Drones are no longer just a hobby—they’re a legitimate way to earn money. However, to operate drones commercially in the U.S., you need a drone license. Whether you’re interested in real estate photography, roof inspections, or aerial mapping, getting certified is the first step to making money legally. This guide will walk you through the process of obtaining your drone license and turning your skills into a profitable business.
Step 1: Understand the FAA Part 107 Certification
In the U.S., commercial drone operators must obtain a Part 107 Remote Pilot Certificate issued by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). This license allows you to legally fly drones for business purposes.
Who Needs a Drone License?
You must get a Part 107 license if you:
- Use a drone for paid services (e.g., real estate, weddings, inspections, stock footage, etc.).
- Fly drones for business or commercial purposes.
- Plan to monetize your drone videos on YouTube or social media.
Step 2: Study for the Part 107 Exam
The Part 107 exam covers topics like airspace regulations, weather, drone laws, and safety protocols. To pass the test, you’ll need to study effectively.
Recommended Study Materials:
- FAA Study Guide – The official FAA resource.
- Online Part 107 Prep Course – Video lessons and practice exams.
- Drone Pilot Study Guide – Comprehensive study book.
- Practice Test Kit – Sample questions to prepare for the exam.
Where to Take the Exam?
- Schedule your test at an FAA-approved testing center via the PSI website.
- The exam fee is $175 and consists of 60 multiple-choice questions.
- You need a score of 70% or higher to pass.
Step 3: Register Your Drone & Get Insured
Once you pass the Part 107 exam, you’ll need to complete a few more steps before flying commercially.
1. Register Your Drone
- Go to FAADroneZone to register.
- The cost is $5 per drone, and registration lasts 3 years.
2. Get Drone Insurance
- Many clients require liability insurance before hiring a drone operator.
- Recommended policies include:
- SkyWatch.AI Drone Insurance – Flexible on-demand coverage.
- Verifly Pay-Per-Use Insurance – Short-term policies for occasional work.
Step 4: Start Making Money with Your Drone
Once you have your license and insurance, you can start offering drone services. Here are the most profitable ways to earn money legally:
1. Real Estate Photography & Videography
- Charge $150-$500 per project for aerial real estate shots.
- Recommended gear: DJI Air 2S (5.4K video for high-quality listings).
2. Roof & Infrastructure Inspections
- Work with roofing companies, insurance agencies, and home inspectors.
- Earn $200-$600 per inspection.
- Recommended drone: DJI Mavic 3 Enterprise (thermal imaging for detailed reports).
3. Stock Footage & YouTube Monetization
- Sell footage to platforms like Shutterstock & Adobe Stock.
- Create a YouTube channel for ad revenue and sponsorships.
- Recommended gear: DJI Mini 3 Pro (budget-friendly, high-quality 4K footage).
4. Wedding & Event Photography
- Capture aerial wedding shots for $500-$2,000 per event.
- Partner with wedding photographers and videographers.
- Recommended drone: Autel Robotics EVO II (cinematic 6K video quality).
Step 5: Market Your Drone Business
To attract clients and grow your business, follow these marketing strategies:
1. Build an Online Presence
- Create a website showcasing your portfolio, pricing, and services.
- Optimize your site with SEO keywords like “drone photography near me.”
- Post regularly on Instagram, YouTube, and Facebook.
2. List Your Services on Business Platforms
- Register on Google My Business, Thumbtack, and Upwork.
- Join real estate and construction forums to network with potential clients.
3. Offer Retainer Packages & Subscriptions
- Provide monthly real estate drone photography packages.
- Partner with construction firms for ongoing progress tracking.
4. Attend Networking Events
- Connect with real estate agents, event planners, and marketing agencies.
- Join local business networking groups to get referrals.
Conclusion
Getting your drone license is the key to unlocking profitable business opportunities while staying compliant with the law. By passing the Part 107 exam, registering your drone, and marketing your services, you can turn your passion for drones into a full-time income.
Ready to get started? Enroll in a Part 107 prep course today and start making money legally! 🚁💰
[Affiliate Disclaimer: This article contains affiliate links, meaning we may earn a small commission if you purchase through these links at no additional cost to you.]
