State of Drone Delivery Industry in 2025: A Snapshot for Aspiring Drone Pros
Nearly 12 years after Jeff Bezos’s now-famous 60 Minutes appearance unveiling Amazon’s “octocopter” prototype, drone delivery is finally scaling beyond one-off trials. This overview traces the key milestones, highlights major setbacks, and explains what the evolving job market looks like—including salary ranges and current openings.
The Journey: From Octocopters to Multi-Platform Networks
2013 – Amazon’s bold promise: When Bezos told the world that Amazon was testing 30‑minute deliveries, many thought it a publicity stunt. However, it kicked off public imagination and put pressure on regulators to start paving a path for commercial drone operations.
2016 – First real delivery to a home: Flirtey and 7‑Eleven completed the first autonomous drone delivery to a customer’s residence in Reno, Nevada. They went on to deliver 77 orders from a single store in under 10 minutes each.
2019 – Certification breakthroughs: Wing earned the first FAA Air Carrier Certificate for drone delivery, while UPS Flight Forward obtained a full Part 135 Standard Certificate. These certifications allowed drones to conduct revenue flights like small airplanes.
2019 – Safety crisis in Switzerland: A Matternet drone operating under Swiss Post crashed near children after its parachute system failed=, prompting a suspension and heightened scrutiny over autonomous aircraft safety.
2021-2022 – Widening trials and accidents: Amazon began limited deliveries in Lockeford, California and College Station, Texas, but suffered several crashes—including five in 2021 (one caused a 25‑acre fire) and multiple incidents in 2022=. Wing’s drone caught fire after hitting power lines, and Ireland’s Manna experienced a crash due to technical errors.
2023 – Big leaps in BVLOS: Zipline and Wing received waivers to fly beyond visual line of sight (BVLOS) in the Dallas-Fort Worth area using a UAS Traffic Management system, accelerating the shift from demonstration to scalable operations.
2024-2025 – Expansion and regulatory clarity: Walmart scaled operations to five states, delivering over 150,000 orders in minutes. Meanwhile, the FAA introduced the draft Part 108 rule to standardize BVLOS operations and replace waiver-only approvals.
As other retailers join, drone food delivery partnerships like GoTo Foods + DoorDash and Chipotle + Zipline show mainstream demand is growing. In parallel, the Uber Eats and Flytrex partnership hints at future synergy between ride-hailing platforms and drone logistics.
Big Setbacks That Shaped the Industry
Recurring crashes and safety concerns: Crashes like Amazon’s 2021–2025 incidents, Wing’s power line collision, and the Swiss Post parachute failure damaged public trust and forced regulatory pauses. Each incident reaffirmed the need for robust fail-safe systems.
Economic viability issues: With Amazon spending up to $63 per delivery and other operators aiming to cut costs from $30 to under $7, it remains unclear when drone delivery will match traditional logistics in profitability.
Regulatory bottlenecks: Until Part 108, operators relied on slow, case-by-case waivers for BVLOS operations. Uncertainty limited investment and slowed rollout.
Sector Breakdown: Retail vs. Medical/Disaster Response
Grocery, Food & Retail Delivery
Use Cases: Light groceries (eggs, fresh fruit, snacks) and restaurant meals delivered to suburban homes within minutes.
Opportunities: Partnerships with major retailers (Walmart, Wing) show strong consumer interest and potential for mainstream adoption.
Challenges: Limited payload (usually under 5 pounds) and high regulatory hurdles for flying over people or congested areas. Profitability hinges on cutting per-delivery costs to under $10.
Medical & Disaster Response
Use Cases: Rapid transport of blood, vaccines, medical equipment, and emergency supplies to hospitals or disaster zones.
Opportunities: Zipline’s success in reducing blood wastage by 67% and postpartum deaths by 51% shows drones can dramatically improve healthcare logistics, especially in remote regions.
Challenges: Requires robust reliability and compliance with strict safety standards. Airspace may be challenging during emergencies, so coordination with traditional aircraft is essential.
Long-Term Potential
The global market is expected to leap from $2.72 billion in 2025 to $18.26 billion by 2032. Beyond 2030, drones could play a pivotal role in solving the “last-mile problem” in e-commerce, reducing traffic congestion and emissions. However, this vision hinges on:
Scalable BVLOS regulations: The success of Part 108 or its successors will dictate how quickly drone fleets grow.
Public trust: Demonstrated safety and noise management are paramount, particularly after high-profile crashes.
Economics: Deliveries need to be profitable or subsidized by value-added services (e.g., subscription models) to compete with ground transport.
Integration: Hybrid logistics systems could blend automated drones with ground robots and human drivers to optimize efficiency.
U.S. Drone Job Outlook & Salary Breakdown
The drone industry in the United States is gaining momentum, with a wide range of career paths emerging beyond traditional piloting. Here’s how the U.S. job market looks for aspiring drone professionals:
Demand and Role Diversity
Rapid growth in registration: As of 2020, there were over 1.7 million registered drones in the U.S., a number expected to climb as more businesses adopt commercial drone operations.
Career variety: Roles are not limited to pilots. They include software engineers, hardware specialists, operations managers, compliance officers, and sales professionals. As drones become more autonomous, software and AI engineering roles are in particularly high demand.
Salary & Opportunity Outlook for Drone Delivery Roles
As the drone delivery sector matures, compensation and hiring patterns are emerging that differ somewhat from broader drone work (like aerial photography or infrastructure inspection). Below are typical salary ranges and insights focused solely on delivery-related positions in the United States.
Drone Delivery Jobs and Salaries in the US 2025
Career Preparation
Obtain FAA Part 107 certification. This license allows you to fly drones commercially and is a minimum requirement for most drone pilot roles.
Develop complementary skills. Software developers should sharpen their knowledge of AI, computer vision, and robotics. Hardware engineers need strong foundations in battery technology and lightweight materials, while operations managers should study aviation law and risk management.
Stay current with regulations. Ongoing updates to the FAA’s rules, especially the proposed Part 108 BVLOS framework, will shape future operations and job requirements.
V1DroneMedia is a drone training and services provider based in Cleveland, Ohio. We conduct Part 107, Hands On Drone Operations, and First Responder Drone Training Classes. Sign up for our regularly scheduled classes here, contact us if you are looking for a drone consultation or a drone services provider in your area, or sign up for our drone training newsletter to stay informed about drone industry and our latest training news and classes.
