Drones are changing entire industries. As of 2025, over one million drones are registered in the United States, and nearly 445,000 Americans hold a certified drone pilot license. The sky is getting busy! From farmers surveying crops to filmmakers capturing epic aerial shots, drones are everywhere. There are even 1,665 public safety agencies in the U.S. using drones – from municipal to county and statewide programs. Drone as a First Responder (DFR) operations are becoming a standard for police departments.
If you’re thinking about joining this line of operations, investing in a good training class is a smart move. But with so many options out there, how do you choose the right one?
In this guide, we’ll walk you through exactly what to look for in a drone training class. Whether you’re a hobbyist who wants to fly for fun or an aspiring commercial pilot eyeing a new career, we’ll cover the key factors to consider. You’ll also get a sense of how the drone industry is booming and what kind of salaries certified pilots are earning.
Let’s explore how you can get the most out of your drone education this year.
The Booming Drone Industry
The global drone market is projected to reach revenues of around $40–44 billion in 2025, fueled by demand in construction, agriculture, public safety, and more. In the U.S. alone, drones are the fastest-growing segment of the aviation market.
For aspiring pilots, this boom means high demand for skilled fliers and new regulations that make training essential. The FAA now requires commercial drone operators to be certified remote pilots, so proper training isn’t just optional – it’s often a legal must for flying safely. By early this year the U.S. had more than 420,000 drones registered for commercial use, and this figure keeps climbing each year.
Skilled pilots are in high demand, and those with proper training and certification often command impressive salaries. In fact, U.S. drone pilots earn around $83,000 per year on average, with specialized experts (like mapping surveyors or inspection specialists) making six-figure incomes. It’s a thriving field with room to grow, which is why getting quality training now can put you ahead of the curve.
Hobbyists vs. Commercial Pilots: Different Paths, Different Needs
Not all drone students are the same. Some of you might be casual hobbyists, others are aiming to turn drones into a profession. Your goals will shape what kind of training class is best for you.
For Hobbyists: Fun, Safety, and Skill Building
Maybe you got a new drone as a gift, or you’re itching to explore the skies in your free time. As a hobbyist, you might not need a full-blown professional certification course. But you still want a class that teaches you to fly safely and confidently. Look for beginner-friendly courses that cover the basics: how to control your drone, understand its features, and follow the rules for recreational flying. You don’t want to get to end up breaking the law.
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— ABJ Renewables (@abjrenewables) January 14, 2025
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A good hobbyist drone class will emphasize safety and fun. It should teach you about pre-flight checklists, basic maneuvers, and how to avoid common mistakes that lead to crashes. Don’t settle for a class that skips over the rules – even recreational pilots in the U.S. have to follow FAA guidelines. Quality hobbyist courses might also introduce you to things like taking great aerial photos.
If you’re a parent looking for a class for your teenager or a senior looking to try a new pastime, focus on patient instructors and a hands-on approach. Many community colleges and hobby stores offer in-person beginner drone workshops. These give you real practice under an instructor’s supervision, which can boost your confidence. If no local options, online beginner courses with video lessons and even simulator exercises can help you practice at home.
For Aspiring Commercial Pilots: Certification and Career Prep
Dreaming of making money with drones? If you want to use your drone for business – whether that’s aerial photography, land surveying, inspections, or any commercial service – you’ll need to become an FAA-certified remote pilot under Part 107 regulations. So, your priority is finding a training program that prepares you to ace the Part 107 exam and teaches real-world skills for professional work.
A top-notch commercial drone pilot class goes beyond just helping you memorize answers for the FAA test. It will cover critical topics like airspace rules, weather, reading aeronautical charts, and drone laws. The best programs emphasize why these things matter – for example, knowing how to read the weather can save your drone from flying into a storm, and understanding airspace keeps you out of trouble with airports.
Look for a course with a strong track record of students passing the Part 107 exam. Many reputable schools boast a 90%+ first-time pass rate, and some even refund your testing fee or pay for a re-test if you don’t pass. That shows they stand behind their training quality. Beyond the test, aspiring pros should seek classes that include practical flight training. It’s one thing to know the rules, but you also need to fly skillfully and gather the kind of data your clients need. Training might cover how to plan autonomous flight missions, collect survey data, or perform cinematic camera moves. If your interest is a specific industry (say, drone photography or agriculture), you might find specialized courses tailored to that niche. Some programs even bundle in business tips – like how to market your drone services or deal with insurance and legal considerations for commercial operations.
