Discover Drones is all about drones, drones in business, drones and cybersecurity, and drones in STEM education. Heather is an FAA Certificated Flight Instructor, Commercial Pilot with an Instrument Rating, Remote Pilot, and a technology and cybersecurity expert. She is passionate about aviation, technology, and STEM education and shares the latest in drone safety, technology, business, and education. Let your learning take flight and subscribe today!
Are you considering taking to the skies with your drone for commercial purposes? If so, obtaining your FAA Part 107 certificate—sometimes known as your drone pilot license—is an essential step. This certification not only legitimizes your operations but also ensures that you are equipped with the necessary knowledge of safety and regulations to navigate the airspace effectively. In this article post, we’ll guide you through what you need to know to get your drone pilot license, drawing key insights from our FAA Part 107 information session that we ran on Drone Safety Day: “Get your drone pilot license | FAA Part 107 Information Session | Drone Safety Day.”
https://youtu.be/CrS1562mzCs?si=oDRfKydRlUDK8Pu2Understanding FAA Part 107
The FAA Part 107 certificate is crucial to operate your drone commercially. This isn’t limited to direct business transactions; any flight not strictly for recreation falls under commercial use. Whether capturing aerial footage for a YouTube channel or conducting inspections for a construction site, you’ll need this certification to comply with legal standards.
Eligibility Requirements to get your drone pilot licenseTo get your drone pilot license, you must meet specific criteria set by the FAA:
The Knowledge ExamThe Part 107 exam is a multiple-choice test covering many topics necessary for safe and legal drone operation. This includes understanding airspace classification, weather effects on drone performance, loading and performance, and emergency procedures. Remember, the exam focuses on theoretical knowledge rather than practical flying skills.
Preparing for the ExamProper preparation is key to passing the Part 107 exam. Here are some steps you can take to ensure you’re ready:
Registering and Taking the FAA part 107 ExamTo get your drone pilot license, you must register for the exam through the FAA’s Integrated Airman Certification and Rating Application (IACRA). After registering, you can schedule your test at an FAA-approved knowledge testing center. Make sure to bring a government-issued photo ID to the test.
After the ExamUpon passing the exam, you must complete additional steps to get your drone pilot license officially. This includes submitting an application through IACRA and passing a background check. Once approved, you’ll receive your remote pilot certificate in the mail.
Maintaining Your CertificationYour drone pilot license is valid for 24 months. To renew it, you must complete a recurrent online training course and pass a quiz with a 100% score, available through faasafety.gov. Staying current with this certification complies with regulations and ensures you remain knowledgeable about the latest drone operation safety and standards.
ConclusionGetting your drone pilot license is an investment in your future as a commercial drone operator. It demonstrates your commitment to safety and adherence to regulations, making you a trustworthy choice for clients and collaborators. If you’re ready to take the next step in your drone career, begin preparing for your Part 107 exam today and ensure you are well-equipped to take to the skies safely and legally.
Watch the YouTube video “Get your drone pilot license | FAA Part 107 Information Session | Drone Safety Day” for further insights and detailed guidance.
And if you think it can’t be done, don’t get in the way of others who are doing it.
