FAA Part 107 Online Course vs In-Person: Which Actually Gets You Licensed? [2025 Guide]

The Part 107 test gives you 120 minutes to answer 60 multiple-choice questions, and you need 70% to pass. The FAA Part 107 test boasts a 79.95% average pass rate, which might make you think the choice between online courses and classroom training doesn't matter. But this choice is really personal for each and every learner. Your learning style and career goals can make the most important difference in getting licensed and starting to earn money quickly or use your certificate as a way to advance an existing career in an industry that is adopting drone use.

Many online courses like Drone Launch Academy cost $199 and tend to be more budget-friendly than in-person courses, which run usually $500+. But classroom in-person training comes with unique advantages that pay for themselves after one or two drone service jobs (or that job promotion!)

Students who choose in-person training programs often achieve higher passing rates of up to 99%. The in-person programs also generally help complete beginners become licensed commercial drone pilots faster than self-paced online options, which is evident in this in-person Part 107class review: ‘’ I had been wanting to take the Part 107 exam for quite some time. I’ll be the first to admit I super suck at self-study. When I took the 107 exam, two weeks after the class, I felt prepared and apparently was. I passed with a 95%.”

You'll soon find the training method that matches your learning style and career goals best. This knowledge will help you choose between a flexible FAA Part 107 online course and a well-laid-out classroom environment.

What Is the FAA Part 107 Certification and Why Do You Need It?

The FAA Part 107 certification, also known as the Remote Pilot Certificate, gives you legal permission to fly drones for any non-recreational purpose. Since 2016, this certification has become the standard requirement for all commercial drone operations in the United States. You should know that "commercial" is a vital term—it goes beyond just getting paid.

The basics of commercial drone licensing

Money doesn't need to change hands to require you having Part 107 certification, which surprises many people. Taking drone photos of your house to sell it or providing imagery for your church counts as "commercial" or more accurately, "non-recreational". There are a few requirements in order to qualify to take Part 107 exam:

·        You must be at least 16 years old

·        You must be able to read, write, speak, and understand English

·        You must be physically and mentally fit to operate a drone safely

Getting your certification requires passing the Unmanned Aircraft General - Small (UAG) Knowledge Test. This 60-question multiple-choice exam covers airspace regulations, weather conditions, and emergency procedures. You need to answer at least 42 questions correctly to achieve the passing score of 70%. The Part 107 test costs $175 at FAA-approved testing centers nationwide.

Why choose in-person Part 107 prep course over online drone training course.

Your learning style will affect your success rate when choosing between an FAA PART 107 online courses and classroom training. Online courses let you work at your own pace, while in-person training provides guided learning, direct answers and helps you understand complex aviation concepts better, especially if you need clarification of a concept broken down by an expert who you can ask questions face to face.

The classroom setting also creates accountability that helps prevent the common problem of procrastination in self-paced online options, which is common to stretch from a couple weeks course if you take it at your own pace a few hours a day, to months or even longer if you don’t have the discipline or time to dedicate at least a few hours a day to it.

Classroom training offers networking opportunities with potential clients and collaborators compared to online Part 107 study courses. Students often find their first paying jobs through connections made during in-person training. The higher cost of classroom instruction pays off quickly through faster licensing and earlier earning potential.

What happens if you fly commercially without a license

Flying without proper certification can lead to serious consequences. The FAA takes airspace safety very seriously and imposes penalties that should make anyone pause before operating commercially without proper credentials.

Flying without a license could result in civil penalties up to $27,500. Criminal penalties can reach $250,000 and/or imprisonment for up to three years. The FAA Reauthorization Act of 2024 has increased fines up to $75,000 per violation for drone operators who conduct unsafe or unauthorized operations.

The FAA can suspend or revoke your drone pilot certificates and might ban you from future flying. These aren't empty threats—local Flight Standards District Offices actively investigate reported violations.

Needless to say, if you are serious about enhancing your career and earnings by using a drone to provide and sell drone services, then you should be legal to fly it. Getting licensed is the logical choice in this case.

The financial upside of getting licensed quickly

A certified Part 107 drone pilot certification opens many profitable opportunities. Full-time salaried positions range from $35,000 to $200,000 annually in this growing industry, while starting your own drone services business or using your skills as a side gig can also be very lucrative. So, if you are interested in getting licensed quickly to get into this growing industry and start getting real experience to increase your pay rate over time, then getting licensed quickly is in your best interest.

Your Part 107 flying privileges last 24 months after you initially acquire the Part 107 certificate. After that, you'll need to complete a free online recurrent training course through the FAA. This keeps your knowledge updated with changing regulations and safety standards.

The drone industry grows faster each day, and the FAA steadily expands flying privileges for licensed pilots. Part 107 certification now lets you fly over people and vehicles under certain conditions—something recreational pilots can't do. You can request waivers for specialized operations, giving you flexibility recreational pilots don't have.

The path you choose—online course or classroom instruction—should match your timeline to start earning and your best learning environment. Getting your certification keeps you legally compliant and ready to take advantage of the expanding commercial drone market’s services sector, which is predicted to grow to $57.8B by 2030 with the largest share of the being drone services at 78% of that (or $45B).

Global Drone Market Size 2025-2030

Breaking Down the Part 107 Test: What You're Up Against

Taking the FAA Part 107 test without preparation is like playing chess when you only know checkers. Test-takers score 79.95% on average with an 84.2% overall pass rate. A good grasp of what you're up against will help you prepare better.

Test format and passing requirements

The "Unmanned Aircraft General - Small (UAG)", or Part 107 knowledge test, has 60 multiple-choice questions. You get 120 minutes to complete it. The passing score is 70%, which means you need 42 correct answers. Each test pulls questions randomly from a bigger question bank, so everyone gets a different version.

A successful test-taker warns, "Cramming two hours before the test is really not enough to pass". Based on what you already know and how you study, you should spend at least a weekend to learn the material well.

The choice between an FAA Part 107 online course and classroom training makes a big difference. Online courses let you control your study schedule—but we all know how easy it is to put things off. Many students end up rushing through the content just before exam day. Classroom settings give you a fixed schedule, structured learning time, and instructors who can clear your doubts right away.

The 5 knowledge areas you must master

The FAA spreads five main topics across the test:

1.      Regulations (15-25% of questions) - Rules for drone operations under Part 107

2.      Operations (13-18% of questions) - Best practices and procedures

3.      Weather (11-16% of questions) - Weather patterns and their effect on drones

4.      Airspace classification (8-15% of questions) - Rules, limits, and chart reading

5.      Loading and performance (7-11% of questions) - Weight limits and drone capabilities

Most first-timers find sectional charts and airspace classifications the toughest parts: “I tried an online course and got lost at the aviation chart section. After researching “in person” classes I decided to go with V1DroneMedia’s course. The instructor was extremely knowledgeable and his teaching method stuck. I am happy to announce I passed my Part 107 exam just this afternoon with an 85%. Something that seemed so difficult to achieve yet actually happened.” Understanding such challenging topics works better with in-person teaching where you can ask questions and get help—something you can't do with online videos. See an example of an aviation sectional chart below and try to make sense of it without someone walking you through it!

Example of an aviation sectional chart you have to learn to read and answer questions on for the FAA Part 107 Drone Pilot Exam

 The FAA states, "Unless you have been flying drones for some time or have previously taken the knowledge test, you will need to spend time studying for the exam”. Aviation knowledge isn't something most people use daily, so you face a steep learning curve.