As a future professional, invest in a course that treats you like a pro-in-training. It should challenge you, offer plenty of material (often 15-20 hours or more of content), and connect you with instructors who have real industry experience.
Specialist Drone Training Programs in the U.S.
Specialized courses – in thermal imaging, NDT, cinematography, or multispectral sensing – teach you exactly how to use advanced sensors on drones and how to work with the integrated software. Below we break down each area in detail, covering what you learn, typical costs, certifications, and who hires these skills.
Drone Thermography Training
Focus & Skills
This focuses on using infrared UAV systems. You mount a thermal camera on your drone and capture heat patterns from the sky. In training, you’ll learn the physics of heat (infrared theory and heat transfer), how to fly safely and plan thermal surveys, how to adjust camera settings (gain, emissivity, etc.), and how to process/interpret thermograms.
You’ll practice spotting hot spots on roofs, solar panels, or electrical gear. It’s essential to understand false positives and environmental factors too – many programs cover pitfalls so you don’t mistake glare or reflections for real defects.
Related Reading: How Do Thermal Drones Work?
Pricing & Certification
Training prices vary. You’ll find intensive in-person courses (3–4 days) for around $2,300 (often including equipment and exam) and online/self-paced options for about $1,500–$1,800. Many providers include a proctored exam or skill check. Upon successful completion, you typically earn a Level I Thermography certification (often ASNT/NACBI standard) for drone thermography. This certificate, plus your FAA Part 107 license, signals you’re qualified to do commercial IR inspections.
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Industries & Careers
Thermography with drones is a hot skill in energy and maintenance fields. Industries hiring these skills include:
- Utilities & Power: inspecting electrical lines and substations for overheating.
- Renewable Energy: checking solar farms and wind turbines for hotspots.
- Construction/Real Estate: finding insulation gaps or moisture in buildings and roofs.
- Insurance & Firefighting: assessing damage (overheated equipment, wildfires) from a distance.
- Agriculture: spotting plant stress in greenhouses or fields using thermal anomalies.
In short, if you want to work in predictive maintenance or facility inspection with drones, this training is absolutely critical. You’ll become the go-to thermographer for companies that need fast, safe heat scans of their assets.
Drone NDT (Non-Destructive Testing) Training
Focus & Skills
NDT with drones means using UAVs to inspect materials without breaking anything. In these courses you learn to attach advanced sensors (ultrasonic probes, eddy-current devices, terahertz or LIDAR scanners, etc.) to drones. The training covers flying drones in complex settings (indoor/outdoor assets), data collection protocols, and the fundamentals of each NDT method. You’ll learn how to capture precise distance/defect data on hard-to-reach structures. For example, some courses even demo drones performing ultrasonic testing (see Voliro drones) or LiDAR scans. Overall, you gain a broad NDT foundation tailored for UAV use.
Pricing & Certification
Drone NDT courses tend to cost a few thousand dollars – similar to traditional NDT classes. (Think $2,000–$4,000 per method in an ASNT Level I/II course.) Specialized drone-NDT workshops or corporate training can be custom-priced. There isn’t a single “drone NDT” certificate; instead, students often pursue ASNT certifications (Level I/II) in the relevant NDT methods after training. You will definitely want your FAA Part 107 license as well. In practice, completion usually earns you a certificate of completion.
Industries & Careers
NDT skills are in huge demand. The global NDT market topped ~$20.2 billion in 2024, and drones are increasingly used in it. Typical industries include:
- Oil & Gas: inspecting pipelines, tanks, and rigs from above/inside.
- Power & Utilities: checking turbines, transmission towers, and insulators for defects.
- Aerospace: scanning airplane wings and fuselages for cracks with aerial ultrasound.
- Manufacturing: surveying large equipment or structural welds (e.g. in shipyards).
