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16 October 2025
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<a href="https://thedroningcompany.com/pilot/ryan-jones" target="_blank" rel="noopener">By Ryan Jones</a>
I&rsquo;ve been fascinated with flight for as long as I can remember. When I was five, my aunt and uncle, both private pilots, would take my cousin and me on flights in their Cessna 172. I still remember the thrill of &ldquo;zero-G&rdquo; maneuvers &mdash; the momentary weightlessness that made me feel like I was defying gravity itself. Those early experiences cemented a love for aviation that would carry through my entire life. Flight wasn&rsquo;t just exciting; it was magical, transformative, and somehow deeply personal.
Fast-forward a few decades, and I found myself drawn to drones. My first &ldquo;wow&rdquo; moment came with a Mavic 3 Pro, on a golden hour flight near a water-based lighthouse at the entrance to the harbor close to my home. Watching the sunrise through the lens, floating above the water, I was captivated. That moment combined the technical thrill of piloting with the beauty of storytelling through images. I realized that drones could give me a new kind of freedom &mdash; a way to capture perspectives impossible from the ground, to provide professional-quality aerial content for clients, and to experience the&nbsp;thrill of flight myself,&nbsp;even if it was without the "zero-G" experience.
For me, entering the drone industry was not only about passion &mdash; it was also about practicality. I have a disability that affects my legs and back, limiting my ability to walk long distances and lift heavy items. Many traditional careers weren&rsquo;t viable options for me, but drone piloting was different. It allowed me to perform technical, detail-oriented work without the physical strain I would have faced in other jobs. I could leverage my skills, creativity, and love of flight to deliver professional services to a wide range of clients. In many ways, drones opened a door I never thought possible, allowing me to build a career around both my passion and my capabilities.
My work in real estate has been a cornerstone of my experience. I specialize in capturing vacant lots in mountainous regions and forested landscapes. While these jobs might not always seem glamorous, they taught me the importance of precision, planning, and presentation. Gathering video and photo data in challenging terrain, then using software to superimpose property boundaries on those results, allowed me to combine technical skill with a creative eye. Each project reinforced the value of thoroughness and attention to detail &mdash; qualities every client appreciates, even when they can&rsquo;t see the full scope of work behind the finished product.
Beyond real estate, I&rsquo;ve explored commercial mapping and 3D modeling, testing the capabilities of my Matrice 4E. One memorable project involved a historical fort on the waterfront near my home. The flight required multiple flight&nbsp;hours, testing the drone's settings, and careful navigation near buildings, trees, and other structures. After hours of precise flying and hours of rendering thousands of images, the resulting 3D model was breathtaking in its clarity and detail. That project demonstrated not only the potential of advanced drone technology but also the value of patience, planning, and technical expertise in bringing complex projects to life.
Special projects have also defined my career in meaningful ways. One particularly challenging assignment was a commercial mapping project near Boston airport, located in Class B airspace where LAANC approval is not available. Navigating the FAA waiver process was complex and anxiety-inducing. I was tempted to fly without clearance, unsure if the client would be patient enough to wait for approval through the&nbsp;proper&nbsp;channels, but opted to remain professional and communicate the need to wait for FAA&nbsp;approval prior to flying the mission. Communicating the status with the client while waiting for approval required transparency and patience. When the waiver finally came through, I delivered a quality product that met all requirements &mdash; a true testament to persistence and professionalism.
Another project that stands out is my work with The Chronicle, mapping and cataloging cemeteries. These jobs have been some of the largest in terms of both scope and time commitment, but they&rsquo;ve also been the most rewarding. The data I gather &mdash; aerial images, maps, and site surveys &mdash; will be used by countless people to research ancestors, explore local history, and connect with the stories of those who have shaped society. Whether it&rsquo;s uncovering the resting place of a war hero or preserving the layout of a historic cemetery, I take pride in knowing my work contributes to something larger than myself.
What I enjoy most about flying drones is every aspect of the process. From pre-flight checklists to setup, from gathering footage to solving unexpected problems in real time, the work is always engaging and never monotonous. I thrive on the combination of creativity, technical skill, and problem-solving. There&rsquo;s a freedom in deciding the best approach for a project, executing it, and then seeing the results come together exactly as planned. Each flight is an opportunity to learn, improve, and produce something meaningful for the client.
Of course, not every flight goes perfectly. I&rsquo;ve only crashed a drone once, and while it was stressful at the time, it became a valuable learning experience. I was on-site at my first cemetery job, parked along a narrow dirt road while experimenting with a new obstacle avoidance setting. When a car arrived behind me, I hurried to land my drone to move my vehicle, but in the rush, I flew into a tree branch. The drone dropped fifty feet to the ground, shattering the propellers and a drone arm. The repairs took weeks, but the incident taught me patience, focus, and the importance of testing new settings under controlled circumstances. Mistakes like these reinforce the value of careful preparation, situational awareness, and calm under pressure.
Looking ahead, I see the drone industry facing both challenges and tremendous opportunities. Current legislative constraints in America make it difficult for pilots to access certain high-quality international drones, opening the door for American technology to compete on a larger scale. Beyond that, drones are increasingly being used in industries from inspection to search and rescue, public safety, and geographical data collection. Any work that requires aerial datasets, reduces human risk, or provides a unique perspective is a chance for drones to shine. I am excited to continue growing my skills and contributing to these industries, applying professionalism, precision, and creativity to every project I undertake.
At the core, what drives me today is the same curiosity and love of flight I felt as a child in the Cessna 172. Drone piloting allows me to merge that passion with real-world impact, creativity, and technical mastery. I take pride in providing clients with reliable, high-quality aerial services, whether it&rsquo;s capturing landscapes for real estate, mapping complex sites, or preserving historical records. Each flight is a new adventure, a new challenge, and a chance to tell a story from a perspective few people ever see.
Drones have given me the ability to pursue a career that matches my skills and passions, while accommodating the realities of my disability. They have allowed me to be professional, creative, and independent &mdash; and they&rsquo;ve shown me that limitations can sometimes guide us to paths that are even more rewarding than we imagined. Flying drones is not just a job; it&rsquo;s a way of life that allows me to explore, create, and contribute in ways I never thought possible.
<h5>Ryan's Highlight Reel</h5>
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Pilot Story: Ryan Jones

07 October 2025
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By <a style="color: #ba372a;" href="https://thedroningcompany.com/pilot/brian-steenhoek" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Brian Steenhoek</a>
I reside in Bright, Indiana. I have a beautiful wife, kids, dogs, and cats, and I have a personal relationship with my Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. 
I am a published Christian author who wrote Straight from God&rsquo;s Corner (available on Kindle/Amazon&mdash;you have to put the ASIN: B0FRKBM9NS in Amazon search to access).&nbsp; I give GOD credit for all my success and may He use it for His glory.&nbsp;
&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;I have been in sales and marketing for most of my life. I have pretty much sold everything from A to Z. My last sales position was in automotive sales where my hobby of drones began. One of my associates brought in a DJI spark and it was the first time I had ever seen a drone let alone see it fly. I fell in love and had to have one!