Drone as a First Responder: How Drones Are Changing Emergency Response
At a Glance
Drone‑as‑a‑First‑Responder (DFR) programs are reshaping public safety. By pre‑positioning drones at launch sites and dispatching them automatically after a 911 call, agencies can arrive on scene in minutes with real‑time video. The technology promises faster response times, improved situational awareness, greater officer and public safety, and lower operating costs than helicopters. Ohio cities like Cincinnati and Dublin are proving DFR works. As the FAA prepares to normalize BVLOS operations through Part 108, now is the time for agencies, businesses and organizations to understand the investment, regulatory and community considerations associated with starting a DFR program. This post dives into the mechanics, benefits, costs and future outlook of DFR.
Introduction
A drone‑as‑a‑first‑responder (DFR) program takes the idea of using drones for public safety to the next level. Instead of dispatching a small uncrewed aircraft system (UAS) only when a human operator arrives on scene, DFR programs pre‑position drones at launch stations across a city and deploy them automatically or remotely as soon as a 911 call is received. These drones travel to the incident in minutes and livestream video back to dispatch, giving officers or firefighters en route crucial intelligence about what is happening. DFR programs remain new, but departments in Ohio and across the United States are proving that this model can improve response times, increase safety and reduce costs.
This post explains how a DFR system works, outlines the benefits driving adoption, highlights examples from Ohio, and considers what the trend means for first responders, small businesses and organizations with in‑house drone programs.
What Is a Drone‑as‑a‑First‑Responder Program?
A DFR system consists of pre‑positioned drones, launch stations and integrated software that connects to existing 911 or computer‑aided dispatch (CAD) systems. When a call comes in, a remote pilot (or an autonomous system) launches the nearest drone and sends it directly to the coordinates of the incident. The drone’s onboard cameras – typically high‑resolution optical and infrared sensors – stream video back to incident command, allowing personnel to assess conditions before ground units arrive. Many DFR systems use rooftop docks that protect the aircraft from weather and keep batteries charged so the drones are always ready to fly. Sense‑and‑avoid sensors such as ADS‑B receivers or radar help the drone detect other aircraft and navigate safely, while geofencing software keeps the drone within approved boundaries.
Because the drone is deployed immediately, it often arrives within minutes of the call – sometimes before any human responder. In the Chula Vista Police Department’s pioneering DFR program, drones reached the scene in under 2.5 minutes on over 4,000 calls, and more than 1,000 deployments showed that no officer needed to be dispatched because the drone footage indicated the situation did not warrant a physical response. This model is still relatively new because it requires operations beyond visual line of sight (BVLOS), over people and at night – activities prohibited under the FAA’s standard Part 107 rules. Agencies must obtain a Certificate of Authorization or BVLOS waivers, and they need to demonstrate rigorous safety procedures and pilot training.
Why Departments Are Adopting DFR
DFR programs appeal to public safety agencies because they deliver tangible benefits:
1. Rapid response times. Drones can be dispatched within seconds and often arrive before ground units, enabling responders to make critical decisions faster.
2. Enhanced situational awareness. High‑resolution cameras and sensors provide real‑time aerial views so dispatchers and officers can see the layout of the scene, track suspects or locate victims.
3. Increased safety for officers and the public. Because drones act as a first set of eyes, officers can assess threats from a safe distance and even decide not to engage when a response is unnecessary.
4. Cost‑effective operations. Drones can cover large areas quickly, reducing the manpower needed for search operations, and their operating costs are much lower than crewed aircraft like helicopters.
5. Versatile functionality. Modern drones can carry infrared cameras, thermal sensors, two‑way communications, and even spotlight or loudspeaker systems, making them useful for search‑and‑rescue, firefighting, surveillance and negotiation scenarios.
6. Improved data collection and documentation. Recorded video streams are valuable for investigation, training and refining response strategies.
Examples from Ohio
Ohio has emerged as a leader in DFR adoption, with two cities piloting large‑scale programs in 2024–2025. These examples demonstrate how DFR can be tailored to local needs.
Cincinnati Police Department
In July 2024 the Cincinnati Police Department (CPD) launched a Drone‑as‑a‑First‑Responder program in partnership with Axon and Skydio. Police Chief Teresa Theetge described the technology as “game‑changing” and said it would allow the department to identify risks, respond faster and deploy resources more efficiently. CPD initially stationed drones in neighborhoods such as Price Hill, Over‑the‑Rhine, Queensgate, the West End, Downtown and the University of Cincinnati area, covering about 40 % of the city. By the end of 2025, the department plans to expand coverage to 90 %. Skydio executive Noreen Charlton called it the largest DFR deployment in the Midwest. CPD emphasizes that drones respond only to dispatched calls and are not used for random surveillance, addressing potential privacy concerns.
Dublin Police Department
Dublin, Ohio, implemented its own DFR program in 2024 using four DJI M30 drones housed in autonomous rooftop docks. The drones can be launched remotely by certified officers and reach an incident within 90 seconds, traveling up to 45 mph. Each drone carries infrared cameras and can stay aloft for 30–35 minutes. The program costs about $492,000 over three years and builds on Dublin’s initial drone program launched in 2019. Twenty‑two of the city’s 75 officers are currently certified pilots, and more are being trained. Dublin expects to deploy drones multiple times per day and may share them with neighboring jurisdictions. The program’s planners note that as drone technology and regulatory approvals mature, municipal DFR programs are becoming more practical and are no longer seen as experimental. Watch video below for more details on their program.
Implications for Different Entities
First Responders
For police, fire and EMS agencies, DFR offers a way to boost effectiveness without adding more personnel. Rapid aerial intelligence can help incident commanders allocate resources wisely, reduce officer exposure to dangerous situations and potentially de‑escalate encounters by giving officers a clearer picture of what awaits them. DFR footage can also document scenes for investigations or training purposes, aiding transparency and accountability. Departments considering DFR must invest in training, safety protocols and community engagement, and they should plan for FAA approval of BVLOS operations.
Small Business Owners
DFR programs create opportunities and challenges for small businesses. On the supply side, drone service providers can partner with local governments to set up launch docks, maintain fleets, operate flights or process data. Companies that specialize in inspection, security or event management can adopt similar rapid‑response models for private clients, using drones to monitor property, infrastructure or large venues. On the demand side, small businesses may benefit indirectly when police and fire departments use DFR to improve public safety and reduce property damage. Entrepreneurs should keep abreast of local privacy policies and procurement rules, especially in states that restrict the purchase of drones from certain foreign manufacturers.