Over the next couple of weeks, I’m going to be releasing some snippets from a webinar that I did called A Dronepreneur’s Journey. And I really just reflected on a couple of the different things that I really learned over 20 years of having an aviation related business and really focusing more on the drone sector in the last five or six years or so. This is a snippet from that webinar, if you would like to get a copy or view the full recording of the webinar go to: https://www.flyelectricmonarch.com/a-dronepreneurs-journey/
https://youtu.be/tPZr5pdsOvE
Over the next couple of weeks, I’m going to be releasing some snippets from a webinar that I did called A Dronepreneur’s Journey. And I really just reflected on a couple of the different things that I really learned over 20 years of having an aviation related business and really focusing more on the drone sector in the last five or six years or so. This is a snippet from that webinar, if you would like to get a copy or view the full recording of the webinar go to: https://www.flyelectricmonarch.com/a-dronepreneurs-journey/
https://youtu.be/R9YSXKL_I_g
Hi friends. This is a portion of the audio for a training event I held to help you get started with your drone business. If you would like the full video recording along with the presentation file, you can request free access here: https://www.flyelectricmonarch.com/readysetdrone/
Show Notes:
Segment 1: Introduction to the Drone MBA Methodology (00:00:00 – 00:02:00)
Segment 2: Step 1 – Discover Your Niche (00:02:00 – 00:04:00)
Segment 3: Step 2 – Research the Market (00:04:00 – 00:06:00)
Segment 4: Step 3 – Organize Your Business Planning (00:06:00 – 00:09:00)
Segment 5: Step 4 – Navigate Certifications and Regulations (00:09:00 – 00:12:00)
Segment 6: Step 5 – Establish Business Operations (00:12:00 – 00:16:00)
Segment 7: Step 6 – Master Digital Marketing (00:16:00 – 00:21:00)
Segment 8: Step 7 – Build Your Brand and Community Presence (00:21:00 – 00:25:00)
Segment 9: Step 8 – Adapt and Innovate (00:25:00 – 00:29:00)
Conclusion:
Invitation to join the Facebook group “Business Strategies for Drone Pilots.”
Introduction
Understanding Market Demand
Identifying Target Audience
Competitor Analysis
Evaluating Financial Feasibility
Legal and Regulatory Considerations
Validating Your Idea
Conducting Pilot Projects
Conclusion and Takeaways
Networking and Community Engagement
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7AA4S9mq__I
In the ever-evolving drone industry, January marks a pivotal time for me – a time to strategize and lay the groundwork for the year ahead. With over two and a half decades of experience in emerging technologies, I’ve crafted a 10-step blueprint that reliably guided my career and business in various emerging technologies to success.
This journey has taught me the unpredictability of markets, emphasizing the need for a plan that is both adaptable and targeted. As I share this blueprint, it embodies the lessons learned and insights gained from years of navigating ever-evolving industries. This approach is a testament to the balance between flexibility and focus, which is crucial for thriving in the rapidly changing world of drone technology.
(Please note that this post contains affiliate links, where if you click and make a purchase, I may make a small commission with no additional cost to you. Thank you for supporting this site!)
Staying abreast of any regulatory changes or updates in aviation is paramount. This thorough analysis helps me understand where the industry is heading. It ensures that my business strategy effectively aligns with these evolving dynamics, catering to technological advancements and customer needs.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0hmuy3Sx5Ww2. Setting Business Goals:The next vital step is setting clear, achievable business goals. This process involves a strategic outlook on expanding my client base and launching innovative services. I plan the entire year, detailing the new products and services I want to introduce. This planning extends to identifying the necessary training and resources required to achieve these goals.
Additionally, I create themes for monthly social media content, ensuring a dynamic and engaging online presence. A significant focus of my goal-setting is on the measurable impact my business can have on advancing the workforce within the drone industry. This goal-setting approach is a roadmap that steers my business toward tangible achievements and industry contributions.
This process is not just about keeping the books in order; it’s about aligning my financial strategies with my business goals, ensuring that the objectives set for the year are financially viable and supportive of my overall business objectives.
I also consider the types of drones necessary to fulfill my business objectives for the year, ensuring that the technology I use is not just state-of-the-art but also aligns perfectly with the goals I have set. This step is crucial in staying ahead in a technologically advancing industry.
Additionally, I focus on developing my sales and marketing skills to drive business growth. A key consideration in this process is weighing the value of learning a new skill against the potential benefits of outsourcing certain tasks, ensuring optimal use of business resources and my time.
Social media plays a significant role in our marketing efforts. Still, we also incorporate offline tactics such as attending conferences, networking events, and other personal engagement opportunities, providing a balanced approach to our marketing tactics.
Customer Engagement:Fostering strong relationships with my clients is a key element of my business strategy. I focus on developing strategies for regular feedback and engagement, which helps me stay attuned to their evolving needs. While I aim to be readily available to answer questions and provide support, I’m also mindful not to overburden my clients with my presence. This balance is crucial, as the educator in me is always eager to assist and inform, yet I recognize the importance of respecting their time and space.
Operational Efficiency:Improving operational efficiency is a critical aspect of my annual planning. I thoroughly review our business processes, identifying potential areas for improvement, automation, or delegation. This involves scrutinizing tasks across various timeframes — daily, weekly, monthly, quarterly, and annually — and ensuring a Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) is in place for each.
