How to Start a Drone Business Even If You’re 35+ and Starting Fresh

Imagine this: dawn at a job site, rotors spinning, and your drone lifts off into clean morning air. On the screen, a real estate client watches crisp aerials of the property and nods. You’re not just flying. You’re running a business.

That’s what drones are today. Real projects, real invoices, real momentum. You don’t need a tech degree, a big budget, or to be fresh out of college to get started. In fact, many pilots start after 35 using life experience, attention to detail, and business sense as their edge.

The timing is good. Industry analysts project the US drone services market will be worth $57.8 billion by 2028, so new operators with professional habits can still carve out space.

If you’re serious, you can turn skill into revenue. Get certified, pick a niche that fits your strengths, invest in good gear, and set up a simple client pipeline. Let’s discuss exactly how to go from your first flight to your first paying job.

Step 1: Get Licensed and Certified

Before you launch your drone, you need to do the one thing that legally allows you to earn money with a drone in the U.S, and that is getting your FAA Part 107 Remote Pilot Certificate.

What is the FAA Part 107 License?

Think of this as your driver’s license for commercial drone flying. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) mandates that anyone who wants to operate a drone for commercial purposes (real estate, mapping, inspections, events, etc.) must pass the Part 107 exam.

And yes, this applies even if you’re doing a few paid gigs on the side.

How to Get a Remote Pilot Certificate

To become a certified remote drone pilot, you need to:

• Be at least 16 years old
• Pass an aeronautical knowledge test at an FAA-approved testing center
• Go through a TSA background check
• Be fluent in English and in a physical/mental condition to operate a drone safely

However, many people fail because they try the DIY route using scattered YouTube videos.

If this is not something you want to waste your time on, I recommend structured programs like the Part 107 Certification Course. This provides you with all the necessary information and preparation you need to pass your Remote Pilot Test.

Additionally, if you want more details about the Part 107 drone license, check out this guide.

And since laws are always changing, especially in the U.S., staying updated is crucial. Here’s the latest USA drone laws guide to help you stay compliant with federal and state regulations.

And to know where you are allowed to fly, read this airspace classes guide.

Once you become a certified drone pilot, you will eventually need to settle into a niche. You can pursue various verticals at first, but eventually you’ll need to become an expert at one or two facets of the industry.

Step 2: Define Your Niche

Getting certified is your first step, but to turn your drone license into a real business, one that pays the bills or even replaces your 9-to-5 job. You need to decide on your drone business niche.

This is where many aspiring drone entrepreneurs get stuck. They buy a drone, get licensed, and then… float around, unsure of what exactly to offer or who to serve.

When people think of drone work, they often imagine wedding shoots or real estate listings. But that’s just scratching the surface.

Some of the best options to consider are drone mapping projects and creative drone videography, among many others.

Let’s first understand how you can find the right niche.

How to Find the Right Niche for Your Drone Business

Think of your niche as your zone of expertise, the industry or use case you will focus on.

You don’t need to lock yourself into one path forever, but having this focus is going to help you streamline your learning curve and ramp-up period.

Here’s a simple framework you can follow:

1. Match Your Interests with Market Demand

The number one thing you need to ask yourself when choosing a niche for a drone business is which niches see the greatest market demand.

Any business is, of course, about making money. A drone business is no different. Therefore, there must be demand in the marketplace. That said, you must also have an interest in that specific niche. The greater your interest and skills related to said niche, the more advantage you can take of current market demand.

Ask yourself:

• What industries am I curious about?
• Where can I add value using my drone skills?
• What’s growing in my area or region?
• Who do I know that I can tap into for potential business opportunities?

For example:

• In rural areas, agriculture or infrastructure inspections may be in demand.
• In urban or suburban areas, real estate, roof inspections, or event videography might dominate.

If you’re offering inspections or survey-based work, you might want to check out our drone inspection guide, topographic surveying, or LiDAR surveying to understand what skills and equipment are required.

If you have an interest in the real estate business, you might want to read our real estate photography guide.

2. Check the Competition and Spot the Gaps

Starting a drone business means doing something that none of the competitors do – filling gaps that your competition has left wide open. It’s about providing unique services that others can’t match. This can also mean providing an experience that your competitors are not providing. Sometimes, even if you’re moving into a niche that appears to be saturated, you can quickly rise to the top simply by being creative, attentive to needs, and communicative.

See how your top competitors operate and what services they offer, and then aim to differentiate your drone business to stand out in a space that’s quickly growing. Your goal is to outclass your competition at every turn.

Go to Google or Yelp and search:

• “Drone services near me”
• “Real estate drone photography [your city]”
• “Construction drone inspections [your city]”

Look at what others are offering.