&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;I purchased my first DJI drone about five years ago. I actually was using it to take images and videos of Dodge trucks and jeeps. I honed my flying skills as I sold cars. Until my first crash realizing that flying drones took more skill and researched a company called The Drone Academy where I learned I could fly professionally.&nbsp;
&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;The course was on-line with learning videos on Part 107 training. I managed to get through all the videos in a few days and take the pre-test for the 107 exam. I actually failed the test a few times as I had to review mapping, control spaces, and weather charts. Eventually I passed the on-line course and now was ready to take the real test.&nbsp;
&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Test day arrived and I had to go to the closest testing center at a small airport. I sat in the waiting room with other test takers. I could see and feel anticipation and nerves. I was escorted to a room and placed in front of a computer then given a binder that contained documents and maps to apply during testing. After the final instructions, I had 2 hrs to successfully answer 60 multiple-choice questions and hopefully get a passing score of 70%. I walked out of there with a score of 93% Praise the Lord!&nbsp;
&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;A few days later, I received a temporary certificate. It was official, I was now a licensed 107 commercial drone pilot. Now what, I thought and began to do some research. I knew I needed a better drone to professionally capture images and video. So I saved a few dollars from paychecks and purchased a DJI Mavic 2 drone that had the 1&rdquo; Hasselblad camera. It sounded cool.&nbsp;
&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;My first official commercial drone flight was to help with a home inspection of the roof and gutters. Boy, was I nervous and very cautious. I decided to start my own company on the side and called it A2Z Aerial Solutions. As I continued to work a full time sales position, I flew odd jobs and quickly realized there was a nice market for drone services.&nbsp;
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&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;After acquiring proper insurance and additional equipment, I was ready to expand. I began shooting for real estate agents and started contracting with national drone service companies. I was asked by an agent if I could do interior and exterior images and video of course I said sure! Not having a clue about camera equipment, so started on-line education on how to take real estate pictures. Of course, I had to acquire additional equipment.&nbsp;
&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;I actually educated myself on camera operations, light configurations, and photo composition. This did not happen overnight, but eventually was able to get good enough to secure some real estate shoots. Flying the drone began to open more doors into construction, commercial roof inspections, commercial marketing, and mapping.
&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Over the past 5 years I have had my ups and downs in the business. I have crashed and lost drones. I have had to replace equipment and have purchased the wrong equipment for the job only to trade off to get new equipment. There were times when my phone would ring off the hook with business and other times remain silent for days. Being a freelancer can both be very rewarding and at times disappointing.&nbsp;
&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;I recall the time when I was taking images and videos of a commercial building. I was preparing to do a 360&nbsp; and was trying to get high enough to frame the building to start and accidently clipped a building behind me and watched on my monitor the drone spinning out of control dropping 300 feet into a construction area. Thank goodness for DJI care support.
&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;One of my greatest moments flying a drone was when I contracted with a National company to map a huge commercial building located in Indianapolis, IN. It was mapped through Pix4D on a 650,000 square foot manufacturing facility. I was using a Mavic 2 drone at the time and it took 8 batteries to complete. I had to do a 360 and 115 foot roof map then a facade inspection walking with the drone taking an image every few feet. The project took close to 4 hrs but was very rewarding.&nbsp;
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&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;A2Z Photo &amp; Video has had the opportunity to do A2Z with different companies. I have even been able to use drones in more creative ways for clients and see how the industry in drones is rapidly expanding. Even incorporating drone work with photography and videography projects like special events and custom shoots.&nbsp;
&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;A2Z changed names to A2Z Photo &amp; Video as photography and videography began to expand into new markets outside of using drones. A2Z Photo &amp; Video provides almost every kind of service. A2Z continues to expand into new markets and eventually would like to get into some higher end drone opportunities however that does require high end drones with special capabilities like infrared and lidar.
&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;A2Z Photo &amp; Video currently uses the DJI avata2 for FPV projects, Mavic 3 pro that is equipped with the sophisticated triple camera system including a Hasselblad main camera with ax4/3 CMOS sensor, a medium telephoto with a 70mm equivalent lens, and a telephoto with a 168mm equivalent lens, the DJI mini 4 pro which is a work horse. Also have a Skydio 2 that has a 4K HDR camera and top flight speed and 360 obstacle avoidance for tracking.&nbsp;
&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;A2Z Photo &amp; Video services the Cincinnati, OH area and a radius into KY and IN. A2Z specializes in aerial photography &amp; videography and has done work with companies Dollar General, Starbucks, Autozone, Family Dollar and other large companies. A2Z currently works in the real estate, construction, insurance, roofing, mapping, food, portrait, product, automotive, and commercial marketing and branding markets. A2Z continues to hone skill sets with drones, photography, and videography to expand offered services.&nbsp;
A2Z believes and focuses on providing the best service and producing one of a kind results for clients. A2Z believes and walks in truth and love putting the needs of others before our own. A2Z has a passion to provide the best images and video to our clients and sees every opportunity to fly or shoot images or video as a win for both parties. When A2Z looks through a lens we like to capture art that can be displayed for all to see and leave our clients saying &ldquo;Wow!&rdquo;
<h5>Watch!</h5>
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Pilot Story: Brian Steenhoek

25 August 2025
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<a href="https://thedroningcompany.com/pilot/adrian-sarraff" target="_blank" rel="noopener">By Adrian Sarraff</a>
I'm a professional drone pilot and founder of <a href="https://www.instagram.com/cybr_drones?igsh=MTFlczc0aTByc3U3Mw%3D%3D&amp;utm_source=qr" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Cybr Drones LLC</a>, based in South Florida. My passion for photography began long before my drone career took flight&mdash;I&rsquo;ve been capturing images since 2007, focusing much of my early work on street scenes and architectural photography. Photography for me has always been about storytelling and finding new perspectives. That passion eventually intersected with technology, and together they pushed me into a field I could never have imagined would become my career.
In 2013, I got my hands on the original DJI Phantom 1, a simple white quadcopter that required me to strap a GoPro action camera to its base. At the time, I didn&rsquo;t realize how revolutionary that moment would be. Suddenly, I had the ability to capture the world from above&mdash;rooftops, skylines, and landscapes that were once impossible to photograph.
As a hobbyist living in Fort Lauderdale, I was drawn to the beauty of South Florida&rsquo;s sunrises. Every morning, I wake up before dawn, head to the beach, and launch my drone just in time to watch the sun break over the Atlantic Ocean. Those golden skies and the glow over the east coast inspired me daily. For me, drone flying became much more than a hobby&mdash;it was an artistic outlet, a way to combine my technical interests with my creativity.
At the time, my professional career was in Information Technology. I worked as a system administrator for a manufacturing company in Miami, troubleshooting systems, maintaining networks, and ensuring up time for critical operations. Outside of work, I had another passion: competitive gaming. Traveling to large events, I competed against some of the best players in the country.
When I look back, it&rsquo;s clear that my lifelong passion for technology, whether through IT, gaming, or gadgets&mdash;was always preparing me for drone piloting. You could say I&rsquo;ve always been a &ldquo;tech nerd.&rdquo; Drones allowed me to merge these worlds: technical precision, visual storytelling, and the adrenaline of competition, all in one pursuit.
When the Covid 19 pandemic hit, life changed for everyone. My company, like many others, cut back on its workforce. My position was eliminated. Instead of letting it defeat me, I saw it as an opportunity. For the first time, I decided to chase my passion full-time rather than remain just another employee.
I began offering my skills as a real estate photographer. I worked with local Realtors, providing professional-quality photos of their listings. Real estate photography pushed me to improve not just my shooting but also my editing skills and business communication. Realtors needed fast turnaround times, so I mastered efficient post-production workflows to deliver polished images quickly.
Marketing myself was another challenge as I spent months visiting hundreds of real estate offices, handing out business cards and flyers. I often offered the first photoshoot free as a way to build relationships and prove my value. Over time, this effort paid off&mdash;I built a solid reputation in the South Florida real estate community.
But I quickly realized that in South Florida&rsquo;s competitive real estate industry, standing out required more than just ground-level photography. Realtors needed something extra to make their listings pop. That &ldquo;something&rdquo; was aerial photography. I invested in a new drone&mdash;the DJI Mavic 2 Pro&mdash;which offers professional-grade aerial imaging.
From there, I knew I needed to go all-in. To fly commercially, I studied for and passed the FAA Part 107 exam, officially becoming a licensed drone pilot in March 2023. Shortly after, I upgraded to the DJI Mavic 3, which became my daily workhorse. With these tools, I was ready to expand my business beyond real estate.
One day, a friend working at a construction company asked me to capture images of a concrete pour on the 35th floor of a hotel in Miami. That single request opened my eyes to a new world of possibilities. I realized drones could do far more than showcase homes&mdash;they could document construction progress, capture marketing visuals for corporations, and provide data through aerial mapping.
