. This will help you expand your roles as a commercial drone pilot and provide you with great commercial opportunities.
Discover the Roles that Suit You
Once you have become certified&mdash;and have practiced enough to become excellent at operating a drone&mdash;think about the type of industry you would like to work in. Photography and videography for real estate or entertainment? Freelance marketing gigs? Surveying? Construction? There are a wide range of opportunities out there.
Perhaps you just want to take it on as a part-time hobby or maybe full time? Whatever it is, the opportunities are endless&mdash;especially when you are good at what you do.
Additionally, having a helpful online resource offering information about the droning industry will be extremely beneficial to your growth. The Droning Company offers news, pilot columns, peeks at the latest tech innovations, pilot tips and tricks, product reviews, up-to-date FAA news, and more&ndash;everything you need to know about the drone industry. It doesn&rsquo;t just stop there, either. We also help drone pilots find jobs and post their skills on the <a href="https://www.thedroningcompany.com/blog/how-to-become-a-drone-pilot">The Droning Company</a> website.
So...
Are you ready to become a certified drone pilot?
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7 Steps to Become a Certified Drone Pilot

Drone pilot and farmer Roger Woods is using an UAV to plant 45,000 sunflower seeds per hectare (2.47 acres) on his spread in Queensland, Australia.
Although crops such as wheat and barley already have been planted by drones, the "sunflower experiment" is just that, as the needs of the sunflower can be challenging for non-human farmers.
"Sunflowers need to have fairly consistent spacing to grow correctly, and they also get incorporated quite accurately so these are some of the challenges that we had to overcome while planting them by drone," explains Woods. "As a result, this sunflower crop, to the best of our knowledge, is the first sunflower crop planted entirely by drone. A big agricultural drone that we use commercially, spreads the seeds."
Farmers believe that drone planting is less invasive than conventional methods that create soil disturbances.
Woods' "drone farmer" also has been a tourist attraction, as people come to take photos of the operation, as well as learn about non-invasive farming strategies.
WATCH THE "FARMER DRONE"
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THE FUTURE OF NON-INVASIVE PLANTING
Seeking more and more non-invasive ways to plant seeds and combat deforestation has been the mission of Australian startup <a href="https://airseedtech.com/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">AirSeed Technology</a>, which seeks to "Combat climate change and biodiversity loss by combining drone technology, artificial and data driven intelligence with our proprietary seed pod bio-technology."
The company is aggressively taking action on the estimate of the United Nations Intergovernment Panel on Climate Change: &ldquo;The world has ten years remaining to prevent a massive and destabilizing climate change through combined rapid phase-out of fossil fuels, reforestation and other natural climate solutions.&rdquo;
Some Factoids:
&bull; 1.3m SQUARE KM OF TREES HAVE BEEN DEFORESTED SINCE 1990.
&bull; GLOBAL NET LOSS OF TREES PER YEAR = 15 BILLION.
&bull;&nbsp;1.35m TONS OF LOST CARBON SEQUESTRATION EVERY YEAR.
To help fight deforestation, AirSeed uses seed-pod delivery systems with heavy lift-drone platforms offering stable GPS flight operations. Some of the benefits of the company's soil and species specific, seed-pod bio tech are that the seed pods are nutrient and mineral rich (aiding early stage seedling growth), they help rehabilitate soil, increase soil carbon, prevent transplant shock, offer custom probiotics for planting sites, and have a protective coating to repel animals.
AirSeed collects data about potential planting sites to devise accurate flight plans that trigger seed pod delivery at designated GPS coordinates. Then, the drones are loaded with the correct quantity of seed pods for each planting site, flying autonomously along the pre-programmed flight plan to plant as planned before returning to base. Compared to manual planting approaches, the automated drone planting is 25 times faster.
AGRICULTURE IN AUSTRALIA
Based on a 2010-2011 report, Australia is a significant international source of agricultural products such as wheat, wool and beef. Commercial crops include grains, oilseeds, legumes, sugar, bananas, rice, grapes, and potatoes, and livestock production includes pig, beef, and poultry. The report stated that total farm production was $60 billion with exports of approximately $45 billion.
As of 2015, farmers and grazers owned 135,997 farms that covered 61 percent of Australia's landmass.
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Here Come the Sunflowers: Drones Plant Seeds at Australian Farm