Is there a saturated market? Or is there a missing service no one else seems to provide?

For example, you might find that thermal imaging for roof inspections or mapping for land developers is an untapped niche in your region.

3. Factor in Your Skillset

Some niches are plug-and-play. For example, real estate photography mainly requires strong visual shots and basic editing, making it a great starting point for those who may have limited technical skills. Although even in a so-called “low-hanging fruit” niche like real estate, there are plenty of ways to rise above the competition.

Others require specialized knowledge:

• Surveying and mapping may require familiarity with GIS software
• Search and rescue or public safety might involve working alongside law enforcement or fire departments
• Utility inspections often require knowledge of safety regulations and thermal sensors

If you’re still unsure where to start, this article on the best drone business ideas will give you clarity and help you brainstorm based on your interests and skills.

You don’t need to know everything from day one. However, the more you specialize, the more you can earn.

Step 3: Develop a Business Plan

Now that you’re licensed and have chosen your niche, it’s time to build the foundation of your drone business and its plan.

Don’t worry, this doesn’t need to be a 40-page pitch deck with pie charts and projections.

You just need a clear, written roadmap that answers these three questions:

• How will your business make money?
• What do you need to get started and stay compliant?
• How will you find and serve your clients?

Let’s walk through the essentials one by one.

1. Choose a Legal Structure

One of your first decisions will be how to legally set up your business. This impacts your taxes, liability, and how seriously clients take you.

Here are the most common options for solo drone operators:

• Sole Proprietorship: Easiest and cheapest to start, but you’re personally liable if anything goes wrong.
• LLC (Limited Liability Company): Offers legal protection for your assets and adds credibility. It’s the most popular choice for freelance drone pilots.

You can register your business with your state’s Secretary of State website. In most cases, setting up an LLC costs between $50-$300, depending on your location.

You can also use services like ZenBusiness, LegalZoom, or your state’s own portal to guide you through it.

2. Open a Business Bank Account

This might sound like a small step, but it’s huge. It is important to keep your personal and business finances separate, as this:

• Makes tax season easier
• Builds credibility with clients
• Helps you track profits and expenses clearly

Once your LLC is approved, take your EIN (Employer Identification Number) to a local bank or credit union and open a dedicated account.

Even if you’re starting small, treat it like a real business from day one.

3. Get Insured Before You Fly for Clients

Drones are machines, and accidents, while rare, do happen.

A strong client will often ask: “Do you have liability insurance?”

If you don’t, it could cost you the job.

So, here’s what to consider:

A) Liability Insurance: It covers property damage or injury if your drone causes harm. It could cost you around $30–$75/month, or you can also go with hourly coverage via platforms like SkyWatch.ai or Verifly.

B) Hull Insurance: Optional, but it covers damage to your actual drone. It is especially helpful if you’re flying higher-end gear.

C) General Liability Insurance: This is essential for any business as it covers damages and injuries that occur in the normal course of business, i.e., other than flying.

Having drone insurance is not just for protection; it’s professionalism. Some companies won’t even let you fly on-site unless you show proof of insurance.

If you’re unsure how to get started, read this drone insurance guide to learn the types of coverage and how to get it without breaking the bank.

4. How Much Can You Actually Charge?

Drone service pricing varies based on your niche, region, and experience, but here’s a rough starting range for common services:

Many pilots earn $500 to $2,000+ per month when starting part-time, and scale up to $5K–$10K/month as full-time operators with steady clients.

The more specialized and valuable your work, the more you can charge. And here is proof of that. Check out our experience in making 46K US Dollars in just one day.

Contracts, Licensing, and Payment Terms

Flying the drone is the easy part – getting the business side right is what keeps you profitable. Every project should have a written agreement, even for small jobs.

At a minimum, your contract should cover:

• Scope and Deliverables: Exactly what images, video, or maps you’ll provide, including file types and resolution.
• License Terms: Does the client own the footage outright or have a license to use it for specific purposes (e.g., marketing, internal reports, resale restrictions)?
• Timeline: Set deadlines that you and the client agree on ahead of time.
• Payment Schedule: Deposit amount, due dates, late fees, and final usage rights depend on full payment.
• Reschedules and Weather Delays: How you’ll handle cancellations or weather-related changes and any associated fees.
• Change Orders: What happens if the client adds requests mid-project?

Having these terms in writing prevents scope creep, avoids disputes, and ensures you get paid on time. It also makes you look like a pro instead of “just a guy with a drone.”

5. Create a Simple Marketing Strategy

Using a simple but effective marketing strategy will help generate business as you’re trying to get off the ground.

That said, you don’t need to go viral to get clients; you just need to be discoverable and trustworthy.