In May 2023, I officially launched Cybr Drones LLC. The focus shifted from just real estate photography to comprehensive aerial services for multiple industries. Soon, I was no longer working only with Realtors&mdash;I was being contracted by major corporations and construction companies.
Some of the clients I&rsquo;ve had the privilege to work with include:
<ul>
<li>Florida Power &amp; Light (FPL)</li>
<li>Moss Construction</li>
<li>KAST Construction</li>
<li>Beauchamp Construction</li>
</ul>
These partnerships allowed me to scale up operations, managing multiple job sites across the state of Florida.
At Cybr Drones, I&rsquo;ve grown beyond basic photography to provide a full suite of aerial solutions, including:
<ul>
<li>Real Estate Photography &amp; Videography &ndash; High-quality listing images, cinematic video tours, and aerial views to help properties stand out.</li>
<li>Construction Progress Monitoring &ndash; Routine aerial updates for contractors, project managers, and investors to visualize milestones and track site development.</li>
<li>Photogrammetry &amp; Mapping &ndash; Accurate aerial mapping, 3D modeling, and volumetric analysis for construction and land development projects.</li>
<li>FPV Flythroughs &ndash; Using agile drones like the DJI Avata 2, I create immersive first-person view videos for marketing, showcasing interiors, showrooms, or construction sites in dynamic ways.</li>
<li>360&deg; Virtual Tours &ndash; Interactive walkthroughs of properties and job sites for marketing and documentation.</li>
<li>Lifestyle &amp; Boating Photography &ndash; Capturing the boating culture, wildlife, and waterfront lifestyle that makes South Florida unique.</li>
<li>Social Media Content Creation &ndash; Short-form video reels, aerial storytelling, and action shots tailored for platforms like Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube.</li>
</ul>
By expanding into these areas, Cybr Drones has become more than a photography service&mdash;it&rsquo;s a creative aerial solutions provider.
To keep pace with client needs, I&rsquo;ve invested in a diverse fleet of drones and technology. My arsenal includes the DJI Mavic 3 Pro, known for its powerful imaging capabilities, and the DJI Avata 2, perfect for FPV cinematic flythroughs. These tools allow me to approach each project with flexibility, whether it&rsquo;s capturing real estate listing, surveying a job site, or producing cinematic videos.
What started as a hobby with a strapped-on GoPro has grown into a thriving business that continues to evolve. Today, Cybr Drones LLC stands as a testament to what passion, persistence, and innovation can achieve across all industries. From real estate agents to multi-million-dollar construction firms, clients trust me to deliver visuals that inspire, inform, and impress. Looking ahead, I plan to expand Cybr Drones&rsquo; footprint even further, offering specialized drone services across Florida and beyond, while continuing to innovate in visual storytelling, aerial data collection, and marketing solutions.
My journey has been anything but ordinary. From IT systems and competitive gaming to chasing sunrises over Fort Lauderdale, every step led me here. Drones gave me a way to merge creativity, technology, and business into one. What began as an escape became a calling&mdash;and now, through Cybr Drones, I get to share that passion with every client I serve.
<h5>Watch</h5>
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Pilot's Story: Adrian Sarraff

<a href="https://thedroningcompany.com/pilot/giacomo-cortese">Link to Pilot's Profile: https://thedroningcompany.com/pilot/giacomo-cortese</a>
<div>
I'm Giacomo Cortese, an Italian-born drone pilot and founder of My Drone Booking LLC, established in 2025 and based in North New Jersey. My journey into the world of drones began as a hobby shortly after I moved to the United States in 2022. What started as a personal passion quickly evolved into a professional pursuit as I discovered the incredible potential drones offer across industries &mdash; from construction and real estate to public safety and creative arts.
</div>
<div>
I still remember the first time I flew a drone in the U.S. &mdash; it was a simple flight with a DJI Mini 2, just to capture some aerial views of my neighborhood. But as I watched the screen on the controller and saw my surroundings from above for the first time, something clicked. I realized how powerful it was to have this flying camera in my hands. From that moment on, I knew this could be much more than a hobby &mdash; it could be my career.
</div>
<div>
Today, I operate a diverse fleet that includes the <a style="color: #ba372a;" href="https://www.dronenerds.com/products/dji-mini-4-pro-fly-more-combo-plus-dji-rc-2">DJI Mini 4 Pro</a>, <a style="color: #ba372a;" href="https://www.dronenerds.com/products/dji-avata-2-fly-more-combo-three-batteries">DJI Avata 2</a>, and my favorite &mdash; the <a style="color: #ba372a;" href="https://www.dronenerds.com/products/drone-deploy-matrice-4-enterprise-ready-to-fly-bundle-package">DJI Matrice 4E</a>. Each drone has a specific purpose in my workflow, allowing me to tailor my services to meet client needs. Whether it&rsquo;s immersive FPV footage, high-precision mapping, or critical infrastructure inspections, my tools are chosen to deliver the best results with precision and safety. But there&rsquo;s something special about the DJI Matrice 4E. It&rsquo;s more than just a drone &mdash; it&rsquo;s a technological powerhouse that excites me every time I fly it. From its high-resolution camera to its obstacle avoidance and advanced sensors, it&rsquo;s the kind of machine that reminds me how far drone technology has come. Every time I unpack it and prepare for flight, I feel a genuine sense of awe. It's like piloting a flying robot equipped with tools that used to be reserved for large-scale industrial projects or government agencies. The level of detail I can capture with it allows me to offer services that are genuinely transformative for my clients.
</div>
<div>
<h3>Earning Clients' Trust (and Surprise)</h3>
</div>
<div>
One of the most rewarding aspects of my job is seeing clients react to the final results. Many people still don&rsquo;t fully understand what drones can do &mdash; they think of them as just flying cameras for cool video shots. What they often don&rsquo;t realize is the complexity behind these tools. We're talking about aircraft equipped with 4K to 8K cameras, LiDAR sensors, RTK modules, thermal imaging, and AI-assisted flight modes. Once clients see the clarity of the imagery, the accuracy of the 3D maps, or the impact of aerial visualizations in their presentations or reports, they're genuinely blown away. It&rsquo;s common for a client to say something like, &ldquo;I had no idea drones could do this.&rdquo; That moment of realization is one of my favorite parts of the job. I get to educate and demonstrate how drone data can provide solutions they never thought possible &mdash; whether it&rsquo;s documenting a building site in real-time, creating a 3D model of a shopping center, or capturing cinematic content for social media and marketing. I once worked with a general contractor who needed an update on a large commercial site. He assumed I would just give him some video clips. Instead, I delivered a full orthomosaic map and 3D model of the property. When he saw how he could measure distances, check progress, and even plan logistics based on the model &mdash; his reaction was unforgettable. Since then, he's referred me to several colleagues, which showed me how powerful it is when people really understand what drones can do.
</div>
<div>
<h3>Staying on the Cutting Edge</h3>
</div>
<div>
I&rsquo;m obsessed with staying updated on drone technology. Every time a new model is announced, I&rsquo;m already watching videos, reading forums, checking emails from DJI Enterprise, and exploring how I can integrate the latest features into my services. This constant learning isn&rsquo;t just a hobby &mdash; it&rsquo;s a commitment I make to my clients. I want to be sure I&rsquo;m offering them the best tools and workflows the industry has to offer. Whenever there&rsquo;s a firmware update or a new software launch, I dive in. I&rsquo;ve learned that staying up to date gives me a serious edge in the field. It means faster processing, more accurate deliverables, and a better understanding of what&rsquo;s possible. If there&rsquo;s a new way to deliver higher resolution, fly more safely, or process maps faster, I&rsquo;m on it. I believe the best drone pilots are not just good with the sticks &mdash; they&rsquo;re also researchers, problem-solvers, and innovators. I always try to test new features on-site before offering them commercially, so I know exactly how they'll perform under real-world conditions.