Organizations with In‑House Drone Departments
Corporations, utilities and large institutions often maintain their own drone programs for inspections, security and logistics. The DFR model illustrates how remote operations and autonomy can increase efficiency: by pre‑positioning drones at strategic points, organizations can respond to alarms or hazards without sending personnel, reducing downtime and exposure to risk. Integrating drones with existing incident management software and automating launch and return cycles can streamline operations. However, organizations must evaluate whether the increased investment in docking stations, sensing technology and regulatory compliance is justified by their operational needs.
Considerations and Challenges
While DFR programs offer many benefits, agencies must navigate regulatory and practical hurdles. BVLOS operations, flights over people and night operations require FAA waivers and rigorous safety cases. Public trust and privacy are essential; the Department of Homeland Security suggests publishing flight logs and encrypting data to address privacy concerns. Agencies must also budget for hardware, maintenance, training and compliance costs. Additionally, the National Defense Authorization Act of 2024 restricts federal funding for drones made with components from certain foreign entities, which may influence equipment choices.
Part 108 and the Future of BVLOS
In spring 2025 the FAA released draft rules for a new Part 108 that will normalize routine BVLOS operations for highly automated drones. The Notice of Proposed Rulemaking states that Part 108 will cover operating rules for BVLOS flights of highly automated drone systems—including aircraft over 55 pounds—and set requirements for the design and manufacture of BVLOS‑capable drones. The proposed rules introduce several important changes:
Operator certification. Organizations wanting to fly BVLOS at scale will need to become Certified Operators and document their safety management systems, roles and procedures.
No new pilot certificate. Instead of requiring a new license, Part 108 creates operational roles such as Operations Supervisor and Flight Coordinator; qualified personnel must be trained by their organization[.
Drones must declare compliance. Unlike the waiver process under Part 107 and Part 91, Part 108 requires drones to have a “declaration of compliance” demonstrating they meet technical safety standards for automated BVLOS flight.
Right‑of‑way in shielded areas and multi‑drone operations. Under Part 108, drones operating in shielded areas near fixed infrastructure have right‑of‑way over manned aircraft, while operators must use Electronic Conspicuity (EC) to detect aircraft outside shielded areas. The rules also explicitly allow one operator to manage a fleet of highly automated drones, enabling larger area coverage and opening the door to continuous DFR patrols.
The proposed rules include a 60‑day public comment period, after which the FAA will finalize the rule, with an executive order targeting a March 2026 completion. During this transition, existing Part 107/Part 91 waivers remain valid. For public safety agencies, Part 108 could eliminate the need for case‑by‑case BVLOS waivers and allow DFR programs to scale up rapidly. However, the requirement for highly automated, compliant drones means agencies must evaluate whether their current equipment will qualify or whether upgrades are needed. DFR programs that invest now in automated platforms and robust safety documentation will be well positioned to transition to Part 108 when it becomes law.
Costs and Resources
Hardware, software and staffing
Implementing a DFR program requires significant up‑front investment in drones, docking stations and software. MITRE’s analysis of the Chula Vista program found that each drone—including high‑resolution cameras, sensors and software—costs about $35,000 and that staffing remote pilots at four launch locations costs about $400,000 per year. These expenses provide 98 % coverage of the city’s 52 square miles. Dublin, Ohio’s program illustrates a mid‑size investment: four drones, docks and support infrastructure cost roughly $492,000 over three years.
Commercial providers offer packaged solutions with leasing options. For example, a DFR bundle including a drone dock, sensor payload and service plan can cost $16,599, while annual software subscriptions like DroneSense may be $8,970. Agencies can also lease hardware; a DJI Dock 2 may cost $20,000 and a ground‑based detect‑and‑avoid (DAA) system another $25,000, with software and regulatory costs around $10,000. Remote drone pilots can be hired on contract at about $60 per hour. Costs vary widely depending on the number of drones, sensors, launch sites and staffing model.
Ongoing maintenance and other expenses
Running a DFR program also entails recurring costs: battery replacements, dock maintenance, software licensing, data storage and cybersecurity. Agencies must pay for pilot training and recurrent certifications, and may need to hire technical staff to integrate drone feeds with dispatch systems. The Department of Homeland Security notes that agencies must plan for equipment, infrastructure, maintenance and training costs as well as the expense of complying with regulations such as remote ID and NDAA purchase restrictions. According to an Advexure guide, typical cost categories include purchasing drones and hardware, software licensing, personnel training, obtaining regulatory approvals, ongoing maintenance and operations, and community engagement and data management solutions.
Despite these costs, DFR remains cheaper than traditional air support. A single police helicopter can cost millions of dollars to purchase, and fuel costs alone can run hundreds of dollars per hour. DFR systems provide similar overwatch capability at a fraction of the price, delivering multiple perspectives by deploying several drones simultaneously.
Community and Stakeholder Considerations
Public acceptance and privacy
DFR programs will succeed only if the community accepts them. MITRE’s report notes that organizations like the ACLU and Electronic Frontier Foundation worry that drones could gradually expand from emergency response into routine surveillance. Past missteps—such as the Seattle Police Department’s aborted drone program following public protests—highlight the risk of launching without community support. Transparency is critical: publishing policies, procedures and flight logs and engaging the public before deployment. The DHS TechNote echoes this, advising agencies to encrypt data, comply with privacy frameworks like HIPAA and CJIS, and plan data retention policies carefully.
Facilities and partnerships
Launching a DFR program requires physical space for launch stations, often on rooftops of police stations, firehouses or community facilities. Agencies should coordinate with local governments and property owners to site docks strategically and ensure safe flight paths. Collaboration with fire departments and emergency medical services can broaden the benefits; MITRE notes that many police departments share drone livestreams with fire departments to improve coordination during fires or vehicle accidents. Partnerships with universities or technology vendors can provide expertise in software integration, data analytics and maintenance.
Stakeholder engagement
Stakeholders include elected officials, community leaders, civil liberties organizations, and the broader public. Agencies should hold informational sessions, demonstrate the technology, and solicit feedback to address concerns. Clear policies limiting drone use to dispatched calls—as Cincinnati and Chula Vista do—can help assuage fears of unwarranted surveillance. Agencies should also develop communications plans to explain how DFR can improve response times, protect officers and save money compared to helicopters.
