But how much (and how) does a drone pilot earn?

It is the profession of the future. Yes, okay, but... how much (and how) does a drone pilot really earn?

Let's find out together, also because the answer cannot be limited to one simple figure.

Broadly speaking, we can say that a recognised operator flying a Phantom 3 can earn 600 euros in a day. An operator with an S900-class hexacopter and a DSLR can earn even 900-1000 euros.

But these are operators who have known how to invest and specialise by following the paths we will outline shortly in this article.

First it is worth stressing that, even for a SAPR (remotely piloted aircraft systems) operator, earnings (especially in the first years), which are not set by an official fee schedule since there is no professional register, depend on:

• experience and professionalism
• specialisation sector
• equipment used
• number and type of clients
• Let's look in detail at how to increase potential earnings by following these points.
  
  

How to become a professional?

It is not just a matter of modus operandi. Without a licence or official recognition it is legally not possible to make commercial agreements and contracts of any kind and you cannot even call yourself a "SAPR Operator".

This difference between model aircraft pilots (hobbyists) and drone pilots is known not only to ENAC (which, in case of violation of the regulations, imposes heavy penalties on both the drone pilot and the client) but also to clients themselves.
For example, the film industry and foundations now issue calls for tender exclusively for SAPR pilots recognised by ENAC.

There are many courses for obtaining a licence and recognition throughout Italy. We at Aerialclick also hold several throughout the year and at the end of August we are offering a free one to get off to a great start for the new working year. Find out more

How do you choose your area of specialization?

Earnings often depend on this too, for a simple matter of supply and demand: it is plausible, for example, that a UAS Operator who carries out complex surveys for the construction sector or for the protection of cultural heritage may charge higher rates than an Operator who shoots promotional or film footage, for a simple matter of less competition.
But be careful not to make choices based only on the highest rates! First of all because a drone pilot working in the promotional field may have more chances of being contacted and finding clients, especially at the beginning.

It is also important to know how to make the best use of the top equipment that goes along with the drone, such as 3D mapping software, infrared cameras, etc.
Obviously, the person who can win the most business and clients is the one who manages to maintain a good level of versatility across every area of specialization, but this is really very difficult and can only be done by investing a lot of money and time in equipment and training.

What equipment do you need?

As in all technical professions, the greater the investment in work equipment, the greater the earning potential once you are up and running.
Equipment is not just drones: you need a good flight terminator, you need the best parachute for your aircraft, a video camera, a remote control, and dedicated software for editing videos or producing a good 3D rendering of your surveys.

Our practical advice is to find out what all the essential, professional-grade equipment is to make a difference in your area of specialization and draw up a plan of costs and investments over the medium-to-long term.
Good planning is the foundation of everything.

How do you find clients?

There are characteristics that UAS Operators share with all other freelance professionals in every sector, especially technical ones.
You need to manage your communication channels well, even by asking professionals for help and investing in this area.
You will need to start with good planning and management of your channels such as your website, a blog with SEO articles, and social media pages

Also read the article
7 tips for managing social media

Secondly, you will need to get in touch with companies working in your same sector and with colleagues (this is another reason why courses are essential).

Finally, there are online databases. We have found, and feel we can recommend to you, the website Professione Dronista, which is designed precisely to connect recognized UAS Operators with companies that need them and often don't know how or where to look for the ones best suited to their needs.