With six years of hands-on experience flying through the skies, my journey into the world of drones has been a blend of flying for fun, becoming obsessed and then finding ways to make money flying drones.
In this article, we’ll explore the tangible ways individuals can leverage their drone skills to make a meaningful income with a small business. Drawing from personal experiences, this guide aims to provide practical insights for both experienced flyers and those just starting to explore the economic potential of drones.
Join me as we navigate through the pragmatic side of drones, where innovation meets real-world opportunities.
Profitable Drone Business Ideas
If you’re flying drones commercially then you will need to get a remote pilot licence(RePL). If you want to start your own drone business then you will need to acquire a remotely piloted aircraft operator certificate(ReOC). Or work under someone else’s ReOC.
A remotely piloted aircraft operator certificate (ReOC) allows you or your business to trade as a drone service provider.
Here is a list of some of my favourite drone business ideas:
1. Selling Drone Footage to Stock Websites
I will start with my favourite and easiest way to start earning with your own drone photography business. Sell your pictures to stock websites like Getty Images, you can even upload them straight from your phone on the contributor app.
Time to do something with those drone videography skills. Sell your videos to stock websites like Adobe Stock, you earn a lot more for videos than photos especially if they’re 4k. These methods are a great way to earn passive income with your drone.
2. Real Estate Drone Photography
By incorporating drone photography into real estate professionals can showcase properties more effectively and differentiate themselves in the market.
To get the ball rolling, contact local businesses in the real estate space and see if they need any drone photography done, try including some of the previous work you’ve done(if you’ve never done any then take shots of your own house or your friends to use). It’s also a good idea to put ads up on websites like Gumtree.
3. Drone Racing
Drone racing has captured public attention and is providing new business opportunities in the drone industry. Check for local clubs in your area to get started then work your way up the ranks.
The top drone pilots can be earning over 100k a year with drone sponsorships. Check out the drone racing league for more info on the elite of drone racing.
4. Event Filming
Once you’ve mastered those cinematic shots then it’s time to put them to use flying at sports events, shows or weddings to name a few.
Contact your local events companies to see if you can work with them, also put up ads on Gumtree or create your own website showcasing your work.
5. Working for an Established Drone Business
Joining an established drone business can provide valuable experience and exposure in the field. It’s an excellent option for those looking to venture into the industry without starting their own business.
Get your RePL and work for other companies helping out with 3D modelling, tower inspections, taking shots of solar panels, surveying or filming in agriculture.
6. Selling Drone Prints
Set up print-on-demand with photography printing companies. Contact companies and arrange to go into the shop to go through the specifications like dimensions, materials and prices so that every time someone places an order through your website then the printing company receive the order and does the work.
This is a great passive income earner when it’s all set up. It makes growing your Instagram following more appealing now there’s an incentive to earn money from new customers. Advertise your prints by producing Insta reels, Tiktoks and YouTube shorts.
7. Make a YouTube Channel
Start your own YouTube channel showcasing your drone footage and drone tutorial videos. With YouTube being the world’s second-largest search engine, your content has the potential to reach a large audience interested in aerial cinematography and drone technology.
In addition to sharing your expertise, you can generate income from ads and product sales on your channel.
8. Search For Drone Jobs
Take a look at job websites like Seek to see what jobs you can get flying drones. You will be surprised by the different kinds of roles there are. I saw in Sydney a company was looking for drone pilots to fly drones for window cleaning high-rise buildings.
Learning about the different job roles can give you drone business ideas for yourself.
9. Mapping and Surveying
For those looking to go into a career flying drones commercially then studying surveying at university could be the way to go. Surveying companies use drones to help with 3D modelling, digital mapping, infrastructure inspection, and monitoring buildings, and power lines.
Although it can take a few years to get here, it’s a sure path to a job you will be passionate about when flying our favourite flying friends.
10. Drone Repair and Maintenance
Amidst the skyrocketing popularity of drones, the demand for drone repair and maintenance services has surged. Many drone owners lack the technical expertise required to upkeep their aerial vehicles, resulting in a lucrative niche market.
Services such as battery replacements, motor repairs, and software updates are essential offerings by such businesses. If you’re someone who already works in tech repairs then this a great profitable business for you to move into.
