HOW TO MAKE MONEY FLYING DRONES?
If you have a business mind and you are wondering how to make money flying drones, especially if you have a drone with a camera sitting at home, or if you thinking to get a camera drone, you should probably know that it won’t take top-notch professional skills to make money flying drones. You should also know that drones with cameras are available in a wide variety and in a very affordable price. “Check out the best drone deals here”
Most people don’t know much about this sector’s broad scope. So let’s see if I can help aspire you make money with your drone. Let me show you how you can make money with drones with cameras, that aren’t even that expensive!
Let me walk you through the different ways you can make money using drones with cameras while having fun flying them. Most of these skills are fairly easy to learn and don’t require a huge investment.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
HOW TO MAKE MONEY FLYING DRONES WITH CAMERAS?
1. SELLING FOOTAGE AND AERIAL PHOTOGRAPHY
Drone photography and videography can be quite a profitable business. With the growing popularity and demand, having the capability of capturing high-quality pictures can help you make thousands of bucks.
Finding appropriate places such as beaches, amusement parks, and other natural landscapes can be great places to start taking pictures. You can advertise these pictures on social media or on your own YouTube channel to attract potential clients.
On the other hand, you can also partner with popular, successful blogs to provide real-life photographs and earn money online. This way, you can get credits and recognition for the awesome pictures you took, and the bloggers get unique pictures to display to their visitors. It is a win-win situation!
2. STOCK PHOTOGRAPHY
Stock photos are a supply of photographs that are licensed to use for a fee. They are captured by professionals, they are not free.
You can use drones to capture great photographs for these stock agencies and make an online submission on a contractual basis. Each picture used by customers is charged a fee; hence some of that commission goes into your pocket each time a customer buys your picture.
3. 3D MODELING
Drones are adaptable devices that can be used for a wide range of tasks. Drones are now being used to assist in developing 3D models with the help of special software that can convert aerial images into digital spatial models.
A 3D model of a structure can be created by making drones fly in orbital path twice or thrice around the structure. These pictures captured from different angles, can later be processed by software to create a 3D model.
3D models of structures are highly valuable and require immense control of flying drones. If you are skilled enough, you can easily earn money by helping developers make 3D models.
4. INSPECTION JOBS
These small unmanned aerial vehicles are becoming more and more crucial in inspection jobs. Drones can quickly and easily reach inaccessible areas like rooftops, water, or gas outlets. This can open gates for rooftop inspections which can help you earn some bucks.
Moreover, many companies worldwide use drones for inspection in their sectors. This can range from power line companies to oil and gas companies. Equipping your drone with a 4K camera can make you a valuable asset to these companies and help you earn top dollars.
In the past, utility companies had to rely on footage from helicopters and aircraft to inspect certain facilities. Sometimes, it is very dangerous to reach such places, not to mention quite expensive. In contrast, drones are more manageable and they can be equipped with powerful cameras, therefore, they have become more suitable for the job.
5. AERIAL SURVEYING
Small UAVs like drones can record footage from above terrestrial places that are difficult to access from the ground. The way to go is to open a private company that offers services in surveying. The aerial footage can help with digital mapping, topography, archaeology, various GIS applications, etc. If you want to opt in for this kind of service, you need to have the necessary expertise and certification to get the job done.
6. ADVERTISEMENT
Having a mixture of filmmaking and flying drone experience can be a lethal combination for advertisement. You can use these skill sets to make money for advertising real estate, resorts, shopping malls, and more.
Getting the entire view of a hotel or a property can be more visually appealing to customers and can attract more potential customers. All you need is a small drone with a high-resolution camera to attract business owners to hire you for their next Ad campaign.
7. DRONE DELIVERIES
Another way to benefit from a drone is to use it for various delivery services. In the world of drones, drone delivery is a groundbreaking approach. You may provide drone delivery services to businesses and organizations and earn some money in the process.
Big e-commerce companies like Amazon and AliExpress are already using drones to deliver their products to customers. Moreover, drones are being used in the medical sector too to deliver supplies to hard-to-reach areas.
Why is drone delivery becoming a popular job?
Many places are unreachable from a ground vehicle or might be too expensive. Drones are great alternatives to deliver supplies to such areas. However, drones can carry a maximum weight, so large parcels can’t be delivered. Make sure you keep this in mind before offering your services to clients.
8. WEDDING AND EVENT AERIAL PHOTOGRAPHY AND VIDEOGRAPHY
Who wouldn’t want wedding pictures from such a unique perspective? Wedding and special event footage is always sweeter in the great outdoors when you can capture the scenery as well. If done right, you can make a name for yourself and stand out from a typical wedding photographer.