</div>
<div>
<h3>From Passion to Purpose</h3>
</div>
<div>
Flying drones is not just a job to me &mdash; it&rsquo;s something that deeply excites me. Every time I send a drone into the air, I feel that same rush I felt the very first time. These small aircraft are filled with incredible technology, and piloting them never gets old. But what excites me even more is knowing that my work matters &mdash; that the images, videos, and 3D models I create are being used by real people to make real decisions. When I hand off a final deliverable to a construction manager, an architect, or a marketing team, I know they&rsquo;re not just looking at pretty visuals. They're using my work to plan, promote, solve problems, or tell a story. And to me, that&rsquo;s where drones become something bigger &mdash; they become tools of communication and change. Coming from Italy, I also bring a sense of aesthetic sensitivity to every project. My background has taught me to pay close attention to composition, light, and detail &mdash; especially when working with real estate or promotional video content. I believe that combining technical skill with a creative eye sets my work apart in this industry.
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</div>
<div>
<h3>Expanding into Public Safety</h3>
</div>
<div>
Looking ahead, one of my biggest goals is to work more closely with public safety departments, including police and fire departments. I&rsquo;m particularly interested in supporting search and rescue operations and emergency response efforts using thermal cameras and live drone feeds. The DJI Matrice 4T capabilities are ideal for these missions &mdash; whether it&rsquo;s locating a missing person in a wooded area or detecting hotspots during a fire. Being able to support first responders with real-time aerial data would be incredibly meaningful to me. I&rsquo;ve already begun preparing for this by gaining experience with thermal imaging, building contacts with local departments, and researching FAA waivers and safety protocols for public safety operations. I believe that with the right training and collaboration, drones can become critical tools in saving lives.
</div>
<div>
<h3>Building Something Bigger</h3>
</div>
<div>
As a certified FAA Part 107 drone pilot, I ensure that all my operations follow legal and safety protocols. I regularly obtain LAANC authorizations for controlled airspace and have experience operating in both standard and restricted zones. I&rsquo;m also OSHA 10 certified, which gives me an added layer of credibility and safety awareness when working on construction sites or industrial jobs. My mission is simple: to make high-quality aerial data accessible, useful, and impactful. I believe drones aren&rsquo;t just cameras in the sky &mdash; they&rsquo;re revolutionary tools that can streamline workflows, enhance safety, reduce costs, and spark creativity. I want My Drone Booking LLC to be known not just for beautiful imagery, but for delivering real value through every flight. Eventually, I hope to scale the business into a full-service drone operation serving clients across the Tri-State area and beyond. That includes growing a team, investing in more advanced gear, and branching into agriculture, energy, and public sector work. I see drones becoming more integrated into everyday business, and I want to be at the forefront of that shift.
</div>
<div>
<h3>Final Thoughts</h3>
</div>
<div>
Flying drones has allowed me to build something I&rsquo;m truly proud of. It&rsquo;s not just about flying &mdash; it&rsquo;s about solving problems, telling stories, and helping others see the world from a new perspective. As someone who moved from Italy to chase new opportunities, I&rsquo;ve found in the sky a way to connect my past and future &mdash; combining creativity, technology, and purpose into one flight at a time. From mapping job sites to exploring emergency response applications, this is only the beginning. I&rsquo;m excited to keep learning, keep flying, and keep helping others discover the power of drones.
</div>

Pilot’s Story: Giacomo Cortese

28th May 2025
Click here to see David's Pilot Profile:
<a style="color: #ba372a;" href="https://www.thedroningcompany.com/pilot/david-schiffner">https://www.thedroningcompany.com/pilot/david-schiffner</a>
My career began with the US Navy, where I was fortunate enough to be trained in aircraft maintenance. There&rsquo;s something about working on airplanes that grabs you&mdash;it&rsquo;s not just about turning wrenches or making sure things are running smoothly. It&rsquo;s about responsibility, precision, and knowing that the work you do keeps people safe in the air. The adrenaline of being surrounded by heavy machinery and the technical challenge of working on advanced aircraft instilled in me a deep respect for aviation that would stay with me throughout my life.&nbsp;
After my service, I transitioned into the civilian workforce, but the skills and discipline I learned in the military transferred seamlessly. I spent over two decades at Van Nuys Airport, one of the busiest general aviation airports in the world, where I worked as the Director of Maintenance at a prominent air charter company. I loved it. My work was meaningful, and I was surrounded by professionals who shared my passion for aviation. From routine maintenance to troubleshooting complex issues, every day brought something new. The jets I worked on weren&rsquo;t just vehicles&mdash;they were incredible machines, and each one presented its own set of challenges and rewards.&nbsp;
<img src="https://media.thedroningcompany.com/images/tincy/2bO3ajZZOW6Lj4kYERGbcSJXreoAErrz8FwkXEKc.jpg" alt="" width="654" height="872" />
However, life has a way of throwing curveballs. In the midst of my successful career in aviation, I suffered an injury to my neck. It was the kind of injury that changed everything. I had always prided myself on being physically capable, but suddenly, my ability to work with my hands and maintain the aircraft I loved so much was taken away from me. The doctors told me I needed surgery, and that recovery would take time&mdash;time I simply didn&rsquo;t have if I wanted to continue in my role. The harsh reality hit me hard: my career in aviation was over.&nbsp;
Retiring early was a tough pill to swallow. I had dedicated decades to the craft, and the idea of walking away from it was gut-wrenching. But sometimes, life forces you to pivot. I wasn&rsquo;t going to let this injury define me. Instead, I decided to reinvent myself&mdash;this time in a completely different direction.&nbsp;
After my surgery and a period of recovery, I needed something to keep my mind and body engaged. That&rsquo;s when I decided to pursue a California Real Estate license. I thought it was the right step&mdash;an opportunity to create a new professional life for myself. I joined Keller Williams Beverly Hills and dove into the world of real estate.&nbsp;
<img src="https://media.thedroningcompany.com/images/tincy/s6XAdABx2Yxm6jjKJyPltwlpDsTDY6prkNRsau8X.jpg" alt="" width="640" height="360" />
At first, it felt like a natural transition. Real estate was fast-paced and provided a different kind of challenge. However, as I started selling homes, I quickly realized that it wasn&rsquo;t my true passion. I loved helping people find their dream homes, but something was missing. I wasn&rsquo;t feeling the same excitement and satisfaction that I had when I was working on airplanes or flying jets.&nbsp;
Then, one day, while I was out working on a property, I saw a drone flying overhead, capturing stunning aerial footage of the home. It was as if a lightbulb went off in my head. I had always been fascinated by aviation, and this was the perfect marriage of my skills and interests. Why not use my background in aviation to create something new? It was clear that drone videography was not only fun but also had the potential to be a viable career.&nbsp;
<img src="https://media.thedroningcompany.com/images/tincy/QiQ6ip3FecXHUMI2WuxkEIGWnGZguNH47INZQA0m.jpg" alt="" width="640" height="360" />
I decided to go all in. I got my FAA Part 107 license, which is the certification required to fly drones commercially. I knew that my deep understanding of aviation would be a huge asset in this field. Flying drones wasn&rsquo;t just about capturing pretty pictures; it was about ensuring safety and precision. My experience in aviation taught me how to manage risk, how to be meticulous, and how to operate in sometimes tricky conditions&mdash;skills that would serve me well in drone photography.&nbsp;
The more I flew drones, the more I fell in love with it. There&rsquo;s something magical about soaring above the ground, capturing unique angles and&nbsp;
perspectives. It&rsquo;s a new kind of freedom. And the world of real estate was the perfect market for drone videography. I was able to create stunning marketing videos for real estate listings, offering potential buyers a bird&rsquo;s-eye view of the properties they were considering.&nbsp;
But it wasn&rsquo;t just about the work&mdash;it was about rediscovering my love for aviation in a new and exciting form. Drone videography allowed me to return to my roots, flying and capturing incredible shots, but it also gave me the creative outlet I had been searching for. It was both an artistic and technical challenge, which was exactly what I needed.&nbsp;
