The big mistakes to avoid if you want to work with drones

Working with drones is a delicate, fascinating and complex field all at once.

If you want to become a SAPR Operator, work and earn money with your drone, there are mistakes that are best avoided because they can compromise your entire training and certification path as well as greatly reduce your earning potential.

Let's look together at some of these mistakes to avoid.

#1 - Relying on the first person who comes along (and who apparently costs less)

Would you buy a computer (especially the one you need for your work) from a hardware shop?
Would you buy sophisticated software or a program from an antenna installer?
Would you take an English course to get a language certification from someone who is not authorised to issue it and who, until yesterday, had never taught English?

Well, the same reasoning applies perfectly to the SAPR Operator course you have to take to become a drone pilot. If you want to learn to fly a drone for one of the many professional activities that can be carried out with them, why on earth turn to a DJ or an orthopaedist?

There are dedicated schools and bodies, recognised by ENAC, that can train you and support you throughout the entire certification process, from tests to medical examinations.

#2 - Not taking a course for recognition

Let's take a step back... There are still people (sadly many) who believe you can work with drones even without recognition from ENAC. This is a very serious mistake, which exposes you to civil and criminal legal trouble.
Whether we like it or not, the regulations on this matter are very strict.

#3 - Believing that all drones are the same

If your interest is work-related, it is good to know that there is a growing range of drones created specifically for professional purposes, such as mapping and surveying, documentary and film shooting. These types of drones have targeted performance to make some very complex activities simpler.

# 4 - Having - and giving - approximate information about the world of drones

Unfortunately, the world of drones is still surrounded by a hornets' nest of urban legends and fear, fuelled both by approximate media information and by technicians and staff without proper training who every now and then... make wild claims, as reported in the article

Doubts about the drone invasion? Here are some answers and common sense (with a touch of irony)

Like all highly technical sectors, practical training must be accompanied by information on the whole sector, the market and its future developments (and this can only be provided by those who have long dedicated their work to drone training, going back to point 1, the most important)

#5 - Thinking you start earning right away

Those who work as SAPR Operators can have excellent revenues (Read How and how much a drone pilot earns). This obviously depends on both preparation and prior investment. Add to that the ability to promote your profession through the right communication channels and your commitment to seeking profitable contacts.
Like any job, it is a long path that only those who are truly motivated can undertake.

And you, are you willing to take on this challenge the right way?