You have a choice: study these complex topics by yourself through a part 107 online course, or learn from an instructor who can explain things clearly and answer your questions?

Classroom training works great for visual and hands-on learners trying to master these topics. Online courses might cost less upfront, but classroom training often leads to better pass rates on the first try. This helps you avoid the $175 retest fee and get your 107 drone license quicker.

V1DroneMedia’s instructor explains an aviation sectional chart during FAA Part 107 Exam Prep Course

Remember this: getting licensed faster means earning money sooner. Even if you pay $300-500 more for an in-person course, a couple of drone jobs will cover that cost. Plus, your classmates might become your support group or partners—something you won't get studying alone online.

The part 107 test isn't impossible, but you need solid preparation. Your learning style and career plans should guide you to pick the training method that works best for you.

Online Part 107 Courses: The Self-Paced Option

Looking for an FAA part 107 online course feels like stepping into a buffet with countless choices. The digital world has options that fit any budget, from basic subscriptions to deluxe packages. Your choice buys more than just knowledge - it's about finding a learning style that clicks with you.

Top online courses and their price points

Online Part 107 course prices range widely. USI's flexible plan starts at just $10 per month for subscriptions. Most respected providers charge $125-$250 for unlimited access. Top-tier options like Drone Pilot Ground School cost $299 for their detailed packages. These online choices cost less than classroom alternatives - but that price gap needs a closer look.

These online courses come with money-back guarantees - evidence of their quality and recognition that self-study isn't right for everyone. The fine print matters though. Most refunds require you to finish the course and fail your exam.

What you actually get for your money

Each price point offers different value. Most online courses include:

·        Video lessons (typically 80+ videos across all knowledge areas)

·        Practice exams with 300-400 questions from real FAA tests

·        Study guides or "cram sheets" for last-minute review

·        Unlimited access to materials for future reference

Premium packages stand out with weekly live Q&A webinars, mobile apps, and direct instructor help. Some courses add flight skills training - valuable if you are looking for hands-on training, since the Part 107 exam doesn't test your flying abilities.

These courses now feature custom study plans to guide your learning. Whatever provider you pick, self-paced learning lets you study when time allows. This works great with family duties or odd work hours.

The real completion timeline (not what they advertise)

Marketing claims often stretch the truth. Many online drone training courses promise quick licensing "in just a few weeks", but success depends on your dedication and background knowledge.

Drone courses need 15-20 hours to complete. Some providers claim 10 hours is enough. Most students work full-time, so finishing usually takes 2-3 weeks of steady study.

Self-paced learning brings freedom but also challenges. Students often rush their studies right before test day without classroom deadlines pushing them forward.

This raises a key question: Do you finish online courses once started? A classroom setting might work better if you have unused exercise equipment at home. While online courses cost less upfront, landing one or two paid drone jobs could cover in-person training costs. Getting market-ready faster might save money and study scheduling conflicts long-term.

In-Person Part 107 Training: The Guided Experience

A classroom environment for Part 107 training creates a unique experience compared to late-night laptop studying. Students find themselves surrounded by fellow future drone pilots who could become their partners or collaborators.

Available classroom options across the country

Drone enthusiasts can choose from several in-person training providers. Companies like DARTdrones and Dronegenuity run classroom-based Part 107 study courses in major U.S. cities, while V1DroneMedia services the Midwest and Northeastern states in Cleveland, Ohio. All of these providers keep class sizes small (10-15 students) to maximize individual attention.

Most training providers release their schedules about 3 months ahead, and popular spots disappear quickly due to limited in-person class availability. Some companies even blend online pre-work with in-person teaching to create hybrid solutions that give students dual benefits.

Typical course structure and duration

Most classes complete Part 107 test prep in a single or couple of full 8-hour days, from 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. with breaks for lunch. This focused approach helps students finish their classroom training much faster than online learners who often take weeks. However there is a lot of information covered in that 1 or 2 days courses, so you have to choose the best structure for you.

The curriculum covers essential topics:

·        Drone regulations and FAA rules

·        Airspace classifications and sectional charts

·        Weather and micrometeorology

·        Flight operations and emergency procedures

·        Loading and performance calculations

Students get detailed guided breakdown of complex topics like sectional charts or airspace restrictions. Many courses also include practical drone operations instruction - something online videos can't match.

The true cost breakdown

The numbers tell an interesting story. The FAA knowledge test costs $175 at testing centers nationwide. In-person courses range from $545 (V1DroneMedia’s)-$1500 (DARTdrones), while online options average $200-$300. This price difference often pushes pilots toward online training initially.

The extra investment brings valuable returns. Quick material comprehension and networking with future commercial pilots make the cost worthwhile. A couple of paid drone jobs can offset the additional expense - jobs that could even come from classroom connections.

There are other factors to consider. For example, Dronegenuity's package combines online prep materials with in-person training. Students can also benefit from group rates, military/first responder discounts, and packages that include test fees. Whereas V1DroneMedia’s course is taught by a commercial airline pilot with decades of professional aviation experience in US national airspace, who also runs his own drone services business, thus offering real world drone operations expertise to their students.

Classroom training motivates students to schedule their FAA Part 107 exam within days of completion, unlike online courses where procrastination can delay licensing. The structured setting helps students overcome common self-paced learning challenges.

Hands-on learners and those who struggled with online courses benefit from classroom accountability and structure. Success rates increase when students match their learning style to the training format.

The classroom environment proves invaluable for students who learn through discussion and demonstration. Direct access to expert instructors and the fastest way to pass Part 107 creates benefits beyond test day.

The Learning Experience: How Your Brain Actually Processes This Stuff

Your brain works differently than a computer storing drone information—it processes knowledge based on your personal learning style. Studies show that your choice of Part 107 study method affects not just passing the test, but how soon you can start making money from your certification.

Visual learners vs. hands-on learners

People learn differently. Video demonstrations and online tutorials work great for visual learners, who find charts and diagrams help them grasp complex ideas. However, students who prefer hands-on learning often find digital-only instruction challenging and need physical practice with direct guidance to understand concepts.

"The supervision of an expert instructor ensures that students get their questions answered immediately, and don't end up developing bad habits that they will need to unlearn later on," notes Jason Damman, V1DroneMedia’s Part 107 instructor. This becomes vital when learning essential skills like reading sectional charts or interpreting weather data—areas where many test-takers struggle.

Here's something to think about: hands-on drone training lets you practice proper responses with expert guidance—something you can't get through a screen. Online courses give busy professionals the flexibility they need, with round-the-clock access to materials and online communities.

The accountability factor: finishing what you start

Let's face it: online courses have terrible completion rates. Procrastination becomes your worst enemy without scheduled sessions and face-to-face accountability.

Students taking faa part 107 online courses need at least 15-20 hours of studying for the test. This might seem manageable until you try carving out time between work, family, and daily life. Classroom settings create built-in accountability—you've invested more money and committed to specific dates.

Online Part 107 Prep Students can face many distractions throughout learning process

The structure of in-person training mirrors real-life drone operation, where planning and preparation are essential. This well-laid-out approach helps students get licensed and start billing clients faster.

Retention rates: what you'll remember on test day

Studying means little if you can't remember the information when it counts. Different learning methods produce vastly different retention rates. This isn't just about memorizing facts—you need to understand aviation concepts well enough to use them.

Flashcards and simple knowledge questions might work for basic concepts. But the challenging sections—making up over 50% of the test—need an instructor who can explain ideas different ways until you understand them completely.

