How to Start a Drone Business

In the Information age, drones have risen to serve a range of vital purposes in a variety of fields regarding work, trade, and business. Unmanned aerial vehicles or simply UAVs, as drones are technically referred to, have become of common interest across all walks of industries today. Not only are they efficient in time conservation but also come in handy when you pinpoint existing pockets of concern, thus enabling easy and accurate targeting. 

So exceptional are the UAVs their popularity has exploded to every corner of the globe, fitting into both start-ups and established enterprises. The following are some of the most sought after applications for drones in the world today. 

Most businesses utilize drones for video and photography (media) coverage today, more specifically for marketing applications. However, there are other employments of the dynamic UAV technology that could astonish prospective users. 

From farming to internet capacity enhancements, UAVs come in as multispectral tools offering the capability to rethink many (if not all) of the most advantageous mannerisms of human operations. Whether it’s with the inspection or maintenance of network towers, for instance, or the hi-tech bird’s eye view of media coverage. Ever since the Federal Aviation Association clarified the legal setting for drone usage in work and business, industrial utilization of UAVs has seen notable growth.

The FAA’s regulatory regulations ease the process on how to operate a drone for commercial purposes within the law. Entrepreneurs are optimistic that the changes are a step forward to streamlining the expansion of commercial drone operations. Changes included in the rules will relax some standards for pilots, which were previously mandatory and cumbersome for commercial engagements.

An operator can now use a drone less than 55 pounds in weight within eye sight distance by using a certified ‘remote pilot in command’ at a maximum altitude of 400 feet. Privy to the novel guidelines, an operator had to hold a pilot’s license to operate an unmanned aircraft. Many enterprises were then unable to hire a pilot to fly a drone specifically. The easy certification requirement by the FAA swung open doors for establishments to apply unmanned aircraft technology for their operations.

This technology can be employed to do a wide spectrum of jobs, but caution is paramount. The most efficient and safest manner to fly a drone is via training and adequately training personnel who will be operating in all airspace where traditional (manned) aircraft revolve.

Farmers using the UAV technology cite agriculture as an enormous landscape for drone application. Drones are saving farmers by assisting in rapid earmarking of weakly plants or animals as well as livestock and crop inventory. The machines are also applied in mapping and study of farmlands and possible irrigation systems. Such applications of drones allow the process to speed up, rather than a time-consuming project. 

Drones can be modified or enhanced to transport and spray fertilizer, water or pesticides on plants across a given distance. For livestock, drones can also be employed in monitoring the stock behavior and to quickly collect and follow important information regarding animal wellness and numbers.

Concerning the metropolitan and cosmopolitan settings, a business can utilize drones for making deliveries in a split second. Drones could also be applied to the mapping or tracking of security and emergency occurrences in the dense populations that throng the city and its suburbs. If by now your business is still locked in those archaic bike messengers, a drone will undoubtedly boost your profit margins.

Many people have bought drones and made them part of their lives and business, even drone championship racing. However, not many of them have realized this is becoming a goldmine. The key lies in the whole concept of drones; aerial photography, and things can get more interesting if you add the video part to it. Perhaps the best thing about drones is that you do not have to be tied to one job all your life, but this does not compromise your opportunity to make money. Here are several of the things you can do to earn money this way.

Today’s drones feature a quite impressive addition of software that sometimes allows for precise 3D mapping produced from aerial footage. And with the mapping demand on the agricultural, mining, and real estate steadily rising, you can never lack something to do with your drone. From the looks of it, it won’t be long until drone software starts offering pilots the opportunity to sit back and relax as the drone does all the job from the click of a button.

An aerial inspection job is one that has seen a fair share of development. Surveillance on cell towers, bridges, and pipeline systems, the use of drones has continuously remained reliable for this use. This is all thanks to the fact that the use of drone grants gives you convenient access to places that would be rather risky to inspect in person. You can grab a share of the market as well.

So this thing can fly, well, what about attaching a banner on it and parading it over large groups of people. This idea has seen many drone owners create a market, and you can do it as well. Because of the regulations in many countries forbidding the use of drones near crowds of people, the sector may remain a niche for now, but you can still make a few bucks if employed in unpopulated areas.

The only thing holding this aspect of drone use from kicking off is the people and not the technology. This is resulting in skeptical approaches and regulations that deter the use of these machines in this way. But since the technology is already in place, it is only a matter of time until you start receiving parcels through this delivery system. And you can be one of the people making deliveries and earning money out of it.
You have unprecedented opportunities to make money with your drone. The only important thing to consider is the rules that govern its use, and probably the most promising of all the windows. After all, you want your drone to make you money and not cost you money.

If you thought a drone is just a little fancy gadget for fun, think again. This innovative device can go a long way in making you money by doing menial jobs or evening launching a business and running it.

