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Flying drones can be a great activity to do in your spare time, it can be relaxing, and you can take some breathtaking photos or videos. That being said, what if you could turn your drone hobby into something that can bring you an income?
There are several ways you can earn money by using a drone, so here in this review, we will go over everything you need to know about how you can make money with your drone and what you need to do or what to look for.
Now, with everything out of the way, let’s begin the review.
How Do You Make Money Flying Your Drones?
There are several ways to make money by flying your drone. If you are a beginner, it can prove quite challenging, and you will need a starting investment, to begin with. Additionally, you will need to choose when it comes to picking out the drone best suited for what you want to do. Finally, as a beginner, you will also need to invest quite some time to learn how to fly a drone safely.
To answer the question, one of the most popular and straightforward ways to earn money by flying your drone is with aerial photography and videography. Taking beautiful photos or videos with your drone gives you an opportunity to sell them on the internet through e-commerce marketplaces.
In addition, you can take pictures and videos of beautiful nature or landscapes from an angle that you, without a drone, normally could not. Advertising yourself and your skills on several different platforms and social media is also a good idea, and if you manage to attract a large audience, you can even get commissioned projects that will bring you even more income.
Additional ways you can earn money with your drone are roof inspections, reselling drones, mapping, drone deliveries, aerial surveillance, and more which we will go into more detail later in the review.
Are There Any Requirements to Fly Your Drones Commercially?
As a commercial pilot, you must adhere to the FAA’s Part 107 regulations. First and foremost, learn the rules. A summary from the FAA can be found here to help you understand what is and is not authorized under Part 107 guidelines. Second, apply to the FAA in order to get a Remote Pilot Certificate.
For you to be eligible for a Remote Pilot Certificate, you must meet the following criteria: Sixteen years old or older, you are required to speak, write, read, and understand English. To properly fly a UAS, you must be in good physical and mental shape. Visit the FAA’s website to examine and comprehend all of the steps involved in acquiring your Remote Pilot Certificate.
Third, register your drone with the Federal Aviation Administration. The registration fee is $5 and is good for three years. To register, you’ll need a credit card or debit card and the brand and model of your drone.
If you’ve followed all of the steps above and are ready to register your drone, go to dronezone.faa.gov and choose “I Fly Under Part 107” to create an account and register your drone. Once you’ve registered, write your registration number on your drone in case it is lost or stolen.
Top 5 Best Professional and Commercial Drones for making money
If you do not possess a drone, here are the top 5 professional and commercial drones you can pick.
DJI Inspire 1 v2.0
The DJI Inspire 1 V2.0 is a ground-breaking HD camera drone that allows one- or two-person teams to produce ultra-high-quality 4K HD and Micro Four-Thirds video from up to 3.1 miles away. In order to increase reliability, safety, and video quality, DJI has crammed a lot of new technology into the Inspire 1.
Taking stunning commercial pictures now only requires a little forethought and one trained operator on the camera, thanks to DJI’s new PC Ground Station, GPS Autopilot, and Advanced Flight Modes.
At this price, the Inspire 1 is hard to beat if you’re looking for a ready-to-fly camera drone for professional-quality filmmaking, surveillance, inspection, law enforcement, or event coverage.
At full 4K quality, the bundled XC F350 camera records at 24-30 frames per second or 60 frames per second at 1080p. DJI’s proprietary Zenmuse X3 gimbal holds the camera controlled by a brand-new inertial measurement unit (IMU).
The DJI Inspire 1’s most distinctive feature is its four adjustable carbon fiber lift arms, which raise the propellers out of the camera’s view during filming. After take-off, the arms automatically retract to resemble a bird flapping its wings. Then, just before the landing, the arms return to their original position. That’s fantastic.
DJI updated the motors and introduced new quick-release propellers for v2.0, making maintenance and operation even more straightforward.
The Inspire 1’s RC controller takes any smartphone or tablet for display and touchscreen control. Return Home, video capture, photo capture buttons, gimbal tilt, and camera orientation knobs are all located on the controller. In addition, an optional HDMI controller/monitor can be purchased if you want to add a second operator.
The DJI Inspire 1 can also navigate without GPS in areas where satellite signals aren’t available, such as inside, thanks to a dedicated chip. It accomplishes this by monitoring the ground’s position with exceptional precision using ground-facing sonar and a specialized camera.