9. RENTING DRONES
Some people prefer to use drones occasionally, for a special event, or a ceremony, or for a seasonal trip. Buying a drone is not their first priority, but they prefer to capture the moment, and there you come to offer them a rental option. Look at it as a rental car agency but for drones. There will be a time where almost every household owns a drone, but occasionally everyone needs to rent a drone.
10. TRAINING NEW DRONE PILOTS
There is no better way to make money than to give out knowledge about something you are good at. If you are a licensed drone pilot, you train people who want to learn how to fly a drone. Many newbies want to learn videography and photography with drones, and you can teach them the skills and earn money in return.
Setting a training camp can be a great way to attract possible customers and sign them up for your training classes. You can advertise your drone training on social media platforms such as Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, etc.
11. RESELLING DRONES
Reselling drones is the next thing you can do to make money.
You can buy the famous new drone models at a lower price and then sell them to your customers at a higher price. This can be accomplished through an online shop, online marketplaces, or even your drone store.
All you have to do as first step is to do you research, find a good supplier, and negotiate deals. Usually the larger supply you request, the cheaper is the price. The bulk price is always cheaper. Securing a good and cheap supplier is very important, because you want to be able to resell the drones at a cheaper rate than your competitors.
12. BLOGGING ABOUT DRONES
Blogging is one of the best ways to earn money online and get a passive income. And blogging about your interest and expertise can really help your blog grow and drive massive traffic.
You can start a blog about drones answering common questions related to drones, making guides about flying drones, and even reviewing drone models for your visitors. This can attract people from around the globe that are interested in drones. The more valuable content you provide them, the more likely your blogging journey is to succeed.
13. BECOMING A DRONE PILOT
If you don’t have a drone license, you can sign up for the drone course here. Once you have a professional drone license, you can find a job even if you don’t own a drone. Many companies need skilled drone pilots that they can trust with their UAVs. But in order to get to that kind of expertise, it is a good first step to start by owning an affordable drone that you can use for practice to keep up with your skills. Check out “The Best Drone Deals” here.
Job portals regularly list drone-related jobs.
14. AFFILIATE MARKETING
Affiliate marketing is another option for making money. You don’t need to invest much money. All you need to have is a website, a blog, or a Youtube channel. Once you have it setup, you need to join one or more Affiliate Drone Marketing Programs. After you join you start advertising for their products and services. For every sale they make you earn a commission if the customer clicks the link thru your website. There are several affiliate programs out there. Check out “The Best Drones Affiliate Programs” to learn more.
Remain To Know that you have to have a presence online and do some marketing in the beginning and portray your business through social media. But don’t neglect to reach out to your friends and families and spread the word thru your network, you should also make yourself noticeable to brands and businesses that typically benefit from drone work. Once you get your first aerial project, the domino fact will fallow and you and your drone can get busy at work!
WHAT IS THE BEST DRONE TO START A BUSINESS?
Now, it is obviously understood that the two main components to start almost any drone business are:
- A DRONE PILOT LICENSE
- A DRONE
Find out “How to Become a Drone Pilot?” here, and check the list below of the 10 best drones for starting a business available out there.
1. DJI MINI 2
With this drone, you can make your moments fly. The Mini 2 gives you a unique experience through features like 10km HD video transmission, Compact and foldable, Minimum flight time of 31 minutes, 4K Ultra-Clear Video, Intelligent modes, and Level 5 wind resistance.
2. DJI MAVIC AIR 2
You can elevate your game by taking power and portability to new heights. This quadcopter comes with a 48MP camera, 4K video, 8K hyper-lapse, 1/2″ CMOS sensor, a three-axis gimbal, 34 minutes of flight time, and ActiveTrack.
3. DJI PHANTOM 4 PRO V2.0
The onboard camera consists of a 20MP CMOS sensor with a mechanical shutter. Apart from that, the several flight modes and a top speed of 45mph make simple shots out of complex situations.
4. AIROKA BEAST SG906 PRO2
This drone features a 4K camera, GPS mode switching, an aircraft retrieval function, a multi-sensor super-intelligent design, and long-distance control up to 2 kilometers.
5. HOLY STONE HS720E 4K EIS DRONE
Ultra HD camera, Easy GPS Quadcopter, Triple flight time, Brushless Motor, Auto-return to home, Anti-shake camera. The drone returns to the home point automatically whenever the battery is low.
6. PARROT PF728000 ANAFI DRONE
This foldable quadcopter comes with a 4K HDR camera, compact and silent build, 180-degree swivel camera, and in the fan-favorite dark grey color.