The fastest way to pass Part 107 matches your learning style perfectly. Self-disciplined visual learners might do well with online courses. Hands-on learners who need structure find classroom training more effective and economical—because getting licensed faster means earning money sooner. Those first couple of drone jobs don't just cover extra training costs; they launch your business or career while online learners might still puzzle over sectional charts.

Time-to-License Comparison: Which Gets You Flying Faster?

Your drone income clock starts ticking as soon as you decide to get licensed. The difference between successful commercial pilots and hobbyists often boils down to how fast they turn their knowledge into cash flow. Your choice between self-paced online study or classroom training will shape how quickly you become a legal commercial drone operator.

Average study hours required for each method

The numbers show that proper Part 107 test prep needs serious dedication. The FAA suggests 20 hours of study time to pass the Part 107 exam. Most online courses pack about 15 hours of lessons spread across 200+ videos. These courses also include more than 300 practice questions to get you ready for test day.

Some online courses promote their "14-day challenge" - claiming you can become a commercial drone pilot by studying just 1 hour daily for two weeks. The truth is, these quick schedules work for very few people. Most students who learn online spend 15-20 hours total preparing for the test.

Classroom training changes everything. These courses pack the same material into full 8-hour days with practice tests in between, and wrap up the whole curriculum in just 1-2 days. Students usually take their tests right after finishing the course, and usually have access to study materials and extra practice tests to gain more confidence if they feel they need it.

Scheduling realities and procrastination factors

Here's what online course ads don't tell you: procrastination kills drone careers quietly. Research shows that over 50% of students regularly put off their academic work.

Students taking an FAA part 107 online course battle their own habits. Without a fixed schedule, many future pilots keep pushing their lessons to "tomorrow." Classroom settings create built-in accountability - you've paid more money upfront and committed to specific dates.

One expert in the field says, "With an in-person class, all the information hits you at once and you can't set your own pace". This limitation actually helps because it makes you focus and learn the material quickly instead of putting off your studies.

From first lesson to passing the test: realistic timelines

Here's how long it takes to go from deciding to get licensed to flying commercially:

Online learners typically need:

·        2-3 weeks (or more) to finish course materials.

·        1-2 weeks to schedule and take the FAA exam

·        10 business days to get their temporary certificate

·        6-8 weeks to receive their permanent certificate

Classroom learners need:

·        1-2 days to complete intensive training

·        3-7 days to schedule and take the FAA exam

·        Same certificate processing times

The big difference? Online students stretch their 15-20 study hours over weeks or months. Classroom students finish in days. Those extra weeks mean lost income potential.

Here's a practical way to look at it: classroom training might cost $300-500 more than online options, but one or two paid drone jobs could make up that difference. Getting your license three weeks earlier could mean booking your first commercial flight while online students still work through practice questions.

Online courses work well for some people. Self-paced learning offers flexibility that classrooms can't match if you're highly self-disciplined or have an unusual schedule. Still, most aspiring commercial pilots who want to start making money with their drones find that classroom training's structured environment and faster completion time make it the quickest way to pass Part 107. Here is another student’s experience described in a Google Review: “I needed to get my Part 107 Certification for work and scheduled my exam in advance of studying to motivate me. I wasn’t having as much luck self-studying online this completely new material and decided an in-person class would suit me better. Long story short, I flew from Texas to Ohio, on a whim, to take this [Part 107 Prep] class over the weekend. It was an amazing class and quelled so much of my anxiety around taking this test. And I passed! In 3 days, I became certified from his teachings.” 

The Hidden Benefits of Classroom Training

Classroom training delivers major benefits beyond learning the basics. These hidden advantages make the real difference between passing a test and starting a thriving drone business.

Networking with future clients and collaborators

A classroom filled with aspiring drone pilots becomes your first professional network. Many training providers help students land their first paying jobs. Your classmates could become business partners, referral sources, and even clients. This personal connection doesn't happen through a computer screen.

Direct access to expert knowledge

A classroom setting lets you ask questions right away when complex topics like airspace restrictions confuse you. Online videos can't give you tailored explanations.

The instructors aren't just teachers - they run their own drone businesses and have backgrounds as aircraft pilots. Their knowledge helps students succeed.

The motivation of learning among others

People often quit online courses halfway through. Learning face-to-face creates natural accountability. The classroom environment creates healthy competition and support. Seeing others master difficult concepts pushes everyone to improve. The cost difference between online and in-person training pays off quickly - just one or two paid drone jobs cover the extra investment within weeks of certification.

Making the Financial Case: Is the Extra Cost Worth It?

The math tells the story between online and in-person drone training. Your investment versus returns needs more than just price comparison.

How drone jobs quickly cover your training investment

The real numbers paint a clear picture. Freelance drone pilots earn between $25-$200 per hour. One or two gigs can easily make up the cost difference between online and classroom training. Most companies see returns on their drone investment within 2-3 projects. This makes the original price gap seem much smaller afterward.

Full-time drone pilots earn average salaries from $60,000 to $200,000 annually. Getting your license a few weeks faster through classroom training could mean thousands more in your pocket.

Drone Pilot Salary Ranges by Specialty

The cost of failing and retaking the test

The numbers get interesting here. A failed Part 107 test means paying another $175 to try again. You'll need to wait 14 days before the next attempt. Those two weeks could have been spent earning money instead of studying more.

Some online courses will pay back your test fee if you fail after scoring 85% on their practice exams. Classroom training students tend to pass on their first try, which makes retake fees less common.

Hands-on learners find classroom training a smart investment. The benefits show through faster licensing, better knowledge retention, and valuable industry connections.

Conclusion

The choice between online and classroom Part 107 training depends on your learning style. Students who are self-disciplined and excel with digital content might find online courses worth $199-299. But classroom training's $500+ price tag proves to be a smart investment for most aspiring pilots.

Classroom students usually finish their training and take the test within 1-2 weeks. Online learners tend to spread their studies over 2-3 months. This faster timeline means you'll start earning sooner, which makes the extra cost minimal. A couple of drone service jobs will easily cover the difference in training costs.

Your learning style should guide your decision more than your budget. Students who learn by doing pick up complex topics like sectional charts and airspace rules much faster with an instructor's guidance. The classroom environment creates accountability that keeps you on track. The in-person Part 107 Prep Course gives you expert instruction, networking opportunities and the quickest path to your commercial drone license.

Each week spent studying alone means lost potential income. Classroom training costs more upfront, but getting licensed faster and connecting with future collaborators makes it worthwhile for most pilots. Success in the drone industry goes beyond passing a test - it's about building relationships and launching your business quickly.

FAQs

Q1. How long does it typically take to prepare for the FAA Part 107 exam? Most people spend 15-20 hours studying for the Part 107 test. Online courses usually take 2-3 weeks to complete if you consistently dedicate a few hours a day to studying, while in-person training can be finished in 1-2 intensive days, such as V1DroneMedia’s FAA Part 107 2-day in-person course.

Q2. What are the main differences between online and in-person Part 107 training? Online courses offer flexibility and lower costs, typically around $200-$300. In-person training costs $545-1500 but provides hands-on instruction, networking opportunities, and often results in faster completion and higher pass rates.

Q3. What topics are covered on the Part 107 exam? The exam covers five main areas: regulations, operations, weather, airspace classification, and loading/performance. Questions on airspace and sectional charts are often considered the most challenging for test-takers.

Q4. How much can I expect to earn as a licensed drone pilot? Entry-level drone pilots can earn around $35,000-42,00 annually, while experienced pilots (5+ years) can command $88,000 or more. Freelance rates range from $25 to $200 per hour depending on the job and experience level.

