Drone MBA Heather Monthie, PhD, CFI

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=oDRfKydRlUDK8Pu2









Understanding 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 license







To get your drone pilot license, you must meet specific criteria set by the FAA:









* Age: You must be at least 16 years old.







* Language: You should be able to read, speak, write, and understand English.







* Physical and Mental Fitness: You must be physically and mentally capable of safely operating a drone.









The Knowledge Exam







The 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 Exam







Proper preparation is key to passing the Part 107 exam. Here are some steps you can take to ensure you're ready:









* Study Resources: Use the Airman Certification Standards as a study guide. This document outlines all the topics you'll be tested on. Resources like the FAA’s study materials and practice exams from King Schools can be extremely beneficial.







* Understanding Learning Preferences: Identify how you best absorb information, whether through videos, reading material, or interactive courses. Tailoring your study methods to your learning style can enhance your understanding and retention of the material.









Registering and Taking the FAA part 107 Exam







To 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 Exam







Upon 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 Certification

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









Navigating Misguided Business Advice in Your Drone Business







In the fast-paced and ever-evolving drone industry, entrepreneurs and career professionals frequently encounter a wide range of advice from various sources. While much of this guidance is well-intentioned, not all of it proves beneficial or applicable to the unique challenges of the drone sector. Learning to discern and navigate this barrage of information is crucial for anyone looking to succeed in this field.







The Reality of Receiving Advice







Starting or running a drone business naturally invites opinions and suggestions from many people. It can come from industry peers, mentors, friends, or online forums. While some of this advice can be invaluable, other recommendations may be misguided and, despite good intentions, might not suit the specific needs of the drone industry. Recognizing the difference is key to navigating these waters effectively.







My Personal Experience







I encountered a digital marketing expert unfamiliar with the drone industry. This expert advised me against pursuing what would eventually become a successful venture in drone education, mistakenly viewing the industry as too niche and the technology as merely a fad. I think my story exemplifies the potential pitfalls of accepting advice without critical evaluation. I share more of the details in the video!







Identifying Misguided Advice







How do you recognize when advice may not be right for you? First, consider the source: Does the advisor understand the drone industry's nuances? Are they aware of the latest technological advancements and regulatory changes affecting the sector? If not, their advice might lack relevance. Secondly, match the advice against your research and understanding of the market. If it contradicts your findings without a solid rationale, it's likely misguided.







Balancing Opinions and Expertise







While being open to new ideas is important, balancing them against proven industry expertise is essential. This involves weighing each piece of advice against your knowledge and the collective wisdom of trusted industry leaders. It also means being selective about the mentors and advisors you choose, prioritizing those with a deep understanding of and experience in the drone sector.







Constructive Takeaways







Even misguided advice can contain nuggets of wisdom. Sometimes, evaluating why an advice doesn't work for your situation can reinforce your strategy or offer new insigh...

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)









* Dr. Heather introduces the episode as an audio version of a webinar on the Drone MBA methodology.







* The eight steps of the Drone MBA Methodology are outlined:



* Discover Your Niche







* Research the Market







* Organize Your Business Planning







* Navigate Certifications and Regulations







* Establish Business Operations







* Master Digital Marketing







* Build Your Brand and Community Presence







* Adapt and Innovate













Segment 2: Step 1 - Discover Your Niche (00:02:00 - 00:04:00)









* Discussion on the importance of identifying a niche in the drone business.







* Examples of starting in real estate photography and expanding beyond.







* Advice on leveraging personal contacts and industry knowledge to identify potential niches.









Segment 3: Step 2 - Research the Market (00:04:00 - 00:06:00)









* How to research and analyze the drone market.







* Tips for using Google Trends, job boards, and competitor analysis to assess market demand.







* Encouragement to look for opportunities even if there are no direct competitors.









Segment 4: Step 3 - Organize Your Business Planning (00:06:00 - 00:09:00)









* The importance of creating a basic business plan.







* Key elements to consider in your plan, such as business name, services, pricing, and profit goals.







* The need for flexibility and adaptation in your business planning.









Segment 5: Step 4 - Navigate Certifications and Regulations (00:09:00 - 00:12:00)









* Discussion on the necessity of complying with local and national drone regulations.







* Guidance on understanding drone pilot certification requirements.







* The importance of staying updated on changing regulations and privacy laws.









Segment 6: Step 5 - Establish Business Operations (00:12:00 - 00:16:00)









* Setting up payment processing systems for your drone business.







* The significance of contracts and statements of work to protect your business interests.







* Maintenance schedules and proactive maintenance to ensure smooth operations.









Segment 7: Step 6 - Master Digital Marketing (00:16:00 - 00:21:00)









* Introduction to the Drone Digital Dominance Method.







* Detailed explanations of various digital marketing components, including SEO, PPC, branded websites, email marketing, reputation management, thought leadership, and continuous improvement.







* Emphasis on tailoring digital marketing strategies to the UAS industry and targeting specific audiences effectively.









Segment 8: Step 7 - Build Your Brand and Community Presence (00:21:00 - 00:25:00)

Invitation to join the Facebook group "Business Strategies for Drone Pilots."







Introduction









* Determining the viability of a drone business idea.









Understanding Market Demand









* Assessing if there's a market for your drone business.







* Considering geographical factors and competition.







* Example: Real estate photography and its challenges.









Identifying Target Audience









* Determining who will benefit from your drone services.







* Examples: Real estate agents, wedding couples, roof inspectors.









Competitor Analysis









* Researching what other drone businesses are offering.







* Identifying gaps in the market.







* Using social media and online presence for analysis.









Evaluating Financial Feasibility









* Considering startup costs and financial resources.







* Balancing investment with financial comfort.









Legal and Regulatory Considerations









* Understanding local regulations and airspace restrictions.







* Importance of compliance and operational feasibility.









Validating Your Idea









* Testing the market with your services.







* Engaging with potential clients and collecting feedback.







* Utilizing social media and YouTube for market testing.









Conducting Pilot Projects









* Demonstrating the value of your services through case studies.







* Addressing specific problems with drone solutions.









Conclusion and Takeaways









* Importance of research and market understanding.







* Encouragement to start small and test ideas.







* Invitation to join the Facebook group "Business Strategies for Drone Pilots."









Networking and Community Engagement









* Benefits of joining the Drone MBA community.







* Opportunities for collaboration and learning from others in the industry.











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!)







1. Yearly Market Analysis:







At the beginning of each year, my focus shifts to a comprehensive market analysis within the UAS sector. This crucial step involves digging into the latest trends and forecasting developments, particularly in emerging aviation technologies. I pay close attention to the progressions in autonomous flight technologies, anticipating new market demands that these advancements might create. 







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=0hmuy3Sx5Ww









2. 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.







3. Financial Review and Budgeting:







A crucial part of my annual planning is conducting a detailed financial review of the previous year. This review is pivotal in shaping an effective budget for the new year, balancing investments for growth and operational expenses. I track every financial aspect in a spreadsheet and invoicing in High Level, ensuring all accounts payable and receivable are accounted for. 







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.







4. Equipment and Technology Update:







Keeping up-to-date with the latest in technology is a cornerstone of my annual planning. I carefully assess the need for upgrades or new equipment acquisitions to maintain a competitive edge. This includes evaluating if I require new computers, software updates, or subscriptions essential for efficient business operations.