Starting a Drone Business: How do I get started?

How do I get started?
If you’ve been thinking about starting a drone business but feel like you’re stuck at the starting line... You're not alone.
I hear it all the time: "I’m interested. I can see the opportunity. I just don’t know what to do first."
Good news - it’s not as complicated as it seems.
You don’t need to know everything.
You just need to take the first step… and then the next.
Here’s exactly where I’d start if I had to do it all over again:
STEP 1: Know WHY you’re doing this
Most people skip this - don’t.
Are you trying to build a second stream of income? Looking for a fresh start? Want more time freedom, purpose, or maybe just something of your own?
Knowing your “why” is what’ll keep you going when motivation dips.
Write it down. Say it out loud. This is your fuel.
STEP 2: Learn the rules
If you want to make money with a drone, you need your FAA Part 107 certification.
Think of it like a driver’s license - but for commercial drone pilots.
The FAA 107 exam isn’t hard, but it is serious. You’ll need to learn airspace rules, weather patterns, flight safety, and basic aviation knowledge.
And no - you don’t need to be a pilot or an engineer. I’ve helped over 30,000 people pass this test, from veterans and retirees to teachers and techs.
And I've put together a free FAA 107 study guide to help you get started.
STEP 3: Don’t overthink the drone
People freeze up here, but you do not need to drop five figures on gear.
Most entry-level drones can do everything you need to land your first paying clients.
Don’t get stuck thinking you need the “perfect” drone. Just focus on getting in the air.
STEP 4: Put in flight time
This part is simple, but it’s where most people stall. You’ve got to get stick time.
Take off. Hover. Practice turns. Fly low. Fly high (not over 400ft).
Do figure 8s. Nail your landings.
Even 10–15 minutes a day will build your confidence fast.
Confidence doesn’t come from reading manuals. It comes from muscle memory. You don’t need 100 hours of flight time. You just need to start.
STEP 5: Pick a lane
There are over 300 ways to make money with a drone. Don’t try to learn them all at once.
Here are some fun ideas for getting started:
Real Estate Photography
Roof Inspections
Search & Rescue
3D Mapping for Construction
Agricultural Health
Find something that interests you and go deep. Specialization builds momentum.
STEP 6: Fly for free - strategically
Find a local business owner. A realtor. A roofer. A friend who owns a company.
Offer to do a free job in exchange for a testimonial and footage for your portfolio.
You’re not working for free — you’re working for credibility, experience, and future revenue. Every paid pilot I know started here.
And one more thing... Maybe you’ve heard people say the drone business is already saturated.
Let me be clear: That’s a myth.
Right now, less than 1% of the current demand for drone services is being met.
So there aren’t too many drone pilots - in fact, there are too few.
This opportunity is wide open.
Let’s get you started.
Small wins build confidence.
Confidence builds momentum.
And momentum builds a business.