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I am known for my commitment to safety and professionalism. Having worked in aviation for decades, I understand the importance of following strict safety protocols and ensuring that every flight is executed with precision and care. My technical expertise, combined with an artistic eye for capturing the perfect shot, has earned me a loyal following of clients who trust me to deliver exceptional work every time.&nbsp;
What sets me apart from other drone operators is my comprehensive background in aviation and my ability to understand the technical aspects of drone flight. My background in aviation maintenance gives me a unique edge in troubleshooting technical issues that may arise during flights, ensuring that every operation runs smoothly. My in-depth knowledge of aircraft systems and mechanics translates directly to my work with drones, allowing me to safely and effectively capture the best possible footage.&nbsp;
My ability to blend technical proficiency with creativity makes me an invaluable asset to any project. Whether it&rsquo;s shooting aerial footage for a high-end real estate listing, capturing a commercial project, or producing a visually stunning video for a marketing campaign, My goal is always to provide my clients with a product that exceeds their expectations.&nbsp;
As the drone industry continues to evolve and grow I am very excited about the future of aerial videography and photography. With technological advancements and growing demand for high-quality aerial&nbsp;
<img src="https://media.thedroningcompany.com/images/tincy/ujqV9V6VkHRrqar4n63r9WQcLDrk9BTRhjkcqBYM.jpg" alt="" width="640" height="360" />
footage, I see a wealth of opportunities to expand my services and reach new markets. My passion for aviation and love for flying will continue to drive me as I seek new ways to innovate and push the boundaries of drone videography.&nbsp;
My vision is clear: to help clients achieve their goals by providing them with the perfect aerial perspective. Whether it&rsquo;s a real estate agent seeking stunning property visuals or a business looking to showcase a unique project, I am committed to delivering a final product that is both safe and exceptional.&nbsp;
With a wealth of experience in aviation, real estate, and drone operations, I believe I can be the trusted professional you can rely on to take your project to new heights&mdash;literally and figuratively. Together we can formulate a plan to get the best shot without compromising safety.&nbsp;
My experience in corporate aviation has made me uniquely qualified in that I have a great understanding of the value of time and quality.&nbsp;
I have lived in many other states during my tenure in corporate aviation but chose the LA area to buy a home and raise my family as LA offers immense opportunities not to mention the fantastic weather.&nbsp;
Please contact me as I would love to share ideas and safely deliver the results you deserve.&nbsp;

Pilot Story: David Schiffner

Pilots Stories

20th May 2025
Click here to see Andrew's Pilot Profile:
<a style="color: #ba372a;" href="https://www.thedroningcompany.com/pilot/andrew-leon">https://www.thedroningcompany.com/pilot/andrew-leon</a>
From Remote Controls to Real-World Views: My Journey into Drone Photography
Growing up in Phoenix, Arizona, I was immersed in a world where the boundaries between technology and play blurred seamlessly. The city's vast desert landscapes, punctuated by saguaros and red-rock canyons, served as the perfect backdrop for my childhood adventures. My days were filled with the thrill of video games, the freedom of riding bikes, and the excitement of playing with remote-controlled (RC) cars. These activities weren't just pastimes; they were the foundation of a lifelong passion for technology and exploration.
The Spark of Curiosity
One of the most memorable experiences from my youth was driving my RC car off the dock at Lake Tahoe. The serene beauty of the lake, surrounded by towering pines and snow-capped mountains, created a picturesque setting for this mishap. As the car splashed into the water, I realized that even in moments of failure, there was a lesson to be learned. This incident sparked a fascination with technology and mechanics, leading me to delve deeper into the world of remote-controlled devices.
<img src="https://media.thedroningcompany.com/images/tincy/jnBLLrP1nCqRPuPkdAKnzDGm0UyTxUvtmEZFnfb7.png" alt="" width="657" height="465" />
The Helicopter Epiphany
In college, my best friend introduced me to the world of remote-controlled helicopters. He meticulously built one from scratch, and I was captivated by the intricacies of flight. The challenge of controlling a helicopter, balancing its movements, and mastering the art of hovering ignited a passion for aerial technology. This experience laid the foundation for my future in drone photography, blending my love for technology with the allure of flight.
From Hobbyist to Professional
As I pursued a career in computers, my interest in remote-controlled toys remained a cherished hobby. I remember my first drone&mdash;a compact, palm-sized device that amazed me with its stability and ease of use. Flying it indoors, I practiced landing on a coffee coaster across the room, honing my skills and gaining confidence in aerial control. This small drone was more than just a toy; it was a gateway to a new world of possibilities.
Family became an integral part of my drone journey. I introduced my kids to the excitement of drone flying, turning our home into a playground of imagination. One of our favorite games involved me flying the drone through the house while my kids pretended to be Godzilla, attempting to bat me out of the sky. These moments were filled with laughter and creativity, strengthening our bond and fueling my passion for aerial photography.
<img src="https://media.thedroningcompany.com/images/tincy/dyFHpJuw0Aml5vC9QGPi52rpW5NalFjP89ffa2im.png" alt="" width="660" height="837" />
This also led to teaching my children to fly and drive cars. We have spent years building, fixing, and enjoying the love of everything remote. I still enjoy building a ramp and jumping the gap.
The Rise of Drone Photography
My love for photography and videography naturally aligned with my interest in drones. The advent of DJI drones revolutionized the industry, offering advanced flight capabilities and high-quality cameras. I decided to invest in one, eager to capture the stunning landscapes around me. The first time I soared over the mountains, capturing sweeping vistas and intricate details, I felt a profound connection to the world below. I couldn&rsquo;t believe the advancement in technology and how amazing the flight abilities had evolved &ndash; allowing me to focus on the subjects and scenes I wanted to capture.&nbsp; The drone became an extension of my vision, allowing me to share the beauty of nature from a unique perspective.
<img src="https://media.thedroningcompany.com/images/tincy/4Fmoj9o2dPIQe9vlzqzbeWwr88fYcDH9IiUXVpLa.png" alt="" width="671" height="674" />
Sharing my footage with friends and family garnered positive feedback. Many remarked that my videos resembled professional productions, encouraging me to consider turning this passion into a career. I started creating YouTube and Instagram reels where the world became a platform for feedback. I started growing a following which continued to fuel the idea of creating and growing a drone based business.&nbsp; Inspired by their support, I pursued my Part 107 license, a certification that would enable me to operate drones commercially. This took weeks of studying where I found a strong interest in aviation.&nbsp; I was fascinated by all the advanced topics from meteorology to airspace that I previously took for granite.&nbsp; I found a real enjoyment for expanding my knowledge to further my craft and desire to make drones a profession and business.&nbsp; This step marked the transition from hobbyist to professional, opening doors to new opportunities in the field of aerial photography and the passion I have for working in this industry.
<img src="https://media.thedroningcompany.com/images/tincy/bWf0ULJLKm1Moqoqw4V7YeoS6VNTTx11yOeJf2DV.jpg" alt="" width="679" height="705" />
Specializing in Remote Terrain
Specializing in capturing remote and rugged terrains, I combined my love for the mountains with my skills in drone operation. Equipped with a four-wheel-drive vehicle, I ventured into secluded areas, scaling peaks to capture breathtaking aerial shots. Each expedition was a blend of adventure and artistry, where the journey itself was as rewarding as the final image.
It is also good to know that I spend every free moment I have out rock climbing or venturing through the mountains. From bouldering, to lead climbing, to mountaineering &ndash; I love just being out in the mountains exploring. I am constantly out in search of new areas to climb. And, my wife and I share the same passion where we decided to get married in the Gothic basin. We have a camper van and travel the country exploring the mountains.