Conclusion
Drone‑as‑a‑first‑responder programs are reshaping public safety by delivering rapid aerial intelligence to emergency responders. By stationing drones across a jurisdiction and integrating them with dispatch systems, agencies like Cincinnati and Dublin are improving response times, enhancing situational awareness and reducing risk to officers and the public. The model is still maturing, but advances in autonomy, sense‑and‑avoid technology and regulatory frameworks are making widespread adoption more feasible. Whether you’re a public safety official, a small‑business owner looking to leverage drone services, or an organization running an internal drone program, understanding the DFR concept will help you plan for the future of uncrewed aviation. Currently most police departments operate their drone programs under Part 107 or COA, so DFR would be taking their drone programs to another level. Contact us if you need drone consultation on setting up and training for your drone programs, or getting advanced drone training. Stay informed about regulatory and other drone industry changes that effect law enforcement by signing up for our Drone Newsletter for First Responders.
Navigating potential DJI and Chinese Drones Ban: Implications for Small Businesses, Corporate Drone Departments and First Responders (2025)
DJI Ban Status: Where We Are Now
The U.S. does not currently have a federal ban on DJI drones. However, the 2025 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) created a deadline – if a U.S. national‑security agency does not complete a formal security review of DJI by December 23 2025, the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) will automatically add DJI to its “Covered List”. Being placed on that list would prohibit new DJI products from being imported or sold in the U.S. and could make it difficult to operate existing fleets. As of July 2025 no agency had scheduled a review, meaning the ban is on track to take effect.
There are also state‑level bans: Florida, Arkansas, Texas, Mississippi and Nevada already prohibit public agencies from buying Chinese‑made drones. Other states, including California, New York, Georgia, North Carolina and Pennsylvania, are considering similar bills. Unlike the NDAA‑triggered federal ban, these state bans typically apply only to government and public‑safety agencies; private businesses and recreational users are not affected.
Timeline Highlights
2017–2023
U.S. Department of Homeland Security and Department of Defense raise concerns about DJI’s ties to the Chinese government and potential data security risks. States like Florida begin restricting DJI purchases for public agencies.
Dec 2024
The final version of the 2025 NDAA is signed. It requires a formal security audit of DJI and sets the Dec 23 2025 deadline.
Spring 2025
The FCC suspends new equipment authorizations for DJI pending the NDAA review, making DJI drones scarce.
June 2025
U.S. Customs delays or holds DJI shipments under the Uyghur Forced Labor Prevention Act (UFLPA), further tightening supply.
July 2025
No agency has scheduled a security review; DJI drones are out of stock in most U.S. stores. DJI releases a white paper on supply chain transparency but does not change U.S. policy.
Dec 23 2025 (expected)
If no audit occurs, DJI will be added to the FCC Covered List, banning new sales and imports. Existing drones will remain flyable but may lose official support.
Motivations Behind the Ban
The push to restrict DJI and other Chinese‑made drones stems from several concerns:
Data security and national‑security risks. U.S. agencies worry that sensitive data captured by Chinese‑built drones could be transferred to Chinese servers or exploited by the Chinese government. These concerns first emerged publicly around 2017 and have continued through subsequent administrations.
Domestic supply‑chain and industry resilience. Lawmakers argue that buying foreign drones “builds up China’s military technology” while depriving American manufacturers of business. Supporters claim that shifting procurement to U.S. companies will strengthen domestic tech capabilities and reduce dependence on foreign suppliers.
Human‑rights and trade compliance. Enforcement of the Uyghur Forced Labor Prevention Act has led to customs delays and blocked shipments of some DJI products.
Critics of the ban note that DJI dominates the global drone market and provides sophisticated technology at relatively affordable prices. A 2019 Department of Interior assessment found that U.S.‑based drones were up to 10× less capable for the same price, or up to 10× more expensive than similarly capable DJI aircraft. As of 2025 there remains a “major gap for affordable, high‑quality prosumer drones” from non‑Chinese manufacturers.
Implications for Different Entities
Small Business Owners
Many small businesses—including photographers, roof inspectors and real‑estate marketers—rely on DJI drones because they offer excellent performance at reasonable prices. The looming federal ban and state restrictions have several implications:
Supply shortages and price increases. DJI drones are already difficult to find due to customs delays and FCC pauses on new authorizations. Prices for remaining stock and used drones may rise, and warranties for imported models may not be honored.
Limited alternative options. Affordable U.S.‑ or allied‑made drones with similar capabilities are scarce. Upgrading to NDAA‑compliant models may require higher budgets and training investments.
Industry‑specific prohibitions. If you provide services to public‑sector clients (e.g., municipal mapping, infrastructure inspections, emergency response support), you may be barred from flying Chinese‑made drones under state procurement rules. Private-sector work (real estate, cinematography) is still permissible unless a client imposes its own restrictions.
Takeaway for small businesses: monitor federal and state developments, budget for potential equipment upgrades and diversify your fleet with NDAA‑compliant drones (see the recommended list for first responders below). If your clients include public agencies, ensure your drones meet their procurement rules.
Corporate Drone Departments (Inside Organizations)
Enterprises in energy, construction, agriculture, insurance and media often manage internal drone departments. For these organizations:
Risk management and compliance. Companies working on critical infrastructure or government contracts should be aware of state bans and may need to phase out Chinese‑made drones. Even private enterprises could face pressure from clients or shareholders to avoid Chinese technology.
Operational continuity. With new DJI sales potentially ending after December 23 2025, organizations should plan to stock spare parts, update firmware and secure necessary batteries. Evaluate whether mission‑critical operations can continue if DJI support diminishes.
Training and integration. Adopting U.S.‑made drones (Skydio, Freefly, BRINC, Draganfly, Parrot) may require new pilot training, maintenance procedures and software integration. Budget accordingly and assess whether current staff can support multiple platforms.
Takeaway for organizations: perform a fleet audit, identify missions that might be impacted by procurement bans and develop a transition plan that includes alternative hardware, training and potential vendor partnerships.
First Responders and Public‑Safety Agencies
Police, fire and emergency management agencies are at the forefront of the DJI debate. Many states have already mandated replacement of DJI equipment (with the state of Ohio being the latest in introducing legislature to ban), and federal agencies like the Department of Interior and Department of Defense have grounded Chinese drones. Here is a list of sates where law enforcement agencies are either already under or are about to be under a Chinese-made drone ban:
States with current or pending Chinese-made drones ban (DJI, Autel, etc.)
Implications include:
Procurement restrictions. Agencies may be unable to purchase or maintain DJI drones using public funds. Replacement programs, such as grants or state funding, have been proposed to ease the transition.