Feature overview ✍️
- Flight time: 18 minutes
- Weight: 6.27 lbs
- Camera resolution: 12MP
- Battery Size: 4500 mAh
- Range: 3.1 miles
- Speed: 49 mph
- Charging time: 1 Hour 30 Minutes
Pros ✔️
- Fast
- Good quality camera
- Solid battery
- Nice range
Cons ❌
- Shorter flight time
Amazon.com DJI Phantom 4 Pro
The DJI Phantom 4 Pro is an aerial photography and filmmaking drone. It is less than $2,000 in price.
It’s a budget-friendly DSLR that can take you to new heights. A 4K camera (1′′ CMOS), gimbal and controller, and integrated software are all included in the Phantom 4 PRO. It comes fully assembled and ready to use.
Autopilot redundancy is also provided by the Phantom 4 Pro’s dual-mode GPS+GLONASS receivers. In addition, DJI’s vision navigation technique makes it simple to maneuver close to the ground and within buildings without utilizing GPS.
One of the most significant and underappreciated features of the Phantom 4 Pro is its camera. Despite the excellent sensor, video capture speeds are superior.
The regular resolution of 3840×2160 is offered, and Cinematic 4K is 4096×2160. At 30 frames per second, both are available. The kicker is that these are accessible at 100 Mbps.
The 20 MP camera on the Phantom 4 Pro is a fantastic tiny camera. It outperforms the Mavic Pro and other sub-$1000 drones in terms of image quality.
The P4P has infrared sensors embedded into the sides to detect objects up to 23 feet away. So, as long as you’re flying safely and not in Sport Mode, the Phantom 4 Professional is surrounded by a protective “bubble.”
When taking photographs, three ratios are used. The 3:2 ratio can go up to 5472 x3648. The 4:3 ratio may be found at 4864 x 3648 pixels, while the 16:9 ratio can be found at 5472 × 3688 pixels. Surprisingly, the default mode for capturing images right out of the box is 3840×2160 pixels.
👉 The most significant advancement in the Phantom 4 series is the addition of a new optical sensor unit and a real-time 3D visual system. This enables it to detect and avoid obstacles while in flight autonomously.
The Obstacle Sensing System may keep you out of trouble. Still, it’s no excuse to fly dangerously or fail to learn how to operate the drone properly. Its Obstacle Sensing System can also track subjects and avert head-on collisions.
Obstacle avoidance sensors are installed on nearly every side of the drone. In addition, visual obstacle avoidance is available on the P4P+ in all directions, including forward, backward, and downward.
If it is active, it will prevent any crashes. In addition, the forward and downward sensors may be used to navigate the drone, avoid obstructions, and land accurately.
If the drone senses an object, it will automatically plot a course around it.
Thanks to obstacle avoidance detection, operators may now plan and navigate with ease and safety.
Feature overview ✍️
- Flight time: 30 minutes
- Weight: 3 lbs
- Camera resolution: 20MP
- Battery Size: 6000 mAh
- Range: 4.1 miles
- Speed: 45 mph
- Charging time: 1 Hour 10 Minutes
Pros ✔️
- Amazing camera
- Solid flight time
- Great top speed
- Quick charging
- Solid range
Cons ❌
- A bit pricey
DJI Mavic 3
The DJI Mavic 3 Pro Drone is a top-of-the-line professional drone available, with above-average performance in nearly every category. This drone’s design is identical to its predecessor, the DJI Mavic 2 Pro. However, it boasts a folding construction that makes it easy to transport and store when not in use.
This best professional drone also offers a long flying time and a long-range, making it superior to other drones in its price range.
The HD sensors on the DJI Mavic 3 Pro allow this Professional Drone to produce high-quality photos and video with sharpness and clarity. In addition, thanks to Optical Image Stabilization technology and electrical image stabilization, it captures shake-free films even when taking aerial shots from a moving drone.
The 20MP Hasselblad lens on the DJI Mavic 3 Pro camera is an excellent addition to this professional drone. It can capture high-quality films and photos with sharpness and clarity. It can also shoot 4K video at 30 frames per second and 1080p slow-motion film at 120 frames per second.
It has one of the longest flight ranges in the budget range, at 18.6 miles.
The drone’s 5000mAh battery allows it to fly for 46 minutes, one of the finest in this price category.
Feature overview ✍️
- Flight time: 46 minutes
- Weight: 2 lbs
- Camera resolution: 20MP
- Battery Size: 5000 mAh
- Range: 18.6 miles
- Speed: 27 mph
- Charging time: 1 Hour 36 Minutes
Pros ✔️
- Long flight time
- Amazing camera
- Fast
- Solid battery
Cons ❌
- Pricey
DJI Air 2S
The DJI Air 2S is a professional drone with twin controllers and is meant for industrial use.