The goal is to pinpoint opportunities where either software automation can streamline processes or outsourcing to specialists can yield better results, thereby enhancing overall efficiency and productivity.
Additionally, I stay informed about any regulatory changes in the industry by signing up for webinars, attending relevant conferences, and setting up Google Alerts. This proactive approach helps me maintain the highest safety and legal compliance standards in all aspects of my business operations.
These steps have been crucial in navigating the complexities of the drone business, setting a strong foundation for success each year. By focusing on market analysis, goal setting, financial planning, technological updates, training, marketing, customer engagement, operational efficiency, compliance, and networking, I’ve created a comprehensive approach to thrive in this dynamic industry. I hope sharing my strategy inspires and guides other drone entrepreneurs on their path to success.
Summary Notes:
Links:
Drone Business Tools for Success in 2024
ChatGPT for Business
High Level Software
Canva for Design
Descript for Editing
Bluehost for Web Hosting
Final Recommendations
https://youtu.be/yUEFx3X3mfc
Links:
Episode Overview: This episode of the Drone MBA podcast, hosted by Dr. Heather Monthie, offers a quick guide for new drone owners. Whether you received a drone as a gift or are considering gifting one, this episode provides essential tips and regulatory guidelines applicable globally.
Key Points:
Episode Conclusion: Heather wraps up by emphasizing the importance of safety and compliance in the drone community. The episode encourages sharing these insights with others who might find them helpful.
Remember to subscribe and share this episode with anyone interested in drones or new drone owners.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VVsGJimLeOY
This episode is a snip from a workshop I did on how to write a business plan for your drone business available in the Dronepreneur Academy https://www.dronepreneuracademy.com/ This business plan workshop & drone business plan template will be uploaded to the academy in the next few days!
Summary and Notes:Introduction
The Importance of a Business Plan Beyond Investment
Strategy 1: Define Your Vision and Mission Clearly
Strategy 2: Conduct Thorough Market Research
Strategy 3: Detail Your Operational Plan
Strategy 4: Develop a Strong Financial Model
Strategy 5: Emphasize Your Unique Selling Proposition (USP)
https://youtu.be/g-DvQcYBmSc?si=BcKEJCKpr5DHjNUg
I am trying out some new (to me) features in Descript. Thank you for allowing me to try out new things I am learning with this podcast! It’s been fun tinkering around, figuring out ways to make this even better!
Our Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/dronemba
Summary Notes:[00:00:00 – 00:04:59] Introduction and Background:
[00:05:00 – 00:09:59] Study Strategies and Resources:
[00:10:00 – 00:14:59] Exam Preparation and Health Tips:
[00:15:00 – 00:19:59] Conclusion and Additional Resources:
Host’s Final Words:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=C4SMuq8h888
Summary Notes:
https://youtu.be/WdVPEG0wjOs
Summary NotesCommercial drone licensing requirements worldwide.0:11In most countries, a commercial drone license is required to start a drone business.Commercial drone licensing and business leadership.1:53Commercial drone operations require a part 107 license, even if no money exchanges hands.Leading a team in a non-licensed profession.3:21Sharing how I lead a team of cosmetologists without being licensed. Leads a team in creating an educational program, relying on licensed professionals for expertise while taking on business responsibilities.Starting a drone business without a license.4:55Starting a drone business without a license can save time and money, allowing for quicker launches and outsourcing to licensed pilots.Outsourcing to licensed pilots can help save on initial costs and time spent preparing for the exam, according to Heather Monthie.Starting a drone business without a license.7:04I discuss the pros and cons of starting a business without a license, including limited knowledge and dependence on others.Suggest obtaining a drone license (Part 107 certificate) to understand regulations and grow a drone business.https://youtu.be/wvHbhrqszmA