Q5. What happens if I fail the Part 107 exam? If you fail the exam, you'll need to wait 14 days before retaking it and pay another $175 fee. Some online courses offer to reimburse your test fee if you fail after scoring well on their practice exams, while in-person training often results in higher first-time pass rates.

Better Cost Estimates and Site Understanding Through Drone Technology: Your Construction RFP Guide

Ready to take the guesswork out of your construction project estimates? The right cost estimates make all the difference between project success and budget overruns. Modern drone technology delivers precise site analysis at a fraction of traditional surveying costs and time, giving you accuracy that manual methods simply can't achieve in the same amount of time.

Drone-powered photogrammetry gives project managers a clear view of construction sites from every angle - especially valuable for expansive projects where ground surveys fall short. Your team spots potential issues before they become problems, tracks daily progress, and makes smart decisions that keep projects on schedule. The added benefit? Drone surveys handle dangerous terrain safely, eliminating the risks tied to manual site inspections.

This practical guide shows you exactly how drone technology creates spot-on cost estimates for your construction RFPs. We'll walk you through smart ways to include drone data in your documentation, break down the real cost advantages, and share proven techniques to get the most value from your investment.

Incorporating Drone Data into RFP Documentation

Looking for crystal-clear RFP documentation? Drone technology delivers exactly that through GPS-referenced data collection and visual insights. That means better accuracy while significantly cutting documentation time.

Creating compelling visual presentations

Picture-perfect aerial photography and video captures every site detail, can give you professional 3D models and detailed topographic maps. Your RFP will stand out with stunning imagery, site maps that you can utilize for 3D renderings, helping give stakeholders a clearer picture of the finished project.

Demonstrating project understanding through aerial imagery

Expert aerial surveys can uncover the full story of your site - from elevation changes to drainage patterns and vegetation details.

Underground utility mapping and overlay techniques

Smart GPS drones follow carefully planned flight paths, taking hundreds of overlapping photos to build complete site models by utilizing drone photogrammetry. These models can pinpoint underground utility locations by working seamlessly with existing utility location data to deliver spot-on utility mapping reports.

Supporting cost estimates with precise measurements

Want measurements you can trust? Drone surveying delivers exceptional precision for volume calculations and material quantities. You can get:

·        Volume measurements in minutes instead of hours

·        Precision down to 1/10ft (3cm) for stockpile measurements

·        Instant site condition updates through real-time data

This level of accuracy keeps your bids right on target, helping you stay competitive while protecting your profit margins.

Cost-Benefit Analysis of Drone Implementation

Ready to see the real financial impact of drone technology? The numbers tell a compelling story. Today's construction industry spends USD 8.00 trillion yearly, yet typical projects still run over budget and behind schedule.

Time savings in bid preparation

Think weeks of survey work - now done in hours. A 12-acre property survey shrinks from 100 hours to just 2 hours. Your team prepares bids faster, tracks progress more often, and handles more projects. The result? More contracts won and fewer project delays.

Using Drones Beyond RFP

Looking for precision in project tracking? Today's construction demands exact documentation at every stage. Drone technology captures crystal-clear aerial imagery, giving project managers unmatched site monitoring capabilities.

Maximizing ROI Through Strategic Drone Use

Want to see real returns on your drone investment? Smart implementation delivers exceptional results. Just ask Grade Tech - they employ the latest software that interfaces with our positioning tools to perform topographic and layout operations, advanced modeling programs, and modern job-tracking software to ensure efficiency at every stage of the project, cutting traditional survey times by 60-70%.

Project monitoring brings even bigger rewards, with drone use eliminating costly downtime.

Measuring and tracking cost savings

The proof is in the numbers - 92% of construction firms see positive ROI within their first year using drones. Your savings grow through reduced labor costs, minimal downtime, and precise measurements. The key to measuring drone use ROI? Careful tracking of every dollar saved across your project timeline helps fine-tune your drone strategy based on real results.

Construction Progress Monitoring for Project Management

Smart drone flights follow carefully planned routes, delivering consistent site documentation. Your project managers receive a focused package - 3-5 key images plus a 30-second video clip from each monitoring session. These visual updates spotlight potential delays or issues before they impact your timeline. Our clients catch inefficiencies early and adjust their strategies with confidence. Having an ongoing drone site capture schedule gives project manager and superintendent opportunity to request additional shots or data collection before a visit as needed for faster decision-making.  

Client Project Updates with Drone Photos and Videos

Keep your stakeholders in the loop without site visits. Professional progress reports flow on a regular schedule, giving everyone clear insight into project developments. These detailed updates prove timeline adherence and milestone achievements to clients, and are especially helpful when clients are located out of state, or even out of the country (as was the case with one of our client projects).

Project Documentation for Marketing

Stunning aerial photography tells your project's story, highlighting its true scale and sophistication. Our clients use drone footage to:

·        Build impressive time-lapse videos showing project progress

·        Showcase sweeping panoramic views of projects for digital marketing

·        Create winning portfolios for future proposals

The real power of drone technology lies in its versatility throughout your project's lifecycle. Your team can even upload raw footage directly to specialized construction software platforms, building a complete visual record of construction progress. Learn more about this topic in our Drone Use in Construction Marketing blog post.

Conclusion

Ready to take your construction RFP process to the next level? Drone technology delivers perfect cost estimates through exact measurements and detailed site analysis. Your team gains 90% better accuracy while slashing documentation time in half. Most companies see remarkable results in yearly savings and productivity gains over time, making drone technology a game-changer for modern construction management.

The path to success starts with committing to giving drone technology a try from the pre-construction RFP submission all the way to the completion of the project. The numbers will tell a clear story - while ongoing costs can average $5000-$20000 with consistent use of drone technology throughout construction project span (6-18 months usually), construction firms see positive returns within twelve months. Your tangible and intangible savings can grow quickly through streamlined costs, faster bid preparation, precise project monitoring, informed decision-making, improved client communication, and stunning marketing materials.

Want to see these benefits firsthand? V1Dronemedia offers a free drone photography and video shoot for your next RFP submission. Our expert team can also help you obtain accurate site measurement and mapping for better site visualization. Contact us to learn how you get your free drone shoot at the RFP stage!

Façade Inspections in Cleveland by Drone

Why Building Façade Inspection is Needed

A municipal ordinance was passed in 2016 in Cleveland, Ohio, to require façade inspections for buildings of certain age and height to be completed every 5 years – see the detailed ordinance here. Since this ordinance was passed in Cleveland, 2 other major Ohio cities, Columbus, and Cincinnati followed with passing similar ordinances the same year.

As with most ordinances, Cleveland's ordinance passing was a direct consequence of an accident: a parapet wall of an 1890s-era building in downtown Cleveland crumbled, releasing several bricks onto the sidewalk and the road, thankfully without human casualties this time (a parked minivan without passengers was damaged).

The ordinance that was passed requires buildings that are at least 5 stories or 75 feet in height above grade and are of a certain age (between 30-50 years old), to be initially inspected and re-inspected every 5 years.

How was the building façade inspections performed in the past

In the past, this type of inspection was done by inspectors needing to get close to the walls to visually inspect them and document the conditions, which meant erecting and installing the scaffolding, or elevating them by another method, which gets the person close to the source of inspection, but it is not very efficient:

1.   It takes time for them to move within the scaffolding, or be elevated by a crane platform to every spot that needs to be inspected and documented

2.   It is not the safest for the person involved (a falling accident is a possibility)

3.   It can be expensive with the time and equipment involved, plus the addition of insurance costs when performing this work at dangerous elevations.