Major League Baseball appears to be considering more thrilling drone footage to up its television coverage of games &mdash; but not before testing things out at the MLB4 Collegiate Baseball Tournament in Scottsdale, Arizona, February 18-20, 2022.
Using a DJI Inspire II drone for overflight shots of the field and stadium&mdash;as well as focusing on individual players, the bullpen, and other game action&mdash;the MLB team captured content during two tournament games at the Salt River Fields (the shared spring-training base of the Colorado Rockies and Arizona Diamondbacks): UC Berkeley and the University of Houston, and Texas Christian University and San Diego State.&nbsp;
The drone trial was scheduled for much more than the typical high-flying "beauty shots" often broadcast during pauses in games. Ultimately, MLB wants to put viewers right into the action&mdash;but without putting fans in the stadiums at risk.
"The main reason we are out here is to use the drone to help in coverage of a baseball game, MLB Network Senior Coordinating Producer of Live Events Chris Pfeiffer remarked to Sports Video Group News about the strategy for the MLB4 tournament. "If there&rsquo;s a home run, that drone is leaving its perch and following the batter around the bases. It will be over the field during action. We&rsquo;ll be getting really cool shots while it&rsquo;s out there. I&rsquo;m not sure you&rsquo;ve seen anything like that in a baseball game. We are really excited for this.&rdquo;
The footage and "safe deployment" trials at MLB4 were done by one pilot and a spotter, and required six weeks of preparation before the tournament. Las Vegas company JibTek outfitted the DJI Inspire II with a Zenmuse X7 gimbal.
The 2022 MLB4 schedule opened on February 18 with Cal taking on Houston. The Bears went on to notch a 3-0 record, with victories over Houston, TCU, and San Diego State.

Major League Baseball Looks to Add TV Thrills with More Exciting Drone Action

What's better than watching an awesome drive by <a href="http://www.rorymcilroy.com/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Rory McIlroy</a>?
Having that shot followed by a drone.
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<a href="https://www.pgatour.com/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">The PGA Tour</a> will use drones to follow golf shots at the Genisis Invitational tournament on February 17-20, and fans want more, more, and more!
CHECK IT OUT!
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Drones Follow the Ball on PGA Golf Tour