Sample Works
The collection of sample works I&rsquo;ve provided in the gallery represents a diverse blend of my personal passions and professional skills. These images showcase not just technical ability, but also a deep appreciation for the unique stories each scene can tell. Whether it's capturing the polished, inviting presentation of real estate properties&mdash;ensuring each space looks its absolute best&mdash;or preserving the vibrant, fleeting moments of large-scale scenic events like balloon festivals, my goal is always to highlight beauty, energy, and authenticity.
<img src="https://media.thedroningcompany.com/images/tincy/xgCjBJQSljheEOnNWddKsbBovVPjOK2TrP0Wb5FE.jpg" alt="" width="672" height="889" />
My work also extends into the realm of adventure and exploration. I&rsquo;ve documented thrilling journeys, from driving along the world&rsquo;s longest drivable beach&mdash;navigating river crossings and challenging natural obstacles&mdash;to trekking through snow-covered mountain landscapes and across rugged, untamed terrain. Each experience offers a new opportunity to convey not just what something looks like, but what it feels like to be there, in that exact moment. My photography is a reflection of these experiences, and I aim to bring viewers along for the ride, whether it&rsquo;s through a lens focused on elegance or one trained on raw adventure.
Expanding Horizons
Beyond scenic landscapes, I expanded my services to include insurance assessments, roofing inspections, and real estate photography. The versatility of drone technology allowed me to provide clients with comprehensive and detailed visuals, enhancing their decision-making processes. Whether assessing property damage or showcasing a home for sale, drones offered a perspective that traditional methods couldn't match.
<iframe src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/1DNPcnSBwOo?feature=shared" width="560" height="314" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen"></iframe>
Throughout my journey, the thrill of flight and the joy of capturing the world from above have remained constant. Each flight is an opportunity to explore, learn, and share the wonders of our planet. As technology continues to evolve, I look forward to embracing new innovations, pushing the boundaries of aerial photography, and inspiring others to see the world from a different angle.
So, whether you're interested in capturing the grandeur of the mountains, conducting detailed inspections, or showcasing your property in a unique way, don't hesitate to reach out. I'm always eager to take on new challenges and share the beauty of the world from above.
&nbsp;
&nbsp;

Pilot Story: Andrew Leon

7th May 2025
Click here to see Keonntay's Pilot Profile:
<a style="color: #ba372a;" href="https://www.thedroningcompany.com/pilot/keonntay-watts">https://www.thedroningcompany.com/pilot/keonntay-watts</a>
<div>
Growing up in Chicago, I was always fascinated by cameras, movement, and storytelling. After high school in 2012, I dove headfirst into the world of cinematography. I didn&rsquo;t have formal training or expensive film school credentials, but I had something that no degree could replace&mdash;pure curiosity, a deep hunger to create, and the drive to teach myself everything I could.
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&nbsp;<img src="https://media.thedroningcompany.com/images/tincy/dGWe8JYyOW1ykMyHTNFma9D2mYbdtyttEMXrsr6M.jpg" alt="" width="683" height="387" />
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Back then, I was shooting with whatever camera gear I could get my hands on. Sometimes it was a borrowed DSLR, other times it was an old camcorder that had seen better days. I didn&rsquo;t care. Whether I was filming friends skateboarding, editing mini-documentaries, or experimenting with music video concepts, I was constantly sharpening my eye, my instincts, and my understanding of visual storytelling. I fell in love with the way you could capture emotion through movement&mdash;how a slow pan or a creative angle could say just as much as a line of dialogue.
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Around 2018, I started noticing something new taking over the cinematography world: drones. I&rsquo;d see these insane aerial shots in big-budget films and music videos, and I&rsquo;d wonder, &ldquo;How are they getting these angles?&rdquo; I quickly realized drones weren&rsquo;t just toys&mdash;they were tools. They gave filmmakers like me access to a whole new perspective, quite literally.
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<div>
At first, flying drones was just a hobby. I picked up a basic consumer drone to see what all the hype was about. I remember the very first flight like it was yesterday. I took it out to an open field on the South Side of Chicago, nervous and excited, fingers shaking a little as I fired up the controller. As soon as that drone lifted off the ground and hovered in place, I felt something shift inside me. It was like I had unlocked a superpower.
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&nbsp;<img src="https://media.thedroningcompany.com/images/tincy/M2Dq9AzNyPewEeLn22biU1YNwSiN8VWvjZJq38l0.jpg" alt="" width="693" height="390" />
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<div>
I spent months learning the ins and outs of flying. I practiced in parks, open lots, even empty parking garages. I studied how different lighting affected the footage, how wind impacted stability, how to pan smoothly and track subjects. And of course, I crashed a few times&mdash;okay, more than a few. But every mistake taught me something. I became obsessed with mastering the controls and getting the most cinematic shots possible.
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<div>
&nbsp;Eventually, I began integrating drone footage into my video projects. The first time I used a drone in a music video was a game-changer. It was a simple rooftop scene in downtown Chicago, but that overhead shot pulling away from the artist as the skyline lit up behind him? It gave the whole video a bigger feel, like something you&rsquo;d see on MTV. Artists started to take notice, then the inquiries started rolling in from all kinds of people. I was soo eager and ready to provide it.
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<div>
&nbsp;I realized that if I was going to take this to the next level, I needed to make it official. So I studied for and passed the FAA Part 107 exam, becoming a certified commercial drone pilot. That license opened up a whole new world of opportunity. No longer just a guy with a camera and a drone, I was now a licensed operator, legally cleared to shoot commercially, whether it was for a wedding, a real estate company, or a construction firm needing aerial inspections.
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<div>
That was a huge turning point for me. The Part 107 wasn&rsquo;t just a formality. It gave me confidence, legitimacy, and access to bigger jobs. Around this time, my work began to shift more heavily toward event coverage. Weddings were a natural fit. There&rsquo;s something magical about capturing a bride walking down the aisle from above, or sweeping over a scenic venue during golden hour. Clients loved it, and word started to spread.
</div>
<div>
&nbsp;<img src="https://media.thedroningcompany.com/images/tincy/l3ScPYmb0Jhx7Jm5NyUGrg84p8CmYwkwk0qKpt1V.jpg" alt="" width="670" height="377" />
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<div>
Chicago is a big city with a diverse range of venues, neighborhoods, and landscapes from the sleek architecture of the Loop to the historic charm of the West Side, the beaches along Lake Michigan to the gritty industrial zones. Every location brought new creative challenges and inspiration. One weekend I&rsquo;d be flying over a beachside ceremony, the next I&rsquo;d be tracking a Lamborghini cruising down Lakeshore Drive for a music video.
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<div>
&nbsp;Over the years, I&rsquo;ve developed a signature style. I blend smooth, cinematic motion with an eye for composition and storytelling. I want my viewers feel something watching my work. Whether it&rsquo;s the grandeur of a wedding day or the energy of a music video, I treat every project like it&rsquo;s my own film. I want every frame to tell a story.
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Of course, it hasn&rsquo;t always been smooth flying, literally or figuratively. Drone work in a city like Chicago can be tricky. Between FAA airspace restrictions, no-fly zones, weather conditions, and unpredictable city elements, every flight has to be carefully planned. I&rsquo;ve had shoots get rescheduled due to sudden winds, and I&rsquo;ve had to negotiate with property managers just to get clearance. But those challenges have taught me how to be adaptable, resourceful, and always ready with a backup plan.
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<div>
Looking back, what started as a simple hobby turned into a career I genuinely love. The journey from a self-taught videographer in 2012 to a certified drone operator with five years of flight experience hasn&rsquo;t been easy, but it&rsquo;s been incredibly rewarding. I&rsquo;ve built a brand, gained loyal clients, and earned a reputation for delivering top-tier aerial visuals.