These types of inspections can be costly to complete when using traditional methods. Facade inspections can run into $10K-$20K, depending on the size of the building. The cost is usually made up by using large equipment or erecting scaffolding structures, inspectors' time that is necessary to visually inspect and document the conditions of the asset, and the report write-up within the guidelines of such inspection.

As one can see, a large proportion of the cost of such inspection is driven up by the resource and time used to visually inspect and document current conditions effectively. The use of autonomous inspection tools that don't require the investment of such resources can cut costs drastically. Drones do just that for such use cases as facade inspections.

Why Use Drone For Building Façade Inspection

A drone allows for the faster and safer acquisition of the visual inspection and documentation data of the current conditions of the façades. Equipment and personnel need is reduced to a drone capable of shooting hi-res photography, and a drone pilot who is qualified to fly safely and legally and can produce such photography.

This photographic output generated by a drone can then be viewed by a qualified design professional on their computer (engineer or architect), certified in the inspection of the specific elements that make up the façade of the structure, and licensed by the State of Ohio, or an inspection agency that is qualified under the Ohio Building Code for Special Inspectors (as per the ordinance).

In addition to basic aerial photography, drone imagery can be set up to be acquired with certain parameters (automated flight path and special photography settings) with an intent of being processed through software to generate point clouds and 3D models, that help capture the building condition overall. Such models allow the inspector to zoom in at any point for a closer look during the inspection, and even produce measurements between points for needed calculations. These models can be stored digitally and updated with a new model at any point in time.

Looking to hire a drone company for a façade inspection in Cleveland?

If a company considers hiring a drone pilot to perform a façade inspection data capture (whether the building facilities management, an inspector or agency), it will need to do its due diligence - see our article Hiring a Drone Pilot for details on how to do that, or contact us to provide you with the quote to perform façade inspection data capture by one of our skilled drone pilots.

If you want to train someone within your organization to fly drones to capture such data, check out our drone training page for drone training classes offered in Cleveland, and contact us to schedule, or sign up for our drone class notification list.

What is DJI Fly Safe? Is unlocking a Geo Zone in DJI Fly Safe the same as getting an FAA Authorization?

I am a commercial drone pilot, drone services provider, and drone educator based in Cleveland, Ohio, and I get a lot of questions concerning drone operations from drone hobbyists, drone training students, and those that read and watch my drone education content. Recently I noticed that there is some confusion concerning DJI Fly Safe Geo Zone Unlocks to remove flying restrictions that prevent the aircraft to fly vs. getting an FAA Authorization to fly in controlled airspace.

In this blog post I explain the following:

·       What DJI Fly Safe is

·       How unlocking DJI Fly Safe Geo Zones differs from getting FAA Authorization to fly in a certain airspace

·       Clear up the confusion between unlocking DJI Fly Safe Geo Zones vs. getting an FAA authorization

·       How to unlock DJI Geo Zones through the DJI Fly Safe website

You can also watch my Vlog/Video Tutorial on this topic below if you prefer getting your information audiovisually.

What is DJI Fly Safe?

DJI Fly Safe is a drone flight geofence system implemented by DJI for the drones they manufacture. It uses GPS coordinates to create flight restrictions (Authorization or Restricted Zones) in certain areas to keep everyone safe and compliant with existing FAA flight restrictions for drones. This system will restrict your DJI-manufactured drone from taking off, flying, and landing in such an area.

Is unlocking a DJI geo zone the same as getting FAA Authorization to fly a drone?

No, they are 2 different things and are both necessary to obtain in order to legally fly your DJI-made drone within controlled airspace.

Can I get an FAA Authorization through DJI Flysafe?

No, you can only obtain FAA Authorization to fly in controlled airspace through LAANC or the FAA Drone Zone. Even if you self-unlock your DJI Drone to fly in an area that requires FAA Authorization, you shouldn’t do so until you also receive FAA Authorization to fly there.

How do I know which area requires an FAA Authorization?

There are several ways to check what type of airspace you are intending to fly in.  The easiest way is with an app that was developed in conjunction with the FAA, called B4UFLY.

Commercial drone pilots are required to learn all about these airspace restrictions for their planning and decision-making in everyday operations, and such education is included in most Part 107 Test Training for those who want to take the Part 107 Exam, as well as some basic knowledge is included into the FAA TRUST test for recreational drone pilots (hobbyists), see my VLOG on the TRUST Test for more information on this.

There are also many other apps developed by 3rd parties to help plan drone flight missions, and some with the ability to request FAA airspace authorizations (LAANC) through the app (such as Airmap, UASidekick, and Aloft, to name a few).

How to unlock a Geo Zone in DJI Flysafe?

I have step-by-step instructions on how to do this in my Video Tutorial at the beginning of this post. Check out the timestamps in the description below the video (in the YouTube view) to get to the tutorial you are looking for.

Does unlocking a Geo Zone in DJI Flysafe transfer to my drone automatically?

The unlocking license should transfer to the DJI app once you are connected to the internet/wifi with the phone/tablet that you intend to fly with.  You may then have to add the license to your aircraft using the DJI App. I show how to do this in my Video Tutorial as well.

How do I apply for an FAA Authorization to fly drones in controlled airspace?

A few years ago, I recorded a video tutorial about how to get FAA flight authorization for controlled airspace through the LAANC and DroneZone. Check it out for step-by-step instructions!

I hope I was able to clear up some confusion and equip you with the knowledge on ‘how-to’ get permissions to fly your DJI-manufactured drone from both FAA and DJI.

As usual, I encourage you to go out and practice flying if you are an aspiring drone pilot, and only to do so safely.

If don’t’ have your Trust certificate yet, please get one before you fly your drone (even if you only intend to fly for recreational purposes). If you want to take the FAA Part 107 Certificate Exam to earn your commercial drone pilot license, or to get more hands-on flight experience, check out drone training classes I teach in the Cleveland area, including Part 107 Prep Class and Drone Operations Class.

Feel free to Contact me if you have any questions or suggestions for more content like this!

Where To Fly Drones in Cleveland

Cleveland aerial views are some of the best available in the state of Ohio!  OK, we may be a little biased since we are based in the Cleveland area. We are lucky to have an extensive lakefront with Lake Erie spanning much of the Northeast Ohio border, downtown Cleveland, and its suburbs.

Drone photo of downtown Cleveland skyline and historic Cleveland Coast Guard Station

1.     Downtown Cleveland has many scenic locations: Cleveland sports stadiums, Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, Public Square, Playhouse Square, etc. You can't beat the Cleveland skyline aerial view with Lake Erie in the background!

But be aware, if you intend to fly your drone downtown Cleveland, that Burke Lakefront Airport is located there just next to the Voinovich Bicentennial Park. Burke Lakefront Airport is in controlled (class D) airspace, requiring you to obtain FAA authorization to fly your drone within 5 miles of its location (you can read our blog post Where Can I Fly My Drone for detailed information and tutorial on FAA authorizations).

Aerial photo of Rock and Roll Hall of Fame with Burke Lakefront Airport and Lake Erie in the background

In addition, during any major league baseball (MLB) or national football league (NFL) open-air stadium games there is a Temporary Flight Restriction (TFR) that is in effect, which applies to the MLB and NFL games at the stadiums located downtown Cleveland.  TFRs can also go into effect for other reasons, such as VIP movement, which prohibits all drone flights in the area.