11. Construction Site Monitoring
If you have experience in the construction industry then that will play to your advantage. Drone operators can offer continuous monitoring services for construction sites, delivering frequent updates on progress, safety adherence, and possible concerns.
Contact construction sites or urban planning companies asking them if they would like help with motoring the progress of their sites. Watch some YouTube tutorials for more information on how to do this.
12. Starting an Online Drone Course
Beginner drone pilots will pay you for a step-by-step course to learn how to fly drones and how to edit the footage. Sites like Skillshare, Teachable and Squarespace make it easy for you to build a course and help you with digital marketing.
Gain as much knowledge as possible from YouTube and build your experience flying different drones. Then teach people in a step-by-step format all the things you’ve learnt.
13. Take Drone Footage for Hotels
Hotels and resorts are constantly looking for innovative ways to showcase their properties and attract guests. With your drone expertise, you can capture breathtaking aerial shots of hotel facilities, stunning landscapes, and the surrounding area.
Potential clients would include hotels, resorts, travel agencies, and online booking platforms. Your footage can be used for promotional videos, website content, social media posts, and even virtual tours. I shot some footage for a hotel in Perth that in return gave me a week free stay in the hotel.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the Rules for Flying Drones in Australia?
Flying drones in Australia are governed by the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA). Here are some key rules and regulations to keep in mind for public safety:
- If you’re flying for commercial gains then you will need to register your drone and acquire a remote pilot licence(RePL).
- You must always maintain a visual line of sight. This means you should be able to see the drone at all times.
- The maximum permitted altitude for recreational drone flights in Australia is 120 meters (400 feet) above ground level.
- There are certain areas where flying drones is prohibited or restricted, such as near airports(5.5km), military bases, and emergency response operations.
- Always respect the privacy of individuals and avoid capturing footage that intrudes on someone’s personal space without their consent.
- Maintain a safe distance of at least 30 metres from people.
How do I start my own drone business?
To start your own drone business, first, determine your niche and target market. Then, obtain the necessary licenses and certifications like a remote pilot licence, aeronautical operator certificate or a remotely piloted aircraft operator certificate(ReOC).
One of the biggest challenges is laziness. Making a good plan is the first step, then take action to learn, improve your knowledge and then use that knowledge out in the field.
Invest in high-quality drone equipment and consider getting drone insurance.
How Much Should You Charge for Your Drone Services?
Here is a list of things to consider when trying to work out how much to charge for your drone services:
- How much you have paid for all your equipment?
- Fuel to get to the job?
- The amount of time it will take you to drive back and forth?
- How long will the video editing take?
- Will you have to buy or rent some equipment?
When starting you will be tempted to charge a really low fee to attract customers, but it’s important to remember that your services have value. Calculate your expenses and overhead costs, then factor in your desired profit margin.
Consider the quality of your work, the demand for your services, and the value you provide to clients.
How Do I Grow My Drone Business?
It may be best to not quit your day job just yet, and start a drone business as a side hustle in your spare time. Build relationships with other drone pilots via a social media presence on apps like Instagram, share knowledge with them and they will do the same with you.
Contact other drone companies and see if they need any help and build your reputation. Over time through word of mouth, these people will recommend you and gain you new clients.
Can I Make Money from a Drone?
Yes, you can definitely make money with a drone. Aerial photography and videography are in high demand, and drones can also be used for surveying land, inspecting infrastructure, and even delivering goods.
The easiest way is to upload your footage to stock websites like Getty Images and Adobe Stock.
Wrap Up
Well, I hope you will take at least one of these drone business ideas and put it into practice. Uploading your drone footage to stock websites like Getty Images or Adobe Stock is the quickest and easiest way to make some extra income.
Whether you choose to provide real estate photography, event filming, or even start your drone training program, there is a lot of potential for profitability and success.
Always be looking to improve your knowledge of drones, network with as many drone operators as possible and get your drone business flying.
I'm Matt, a writer and drone photographer with over 6 years in the field. I specialize in all things drones – from buying guides and editing tips to monetization strategies. My goal is to help enthusiasts and professionals alike navigate the exciting world of aerial photography and videography, sharing insights that turn drone passion into expertise and opportunity.