</div>
<div>
&nbsp;And I&rsquo;m still learning. The drone world evolves quickly&mdash;new tech, new regulations, new creative techniques. I stay sharp by keeping up with industry trends, testing new gear, and constantly pushing myself to improve. Whether I&rsquo;m flying a compact drone for tight urban shots or piloting a larger rig for a complex cinematic scene, I bring the same passion and attention to detail that got me started in the first place.
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<div>
&nbsp;More than anything, I&rsquo;m grateful for the chance to do what I love, to see the world from a different angle, and to bring that perspective to others through my work. Being a drone pilot isn&rsquo;t just about flying&mdash;it&rsquo;s about vision, creativity, and storytelling. It&rsquo;s about capturing moments that can&rsquo;t be replicated from the ground.
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<div>
&nbsp;And in this sky-high journey that started with curiosity and a camera, I know I&rsquo;m just getting started.
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Pilot Story: Keonntay Watts

1st May 2025
Click here to see Joshua's Pilot Profile:
<a style="color: #ba372a;" title="By Joshua Walton" href="https://www.thedroningcompany.com/pilot/joshua-walton">https://www.thedroningcompany.com/pilot/joshua-walton</a>
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&rsquo;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&rsquo;t just a hobby it was a path to connect with my lifelong passion for flight, technology, and perspective.
&nbsp;
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 &ldquo;police officers&rdquo; 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.
&nbsp;
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&rsquo;s seat, announcing our descent into some exotic city. But it wasn&rsquo;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.
&nbsp;
Before then, I had owned a few small drones from gifts I&rsquo;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&rsquo;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&rsquo;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&rsquo;t just toys&mdash;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&mdash;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.
&nbsp;
&nbsp;
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.
&nbsp;
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 &ldquo;Submit&rdquo; 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.
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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&rsquo;ve made it this far.
&nbsp;
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&rsquo;m currently exploring how to build my own drone business, reaching to offer services to local businesses and individuals who want aerial footage.
&nbsp;
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&rsquo;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&rsquo;s a passion that connects me to the world in a way that&rsquo;s both creative and purposeful. I&rsquo;m excited for what comes next. Whether it&rsquo;s continuing to grow a future business, collaborating with others in the field, or mentoring someone who was once just like me&mdash;curious, excited, and unsure.
I know that the sky is not the limit. It&rsquo;s just the beginning.

Pilot Story: Joshua Walton

28 April 2025
<a href="https://www.thedroningcompany.com/pilot/malik-norman" target="_blank" rel="noopener">By Malik Norman</a>
When I first set foot in flight school, my mind was set on one thing: becoming a commercial pilot. Like many others who dream of flying for a living, I was chasing altitude, runway lights, and that unmistakable rumble of a turboprop firing to life. I wanted to wear the stripes, command an aircraft, and look out at the horizon from 30,000 feet. Drones? At that point, they weren&rsquo;t even on my radar&mdash;no pun intended.
My journey into aviation began like most student pilots: with a deep passion for flight and a desire to master the skies. I enrolled in flight school full of excitement and maybe a little nervousness. The syllabus was intense, filled with aerodynamics, airspace classes, FAA regulations, and endless hours of ground school. Every day was a new lesson, every night a study session. I was completely immersed in the world of manned aviation.
The camaraderie at school was also something special&mdash;being surrounded by other aspiring pilots created a strong sense of purpose and motivation. We pushed each other to stay sharp, and although the curriculum was tough, there was something truly fulfilling about being part of a community united by the same dream.
Then came an unexpected turn.
One day, during course selection for electives, I noticed an option to take a Part 107 drone pilot certification course. It wasn&rsquo;t something I had planned on, but what caught my attention was the incentive&mdash;if I completed the course, I&rsquo;d get a free drone. That alone piqued my interest. At the time, the idea of flying a drone sounded like a fun side hobby, nothing more than a cool toy I could mess around with during downtime. It definitely didn&rsquo;t seem like anything I&rsquo;d pursue seriously.
So I signed up, half-curious and half-motivated by the prospect of scoring a free DJI drone.
To my surprise, the drone ground school wasn&rsquo;t all that different from what I was already studying. In fact, there was a remarkable overlap between manned and unmanned flight training. Concepts like airspace classifications, weather patterns, METARs and TAFs, sectional charts, radio communications, and FAA regulations were all part of the Part 107 curriculum too. What I thought would be a light, easygoing elective ended up being a full-fledged educational experience&mdash;and one that was far more demanding than I expected.
But here&rsquo;s where things started to shift.
The more I learned about drone operations, the more I realized how wrong I had been. Drones weren&rsquo;t just high-tech toys you flew around the backyard. The level of precision, situational awareness, and knowledge required to legally and safely operate one in national airspace was far greater than I had ever imagined. The FAA wasn&rsquo;t handing out licenses for weekend hobbyists&mdash;this was serious aviation.
I found myself starting to respect drone pilots in a way I hadn&rsquo;t before. It wasn&rsquo;t about just pushing a joystick and watching a screen&mdash;it was about mission planning, risk assessment, understanding the weather, respecting privacy laws, and navigating real-world airspace. I began to see drone aviation not as a side branch of aviation, but as a specialized skill set with its own challenges and rewards.
Going through the rigors of Part 107 ground school gave me a whole new appreciation for what drone pilots do. I gained a better understanding of how drones are used in industries like cinematography, search and rescue, agriculture, infrastructure inspection, and more. I saw how UAVs could capture perspectives no human could reach, and how much discipline it took to fly them professionally.
When I finally passed the Part 107 exam, that certificate meant something very different to me than it did when I first signed up. It wasn&rsquo;t about a free drone anymore. It was about adding another set of wings to my aviation journey&mdash;just a different kind than I originally envisioned.
Soon after, I received my DJI Mini 3 Pro. At first, I flew just to practice, experimenting with different maneuvers, learning the controls, studying how the drone responded to weather, wind, and terrain. The more I flew, the more confident I became. That confidence turned into creativity. I started taking shots, exploring camera settings, and trying out different angles and perspectives that I never imagined I could achieve. The footage I was capturing wasn&rsquo;t just &ldquo;good for a drone,&rdquo; it was good&mdash;period.
<img src="https://media.thedroningcompany.com/images/tincy/WCzlL4B1fq2XYJJWAz3IMX2N0JzZKMM7K16m079o.jpg" alt="" width="460" height="613" />
It&rsquo;s incredible how something that started as an afterthought quickly became a central part of my life. The more I flew, the more I realized this wasn&rsquo;t just another tool&mdash;it was an extension of myself as a pilot and as a creator. Drones opened up a new kind of freedom. Unlike traditional aircraft, which require airports and long flight plans, drones could lift off almost anywhere. I could be in the middle of a forest, on a construction site, or at the edge of the ocean, and still be airborne in minutes.
Eventually, flying drones evolved from a side interest to a professional pursuit.
Now, I fly commercially using my Mavic 2 Pro, and it has become an integral part of my career. I&rsquo;ve also logged significant hours on the DJI Mini 3 Pro and the Matrice series, which opened up even more possibilities in terms of payloads and applications. Each drone has its own strengths&mdash;whether it&rsquo;s the lightweight flexibility of the Mini 3 Pro, the cinematic precision of the Mavic 2 Pro, or the industrial power of the Matrice.
Every project I take on is a new challenge. Whether I&rsquo;m shooting real estate footage, mapping terrain, documenting a construction site, or capturing a sunset over a coastline, I&rsquo;m always looking to push myself creatively and technically. I never stop learning&mdash;there&rsquo;s always a new maneuver, a new camera technique, a new airspace regulation to adapt to. And I welcome all of it.
One of the most rewarding parts of being a drone pilot is seeing how my work helps others. Whether it&rsquo;s delivering stunning aerial footage for a business, assisting with site surveys that save hours of labor, or even just giving someone a new perspective of a familiar place, there&rsquo;s a satisfaction that comes from creating value through flight.
