I’m looking for a bit of advice on whether there are any drone networks or communities where people actively post jobs or requests for drone work in the UK.
I joined fpv UK almost a year ago, and this is my first time accessing DroneHub.
I ran a search and found a handful (like 5). Most of them require an annual subscription.
I’m curious if there are any that people recommend or suggest to avoid.
I know on Facebook there are a few groups for people looking to buy & sell drones.
Bit of background: I’m based in London, got my A2 and recently passed my RPC-L1
There is very little drone only work. If your a professional surveyor or photographer that also uses a drone for some parts there is work - but drone only photography is very rare and is mostly “for a mate down the pub for a few beers” rather than organised.
I started a drone business this year and I set everything up from website to social media, merchandise, Power banks bank accounts basically everything I could think of prior to going public so to speak and it has taken a little while to get myself established but I also joined and Business network which has started to bring clients my way through the referrals. I have also done some charity and social events to get my name out there and again it is starting to bring clients in. With new clients I give a free demonstration to the client so that they become more aware of what the drones are capable of and in turn this allows them to understand what they bring to the table and this in turn has brought more work . I would say just persevere if you do go into business I find that my enthusiasm for my business rubs off on people when you are demonstrating I use glasses that allows the customer to have an unhindered view of what the drone is seeing and this tends to have quite a wow factor and get comments along the lines of " God it’s like you are actually flying" and other such comments
I do have a full time job as a back up so do not have the pressure of solely relying on my business for income which does take some of the pressure off, but ultimately this is my passion and want to get to a point where I no longer require another job and can spend time being paid to do something I love
Try this website: Join the Drone Pilot Network | HireDronePilot
I’m not very familiar with how they operate, I mostly use their map of council byelaws to check where I can fly, but it seems like a decent starting point to get some work as a drone pilot.
I’ve been running a drone photography and video business for 5 years now. For the first three I was on the Drone Safe Register with an advert, links to my website, links to social media, etc. I was originally PfCO then had an Operational Authority, then PDRA01 and now reverted to A2CoC to save £500 a year. I got one referral from DSR. The rest have come from my self written website thedronedetective and word of mouth recommendations, referrals from the builders I’ve worked for etc.
TBH I’ve just about drawn even on the cost of socials, website, insurance, and updating my drone fleet. I have come to the conclusion that there is no profit in the drone world unless you have a supported profession eg photojournalist, surveyor, roofer, builder, photographer (ground based), TV camera man/woman. Sorry.
Thank you to everyone who’s taken the time to respond to this post. I genuinely appreciate it.
Cheers Notty I’ll look into local Business networks and see how things go from there. Will take note on your advice on getting the client involved.
Cheers WalkingBear, I’ll have a closer look at HireDronePilot and potentially get registered.
& TheDroneDetective appreciate your comments regarding which certs you feel like you got the most use out off. Will definitely keep that in mind when it comes time to renew.
With 1 referral from DSR over 5yrs I’m glad I came here first to ask before signing up.
Luckily, I come from a construction background, so surveying is the end goal. Just have not fully committed to upgrading my hardware & software.
Trying to test the waters with what I’ve currently got first.
i like the you let clients view the flight through the headset.
how many business sites did you join? i have joined a couple so far and have my website up and running.
also, did you approach businesses directly to offer your services?