It’s small in size and gives you complete control over your drone. The controller has an OLED display. So you can see all vital information, such as battery life and distance from the controller.
Because the camera resolution of the DJI Air 2S is 20MP, it produces high-quality imagery from a variety of angles.
This finest professional drone also has a follow-me mode, so you don’t have to worry about your movements. Instead, this device will constantly focus on you or your target, regardless of where you travel.
The DJI Air 2S Drone has a 31-minute flight time, which is ideal for long-distance flights and taking high-quality photographs and movies.
👉 The drone has a range of 11.5 miles, which is more than sufficient for professionals such as photographers and videographers. The drone is built to get the most out of the battery while capturing the highest quality and precision photographs.
The drone’s high speed allows it to stay in focus and shoot photographs and movies without blur. This professional-grade drone’s flying range is also noteworthy, as it quickly covers a significant distance.
This drone’s camera configuration is excellent, producing high-quality photographs and videos. It’s an ideal drone for professionals that require high-resolution drone footage, but it’s more pricey than other drones.
It has a variety of flight modes and may be controlled with either of two controllers.
It’s one of the best drones for professionals searching for a drone with the latest features without sacrificing quality or longevity.
Feature overview ✍️
- Flight time: 31 minutes
- Weight: 1.3 lbs
- Camera resolution: 20MP
- Battery Size: 3500 mAh
- Range: 11.5 miles
- Speed: 13.5 mph
- Charging time: 1 Hour 40 Minutes
Pros ✔️
- Long flight time
- Amazing camera
- Fast
- Solid battery
Cons ❌
- Pricey
Autel Evo 2
One of the top professional drones used by photographers and cinematographers is the Autel EVO II Series. Even at a whopping range of 5.5 miles from the controller, the Autel EVO II series is a brilliant drone that provides you with high-quality imagery.
This drone’s camera resolution is 48MP, and it has a six-axis gyroscopic stabilization mechanism.
The camera contains a variety of capabilities such as autofocus, optical zoom, panorama shot, and other creative features that will undoubtedly improve your photographic skills.
With this best professional drone, you can take incredibly sharp photos. Even in low light conditions, the lens specification is excellent, as it produces brilliant and accurate colors. It also provides incredible detail in photographs and movies taken with the Autel EVO II.
The massive 7100mAh battery gets the job done swiftly and provides approximately 40 minutes of flight time, which is superb. In addition, the drone can achieve an impressive top speed of 45 mph and a range of up to 1650 feet, making it one of the best professional drones for photography.
It has excellent camera functions essential for capturing some of the best professional photographs. This professional drone can also produce stunning 4K movies. The 48-megapixel camera lens aids in the capture of bright, accurate, and detailed images.
Feature overview ✍️
- Flight time: 40 min
- Weight: 2.5 lbs
- Camera resolution: 48MP
- Battery Size: 7100 mAh
- Range: 5.5 miles
- Speed: 45 mph
- Charging time: 6.5 Hours
Pros ✔️
- Long flight time
- Great battery
- Amazing camera
- Good top speed
Cons ❌
How to Make Money With A Drone: 10 Ways to Make Profit
⚡️ Earn Money Selling Aerial Photos & Footage
Selling aerial photos and movies is one of the most common and straightforward ways to make money with your drone. Attractive landscapes and naturally beautiful areas can be photographed and sold online through e-commerce markets such as Etsy and eBay, or you can create your website.
⚡️ Open a Private Company & Offer Services in Aerial Surveying
Surveying is an extremely daunting task, but it becomes that much easier with the help of drones. By opening your own private company that offers the services of aerial surveying, you are almost guaranteed to have a successful business that will surely bring you a solid income.
⚡️ Roof Inspections
Drone pilots have a lot of chances in the inspection market. This is due to the fact that manual examination is both costly and dangerous for those engaged. As a result, drones have entirely transformed this business, presenting a fantastic potential for you to make a lot of money.
⚡️ Aerial Wedding Videography & Photography
Documenting one of the most beautiful days in their lives is important to people. So why not change things up from regular wedding photos and videos and the aerial ones with the help of a drone. This opens up an opportunity to earn additional money and provide your customers with amazing photos and videos.
⚡️ Stock Photography
Signing up for stock photography accounts can help you earn money in the long run. A royalty scheme is available for photographers on some websites, such as Adobe Stock, Alamy, Shutterstock, and Getty. You will be paid every time someone downloads one of your photos.