2.     Lakefront locations in Cleveland that offer some scenic lakefront drone photography: Lakewood Park with the Solstice Steps and Cleveland downtown skyline, Lorain Lighthouse in Lorain, and Fairport Harbor Breakwater Lighthouse in Mentor. Make sure you check municipality ordinances when you are choosing where to launch and land your drone.

Aerial view of the Edgewater Park with downtown Cleveland Skyline

3.     University Circle neighborhood of Cleveland offers plenty of scenic architectural and natural sites with Wade Oval, Cleveland Museum of Art and its lagoon, Museum of Natural History, Case Western Reserve University campus, and Little Italy nearby. Some of this area is within 5 miles of the Burke Lakefront Airport, so you may need FAA authorization to fly your drone there.

Aerial photo of Cleveland Museum of Art in Fall

4.     Unfortunately, you cannot launch and land your drone in most Cleveland Metroparks, including their lakefront locations: Edgewater Park, Wendy Park, Whiskey Island, E 55th Street Marina, East 72nd fishing area, North Gordon Park Boat Ramp, Euclid Beach Park, and Huntington Reservation Beach in Bay Village. There are several designated areas where you CAN fly your drone in the Cleveland Metroparks, see the details in their Drone Policy.

If you have any questions about flying in Cleveland and surrounding areas, need a drone project quote, or are looking for drone training classes that we provide, Contact us!

Get your drone license training for free in Ohio with TechCred!

Technology is constantly changing the nature of work, and nowadays even more so in non-technology-focused industries. Drone technology is one of those technologies, as it is disrupting established industries like surveying, construction, real estate, land development, asset management, telecommunications, and is being used as a new tool in disaster response, police, firefighting, agriculture, forestry, wildlife management, insurance, media, and many others. You can read about the current state of the Drone Industry and its development in this 2021 Drone Market Report Snapshot.

Why are these industries using drones?

1. Drones made aerial videography and photography more affordable to use in TV, Film, marketing, and advertising.

2. Drone technology enables more efficient operations through cost-cutting, project transparency, and site visualization for improved communication.

3. Drones improve the safety aspect of operations: for example, not having to have people climb facades of the buildings, cranes, or cell phone towers as much, and assess the crime or a disaster scene for response planning without putting first responders in danger – this can be achieved with a drone!

4. Drones can also uncover new value for businesses when they find a way to use a drone in innovative ways: for example, in forestry, it is a new way to assess the health of a forest/vegetation area – you can even count the trees when the collected visual data is processed through photogrammetry software! In package delivery, drones may solve last-mile delivery challenges and can access remote or dangerous locations. And there are many more use cases to come as the drone industry is experimenting and implementing them in their workflows!

So, is your business ready to embrace this new technology to stay competitive and realize potential benefits? Is your workforce ready to use these new tools?

Investing capital and people resources into learning and implementing new technology at a workplace can be costly, however, not investing can cost a business more (or even put them out of business) if it doesn't embrace a technology that is being rapidly implemented in their industry.

The good news is that in Ohio the state government is committed to helping local workers and employers to get the new technical skills they need in order to stay competitive in this technology-driven reality. The state of Ohio has established the TechCred program that helps Ohioans learn new skills and help employers build a stronger workforce with the skills in a tech-infused economy by reimbursing them for the training.  

TechCred is a program for Ohio employers that have identified new technology skills needed for employees, and if that technical skill is on the approved TechCred ‘credential’ list, they can nominate employees to go through the training to learn this skill. Once the employee is enrolled in a listed technology ‘credential’ short-term course with a credential provider they can either earn a technology certificate through taking the course or pass a standardized test with a certification after completing the course. After the employee has ‘earned’ the credential, the employer will get reimbursed for the cost of the employee training in the course.

And yes, drone skills are on that 'credential' list as FAA Drone Technology UAS! So, if you think your employer can benefit from you learning drone skills and getting trained to become a certified drone pilot by taking and passing the FAA Part 107 Drone Pilot License Test (you can read more about this license in our Drone Pilot License blog post), you should bring this program to their attention and encourage them to apply on your behalf!

How much does it cost to earn the Drone Pilot License? Through TechCred you would have to take a course that would run $499-$1000 (the cost of this course can get reimbursed to the employer by the TechCred program), plus the cost of the test itself, which is currently $175 (you have to pay it every time you take it, so it is worth to take a course and study to ensure passing the test).

Once you earn your commercial drone pilot license your value to the employer may increase and you can even use this credential to help with finding employment in the future. 

Or, if you are an employer (manager) in an industry that is rapidly embracing drone technology (watch our Drones for Business Information Webinar - video below - to learn more about drone uses in various industries), you can identify employees who would be a good fit to earn their drone pilot license and enroll them in an appropriate course that gets them ready to fly drones and pass the FAA Part 107 Drone Pilot License Test.  

Drone Applications For Businesses - Pre-recorded Informational Webinar

V1DroneMedia’s Chief Pilot Jason Damman (you can read his bio on the About page) has been teaching first responders to fly drones in the Cleveland area for the last 4 years and recently started teaching the same course at the Lorain County Community College, which is on the credential list as the FAA Drone Technology UAS credential provider through TechCred. Check out our Drone Training and Events page for the upcoming training to enroll yourself or your employees, sign-up for e-mail notifications about classes, and check out our TechCred page to learn what courses we provide through the Ohio TechCred program to get acquainted with how it works and to get started with your application to get reimbursed!

Where you can get trained to fly drones in Cleveland, Ohio

V1DroneMedia gets frequent questions and inquiries about getting certified to fly drones or learning how to fly them proficiently. We’ve also met quite a few people who fly drones illegally around Cleveland (aka without FAA Part 107 Drone License), or not flying them in compliance with the FAA Drone Regulations.

We know that demand for consumer and commercial drones is soaring, as is the drone use in many industries, but few people know where to turn for credible information and training. So, we’ve put together this guide on available Drone Training in Cleveland, Ohio.

There are several options in the Cleveland area for drone training, both in-person and hands-on drone flight training,  available for those interested to learn to fly drones proficiently, getting their drone FAA Part 107 certification that enables them to fly commercially, and learning about innovative drone technology applications in various industries.

Accredited degree programs in Unmanned Aircraft Systems (Drones) in Cleveland, Ohio

If you are looking for a traditional undergraduate program, Kent State University is known for its aviation programs, and it offers an undergraduate Bachelor of Science in Aeronautics with the Unmanned Aircraft Systems Flight Operations concentration. Kent State also offers an Unmanned Aircraft Systems Minor for those enrolled in its undergraduate program.

However, you don’t need to get a degree in drones to fly drones (especially if you already have a degree and are just looking to get your drone license). Flying drones is a skill that can be learned if you invest some time into learning to fly while studying the FAA rules and regulations so you are doing it safely and responsibly, and then schedule and pass the Part 107 Drone License Test (see our blog post Drone Pilot License for more details on that). There are several drone training options in the Cleveland area as well if you are looking for an in-person class where you can acquire drone skills.

Non-degree Drone Training Courses in Cleveland, Ohio

There are several in-person training options for the Part 107 drone license in the Cleveland, Ohio, area.

Kent State has a UAV Training and Part 107 Testing course that does just that. It is scheduled throughout the year and doesn’t appear to always be available, so you must keep an eye out when it opens up.

