Navigating the Skies of Opportunity – Your Guide to Obtaining a Drone License
Jamie Perez • March 31, 2025
Drones have revolutionized the world of videography, opening up breathtaking possibilities for capturing stunning aerial footage. But, not just anyone can fly a drone and profit off its picturesque images. As a videographer, you have to have your drone license. So how do you get a drone license? And why do you need a license to fly a drone?
Why a Drone License Matters:
- Legal Compliance: Operating a drone without the proper licensing can lead to hefty fines and legal trouble. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) in the United States, for example, requires all drone operators to hold a Remote Pilot Certificate. Obtaining this license ensures you're following the law while pursuing your passion.
- Safety First: Drones can be potential hazards if not operated responsibly. A drone license equips you with knowledge about airspace rules, safety protocols, and emergency procedures, reducing the risk of accidents.
- Professionalism: Clients often seek videographers with the skills and credentials to operate drones professionally. A drone license showcases your commitment to providing high-quality, safe aerial footage, enhancing your reputation as a videographer
How to Obtain a Drone License:
- Eligibility: To qualify for a drone license, you must be at least 16 years old and be able to read, write, speak, and understand English. You also need to pass a background check.
- Studying for the Part 107 Exam: The FAA Part 107 exam is the key to obtaining your drone license. It covers topics such as airspace regulations, weather, drone operation, and emergency procedures. If you’re not good at weather, science and math, study up! This test is not easy and does require ample time to study and familiarize yourself with reading aeronautical maps. The FAA takes it very seriously. Fortunately, there are numerous online courses and study guides available to help you prepare.
- Taking the Exam: You can schedule the Part 107 exam at an FAA-approved testing center near you. The test consists of 60 multiple-choice questions, and you need to score at least 70% to pass.
- Applying for the License: Once you pass the exam, you can apply for your Remote Pilot Certificate through the FAA's Integrated Airman Certification and Rating Application (IACRA) system. You'll also need to undergo a background check.
- Renewal and Ongoing Learning: Your drone license needs to be renewed every two years. Staying informed about changes in drone regulations and practicing safe flying habits is essential for maintaining your license.
Benefits of a Drone License for Videographers:
- Expanded Creativity: With a drone license, you can capture breathtaking aerial shots that add depth and diversity to your video projects. Whether it's a wedding, a real estate video, a nature documentary, or just promotional footage, drones enable you to explore unique angles and perspectives that you would otherwise not be able to see.
- Competitive Advantage: In a competitive videography industry, having a drone license sets you apart from the competition. Clients are more likely to hire a licensed drone operator because it demonstrates professionalism and expertise. And the footage just looks really cool.
- Diverse Project Opportunities: With a drone license, you can diversify your services. Aerial footage is in demand across various industries, including real estate, agriculture, tourism, and more, allowing you to expand your client base.
So, having a drone license not only keeps you on the right side of the law but also opens doors to exciting creative opportunities. Having your drone license is worth it. If you're a videographer with a passion for storytelling through aerial imagery, invest in your future by getting your drone license and watch as your career soars to new heights!
Most of the time when nonprofit organizations are sharing stories, we are hearing from staff members, the founder and clients. All of these are perfectly fine stories to tell... but what about sharing the donor stories? When a nonprofit has regular donors, there's probably a story behind WHY they believe in your cause so much. There's a heartfelt element to why out of all the nonprofits they could donate to -- why do they choose YOURS to give to time and time again? They most likely relate to your mission. They believe what you believe about a problem that needs to be addressed and they wanted to be part of the solution. Maybe they went through a traumatic situation that your organization is helping people solve. Get to know your donors. Be curious. They're just as much a part of your organization as your staff and clientele. By sharing their stories, they not only feel more involved in an organization they already care so deeply about, but it also could be a great way to attract MORE donors who can relate to their story. Donors give because of stories -- their gifts don't come from coercion; they come from emotion, a desire to connect. It opens up a relationship and this is how wallets open and lives are transformed. People want to know they belong to something and that they're making a difference. It feels good for anyone to know they're needed, wanted and appreciated. Show them the impact of their gift through storytelling. Don't just focus on them when you need something from them. Engage them. Make them part of the organization's journey. To help get you started, here are a couple questions that could ignite some great soundbites when interviewing your donors: What happened in your life that makes you so compelled to support our cause? Why is this need so important to address? With these questions, you're not only asking them to address the need that your organization is addressing, but you're still focusing on THEIR story. By bringing them along this journey and asking these questions, it helps remind them why they give monetary gifts to you. And their story and their reasons could encourage others to do the same. BE CURIOUS. THESE ARE THE TYPES OF STORIES THAT ARE NEVER TOLD BECAUSE WE NEVER ASK . By being curious, sharing THEIR story, you're showing them you not only care about them helping your cause, but you care about them as people. And who doesn't like to share their story with someone who is truly interested?
Owner of Beyond Words Jamie Perez interviews woman on camera in studio setting
We see this time and time again... organizations wanting to tell an emotive story through video and then being disappointed that the final product wasn't as heart-tugging as they'd hoped. This mainly happens for three reasons: 1. Controlling the narrative. There are too many cooks in the kitchen. Organizations want to include everyone in the conversation and then there's too many opinions on what should be included in the video, who should be included, what should be shown, etc. This convolutes the message and becomes a jamboree of information and takes away from the natural flow of what the true story should be. 2. Trying to fit everything into one video. Organizations often don't think about what it truly means to tell a story. It's not talking about all the facts and features of the organizations, the different types of programs, showing the building, etc. We don't need to know everything about you. We KNOW you're doing incredible work, but we can read the facts and figures through the caption or text on your website. What we want to see and feel is the stories and emotions that accompany what you do. Which brings us to the next point... 3. Focusing on the features rather than the people. While it's great to inform people of the logistics of your organization -- those things are often not unique and they don't really retain people's attention. What does accomplish these two things, however, is gripping people by the heartstrings by focusing on one or two people's stories to show the audience the impact you make. It's not about telling me all the generalities of your organization. We really need to hyperfocus on ONE story that embodies the difference you make in people's lives. Remember what a story truly is. It has characters, it follows a journey, it presents a problem, a solution, has layers, and evokes emotion. If your videos are mostly just a summary of what you do as an organization, then you haven't really told a story. You've told me WHAT your organization does. The true heartfelt stories are always found in the WHY.