7. AUTEL ROBOTICS EVO II PRO
Introducing the first 6K folding drone, you can take breathtaking photography and cinematography with Sony’s CMOS IMX383 dynamic 20MP camera. The maximum flight time is 40 minutes, giving you plenty of opportunities to get good shots from the air.
8. VIVITAR DRC-445 VTI SKYTRACKER
Thanks to the “follow me” technology and GPS tracking, you can always get the most cinematic shots. As you will have a range of 1000 meters and 18 minutes of flight time, the sky’s the limit with this drone.
9. RYZE TECH TELLO
Thanks to a top-notch image processor, the Tello is suitable for photos and videos. Even if you’re a beginner, you can effortlessly record coordinated short videos with 360, Circle, and Up & Away.
10. DJI MAVIC MINI
As this drone weighs less than 250 grams, it’s almost as light as your phone. When couples with the DJI Fly app, you can create cinematic shots with a few simple taps.
If you own a drone or you’re planning to purchase one, you should keep the FAA rules in mind for outdoor flying. Whether you are flying your drone for recreational purposes or flying for work, there are a set of rules and regulations you need to pay close attention to. Here’s everything you need to know:
FLYING FOR RECREATIONAL
- You need to register your drone under FAA using the FAADroneZone Website
- Don’t fly over 400 feet (keep in visual range)
- You must adhere to community-based safety standards and fly within the programming of a nationwide community-based organization (CBO), such as the American Medical Association (AMA).
- The drone should be in sight.
- Don’t in restricted airspaces.Keep a safe distance from other aircraft, particularly close to airports
- No flying over groups of people
- Don’t fly over stadiums and sports events.
- No flying while under the influence
- Your drone must be under 55 lbs
FLYING FOR WORK
- To fly commercially, you must have a Remote Pilot Certificate from the FAA
- At takeoff, your UAV must weigh less than 55 pounds, including payload
- Your drone must be registered under FAA using the FAADroneZone Website
- You must fly the drone under 100mph
- You cannot fly over a moving vehicle
- Your drone should be within the visual sight of an average person
HOW TO GET A DRONE PILOT LICENSE?
If you want to fly drones for professional work, getting FAA clearance is crucial. The remote pilot certificate shows that you have a clear understanding of the controls, operating fundamentals, and drone flying procedures. However, this certificate is only valid for two years, meaning a renewal through a recurrent knowledge test.
See details on “How to Become a Drone Pilot”
Check out the drone course here
You need to make sure you are eligible to become a drone pilot. The eligibility criteria are:
- You must be 16 years old.
- You must also be able to read, write, comprehend, and communicate clearly in English.
- You must be physically and mentally safe to fly a drone.
- You must obtain a passing score on the initial aeronautical knowledge exam.
If you tick all of the above boxes for eligibility, you can then follow these steps to become a licensed drone pilot:
Step1: Create an Integrated Airman Certification and Rating Application (IACRA) profile to obtain an FAA Tracking Number (FTN) before registering for a knowledge test.
Step2: Register for FAA knowledge exams with a knowledge testing center. Make sure you bring a government-issued photo ID to prove your identity during the test.
Step3: Pass the initial aeronautical knowledge test. The exams consist of questions about FAA drone laws, National Airspace System(NAS), Airport Operations, emergency procedures, and many more topics.
Step4: Fill out the FAA Form 8710-13 that is required to become a remote pilot. All you need to do is follow application prompts and fill out the correct and authentic details asked in the form.
Step5: The authorities carry out a background security scan. When an individual has completed the TSA security background check, they will receive a confirmation email. This email will include instructions on how to print a copy of IACRA’s temporary remote pilot certificate.
Step6: After all the formalities and internal processing is done, the FAA will send your permanent remote pilot certificate via mail.
Step7: ENJOY FLYING YOUR DRONE!
Apart from the certification, your drone also has to undergo registration with the FAA. Unless your drone weighs less than 0.55 pounds, you must register either under part 107 or the Exception for Recreational Flyers.
FINAL THOUGHTS
Irrespective of the drone job you’re interested in, it’s essential to establish proper advertising and networking. This measure may be efficient at getting a directory of your nearby businesses and introduce your services to interested parties.
As you can see, there are many ways to make a profit after getting a drone. When it comes to offering different types of drone services, there are a lot of opportunities. If you are undecided obout what type of drone you need to start with, and want to explore more options, the sky is unquestionably the limit! Check out “The Best Drone Deals” and find out more.