Summary NotesStarting a drone business before it takes off.0:00Dr. Heather Monthie shares tips for marketing and creating excitement for a drone business before it's fully operational.Marketing a drone business before it's fully launched.1:28Heather discusses the importance of mindset when starting a new business, emphasizing the need to focus on the present and avoid talking about future plans in a way that can create a false sense of accomplishment.Heather suggests starting early marketing efforts and generating excitement around the services that will be offered, even if everything is not yet in place.Create an opt-in offer on a website to collect email addresses of interested customers for your drone photography services.Creating engaging social media content and email newsletters for a wedding photography business.4:47Heather suggests creating educational and entertaining social media content to engage the target audience, such as brides, and sharing relevant products or services that complement their needs.Heather recommends using email newsletters to educate the audience, share relevant products, and make an enticing offer on the landing page.Starting a drone business, marketing strategies, and community building.7:00Planning a drone business: prepare for launch in spring 2024, outsource flying and photography.Heather started a targeted Facebook group for their drone business and collected email addresses to engage with a specific niche within the industry.Starting a drone business in the late 90s.10:21Collect contact information and sent letters to potential clients to promote his aerial photography services.Heather recommends creating a landing page and collecting email addresses for drone business.(Please excuse the jet noise around 11:00 or so. I live near an Air Force Base. :) )https://youtu.be/SVE6Ddtkir8✅Free Digital Marketing Checklist for Your Drone Business: https://offers.flyelectricmonarch.com/checklist 💸Business Strategies for Drone Pilots | DRONE MBA | Part 107 Study Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/flyelectricmonarch 🆓Free FAA Part 107 Exam Study Guide: https://offers.flyelectricmonarch.com/studyguide 🗺️ Read the article here: https://www.flyelectricmonarch.com/kickstarting-your-drone-business-before-takeoff/ (Please excuse the jet noise around 11:00 or so. I live near an Air Force Base. :) ) Give High Level a try to create landing pages, email newsletters and a whole bunch more: https://www.gohighlevel.com/freetrial2?fp_ref=stemia
Summary NotesDrone industry, business, and careers.0:13Dr. Heather Monthie, a pilot, flight instructor, consultant, and entrepreneur, launches the drone MBA podcast to discuss the business of drones.Drone industry career opportunities.0:59Heather Monthie aims to facilitate conversations around business opportunities in the drone industry, highlighting career paths and growing companies.Technology trends and opportunities in aviation and education.2:28Heather Monthie, a pilot and educator, sees opportunities in unmanned aerial systems (UAS) and focuses on online platforms like YouTube and podcasts to share her expertise.Starting and growing a drone business with industry insights.3:32Heather Monthie plans to create a weekly podcast on drone business, featuring interviews with industry professionals and practical tips.Drone regulations and business challenges.5:11Heather Monthie aims to provide training certification programs for drone pilots in multiple countries, including the US, Canada, Australia, and Africa.Listeners are encouraged to share their challenges and feedback on the podcast, and can email Heather at hello [@] flyelectricmonarch.com or join the Facebook group for business strategies.Launch your drone business: Your option to listen on Youtubehttps://youtu.be/eAikb-drcToLinks Mentioned in this EpisodeContact email: hello [at] flyelectricmonarch.comBusiness Strategies for Drone Pilots Community: https://www.facebook.com/groups/flyelectricmonarch
Review of the article “Practical Pedagogy for Embedding Drone Technology into a Business and Computing Curriculum” Download the Part 107 study guide: https://www.flyelectricmonarch.com/product/faa-part-107-written-exam-what-to-study/ You can listen to the podcast or watch the YouTube video here: Links: Kuzma, J., Robinson, A., Dobson, K., & Law, J. (2018). Practical Pedagogy for Embedding Drone Technology into a Business […]
The post Practical Tips for Implementing a Drone Program appeared first on Electric Monarch Drone & Aviation Education.
This podcast episode is a replay from my previous podcast that was focused on STEM education. I decided to repost it in this podcast, because it gives you a few new ideas of what we can do with drone technology. The research article I summarized can be found here. You can also read my blog […]
The post Library Drone Delivery – The Library of the Future appeared first on Electric Monarch Drone & Aviation Education.