⚡️ Mapping
Drones are a great way to map out isolated locations. This task requires flying your drone over a designated geographical region and capturing images of various terrain features, which are then integrated using mapping software such as QGIS 3, SimActive, or Pix4D. This is an exciting industry to create a business in and earn money with drones.
⚡️ Reselling Drones
If you have already bought and resold something, you can do the same techniques and procedures to your drone resale business. The entire basis of this business strategy is to buy popular new drone models at a cheap (preferably wholesale) price and then resell them to your clients at a higher price.
⚡️ Advertise Real Estate, Resorts, Hotels & More
Real estate agents and private house sellers account for about 30% of the drones sold. As a result, the work of a real estate photographer is in high demand right now, which means that drone owners can earn a lot of money.
⚡️ Drone Deliveries
Another option to profit from a drone is to utilize it to deliver packages. Drone deliveries are gaining popularity these days because they save time and money compared to traditional delivery.
⚡️ Surveillance, Private Investigation & Video Monitoring
Drone pilots have already been recruited by a number of significant corporations across the world to conduct aerial surveillance. The fundamental reason is that hiring one individual who owns a drone and can provide high-quality surveillance is more effective and costs less than paying for continuous camera surveillance.
⚡️ Search & Rescue in Disaster Relief
Drones may be a fantastic tool for search and rescue operations in disaster zones. Traditional search measures, such as helicopters and trained canines, are frequently ineffective, and rescuers are unable to locate the missing person. Drones, on the other hand, can easily locate the whereabouts of a missing person from the air.
⚡️ Agriculture
Drones and their monitoring capabilities can also be beneficial to agriculture. Drones can be used for various tasks, including mapping, spraying pesticides, monitoring crop growth, monitoring irrigation systems, analyzing soil health, and administering spot treatments, among others.
Where to Find Drone Pilot Jobs
10 things you need to make money from a drone
1) Pilot Training
Before you can accept commercial assignments in most countries, you’ll have to prove to the local aviation authorities that you’re a capable pilot. For example, suppose your drone weighs more than 8.8 ounces.
In that case, you’ll almost certainly need to register it, so you’ll already be familiar with your local aviation authority. You’ll also need to be familiar with the pertinent air law, which, as you might expect, is extensive and constantly updated.
2) Airspace charts & apps
You’ll need to know whether or not you can take time off for each job. Although your training will teach you how to read aviation charts, you should still buy a printed copy to keep in your bag. You’ll be flying VFR (Visual Flight Rules) as a drone pilot; thus these charts are essential.
3) Insurance
Commercial liability insurance is required, and the market includes options for people who work full-time or part-time, with most companies offering monthly renewing policies or flexible per-flight coverage. For the most part, you’re insuring against the potential for damage to your aircraft due to your actions.
4) Fire safety equipment
You’ll need the appropriate equipment to put out a fire, such as a fire blanket or a fire extinguisher.
5) Battery safety
When your batteries aren’t in use, it’s just as necessary to make sure they don’t spark a fire. Because battery damage can take longer to reach combustion, you should always keep them in a fireproof container.
6) First Aid Kit
Hopefully, this is simply another insurance obligation, but having quick access to a first-aid kit is always a good idea.
7) Mission log
While amateurs will likely be satisfied with flight records apps like DJI Go 4 Keep, regulators may want paper records to guarantee you’re logging enough flying hours. So you should always have a copy of your mission log, flight operations handbook, and any unique permissions for the project you’re working on.
8) Anemometer
When working professionally, you won’t get to choose the weather. That means you’ll need to know exactly how near you are to the wind speed limitations before taking off, and the only way to know for sure is to measure it. Fortunately, suitable measurement devices are small and reasonably priced.
9) High-Vis Jacket
High visibility has to be said in both directions. On a busy site, you want to be seen by people operating dangerous equipment – it may even be a requirement – but there are risks to bringing attention to yourself if the public can get too close.
10) Cones
You’ll need controllable space to take off and land, and you’ll almost certainly need some cones to mark a spot. They’re useful for determining operating distances and keeping people away from your take-off location. You will need to get heavier cones as the lighter ones can be blown away by stronger winds.
FAQs
There are a lot of initial costs when starting a drone business, from acquiring a drone to paying necessary fees and taxes depending on the type of business.
Depending on the job, there is a lot of money to be made in the drone business.
Drone business can be very profitable.
Yes, you can make a living as a drone pilot.
There are a lot of different drone jobs you can find on the internet.
Taking photos and videos with a drone and selling them online is a great way.
Yes, the demand keeps growing.
A Drone pilot is most certainly a good career.