Cuyahoga County Community College (Tri-C) offers FAA Part 107 drone training for law enforcement and other first responders at its Drone Academy, also offered throughout the year, where our Chief Pilot Jason Damman is the lead instructor on the FAA Part 107 Rules and Regulations and National Airspace.

V1DroneMedia also offers a variety of Drone Training Courses in the Cleveland area, with in-person courses offered through a partnership with Lorain County Community College, and custom-scheduled courses for organizations and individuals. V1DroneMedia also offers educational content through video resources on our Resources page and YouTube channel Drone Education playlist. Our Chief Pilot and Drone Instructor, Jason Damman, is a Certified Flight Instructor with an extensive commercial airline, flight, and drone training, and drone flying background (see About to learn more).

For starters, if you are curious about what you can do with a drone, watch our Free Drone Business Information Webinar outlining major drone use cases, industries that use them, and opportunities for growth in this field.

If you are ready to learn more about what it takes to get started in this field, schedule with us an Introduction to Drones Class geared toward drone hobbyists or aspiring commercial drone pilots. Or, if you are more serious and ready to try out a career in the field, take the Part 107 Drone Certificate Prep Course preparing anyone to take the Part 107 Test to earn a commercial drone pilot license.

V1DroneMedia Drone License Prep Class is a 2-day in-person class that takes place in a classroom. It covers everything one needs to learn to pass the FAA Part 107 test, including practice tests, access to class materials and additional resources, in-person connection with the instructor, and a private Facebook group community to stay in touch with the class participants and the instructor. The Part 107 Prep Class costs $499 (the fee does not include the test fee payable to one of the FAA-authorized testing centers where you schedule to take your test).

The benefit of taking the in-person class is that the instructor has simplified the complex and lengthy aviation lingo-heavy Part 107 study guide into easy-to-understand digestible content. This class has been taught before to many Cleveland-area students who successfully passed the Part 107 Test.

V1DroneMedia is also available to teach its custom FAA Part 107 Drone License training courses based on the curriculum we developed, can conduct group or 1:1 Flight Training sessions, and provide consultations on all drone-related matters, including setting up an internal Drone Operations Program for a business that is looking to build one.

We recently also started offering individual and small group Drone Operations Classes and Hands-On Drone Flight Training sessions geared toward those who want to get started flying their drones with professional guidance or learn advanced flight skills.

If you are thinking about getting trained, but are not sure when you will be able to do it, Sign Up for an e-mail notification list to stay informed about V1DRoneMedia classes as they get scheduled

Online Drone Training

If you are good at following a self-paced YouTube, or another online course tool, there are many options out there. Google them, and you will find many, but it may take some time for you to make a decision on the one that’s right for you.

However, if you decide to go in this direction, you will still have to study the materials and take the test. The upside here can be lower cost (although not always), but the downside is that more often than none there isn’t any person to ask any questions for more information and clarification, and many of those programs can be very dense and full of aviation lingo (that we strip out in our courses, which give you only the essentials you need to know to fly and pass the test). We have had students in our in-person classes who have taken online courses and ended up coming to our class because the online course they took was very confusing. Of course, you are free to choose which learning mode best suits your needs.

You can also access official FAA Study materials on the FAA website (very comprehensive, but hard to digest if you are a non-aviator).

What about the FAA Trust Test?

FAA recently released a mandatory Trust Test (The Recreational UAS Safety Test) for recreational drone pilots (hobbyists). It is much more basic than the FAA Part 107 Drone License Test, and most of the information is laid out by the online accredited testing centers (you can learn more about Trust Test in our Trust Test blog post and YouTube video on this topic).  

So if you are ready to embark on your drone hobby or a career, check out the Drone Classes we offer, Sign up for class notifications, and Contact Us if you are interested in a consultation or a custom class.

Video Production Explained

When most people hear 'video production' they think of the Production stage of the video production process (with directors, cinematographers, and actors on a set/location shooting video footage). While production is considered the 'sexiest' and the most visible step in the process, it does not exist in a vacuum. There are 3 steps in the video production process: Pre-Production, Production, and Post-Production. You should know what they are if you are looking to hire a video production company.

Pre-Production Stage and Checklist

Pre-Production is the first and the single most important step in the video production process. This is when the production is planned, dictating the success and cost of the entire video project. So plan, plan, plan!

All the video production details are agreed upon between the video makers and the client to clarify expectations. Here is a sample list of topics that can be included and will vary based on the complexity of the project:

• Video goals

  • message to be conveyed to the audience, tone, and the emotion of the delivery

• Budget

  • Do not underestimate (pun intended) the importance of knowing the budget upfront. After all, this will determine what can be accomplished during the filming and the quality of the production itself (time available, location, set design, props, equipment, crew, talent, etc.)

    • A contract outlining the budget should be drawn up, no matter how small the production or budget is

• Story/Script Creation

  • Even if it is a promotional video for a business, it is easier to sell services/products with a well-crafted story that has some logic to it

  • At a minimum, a shot list should be agreed on. Inexperienced filmmakers and clients who do not know what they want often omit this step, but it is important to complete it

  • Storyboards are often created during this stage. Storyboards are a visual representation of the shots (drawings, animation, etc.) along with the script/story flow. The storyboards need to be suitable for the videographer/filmmakers and for the filming crew to understand. Here is an example of a simple storyboard

• Project timeline

  • Establish a clear timeline for video production project steps and deliverables

• Shooting schedule

  • You always have a limited time to get the shots you need, so planning out the video shoot schedule to get them ensures you will not run over time and budget

  • If outdoor cinematography is involved (and/or drone shooting), you also have to work around weather conditions for scheduling the shoot

• Talent

  • Hire actors or coordinate customer spokesperson availability according to shoot timeline and schedule, as dictated by the story/script

• Production crew and equipment needs

  • Hire crew and rent equipment based on the project needs

• Set/Location

  • This goes along with the 'shot' list creation: each shot has a pre-determined location (outdoor or indoor) or a designed set. Sometimes locations need to be scouted and a set designed, and these costs need to be included in the budget.

Production Stage

This is when the filming happens. Pre-production plans are executed by the production crew and talent, according to the shooting schedule.

Unexpected issues do come up on the filming day(s), and it is important to have an established line of communication with the client when something needs to be resolved to move the production forward.

Larger productions can include producer(s) on set, whose job is to coordinate all the logistics and clear up issues.

Post-Production Stage (Editing)

During the post-production stage, all the footage/scenes are stitched together into a pre-determined story flow. The footage is color-graded, motion graphics created, and music, dialogue, and/or subtitles are synced with the footage.

It is no coincidence that the Academy Awards (the Oscars) have a separate category for Editing. Editing can make or break any video or film, and it is an art and a science, depending on the complexity of the project.

This stage can last a long time, depending on the amount of shot footage, length of the video, the number of videos/clips expected to be produced for the client, and the amount of time the client needs to change something (if it is a commercial video production project).

Usually, in a commercial video production project, several ‘edit’ rounds are included in the contract upfront, and going above the agreed-upon rounds can drive the costs up significantly. The client can reduce their cost if they agree on accepting the director's cut (filmmakers edit), without any additional edits.

Videos as Marketing Content

If you are a business owner who is just getting started exploring videos as a marketing tool for your business, check out our blog post Why Video For Your Marketing Content that gives you more information on the importance of visual storytelling in today's marketing and types of videos you should consider for your video marketing strategy.

V1DroneMedia is a full-cycle video production agency that can help you brainstorm to establish your video content strategy and messaging, script, shoot and edit short and long-form video content. Our staff has experience working on the client-side with content development, production, and digital and traditional media buying, so we can advise and help you distribute your content via owned and paid media channels, depending on your business goals.