Since drones have set course and are here to stay, you will have to consider taking advantage of this opportunity and grabbing a few bucks. With the number of people using drones increasing by the day, so is the need for qualifications on using it. If you have honed your drawing skills, you can train novice users and make a profit.  

While you might think the two are in no way compatible, you might be interested to hear that fishing with the aid of drones is one of the ways people are making a living. It is rather profitable employing this in your fishing practice, as ambitious as it may seem.

With the use of your drone, you can launch a YouTube channel with the footage you make and grow the number of your viewers with exciting content. Then you can enter a partnership program and start raking in revenue. This works by the number of views on a given clip earning you a particular portion of the advertising income that YouTube makes. The secret here is ensuring your drone skills are at their best and consider uploading constantly to keep your audience engaged.

Most surveillance operators in the US earn up to $50,000 a year. It does not come as a surprise that these people use cameras to get the job done. If this is the case, then the use of a drone can only make the monitoring easier and convenient at the same time. And with a good number of companies out there looking for individuals with drones and hiring them to do surveillance for them in large areas, you have a chance. If your drone control skills are perfect, then this opportunity is for you.

Among the most interesting things a drone can do is its efficiency in search and rescue. The use of these devices has proved to surpass most conventional means like using a helicopter or dogs. 

Your drone may be a source of fun, but it also comes with an unprecedented opportunity to make money if you land the right job for it.

Drone Operator FAA Rules

Although any drone operator can quickly locate FFA rules, understanding them in detail can be a significant challenge. This should not hold you back; these rules are simplified below. If you are facing problems trying to understand what these restrictions are, here is a breakdown to stay in compliance.

The first thing is to know what it takes to be able to operate a drone. You have to become a remote pilot in command, according to FFA, and this means registering and passing a test with them. Either, someone with a permit can supervise you while operating the drone or you can become certified yourself. The certification involves vetting by the Transportation Security Administration, and you should be over 16 years of age.

This has to do with passing an aeronautical knowledge test. The test includes subjects on regulations matters like unmanned aircraft systems’ rating privileges, flight operations, and limitations. It also includes airspace classification and operating requirements as well as flight restrictions on the operation of such crafts.

Other matters include emergency procedures, crew resource management, and radio communication procedures not forgetting the psychological effect of drugs and alcohol, decision-making and judgment. You should understand airport operations and maintenance of craft and preflight inspection procedures too. 

It is better having the part 61 pilot certificate than obtaining a student pilot license. This way, you can complete a flight review in 24 months and do a short online course as well as a test from the FFA. For the Part 61 pilot certificate holders, you will need a temporary remote pilot certificate soon as you submit the application for a permanent one. But for the other applicants, you can get a temporary remote pilot certificate once the TSA security processes and accepts the application. After the process is complete for the remote pilot certificate, it should take FAA 101 business days to provide a temporary remote pilot certificate.

Once completion of the TSA security background check, you will receive a confirmation email. This will provide the instructions for printing a copy of the interim remote pilot certificate from Integrated Airman Certificate and Rating Application (IACRA).  

Upon the completion of all FAA-internal processing, you will receive a permanent pilot certificate via email. Then you are safe to fly. Of course, you have other rules you need to check out for a better understanding of how to stay in compliance with the restrictions set. This is by far the easiest way to get there, especially if you want to get a certificate but you are new to the process.

Drone Licensing

You have bought your drone, so next you want to hit the skies to see how it performs. That is okay, but there may be exceptions to how much you can do with your machine. The unfortunate thing is that drone business is yet to become legal in the US, there are a few exceptions where you have your license under FAA new rules. These rules highlight the necessity for a license with a small fee. 

First, selling your drone photos could attract a fine of up to $1,100 if you engage in an unmanned aerial system without the approval of the FAA. You also need to have a remote pilot certificate to be able to fly drones for business, whether it involves selling the photos or delivering goods.

You can fly your drone for fun without an obligation to the regulations, but you will also need to have it registered if it is over half a pound. However, for cases like drone racing, you will need to have the Remote Pilot Certificate.

You should be at least over 16 years of age. You also need a government-issued ID with your name, signature, and address. Make an appointment for the knowledge at any test center near you. Pay $150, then study and pass the test after which you will wait up to 48 hours for your test results.

Apply for your Remote Pilot Certificate and fill out a TSA background check; then you can print out a temporary RPC as you wait for the real one. 

There are over 686 testing centers across the US, so you can get one near you by checking with the FAA list of test centers. The test will take you about two hours of 60 multiple-choice questions. The requirement for passing the test is getting 70% of the questions correct. However, you will need to study enough for the test, as the questions are not easy. 