Operational impact. First responders depend on drones for search‑and‑rescue, tactical operations and disaster response. Switching platforms mid‑mission could disrupt response times and training continuity. However, many U.S.‑made drones offer advanced autonomy and obstacle avoidance that rival or exceed DJI’s capabilities (e.g., Skydio X10’s AI navigation, BRINC Lemur 2’s indoor mapping and 3D autonomy).
Costs and budgets. NDAA‑compliant platforms typically cost more than DJI equivalents. Agencies should explore grant opportunities (e.g., DARTdrones training grants, local violent‑crime reduction funds) and coordinate with state programs for financial assistance.
Takeaway for first responders: evaluate your fleet against state mandates, explore available grants for replacement programs and consider American‑made drones with proven performance. For specific recommendations, see our First‑Responder Drone Alternatives below.
Industries Unable to Use Chinese‑Made Drones
Under current state bans, government and public‑safety agencies (police, fire departments, sheriff’s offices) are prohibited from using Chinese‑made drones in states like Florida, Arkansas, Texas, Mississippi and Nevada. Federal agencies have similar restrictions. Some energy and critical infrastructure companies tied to federal contracts also avoid Chinese drones due to procurement rules.
Private businesses and recreational pilots are still legally allowed to fly DJI in most states, though supply shortages and client requirements may effectively limit use.
Non‑Chinese Alternatives: Future‑Proofing Your Fleet
For organizations seeking to avoid Chinese‑made drones, below are NDAA‑compliant platforms (with Blue UAS approvals in some cases) that have been vetted for public‑safety use. These models provide varying degrees of autonomy, payload capacity and endurance:
List of DJI and other Chinese-made drone alternatives
Technology and Cost Comparison
DJI’s dominance has been driven by its combination of high‑quality cameras, long flight times, intuitive software and attractive pricing. Most American‑made drones are more expensive for comparable capabilities. For example, a heavy‑lift Freefly Alta X can cost tens of thousands of dollars, whereas DJI’s Matrice series used to deliver similar performance for under $15,000. Parrot’s Anafi USA and BRINC’s Lemur 2 are more competitively priced but still cost more than DJI’s prosumer models.
However, American drones offer advantages beyond regulatory compliance:
Data security and local control. Many U.S.‑made drones are designed to meet Department of Defense cybersecurity standards. The Vesper, for instance, uses AES‑256 encryption and secure boot.
Autonomous flight and obstacle avoidance. Skydio’s X10 features six navigation cameras and advanced AI that enable autonomous flights even in GPS‑denied environments. BRINC’s Lemur 2 uses a 3D autonomy engine to map indoor spaces and hover without GPS.
Modular payloads and open architectures. Freefly and Draganfly platforms allow users to integrate custom sensors and edge‑computing modules, which can be important for specialized missions such as LiDAR mapping or complex inspections.
Ease of use varies by platform. DJI’s user‑friendly interface has set the bar for simplicity, but newer U.S. systems are catching up. Skydio’s autonomous flight reduces pilot workload; BRINC’s drones are built for indoor operations with intuitive controllers; and Parrot’s Anafi USA deploys in seconds and offers simplified controls. Training is still required, and some pilots report steeper learning curves when switching from DJI to American‑made systems.
Preparing for the Post‑DJI Landscape
Regardless of your sector, it’s wise to prepare for a potential DJI ban:
1. Audit and assess your fleet. Identify DJI drones in your inventory and evaluate their criticality to operations.
2. Stock up on parts and update firmware. DJI owners should secure batteries, propellers and spare parts and ensure firmware is up to date.
3. Explore alternative platforms. Consider testing NDAA‑compliant drones now so that your pilots become familiar with their workflows. Evaluate the total cost of ownership, including training and maintenance.
4. Monitor legislation and engage policymakers. Use tools provided by the U.S. Congress to contact representatives and share your concerns about the pending ban.
5. Seek funding and training. Look for grants and state programs that support the adoption of compliant drones. V1DroneMedia, based in Ohio, offers FAA‑certified drone training, law‑enforcement drone programs and commercial drone services. Their experienced pilots provide Part 107 test prep and hands‑on courses that can help agencies transition to new platforms.
Conclusion
The DJI ban is not yet reality, but a looming deadline and growing state restrictions make it imperative for drone operators to plan ahead. Small businesses should monitor supply and avoid long‑term dependencies on a single manufacturer. Corporate drone departments must evaluate procurement policies and transition strategies, while public‑safety agencies need to remain compliant and prepared for mission‑critical operations. While American‑made drones generally cost more and may lag behind DJI in certain features, they offer enhanced security, regulatory certainty and increasing autonomy. By diversifying fleets and investing in training, operators can ensure continuity no matter the outcome of the DJI review. Contact us if you are looking for a consultation.
Careers in the Drone Industry
Drone industry is developing at a rapid pace around the world, and even faster in United States since the FAA made it easier to obtain FAA Drone pilot license (Part 107 Certificate) in 2016. What’s more, drone hardware and software companies are continuously innovating to develop new tools, driving the demand for certified pilots in the industries that find them useful.
The world is embracing drones because their value proposition is clear – they can accomplish many tasks faster, safer, and cheaper. Benefits of drone use differ for each industry. However, the common thread runs through all those industries: drones increase productivity, making operations more efficient. They also help with site visualization and digitization, benefits of which go far beyond productivity (internal communications, project planning and documentation, etc.). All these benefits are very attractive to not only corporations in various industries that are constantly looking to increase productivity (i.e. cut costs and increase profits), but also to companies looking to increase public safety and first responder safety (police and firefighters, disaster response, insurance, asset inspections, etc.).
Commercial drone use has increased dramatically especially in construction, agriculture, public safety, land surveying, insurance, real estate, land development, agriculture, military, and entertainment industries, to name a few.
Whether you are in high school or college, just starting your professional career or are retiring, it is never too early or late to enter the drone industry. The opportunity is enormous (the overall drone market is set to grow to $54.6 Billion according to Drone Industry Insights, although other sources cite figures even higher), as the demand in all the drone industry segments and the industries that are using drones are growing. And there are many ways to participate in all of them. We will cover the major ones.
Drone Industry Sectors
There are 3 main segments in the drone industry: Drone Hardware, Drone Software and Drone Service Providers (DSPs). Drone Services occupies the largest share in the market (80%) due to so many industries embracing drone use, with Hardware and Software rounding out the rest.
Drone Manufacturing Companies (Drone Hardware)
The days of drone building in a garage (except for the FPV drones, maybe) are mostly gone, thanks to the extensive market offering of a wide range of drones at different price points and functions available within reach to both consumer and professional users.