Video Production Costs

Visual storytelling used to be a luxury reserved for big companies with budgets that could afford creative and video production agencies with layers of people. That meant you incur higher costs long before getting to a creative strategy or even a script, let alone actual video production or a piece of video content. This is why in today's environment, when businesses are pulling back their budgets, these agencies are forced to rethink their business models and thin their ranks, according to this Ad Week article.

And even though these agencies will still be out of reach for most small to medium-sized businesses, video marketing doesn't have to be, especially if you plan to distribute your content through digital media.

You can hire a small media production company like V1DroneMedia to deliver a year's worth of marketing content for a mere fraction of larger video production companies and advertising agencies. For example, a simple production leading up to 3 short-form video clips can start at $2500 (vs. $15K+ at larger agencies), depending on the project complexity.

V1DroneMedia Video Production Capabilities

We have the capability to provide ground and aerial footage in 4K and raw, using a variety of ground cameras, audio, and drone equipment, and can do interview-style filming.

Our ability to provide high-quality aerial footage can also give your videos that wow factor, as detailed in our blog post How Drone Footage Can Enhance Your Videos. We hold FAA Part 107 certification for commercial drone operations, are fully insured, and have 5 years of experience working with small clients and large video production companies.

Check out our Google reviews for customer feedback, and our portfolio and YouTube channel for examples of our work. Contact us with your video production inquiry today!

What Drone Footage Will Do For Your Videos

What are the benefits of aerial drone video?

What industries can benefit from aerial drone video?

How are drones used in the film industry?

What do drone photography and videography cost?

What do I need to know before hiring a drone pilot?

Who doesn't want to wow their clients and audiences? Well, the use of aerial video can help you do just that and stand out from your competition. It can help you grab attention, leave a lasting impression, and make your good video, commercial, or film even better.

Until recently, if you wanted to have aerial footage included in your video you had to rent expensive equipment (helicopter or an airplane), hire a pilot to fly it, and a videographer to shoot aerial footage, so this was out of reach for many businesses and filmmakers. In 2016 commercial drone use became legal when the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) started regulating and licensing drone operators. Affordable, but high-quality drone equipment also became available, which made this type of footage accessible for smaller budgets.

Here are several reasons why you should think of including aerial shots into your video content or film:

For starters, it gives any video that wow factor. Humans are visual beings, and when you see anything from a different perspective (especially aerial), it elevates the visual experience to a completely different level. In simple terms though, you see more from the bird's eye view and this perspective can be mesmerizing, so you are instantly able to grab attention and get an emotional response from the viewer, regardless of what you are showcasing. Watch the short downtown Cleveland drone video below, you will see what kind of mood and tone can be set with some aerials and music!

In addition to arousing an emotional response from the viewer, many products and services are best showcased from an aerial perspective. Companies now realize that marketing content in video form works best (we cover this in detail in Why Video For Your Marketing Content blog post), and adding aerial video for those industries adds a lot of visual value.

For the real estate and hospitality industries, aerial photos and videos can instantly provide information not available from the ground perspective. With a couple of shots, you can showcase the location, property size and amenities, backyard features, proximity to transportation, leisure activities, and more. Most real estate customers and event planners do their research online nowadays, and beautiful and informative aerial views can help them evaluate the property and help visualize themselves in these locations. Here are examples of commercial and residential real estate videos produced by V1DroneMedia that do just that.

Aerial views are also best for documenting the work of companies in Construction, Roofing, Landscaping, Paving, Lighting, and other industries. This type of footage can give tools to not only share the progress of work and results with clients, but also content for marketing to prospective customers via print materials, website, and social media. Here is a paving company marketing video that V1DroneMedia fully produced. Drones make even dirty work look cool!

And here is a hyperlapse construction progress video that showcases the project to the client or prospective clients with a lot of powerful imagery, almost making the customer feel like they are on the site watching it happen!

Companies that manufacture and provide transportation and recreation products and services also can benefit from the aerial shots, as they can highlight their products and services in action. Such products are cars, boats, travel services and experiences, and many more. There isn't a car or a cruise commercial nowadays that doesn't have an aerial shot included!

Drones are also being widely used for outdoor event coverage, including live streaming. Aerial view of the event allows organizers to highlight attendance, show action on the field from a different perspective, convey the atmosphere and attractions of the event, as well as highlight sponsors. Sporting events, outdoor concerts, community festivals, business events, and weddings regularly use drone footage for their event videography and broadcasting. Here is the Sunnyside Chevrolet outdoor car show event video, and Quaker Steak & Lube franchise corporate video, combining traditional ground and aerial footage from V1DroneMedia.

In film and TV, drones are often used to showcase locations, buildings (i.e. establishing shots), time of day (sunrise, sunset, nighttime), weather conditions, and beautiful scenery with many of these shots being used for transition between scenes. Also, motion and tracking shots are very popular (we've all seen chase scenes from the bird's eye view) and showcasing remote locations and the expansive size of the subject matter (battlefield scenes, forests, deserts, bodies of water, etc.). Therefore, almost every movie and documentary have drone footage nowadays. As an example, here is a 30 second Cleveland Cavaliers commercial with Cleveland downtown aerials shot by V1DroneMedia throughout the spot, and below is the opening sequence of the NFL Draft 2021 shown on the NFL Network with the Cleveland drone footage shot by V1DroneMedia.

In short, drones will elevate your video value to the viewer and help you grab attention, whether you are making a corporate video, highlighting office or factory location, showcasing your product/service, showing a different perspective of your subject matter, or documenting an event.

What will drone video services cost? A simple short video clip can be as low as a few hundred dollars, with a short fully produced video with original footage starting around $1500-$2000. If you don't need original video footage, a fully edited video from existing video clips is a good budget option. Overall pricing depends on the level of complexity: type of drone equipment used, length of the video, location, flight authorizations required, ownership rights to the footage, and level of video editing services needed.

So, you have decided to get some drone shots, now what? If you are looking to hire a drone pilot or production company for aerial drone video, you should make sure that they are qualified to perform the work. Here are the top 5 things to consider:

1.   Is the pilot licensed?

2.   Is the operator insured?

3.   Are they knowledgeable about airspace, flight restrictions, and authorizations?

4.   What is the pilot's experience level?

5.   Do you like their previous work/portfolio?

We cover this subject in more depth in our article Hiring a Drone Pilot

V1DroneMedia started providing aerial media services as soon as the use of drones became regulated by FAA and since then we have gained a lot of experience helping to sell residential and commercial real estate, produce corporate videos, TV commercials, document and Livestream events, provide aerial footage for TV, news and documentaries. See our Portfolio and YouTube channel for more customer projects.

Our drone pilot, Jason Damman, is a commercial airline pilot by trade who has been passionate for aviation since his teenage years, flying radio-controlled airplanes before going on to the airline career where he has now spent over 20+ years flying the friendly skies. You can get more details on our pilot and his credentials on the About page. Besides technical and flying expertise, Jason has also developed a keen cinematographer eye and always provides excellent customer service, for which he is constantly praised. You can see our customer reviews here.

V1DroneMedia video services range from raw video clips to include in your video, to fully produced and edited video, including traditional ground videography and post-production services such as color grading, licensed music and subtitles, complete with digital file delivery. We also have Cleveland aerial drone stock footage available for purchase.

If you are interested in a consultation or getting a quote, call us at 419-699-6010, or get in touch with us on the Contact page.