The good news is the FAA offers a two-hour training course free upon registration. You will probably need to go an extra mile to get further information as the FAA course does not cover some of the simplest facts in clear English.

Passing the test and getting the certificate does not mean you can fly your drone anywhere, or at any time you wish. There are exceptions too, and these depend on highly governing rules. If your drone exceeds 55 pounds, you are not eligible to operate it with the drone license anymore. In this case, you will need a 333 exemption or get a pilot license to fly it due to the weight. 

Buying a drone is one thing, but operating it legally is another. So once you have your drone, consider going that extra mile to get the license and use it without colliding with the law. It will cost you a bit of time and a few bucks, but well worth it as an entrepreneur.

Drone Businesses for the NOW

Drones have become the center of attention and everyone is after them. The reason behind the demand is their potential to make unprecedented benefits. You should not miss this opportunity. Making the right decision can change your idea of using drones from a hobby into a money making venture.

A drone repair shop

Just like handset phones, drones are more of a personal gadget. And this is where the right opportunity presents itself. Perhaps the best part is that not all drone owners know exactly how to fix them in case of failure. 

Unfortunately, or rather fortunately for you, these machines come with a higher potential of damage. So you can capitalize and make a great business out of it. If you know how to fix drones if they break down, you can start a repair shop and help owners whose drones are out of service while you make money. Why do people in your area have to ship their drones to have them fixed while you can get the job done locally? 

Train novice users

It is obvious that most people do not know how to use their machines as they take it right out of the box. And just as anyone would take some time to learn how to use their new android or an iPad, such is the case with drones. In that matter, it is possible most new drone owners who do not know how to fly it will need such service to be able to operate it safely. This is where you come in, to help them understand how to control flight into the skies and back.

Not many people are learning the ropes on the use of these machines; your area may yet to get professional flying drones. And while most manufacturers are providing manuals to help drone users learn how to operate it, personal assistance can be far reaching. So if you are a pro in commanding these machines, you can share your expertise with others and make a profit in return.  

Aerial photography

This practice is what most camera drones are all about. And regardless of the fact that the FAA is yet to authorize the use of drones to take aerial pictures for commercial purposes, most companies are coming into the industry every day.  If you have what it takes to keep this device in the air, you can offer services to these companies and make a profit. Advancing your business into a major enterprise, it’s possible this will catch FAA’s attention, just make sure you have the authority to operate drones.

Drones via Real Estate

Every field of the business sector has had its fair share of improvement via interaction or incorporation with drone technology. Digital imagery and pictures generated through drone technology offer far more than plain panoramic video footage. However, there’s more that could be done with video. There are tons of possibilities that firms are yet to tap into with drone video. 

Drone images are of optimal resolution in comparison to other forms of aerial surveys and satellite imaging. The low-level flying represents an individual pixel measuring an area of about one-inch square; much more accurate compared to any other source. 

By use of still imagery and GPS information bank, analysis software is then able to hem the photos as a solitary unit. The unit exhibits full color, photo realistic 3D data schemes that give immense visuals and remarkable analytic capabilities. The result is a video game-like visualization representation that enables the viewer to fly around the model, exploring all angles and the ability to estimate minimal error.

Raw video feeds are converted into an exquisitely detailed model of all buildings, inclusive of building facades and rooflines. Same data also gives 2D maps that could be superimposed on existing accounts to enable organizations and individuals to acquire the most updated and realistic view of the area upon demand.

Operators can calculate lengths, heights, areas, and volumes of desired structures without relying on otherwise costly and entangled ground surveys by manipulating a drone’s flight post processing and mapping software. In less than an hour, the drone can be utilized to survey a building or site and enable engineers to measure, cut and fill necessary volumes. Such allows one to estimate potential engineer work costs regarding required material and labor. 

Drones cover more ground than a common survey. The machines easily capture additional features in the environment and peek into hidden or concealed features like springs and culverts. 

Some inspections can be very dangerous for a human being to conduct manually. Far and difficult to reach places can, however, be inspected with the aid of drone technology in minimal time. This allows maximum reaching and comprehensive coverage within a short duration. Many people put their lives on the line every day to conduct roofing, building inspections, warehouses, bridges, industrial structures among others. 

Autonomous UAVs allow you to plan and control images generated so they can view the assets from multiple angles and distances. This comes in handy especially in situations that prove too risky to reach in person.

By use of thermal cameras, an operator will be able to gather and analyze heat emission behavior on buildings and other structures. Through the keen observation of the color schemes, you would be able to estimate where building insulation is worn out or requiring maintenance.

The same drone technology used during the inspection will give real-time security monitoring and coverage. Drones continually patrol the skies above and around buildings while the pilot remains safe at a distance. This will be absolutely important under adverse weather and harsh climate.