Yes, there are still some opportunities for highly specialized drones to be made in smaller batches by startups or to be modified for specialized uses (like drones made for carrying and releasing specific payloads, power-washing, indoor industrial inspections or military uses, etc.), but at this point the world market has several established companies that produce commercial and recreational drones on a mass scale. Recently there have been some US regulations introduced that may change the market share of these companies (most notably DJI use ban by a government entity bill that has been introduced multiple times), but a lot of newcomers are not expected.
Here is a look at the market share of the main consumer and commercial drone manufacturers as of 2023. It is no surprise to see that DJI leads the pack with at least 70% share (although losing share YOY due to mostly political discourse), with Skydio and others following with much smaller shares, but growing vs. 2022.
While there are still new companies coming onto the market building drones, they tend to be for highly specialized industries and applications (agricultural spraying, military, drones for delivery, public safety, etc.).
If you are more of an engineer and builder/tinkerer you might find working for a drone manufacturer is up your alley, and you can investigate one of the companies that are in drone hardware manufacturing. The skills and education they look for range from aeronautical and aviation engineering to robotics, electronic, mechanical engineering, drone maintenance, test flying, software programming, and more. Here are a few sample jobs and published salaries.
Jobs and Salaries for Drone Hardware Manufacturers
1. Drone Engineer
Main Skills: Engineering knowledge (electrical, mechanical, aerospace), programming (C++, Python), hardware design, systems integration, CAD software proficiency.
Years of Experience: 3-5 years.
Salary Range: $70,000 - $104,723 per year.
Sample Job Link (if job is expired, search job boards for similar positions).
2. Drone Technician
Main Skills: Technical proficiency, troubleshooting, soldering and assembly, knowledge of drone components, tool usage.
Years of Experience: 1-3 years.
Salary Range: $35,000 - $55,000 per year.
Sample Job Link (if job is expired, search job boards for similar positions).
3. Drone Pilot
Main Skills: Remote piloting, knowledge of regulations (FAA), photography/videography, situational awareness, mission planning.
Advanced Skills: UAV systems knowledge, data collection and analysis, test flying.
Years of Experience: 1-4 years.
Salary Range: $40,000 - $120,000 per year.
Search Job boards for multiple available positions
These ranges reflect typical salaries in the U.S. and can vary depending on factors such as location, company size, and specific job responsibilities
Drone Software Companies
Most drones are equipped with cameras that are designed to collect visual data in the form of aerial photographs and high-definition video that are valuable for many industries. The collected aerial data than is imported into 3rd party software to create outputs that were traditionally produced by the survey industry or produce new types of outputs for asset documentation, digital visualization and situational awareness: geo-referenced maps, 3D models of structures and current environments, geospatial insights, volumetric measurement, track site progress and inventory, crop mapping & yield analysis, agricultural disease detection, and more.
Drone Software companies that are most known and used in this space are Pix4D and Drone Deploy, with several less known and some with niche industry applications, such as Propeller Aero, Raptor Maps, Precision Hawk, Skycatch, Agisoft, AgEagle Aerial Sys, Trimble, Bentley Systems, Esri, and more.
Drone-related jobs in these companies outside of administrative and sales jobs are directly related to programming and testing the software, uncovering and developing new “uses” with drone users in various industries. So, software programming, engineering, product design and implementation, various programming languages, test flying, drone technician skills are the ones that these companies look for the most. Below you will find some job descriptions and salaries for jobs in this sector.
Sample Job Titles for Drone Software Manufacturers
Drone Software Engineer
Embedded Systems Developer
UAV/Drone Software Developer
Most desired programming languages: Python, C/C++, Java, MATLAB, Rust
Most desired degrees: Bachelor's or Master’s degree in Computer Science, Electrical, Mechanical or Aerospace Engineering, Robotics Engineering, Mathematics and Physics
Drone Software Companies Sample Job Descriptions, Skills, and Pay Ranges
Drone Software Engineer
Main Skills: Proficiency in software development languages (C++, Python, Java), experience with drone communication protocols, understanding of UAV hardware integration, knowledge of robotics and AI.
Typical Experience: 3-5 years in software development, with a focus on robotics or aerospace.
Salary Range: $90,000 - $130,000 per year.
Search Jobs Boards for Drone Software Engineer Jobs
Embedded Systems Developer
Main Skills: Expertise in embedded systems, low-level programming, real-time operating systems (RTOS), microcontroller programming, and sensor integration.
Typical Experience: 2-4 years in embedded software development.
Salary Range: $80,000 - $120,000 per year.
Search Job Boards for Embedded Systems Developer
UAV/Drone Software Developer
Main Skills: Software engineering principles, software development for autonomous systems, cloud computing for drones, drone data processing, machine learning, knowledge of flight control algorithms, and more.
Typical Experience: 3-7 years in UAV/drone software development or a related field.
Salary Range: $85,000 - $150,000 per year.
Sample Real Job (if job is expired, search job boards for similar positions).)
Drone Services Sector
This sector is the most versatile one, since you can be self-employed, work for one of the companies in the industries that are using drones, or work for one of the emerging drone services companies that provide drone services for a variety of industries. This sector of the drone industry is also the biggest and is poised to grow the most because this is where the drone industry is expected to bring the most value: providing services that make the workflows faster, more productive, safer, and other added value that is unlocked by this technology.
The jobs in the drone services sector can still use all the skills from the job requirements for drone manufacturing and programming companies (i.e. engineering, programming, test flying, etc.) if you are interested in those functions. However, since the services are so specialized for each sectors, there are many more skills and qualifications that are needed here, such as Drone Piloting, Drone Repair, Drone Videography, Photography and Editing, GIS applications using drones (performing aerial surveys and producing GIS data such as topographic maps, etc.), 3D Modeling, Data Analytics, etc.
Drone Service Companies Sample Job Descriptions, Skills, and Pay Ranges
1. Drone Pilot / UAV Operator
Description: Operates drones for photography, surveying, inspections, and deliveries, ensuring compliance with FAA regulations.
Qualifications: FAA Part 107 certification, experience with drones, knowledge of airspace and regulations.
Salary Range: $50,000 - $80,000 per year.
Search Job Boards for Drone Pilot Jobs
2. Drone Cinematographer / Videographer
Description: Captures aerial footage for films, commercials, real estate, and events using drones. Plans and executes creative shots, collaborating with directors to ensure high-quality visuals.
