Where could drones take you?

There is no single correct path. People reach these careers through work, certificates, community college, university, the military, or starting a business, and many switch routes along the way.

1. Stage 1

   What you can do now

   • Practise client emails and professional communication in HireLearning (opens in a new tab)
   • Plan a project like a pro in DroneOps (opens in a new tab)
   • Earn your Part 107 (required to fly for pay) (opens in a new tab)

2. Stage 2

   High-school preparation

   • Business / entrepreneurship
   • Marketing
   • Media production
   • Math (budgets)

3. Stage 3

   Skills to build

   • Client communication
   • Pricing and budgeting
   • Insurance and risk
   • Marketing and a portfolio website
   • Regulatory compliance

4. Stage 4

   Certifications

   • FAA Part 107 Remote Pilot Certificate (minimum age 16)
   • Business license (local)
   • Liability insurance (industry norm)

5. Stage 5

   Portfolio projects

   • A professional reel or map portfolio
   • Sample quote and service agreement
   • A simple business plan

6. Stage 6

   After high school: choose a route

   Start your ownCommunity collegeStraight to work

   • Start your own

     Start small (real estate, events, roof photos) and specialize.

     e.g. Aerial media · Inspection services

   • Community college

     Small-business courses plus a UAS certificate.

     e.g. Small business management

   • Straight to work

     Work for a drone service company first to learn operations.

     e.g. Drone service provider

   Compare programs in Opportunity Radar

7. Stage 7

   Possible entry-level positions

   • Freelance drone pilot
   • Operations assistant at a drone company

8. Stage 8

   Long-term careers

   • Drone service company owner
   • Consultant
   • Product founder