So, start with:

• A one-page website that includes the services, pricing, contact info, and a few sample videos/photos.
• A Google Business Profile so people can find you easily in their region.
• Social media presence on platforms where your target audience hangs out the most

Most drone operators get their first few clients through word of mouth or local networking, not ads, so stay visible and proactive in your community.

Step 4: Acquire Equipment and Software

By now, you’ve got your license, picked your niche, and mapped out a business plan.

The next big step? Getting the right gear to do the job well.

You don’t need the most expensive drone on the market to start a drone business.

You just need the right drone for your niche and the software to support your workflow.

Let’s discuss in greater detail.

1. Choosing Your Drone

Your drone is your tool. It should match your service offering.

Not sure which one to pick?

We’ve already created in-depth guides to help you decide:

If you’re targeting a specific market or service, you’ll find what suits you best in one of those articles.

Read more: Drone Buying Guide for Beginners

2. Drone Accessories

To work professionally, you’ll eventually need more than just a drone, but you don’t have to buy everything on day one.

Some good-to-have accessories include:

• Extra Batteries: At least 2-3 spares
• ND Filters: For smooth, cinematic footage
• Memory Cards: Fast, high-capacity (UHS-I or II recommended)
• Hard Case or Backpack: For safe transport
• Tablet or Phone Mounts: If you prefer larger screens
• Landing Pad: Protects from dirt and debris
• Propeller Guards: Some projects may require these

That said, if you’re just starting, buy only what seems essential for your niche and flying style.

As your projects grow, you can upgrade and expand your toolkit.

3. Remote ID, Registration, and Marking

Before you ever fly your drone, make sure your aircraft is legal to operate. The FAA now requires all drones to comply with Remote ID rules.

This means your drone must either:

• Be manufactured with a Standard Remote ID built in, or
• Use a broadcast module attached to the aircraft and listed in your registration.

Every drone you fly for work – even a sub-250 g model – must be registered under Part 107. Label your registration number somewhere on the aircraft and keep proof of registration with you at all times.

Skipping this step can mean fines, grounding, or even losing client trust. Treat it as the foundation of your business – just like carrying a driver’s license when you’re behind the wheel.

4. Software You May Need (Based on Your Services)

Just like your drone, the software you choose depends on what you offer.

5. Flight Logging & Compliance Tools

Staying compliant is part of doing business. These tools help:

• AirData UAV – Flight logs, battery tracking, maintenance
• Kittyhawk (Aloft) – LAANC authorization, airspace alerts
• B4UFLY App – FAA’s official app to check fly zones

They also build credibility. Clients feel more confident when they see you’re flying safely and smartly.

If you want to fly in restricted zones, this LAANC authorization guide explains how to get real-time airspace approvals.

Note: Focus on delivering results, not flexing gear. Use what gets the job done well for your niche, and reinvest in upgrades as you grow.

Step 5: How to Land Your First Clients

Getting your first few clients is the hardest part. You’re new. You’ve got no fancy showreel. No testimonials. Maybe even zero social media presence.

But guess what? That’s not a dealbreaker; everyone starts there.

Here’s how to break through that wall and start getting paid:

1. Start with Service, Not Sales

Your mindset is key here.

Instead of thinking, “How do I get someone to pay me?”, ask: “Who can I help right now with my drone skills, even in a small way?”

That small shift opens doors.

Offer a free or discounted shoot for a local real estate agent, construction site, or business that could benefit from aerial content. Tell them up front it’s to build your portfolio. People respect the hustle.

One well-executed free gig often turns into referrals, content, and confidence.

2. Post, Even if No One’s Watching (Yet)

Start posting short reels, clips, or behind-the-scenes shots of your process.

Why? Because when someone Googles your name or checks your Instagram, they want to see activity, not perfection.

One simple post idea:

That builds trust.

And the key here….be consistent!

3. Ask for Referrals Even from Non-Clients

This one’s overlooked.

Tell your family, neighbors, friends, and followers:

People love helping, but they can’t refer you if they don’t know what you do.

Wrapping Up

If you’re still reading, you’re not just curious – you’re ready to take drones seriously as a business.

We’ve covered the basics: business models that work, the gear to get you started, how to position yourself in the market, and the first steps to finding clients. None of this requires being the best pilot or owning the most expensive camera. What matters is steady action, consistent practice, and solid guidance.

These are insights from real-world experience helping new pilots turn interest into income. You don’t have to figure it out on your own. If you want to shorten the learning curve and build with confidence, take the next step: join our drone training courses and in-person events for beginners who are ready to build a business the right way.

• Drone U Courses
• In-person Drone Training

See you on the inside.

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