Qualifications:
FAA Part 107 Certificate, Experience in Drone Operations and Videography, Knowledge of Cinematography and Editing Software, Creative and Technical Skills
Salary Range: $50,000 - $100,000 per year.
Search Job Boards for Drone Cinematographer Jobs
3. Aerial Surveyor
Description: Uses drones for mapping, surveying, and 3D modeling, collaborating with land surveyors and engineers.
Qualifications: FAA Part 107 certification, background in surveying or GIS, experience with photogrammetry software, LIDAR, CAD, surveyor degree and license for higher paying jobs
Salary Range: $60,000 - $150,000 per year.
Search Job Boards for Aerial/Drone Surveyor Jobs
4. Drone Technician
Description: Maintains and repairs drones, diagnoses technical issues, and performs routine inspections and updates.
Qualifications: Technical background in electronics or mechanics, experience with drone repair, FAA Part 107 preferred.
Salary Range: $40,000 - $70,000 per year.
Search Job Boards for Drone Technician Jobs
5. Drone Data Analyst
Description: Analyzes drone-captured data for industries like agriculture and construction, processes data, and prepares reports.
Qualifications: Analytical skills, experience with GIS or photogrammetry platforms and apps, relevant field background, bachelor or advanced degree in sciences or information technology for higher paying jobs
Salary Range: $50,000 - $85,000 per year.
Search Job Boards for Drone Data Analyst Jobs
6. Drone/UAS Project Manager
Description: Manages drone pilots teams and drone operations, ensuring compliance with regulatory standards, coordinating with clients, and delivering results on time and within budget.
Qualifications: Part 107 Certification, project management experience (PMP certification is a big plus), drone technology work experience, bachelor or master’s degree is a plus, familiarity with drone platforms and analytical software systems (like Pix4D, DroneDeploy, etc.), team management and communication, problem-solving.
Salary Range: $75,000 - $140,000 per year.
Search Job Boards for Drone Project Manager jobs
Drone Industry Jobs Qualifications
There are some basic requirements that many of these jobs have in common, and some highly specialized skills you may want to develop to make yourself more marketable.
Basic drone certifications and skills for most drone industry jobs
Drone Pilot License
Any company that is associated with the drone industry will most likely want you to be familiar with drone regulations and operations. You can prepare for that by becoming a licensed drone pilot – obtaining your Part 107 license that enables you to fly drones commercially, which signals that you know the FAA regulations that govern drone operations. You can read about how to earn your drone license in our Drone Pilot License blog post.
You should find Part 107 Prep Course that best suits your learning style, as there is a variety available out there. If you learn in-person better and need a quick immersion course that will let you study and get your license quickly, check out our 2-day in person Part 107 Drone License Prep Course that takes place every couple of months in Cleveland, Ohio, on our Drone Training page. Taught by a professional airline and drone pilot, V1DroneMedia classes get rave reviews from its students, and have trained hundreds of drone pilots across a variety of industries.
2. Drone Flying Experience
Of course, getting the Part 107 Remote Pilot Certificate will not automatically make you a pilot, you will also need to get skilled in flying your drone. For this you will need to get out there and practice! If you don’t feel confident you can get started on your own, we have recently started offering 1:1 and small group flight skill sessions to help you do just that. Check out our Hands-On Drone Flight Training for more details.
While with these basics you will be well on your way to lay a path for yourself in the drone industry, there is other specialized training that may be required to get most lucrative jobs. Some of these jobs will also require college degrees, as outlined before, depending on the field. Below are ranges for most lucrative drone service market jobs.
Most Lucrative Drone Services Jobs Pay Ranges
Specialized training
Engineering
If you are looking to get into an engineering position or company, then you will most likely need to earn an engineering degree (software, mechanical, electrical, aerospace, etc.) at an accredited college or university.
Surveying
If you are looking to get into surveying, you will most likely need additional training, certification or a degree in Geographic Information Systems (GIS), with specialized drone mapping courses that focus on capturing and processing data via available software platforms.
Photography/Cinematography
If you are looking to become a drone pilot that has excellent video production skills that can be applied across many industries and lead to high-paying cinematography jobs, you should take specialized aerial photography training that focuses on teaching how to get a variety of shots, and how to edit photos and videos, along with learning at least one editing software platform if you want to go beyond just capturing imagery.
Agriculture
Agriculture drone jobs are growing rapidly, and there are specialized training courses available depending on your interest in the industry and the drone you are operating (such as drone spraying, remote imaging and sensing, precision agriculture applications, etc.).
Emergency Response
If you are a police officer or a firefighter, work or want to work for one of the emergency/disaster response agencies, you may want to add drone flight skills to your list of skills.
Fire and police departments are currently actively pursuing adding drones as one of the tools to use in their operations, which means getting your drone pilot license will give you better career prospects at any first responder job, including at disaster response agencies that often contract pilots from outside law enforcement.
There is specialized public safety training available that includes but goes beyond getting a drone pilot license and hands on drone flight experience. This specialized training may involve learning how to use thermal imaging cameras on a drone to assist in search and rescue missions, learn how to fly and use FPV drones in standoff situations, how to analyze an accident scene with measurements obtained through photogrammetry software using drone cameras, etc.
All in all, there are abundant career opportunities in the drone industry, and it is up to an individual where they want to start and finish, depending on their goals.
If you are interested in getting your drone pilot license or get hands-on flight experience, check out our drone training page for regularly scheduled classes, subscribe to drone training newsletter, or contact us with any questions. You can also download our free Drone Equipment and Drone Training Guide: From Beginner to Pro that can help you with choosing a drone to buy, and to create your drone training path depending on the goals you want to achieve within the drone industry.
The Anatomy of the Drone Service Providers (DSP) Market
The Good – drones bring value and opportunities
Drone technology can bring a lot of value to businesses: innovative and cost-effective ways to complete tasks that were performed by humans that took a lot longer, potentially dangerous, and more expensive to accomplish (ex. inspections of hard to reach places, surveying, substitute for old/expensive solutions for aerial filming/photography, having ‘eyes in the sky’ for documenting work, etc.).
Several industries realized the value right away and have fully embraced this solution, spurring a flurry of DSP (drone service providers) entrepreneurs and startups to provide these services. And as drones get solid traction and more use cases with many industries, the drone industry is projected to grow to $43 Billion by 2024, according to COMPTIA report, with a compound growth rate (CAGR) of 20.5%, greatly outpacing growth rates of many industries, including IT. So with such an opportunity, the Drone Service Provider (DSP) market is growing rapidly.