Drone Delivery

Just when you thought food delivery service couldn&rsquo;t get any faster or more convenient, drones are now delivering sushi and ice cream ordered by customers via a designated app in Tel Aviv.
Israel&rsquo;s National Drone Initiative is launching its third phase, which involves sushi, ice cream, and medicine delivery via drones, making it easier and faster than ever to get your food and medicine delivered. Drones were found flying above Tel Aviv&rsquo;s skyline in the neighborhoods of Tel Aviv-Jaffa, Herzliya, Ramat Hasharon, and Hadera, which was the third part of an eight test&nbsp; pilot program. And as you can imagine, it was quite the site to see. Now, the program will move forward in its pursuit to produce a national drone network.&nbsp;
Throughout the course of the test, five drone-operated companies will participate in the program, conducting over 300 flights per day above open areas involving different tasks on paths designated by the joint control system.&nbsp;
Of the many challenges, drone-operated companies like High-Lander and Cando will deliver sushi orders to customers to Tzuk Beach and Herzliya via a designated app. Additionally, the companies will perform autonomous security missions for Reading Fire Station, which is an emergency facility.
Plus, companies SkyLinx and FlyTech will perform a pilot program that will give customers the ability to submit their order via a designated app and have their ice cream orders delivered by drones at Charles Clore Park, located adjacent to the Manta Ray Restaurant.
The participating companies, including DownWind and Simplex, will conduct drone flights above urban areas in Tel Aviv and Airwayz and HarTech Technologies Ltd. will conduct flights above the Hadera urban area.
Additionally, drones will be able to deliver donated blood, platelets, and plasma to Sheba Medical Center in Tel Hashomer from the Magen David Adom Blood Bank. The goal for this task is to confirm the method of packaging, as well as flying and procedures in order to meet the regulatory requirements set forth by the Health Ministry. During this particular stage, the objective is to combine the procedures so other companies will have the ability to offer similar services at every hospital and blood bank throughout Israel when necessary.
Thousands of military missions will be conducted in the skies of Israel over a two-year-project, which will be controlled by the Ayalon Highway Air Traffic Control Center. Additionally, a recent test took place, which involved a drone flight in Brazil and controlled by the management system in Israel.
The National Drone Initiative&rsquo;s goal is to create a national network of air routes that will allow UAV deliveries for medicine, medical equipment and examinations, as well as e-commerce, among many other purposes. The center&rsquo;s management and supervision systems can both be viewed for drones flying in the area, which will allow for dozens or even hundreds of drones to fly in the sky simultaneously for various purposes. This will enable drones to fly in a uniform space and prioritize certain drone flights and clear the skies when larger aircrafts enter or when an aircraft is operated for emergency services.
The initiative was established as a collaborative effort between the Israel Innovation Authority, the Civil Aviation Authority, the Transportation Ministry, and the Smart Transportation Authority. Through a series of gradually more complex missions, the initiative&rsquo;s goal is to establish experience and skill, while also learning how to deploy and operate drones in an uniform airspace.
The project was created with an effort to utilize advanced deployment techniques for drones, providing great benefits for the public and minimizing congested roads. With efforts to effectively establish a national drone network, the organization&rsquo;s goal was to also be able to successfully transport medicines, medical equipment, vaccines, tests, as well as e-commerce shipments.&nbsp;
The reason behind the many stages of the two-year project is to fine-tune drone technology and the procedures involved, ensuring that the process for every task conducted goes smoothly. It is imperative to take things slow to establish the necessary procedures so that everyone can use drone delivery services for a wide range of purposes. Drone delivery services will be a revolutionary step, as it will reduce road congestion and ultimately result in an economically viable alternative for many people and businesses.
Because the initiative involves many gradual steps within the two-year project, it is important to understand the many obstacles that the leading organizations are trying to overcome. Besides bigger aircrafts in the airspace, there are also many other factors to consider, including concerns about security, large birds, residential areas, and noise. With that being said, it is a work in progress but one thing is for sure: things are definitely coming along and big things are happening for commercial drone purposes in Israel, and hopefully will also become worldwide, too.
The great thing about the project is that it is getting tons of support from the government, regulators, and the industry, allowing for necessary resources to be utilized. With the right testing, experimenting, and complex challenges that the two-year project involves, there are certainly great things ahead.
Drone technology has enabled amazing things to happen, from military to commercial purposes and more, it is the future and it is coming along wonderfully.
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<h3 class="p4">About The Droning Company</h3>
The Droning Company specializes in collaborating with licensed, insured, and highly experienced drone pilots across the United States. As a one-stop-shop offering access to professional drone pilot services, our online magazine also provides helpful resources and news in the drone industry, such as articles, product reviews, tips, and the latest updates surrounding FAA news, regulations, and much more.
As a company committed to providing the best services possible for all-things-drone, we provide a wide range of services that are perfect for your needs and budget. If you are searching for a licensed and insured drone pilot for your specific needs, we&rsquo;ve got you covered. You can view drone pilots&rsquo; portfolios, the types of specialized equipment they use, the types of jobs they specialize in, and much more--making it easier than ever to find the perfect drone pilot specific to your needs.&nbsp;
At The Droning Company, we are proud to be one of the top drone resources nationwide and are committed to providing you with the services that you need. Whether you are looking for a highly skilled drone pilot or you are a drone pilot ready to offer your services on our website, we are here to help every step of the way. Contact us to learn more or simply sign up to get started today!

