1st May 2025

Click here to see Joshua's Pilot Profile:

https://www.thedroningcompany.com/pilot/joshua-walton

Aviation has always been more than just planes in the sky. For me aviation is a symbol of freedom, innovation, and perspective. For me, becoming a drone pilot wasn’t just about flying a machine; it was about seeing the world differently and discovering a new way to connect with my surroundings. That feeling only grew stronger with time. Becoming a drone pilot wasn’t just a hobby it was a path to connect with my lifelong passion for flight, technology, and perspective.

Growing up, starting from the age of six, I was introduced to the field of aviation. At that time, my image of aviation was limited to busy airports, what I thought were “police officers” in blue shirts (TSA agents), and huge aircraft that were way too loud and intimidating for a young child. I still remember clutching my seat nervously and crying during my first flight, unsure of what to expect. Luckily all it took was a single takeoff to change everything. I had the luck of receiving a window seat, and as the aircraft lifted from the ground, I saw a view that completely blew my mind, from the roads, buildings, and cars growing smaller and smaller beneath me until everything looked like a tiny model set. From that point on, I was hooked. Aviation had officially gained every bit of my interest.

As I got older, my understanding of aviation broadened. I started to realize just how vast the field really was. At first, I imagined myself as an airline pilot, flying commercial jets across the globe. That was the only type of pilot I knew about. I would often picture myself in a captain’s seat, announcing our descent into some exotic city. But it wasn’t until I turned 14 that I began to discover just how many types of pilots existed. I learned about military pilots, helicopter pilots, private jet pilots, and even hot air balloon pilots. Each path seemed cool in its own way, but none of them quite matched the excitement I felt when I stumbled across drone piloting.

Before then, I had owned a few small drones from gifts I’d received over the years. To me, they were just toys: fun to fly around the yard but not something I took seriously. I didn’t understand that people actually made careers out of flying drones. That changed one afternoon in my neighborhood when I saw someone operating a drone that was flying much higher and faster than anything I had ever seen. Naturally, my curiosity kicked in, and I had to ask questions. The pilot told me he was capturing aerial footage for the neighborhood website, and that he held a special license to operate drones professionally. That conversation opened my eyes. I learned about the FAA’s Part 107 certification, about the laws surrounding drone flight, and about the real income potential for drone pilots. Most importantly, I learned that drones weren’t just toys—they were tools. Tools for photography, surveying, inspection, marketing, emergency response, and more. That day, my perspective shifted. I no longer saw drones as something to play with—I saw them as a gateway into a new chapter of aviation. From that moment forward, I knew I wanted to earn my drone pilot license.

Studying for the Part 107 exam was both challenging and rewarding. The test required me to understand a wide range of topics from airspace classifications, weather patterns, regulations, emergency procedures, and more. I used a mix of online courses, FAA materials, and YouTube tutorials to study. The most difficult part for me was learning to read sectional charts and understanding the different classes of airspace. But I was determined. I spent weeks preparing, reviewing flashcards, taking practice exams, and watching videos late at night.

The day of the test, I was beyond nervous knowing exactly what it was that I was about to do. Although I had studied for hours upon hours, I still arrived early at the testing center, reviewed my notes in the parking lot one last time, and walked in with butterflies in my stomach. When I finally clicked the “Submit” button on the screen and received the passing results from the testing coordinator, I felt a wave of pride wash over me. That moment marked the official beginning of my career as a certified drone pilot.

Although I passed the test to be able to receive my Part 107 drone certification, I definitely did not want to stop at that point. Since then I have continued to practice and try to better myself with controlling my drones. Unfortunately I do not have the best of the best when it comes to drones, but I understand that you will always have to start from the bottom to get to the top. The first drone that I owned after becoming certified was the Potensic Atom, and I now own a Dji mini 3 drone. As of right now I currently have not been asked to perform any jobs or duties with the skills that I have at the moment. Even though I haven't been able to complete any task for anyone, I completely understand why. Due to the fact that I am new to this, and there are people who have done this longer than me and are honestly better than me at this skill, it will take time for me to make it to the next level. I don't let things like this bring me down, I just use these things as fuel and continue to practice and better myself and have fun with my drones. Although it might take a while to make it to the point that I would like to reach, I will always have my past goal as an image to remind me how I’ve made it this far.

Becoming a drone pilot has also opened up career possibilities I never would have thought of. Whether it's real estate photography, construction site inspections, or creating content for social media, there are endless paths in the drone industry. I’m currently exploring how to build my own drone business, reaching to offer services to local businesses and individuals who want aerial footage.

What excites me most about being a drone pilot is the combination of creativity and technical skill. I get to think like a photographer, a filmmaker, and a pilot all at once. I enjoy planning shots, choosing angles, adjusting settings, and making sure every flight is safe and successful. Every time I send my drone into the sky, I feel that same rush I had on my first flight as a six-year-old looking out the airplane window.

Looking back, I realize that my journey from a wide-eyed six-year-old on his first flight to a certified drone pilot has been filled with unexpected turns and valuable lessons. I’ve learned to follow my curiosity, to ask questions, and to be open to new opportunities. Flying drones is more than just a skill, it’s a passion that connects me to the world in a way that’s both creative and purposeful. I’m excited for what comes next. Whether it’s continuing to grow a future business, collaborating with others in the field, or mentoring someone who was once just like me—curious, excited, and unsure.

I know that the sky is not the limit. It’s just the beginning.