In short, drones are bringing a lot of growth opportunities and economic value for enterprises and entrepreneurs. But, because the industry is so new, regulations and standards (FAA, industry, state and federal, etc.) are largely still developing and changing rapidly, as are enterprise use cases, it can be hard to understand the landscape of the drone service providers (DSPs) if you are a business owner or a manager looking to hire them.
The Bad - Hiring a drone company or a pilot is like gambling
Let’s imagine this scenario: you are a business owner or a manager in construction, engineering, video production, marketing, etc. (in short, any industry that could use drones) and decided you want to hire a drone pilot to do a job for you. This job could be anything from flying a drone to document the progress of a construction site or proof of work, inspect an oil rig, showcase commercial real estate, shoot aerials for a video you are making, etc.
Finding someone you can trust your project to can be a challenge unless you have a vetted and proven drone company/pilot you employ or you have contracted with before. Most likely you will do a web search for a drone pilot or a specific drone service you are looking for, and then you will get numerous paid ads and search results offering those services.
And here is what you need to know about the drone services providers (DSP) market in the United States: the market is very new and fragmented, and it can be hard to navigate. There are only a handful of national enterprises that operate in this industry, the rest are either small regional and niche companies specializing in a certain service or industry (ex. oil, gas, AEC industries, aerial cinematography/video, real estate etc.), entrepreneurs (aka drone pilots that can cover several industries), or ‘uber for drone pilots’ drone pilot network platforms (such as Drone Base, Drone Hive, Drone Up, etc.). These companies all need qualified drone pilots operating for them in the specific location required by clients to complete the task, regardless of the industry.
Some of these companies grew out of drone pilots starting their own companies (so they are operated by them), but many grew out of a recognized market opportunity, so they need to find pilots to fly for them. This isn’t easy to do, as finding a good pilot is like looking for a needle in a haystack of people self-proclaiming as qualified drone pilots.
The truth is, it is easy to get into the industry and call yourself a drone pilot or a drone services provider company. Commercial drones are within reach to purchase for under $2K nowadays. Anyone who wants to invest their time and some grit can study, pass and receive an FAA Part 107 commercial drone operator certificate, and put up a website to advertise their services. And voila, they have a drone services business presence that makes it look like they are legit!
In reality, this may be a company that doesn't have their own pilots, or is operated by a self-proclaimed pilot that has hardly flown before, who may not have a commercial drone pilot license, or insurance, and very possibly has never done the type of job you want to have completed. See our blog post Things to Consider Before Hiring A Drone Pilot for more details on this topic.
So, you are really gambling as you are trying to find someone you can trust in your specific location to do the job you require – the market of drone services providers is still new and is a bit like the Wild West right now.
Some companies out there (especially national companies serving oil/gas, telecom, and energy markets) are starting to employ and train their own drone pilots. These industries require specialized skills and services performed at a regular cadence. It is also easier to ensure that their customers will get quality service consistently when hiring and investing in proper pilot training. These companies train pilots to fly proficiently and execute specific tasks they require (video/photo, aerial inspections, surveying, and photogrammetry).
However, most companies do not employ their own pilots, so when you submit a request for your service through a drone pilot network company that doesn’t employ their own pilots, you will be dealing with a ‘middleman’ company that will connect you with a drone pilot, whether from their existing contacts in the area (someone they’ve hired before for another client) or from another area that will have to travel to your location (and therefore charging more, most likely). And if the job at hand is rather simple, not requiring specialized skills in flying, shooting high-quality video/photo, or gathering data in a specific way, it may be an effective solution for you.
But you should be aware that many of these drone pilot network companies do not vet their subcontractors properly, and in many cases, these pilots get paid low wages (the middleman takes a cut, of course). You will not get the best-qualified pilots to perform your task and will most likely have limited direct communication with them to prevent those pilots from acquiring you as their own client.
And while this business model of drone pilot network serves well as a marketplace to connect clients with pilots, these pilots may not be highly skilled and use the middleman service to gain proficiency (using this as paid training) before branching out on their own or being employed as drone pilots full-time for a company that has its own drone program.
The Ugly - You Take on Risks
So, if you have contracted with a company that doesn’t employ its own pilots or doesn’t vet them properly, what are the risks?
Here are the top 4:
1) Fines. If you have hired a drone pilot who doesn’t hold an FAA Part 107 license or is operating outside of the FAA Part 107 guidelines (including not registering drones, flying without additional airspace authorizations when required, etc.), you are opening your company to potential FAA fines.
Recently the FAA fined a drone pilot $182K for repeated violations, as detailed in this Forbes article. While this may be an extreme example, you don’t want to get in ‘hot water’ with FAA or local law enforcement, let alone get your business dragged through the bad PR a drone incident could generate. Drones are still a new and sometimes controversial technology, so drone incidents tend to make TV, front page, and social media news.
2) Damage liability. If you don't ensure that the drone pilot you hire has drone business insurance or puts your company as an 'additional insured' as an additional way to defer potential liability away from the client, there is always a potential that your company may be liable if something goes wrong. Drones do crash, can cause property damage and personal injury, and that cause could be anything from weather-related, technology failure, or pilot error, regardless of their skill and qualifications.
3) Wasted resources (time and $). If you don’t have a way to communicate your requirements to the pilot directly, or don’t know their experience with the type of job and data output you require, that money you just spent may have been wasted – you may not get the output you need, or the quality of the output may not be up to your standards.
4) Reputation. If you are the business owner and the drone pilot you hired didn’t work out in some way, you will learn your lesson and move on. But, if you are a manager within a company that oversees outsourcing these jobs, your career and reputation in the company and industry may be at stake.
To sum up, if you want to hire a drone pilot consider coming up with requirements to vet them, and/or ensure that the companies you hire vet the pilots according to your specifications. These requirements should include the basics and go beyond them, especially if you have a complex technical deliverable that will need to integrate into your workflows or you expect video of certain quality and professional photography output.
V1DroneMedia is owned and operated by its Chief Pilot Jason Damman, a professional airline turned drone pilot, with 25+ years’ experience in remote-controlled aviation, 20+ years in commercial airlines, and 5+ years in commercial drone operations. Jason is a drone and aviation practitioner and educator, performing complex drone jobs in various industries (see our Portfolio and YouTube channel for examples of our work), and is also a certified flight instructor, including training drone pilots.
Contact us for a consultation today. V1DroneMedia can help you complete a drone job, train your pilots, or help you to set up a drone operation of your own!