Drones for Food Delivery?

There are many benefits of using drones for different tasks. In fact, one of the greatest things about drones is that they can get certain tasks done efficiently that would otherwise be dangerous for people. When it comes to inspecting tall buildings or power lines for damage, drones can certainly come in handy. Another good thing about drones is that they are extremely helpful for roof inspections, which is something that many households will need at one point or another.
There are many different types of drones that can handle the most complex tasks, which makes it a great resource for roof inspections to ensure optimal results.&nbsp;
<h3>Why is a Roof Inspection Necessary?</h3>
While getting onto the roof may sound like a pretty straightforward task that may not require a drone for inspection, that outlook may change when it is your job and you have to do multiple inspections each day. For example, a person who deals with roof inspections daily can put employees&rsquo; lives at risk when doing inspections the old-fashioned way. Additionally, doing roof inspections can be time-consuming; however, using a drone effectively can cut the time down drastically, saving time and money.
Here are some reasons as to why a roof inspection may be necessary:&nbsp;
1. Determine the value of the property
Real estate agents will need to determine the value of the property before providing an estimate that is a fair selling price. This includes many different aspects of the property, including the roof. Using the most sophisticated methods of roof inspection while utilizing a drone will help provide a detailed assessment and will play a huge role in determining the value of the property.
2. Estimate for roof repair costs
When an experienced drone pilot is involved, a camera drone can be used to inspect the roof and provide a detailed report that can save a lot of time and money in estimating roof repair costs.&nbsp;
3. Confirm insurance claims
In the event of a natural disaster, such as a tornado or hurricane, the roof can become damaged. As a result, insurance adjusters will need confirmation of such damage. A drone roof inspection can be extremely helpful in providing an accurate, safe, and efficient estimate of the damage.
4. Prepare for solar panel installation
Prior to a solar panel installation, a roof inspection will be necessary in order to ensure that the roof is in full working order. A drone roof inspection will provide a quick and efficient examination.
5. Home maintenance
Home maintenance is extremely important in preventing costly repairs later down the line. Having an effective inspection using a drone will give you an accurate idea of any wear and tear that may exist, which can become worse quickly if left unchecked.
<h3>Can I Use a Drone to Inspect a Roof?</h3>
Yes, drones for roof inspections are often used as they get the job done efficiently, quickly, and safely. However, it is always best when done by a professional with experience. This is because it is imperative that the roof inspector knows how to operate a drone and he or she will know what to look for to provide an accurate inspection report.
<h3>How Much Does a Roof Inspection Cost?</h3>
The national average cost for a drone roof inspection can range from $290 to $350; however, it ultimately depends on the project size, slope, material of the roof, and specific type of inspection needed.
<h3>Is it Ideal to Use a Drone For a Roof Inspection?</h3>
Using a drone for a roof inspection has many different benefits, including:
<ul>
<li>Safer: One of the most important reasons why people prefer drone roof inspections is because there are fewer risks involved. Studies have shown that the majority of injuries and deaths caused in the roofing industry happen from falls. With drone roof inspections, the risks are reduced to zero, as no one will need to be on the roof.</li>
<li>More efficient: Utilizing a drone roof inspection by a professional can reduce the time spent drastically. In addition, drones allow more detailed inspection reports and can examine areas that are hard to see otherwise.</li>
<li>It can inspect inaccessible areas: One of the biggest disadvantages of conducting a roof inspection the old-fashioned way is that even professionals can experience a difficult time getting a good look at certain areas, making it dangerous. A drone can inspect these inaccessible areas, without the risks involved.</li>
<li>Less equipment and hands-on deck needed: Drones make the inspection process quicker and more efficient, therefore, less equipment and hands-on-deck will be necessary. This will make the inspection process easier and less complex.</li>
<li>Advantages of drone technology: Many drones are equipped with a wide range of advanced technologies, which allows the drone cameras to capture high-quality images that can create 3D images.</li>
</ul>

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