Sometimes, I think back to when I first saw the Part 107 elective on that course list and laughed at how casually I brushed it off. I never imagined that drones would play such a major role in my professional life. But I&rsquo;m glad they did. They&rsquo;ve allowed me to merge my passion for flight with a growing fascination for visual storytelling and remote aviation technology.
What I love most about being a drone pilot is the freedom it offers&mdash;both creatively and professionally. Drones have a way of showing the world from a perspective that people rarely get to see. When I&rsquo;m in the air, framing the perfect shot or flying over an area I&rsquo;ve never explored before, there&rsquo;s a kind of thrill that&rsquo;s hard to describe. It&rsquo;s like painting with motion, using light and elevation instead of brushes and canvas.
At the same time, I never forget the responsibility that comes with the license. Flying drones&mdash;especially commercially&mdash;isn&rsquo;t just about cool footage or flying for fun. It&rsquo;s about safety, awareness, and respect for the airspace and the people around you. That&rsquo;s something I carry with me every time I lift off.
My background in manned aviation gave me a solid foundation, but it&rsquo;s my experience as a drone pilot that&rsquo;s helped me grow in ways I didn&rsquo;t expect. I&rsquo;ve learned to appreciate not just the technology behind drones, but the discipline and professionalism required to fly them. And perhaps more importantly, I&rsquo;ve learned never to underestimate an opportunity&mdash;even one that starts out with just a free drone.
Today, I consider myself lucky to be a part of the ever-evolving drone industry. I&rsquo;m proud of the work I do, the skills I&rsquo;ve developed, and the journey that brought me here. And while I still love the idea of flying commercial jets one day, I can honestly say that drones have earned their own place in my heart&mdash;and in my future.
<h5>Learn More</h5>
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Pilot Story: Malik Norman

11 March 2025
<img src="https://media.thedroningcompany.com/images/tincy/BL1Xkcjj0VrcPfebJT9xYlGbzAVq8gztw7KZuyli.jpg" alt="" width="120" height="164" />
<a href="https://www.thedroningcompany.com/pilot/jason-sherblom" target="_blank" rel="noopener">By Jason G. Sherblom</a>
My name is Jason Sherblom. I am 47 years old and the father of three children. After moving to Florida from the Commonwealth of Massachusetts in 2024, I began driving from place to place and was amazed at how flat the area is. As I continued to go to various parts of the state, admittedly, only a small part of it so far, I started to realize the breadth of the views looking in all directions. The thought occurred to me how interesting it would be to see this from above.
I do a lot of traveling for business. While I am not as impressed as I used to be looking out the window and seeing the ground from above solely for the thrill of it, I do like to look out as I fly over familiar parts to get that birds-eye view of something I know. It is that perspective change that piques my interest, which certainly sparked my interest in drones.
Something else that contributed to my newly acquired fascination with aerial photography is all the infrastructure like communication towers and electrical transmission towers I can see from many vantage points in Florida, again as it is so flat around here. Being able to see so much of the tower, even the base in a lot of locations as it is not blocked by hills and thick trees and foliage, allowed me to discover parts of those types of infrastructure I had never seen before.
Towers have always fascinated me. The taller they are the more I was drawn to them. I believe a lot of it was fear of them. It may sound odd, yet there really was a fear of these things, a lot of it due to their sheer size and mass.
Wind turbines, what I always called windmills growing up, were really my favorites when I was younger, and in many ways still are. That is because the town I lived in constructed eight 100-foot turbines on the side of Mount Wachusett in the 1980s. The school bus route I would take each day passed right by them, within 500 or so yards. As I could not see the bottom half of the towers due to the heavy tree growth, like I mentioned earlier, I think it was that unseen part that gave birth to both my amazement at the biggest things I had seen up to that point, and the new fear that developed over what exactly was behind those trees.
The noise the turbines made at that time was also a little unnerving. It was a deep and heavy whistling noise that came in and out of ear range as the relatively short (by today&rsquo;s standards) 30-foot blades whooshed by, held together by the large center hub, as they spun around. I can still hear it even now. Over time, I managed to get up the nerve to go up to the site where these towers were anchored to their thick concrete bases. Sometimes, only a few of them would be operating but that sound was always present up there.
A few years later, one of the turbines collapsed during a bad storm. I only saw pictures of the wreckage in the newspaper and never saw any of the pieces in person. Seeing the mangled pile on the ground, even if only in the paper, increased my curiosity related to what these towers really were, now seeing for the first time that they were vulnerable and not the terrifying, invincible goliaths I once thought they were.
Being that they could collapse, which is something I had never thought was possible in those early days of my life, meant that they were susceptible to destruction. It hit home that they were things, built by man, which meant that man needed to be there to fabricate the pieces, assemble them on site, and climb higher and higher to work on them. That really did it for me as they were more &ldquo;real&rdquo; now than they had been before the collapse.
Now, fast forward a few years and I started messing around with photography. I bought a pretty nice DSLR camera in the 1990s which still used traditional rolls of film. I knew nothing else at that time, so this was fine with me. Also, it was always a thrill to drop off the rolls to be developed and experience that anticipation of how they would turn out, something that is rarely seen in today&rsquo;s fast-paced technological world. I always made sure I was back right at the time the developer said the pictures would be ready!
Some decades later, I got into digital photography. That was when I really started learning about how photography worked, a little bit anyway. I was always good with computers and managed to learn software relatively quickly. It was with editing software that I learned how to clean up the shots I had taken, making them even better.
As I progressed with learning how to edit, my novice work began to get noticed. Over time, people started asking me to bring my camera to events. My sister got married a couple of years ago and she asked me to be one of the photographers there to document the occasion. I was thrilled!
The wedding took place at the Mount Washington Hotel in the White Mountains of New Hampshire. My favorite place in the world! While I was proud to be asked to help photograph that beautiful weekend, I was especially excited to take my &ldquo;good&rdquo; camera up there as I had never done so before. The wedding was an enormous success and the several hundred pictures I ended up taking turned out mostly well, too.
In order to tie all of this together and answer the question of how I got involved with drones, that one is quite easy. I am a financial analyst by trade for a fantastic energy storage company. Over my years there, I fell in love with the company. Not only because of what we do as a company, but what I do for the company, data analysis. It is because of that love for what I do that I am always trying to learn as much as I can about other areas of the company, to really understand what my data is telling me about certain things. What is the story it is trying to relate?
One afternoon, I was walking through a mall when I was up north on business. I will say that again, yes, I was walking through a mall, a real mall, with stores on either side and a huge food court. With so much online shopping that is done nowadays, which I am not balking at as I take great advantage of that opportunity myself, I still treasure the times I can walk through a real mall or department store. Partly, maybe, out of nostalgia for those good old days of my youth.
Back to my point, as I was walking through the mall, I received a message through Microsoft Teams. Our Director of Project Management had asked one of our construction managers if he could go to a job site at some point and use his &ldquo;FAA license&rdquo; to get some drone footage of the progress. I stopped dead in my tracks and moved to the side of the aisle to get out of the flow of foot traffic to read it again.
While I had seen images of many of our job sites on the company&rsquo;s intranet page, I never stopped to think about how those pictures were taken. In today&rsquo;s online world, we see overhead images of locations all the time. However, when I read those few words, I realized there was a real need for a qualified and knowledgeable person to go out with a drone and collect those top-down images from above. I started researching that night about the FAA requirements and drone piloting.
It was not long after I began outfitting myself with a fairly good drone set up. That then led to purchasing one of my favorite pieces of technology ever, my Matterport Pro2 digital camera, which takes 360-degree photo images to create digital twins of a location. I learned about other 360-degree photo and video options and ended up starting my company, JS Media Group located here in Wildwood, Florida. I began offering virtual tour creation for real estate with my Matterport, along with aerial photography and videography with my drone. I even moved along with working on certification to conduct tower inspections with my equipment.
A new world has certainly opened up to me because of that little flying camera, and the rest is history that has not yet been written. The sky is literally the limit!
Fly safe out there!
<h5>Learn More</h5>
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