Shownotes with links and video available at: https://www.flyelectricmonarch.com/how-to-use-the-faa-computer-testing-supplement-for-the-part-107-exam/ Join the Electric Monarch Drone Community on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/groups/Part107StudyGroup/ This episode is a free preview of my course “Airspace and VFR Sectional Charts for Drone Pilots” available at: https://bit.ly/FAAAirspace . Download your free FAA Part 107 Study Guide e-book here: https://bit.ly/FAAPart107TestPrep Listen to more great podcast episodes at www.DiscoverDronesPodcast.com How to Identify Class E Airspace […]
The post How to Identify Class E Airspace on a VFR Sectional Chart for Remote Pilots appeared first on Electric Monarch Drone & Aviation Education.
Class A airspace is not something on the Part 107 exam, but I think all pilots should be familiar with the regulations on Class A. In this episode, I share the audio from my what is Class A airspace video on my “Airspace and VFR Sectional Charts for Drone Pilots” course. Shownotes with links and video […]
The post What is Class A Airspace for Remote Pilots? appeared first on Electric Monarch Drone & Aviation Education.
SkyVector is a valuable tool for all pilots to read FAA VFR sectional charts. In this episode, I share the audio from my How to Use SkyVector for Drone Pilots video on my “Airspace and VFR Sectional Charts for Drone Pilots” course. Shownotes with links and video available at: https://www.flyelectricmonarch.com/how-to-use-skyvector-for-drone-pilots Join the Electric Monarch Drone Community on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/groups/Part107StudyGroup/ […]
The post How to Use SkyVector for Drone Pilots appeared first on Electric Monarch Drone & Aviation Education.
Shownotes with links and video available at: https://www.flyelectricmonarch.com/how-to-use-the-faa-computer-testing-supplement-for-the-part-107-exam/ Join the Electric Monarch Drone Community on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/groups/Part107StudyGroup/ This episode is a free preview of my course “Airspace and VFR Sectional Charts for Drone Pilots” available at: https://bit.ly/FAAAirspace . Download your free FAA Part 107 Study Guide e-book here: https://bit.ly/FAAPart107TestPrep Listen to more great podcast episodes […]
The post How to Use the FAA Computer Testing Supplement for the Part 107 Exam appeared first on Electric Monarch Drone & Aviation Education.
Shownotes with links and video available at: https://www.flyelectricmonarch.com/what-are-typical-faa-part-107-questions-about-vfr-charts/ This episode is a free preview of my course “Airspace and VFR Sectional Charts for Drone Pilots” available at: https://bit.ly/FAAAirspace . Download your free FAA Part 107 Study Guide e-book here: https://bit.ly/FAAPart107TestPrep Listen to more great podcast episodes at www.DiscoverDronesPodcast.com What are typical FAA Part 107 questions […]
The post What are typical FAA Part 107 questions about VFR charts? appeared first on Electric Monarch Drone & Aviation Education.
Shownotes with links and video available at: https://www.flyelectricmonarch.com/what-is-the-fastest-way-to-get-an-airspace-authorization/ Join the Electric Monarch Drone Community on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/groups/Part107StudyGroup/ This episode is a free preview of my course “Airspace and VFR Sectional Charts for Drone Pilots” available at: https://bit.ly/FAAAirspace . Download your free FAA Part 107 Study Guide e-book here: https://bit.ly/FAAPart107TestPrep Listen to more great podcast episodes […]
The post What is the fastest way to get an airspace authorization for remote pilots? appeared first on Electric Monarch Drone & Aviation Education.
In this episode of the Discover Drones Podcast, I share with you the audio from the “Getting Started with Drones in STEM Education” webinar in July, 2020. Getting Started with Drones in STEM Education Download this episode to listen to the webinar in full. There is a PowerPoint presentation that accompanied this webinar. If you’d […]
The post Getting Started With Drones in STEM Education – Discover Drones Podcast appeared first on Electric Monarch Drone & Aviation Education.
EAA Airventure (Or “Oshkosh” to aviation enthusiasts, or just “EAA to locals”) has been cancelled this year due to the on-going pandemic. This is arguably the best aviation event any aviation enthusiast could possibly attend filled with 500,000-600,000 aviation enthusiasts from around the world. This is an event that started out for experimental aircraft aviation […]
The post Oshkosh 2020 is cancelled, so I am starting the Discover Drones Podcast appeared first on Electric Monarch Drone & Aviation Education.