- Transportation/Infrastructure: examining bridges, rail tracks and tunnels for corrosion or strain.
Jobs that benefit: NDT inspectors, drone maintenance engineers, asset reliability technicians, and even safety auditors.
Enroll for NDT Techniques Level 1 Course
Drone Photography & Videography Training
Focus & Skills
This is where creativity meets flying. Drone photo/video training teaches you how to capture stunning aerial images and smooth footage. You’ll cover camera fundamentals (exposure, framing, color, RAW vs JPEG) and advanced tips (cinematic maneuvers, editing workflows). Many courses also bundle FAA Part 107 prep, since commercial shooters need that license. Expect hands-on training with multi-rotor camera drones (DJI, etc.), learning gimbal control and composition. For example, one online masterclass teaches everything from camera settings to film editing tricks while in-person programs go over real-world flight scenarios.
Pricing & Certification
Drone photo/video classes run the gamut. Low-cost online courses are surprisingly common. You can get a complete Photo & Video Masterclass is just $149 with over 10 hours of content). A typical Part 107 + photography combo is about $300–$400. In-person workshops (a weekend intensive with pros and editing labs) can reach $1,000 or more. Almost all of these offer only a course completion certificate; your main “certification” is the FAA remote pilot certificate itself.
Industries & Careers
This skill pays off in any field that values eye-catching visuals. Key industries/roles include:
- Real Estate: Agents use aerial shots on listings – homes sell faster with great drone pics. In fact, listings with drone photos get 65% more showings and a huge 83% of sellers prefer agents who use drone photography. You’d work as a property photographer or marketing specialist.
- Media & Film: TV/film crews hire certified drone operators for landscapes, action shots, and documentaries. Many production companies want UAV cinematographers.
- Marketing & Events: Companies hire drone videographers for commercials, product promos, weddings, and sports coverage. Your portfolio drives the gigs.
- Construction & Surveying: Some aerial photographers focus on building progress or site mapping (though that overlaps with photogrammetry courses).
If you’re into creative imagery, this training is what you’re looking for. You’ll come away able to offer high-demand services as a licensed drone photographer or cinematographer.
Multispectral Imaging Training
Focus & Skills
Multispectral training is about “seeing” plants and terrain in invisible light (near-infrared, red-edge, etc.). These courses focus on vegetation indices like NDVI that reveal crop health, soil moisture, and chlorophyll content. You learn how multispectral cameras work, how to plan flights to capture all necessary bands, and how to process images into actionable maps. You’ll also cover flight logs, image mosaicking, and GIS analysis. Essentially, you turn raw sensor data into color-coded maps that farmers and ecologists love.
Pricing & Certification
Multispectral drone training in the U.S. comes in all shapes and sizes—from short workshops to more in-depth, multi-day classes. Most of these courses are pretty affordable, usually running in the hundreds of dollars.
You’ll find hands-on sessions that go for about $300 to $800, depending on the depth and duration. These programs are a great way to get familiar with capturing and analyzing data from crops, land, or even environmental changes using multispectral sensors.
These typically award a certificate of attendance, which shows you’ve completed the course (no formal credential beyond that). It’s a solid first step if you’re looking to break into precision agriculture, land surveying, or environmental monitoring with drones.
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Industries & Careers
Multispectral skills are golden in agriculture and environmental fields. Typical uses include:
- Precision Agriculture: Farmers use drone NDVI maps to detect stressed crops early, optimize irrigation, and target fertilizers. You could be a crop survey analyst or agronomist’s drone operator.
- Forestry & Ecology: Monitoring forest health (disease, deforestation) or habitats via aerial imaging. Environmental agencies and research labs hire these skills.
- Mining & Soil Science: Surveying open-pit mines, tailings, or soil composition from above.
- Oil & Gas/Utilities: Sometimes used for vegetation encroachment and habitat surveys around infrastructure.
If you’re into creative imagery, this training is what you’re looking for. You’ll come away able to offer high-demand services as a licensed drone photographer or cinematographer.
In all these roles, you provide insights that visible-light images can’t. It’s a niche but growing skill set – big farms and research institutions will pay for your multispectral expertise.
Related Reading: Agricultural Drone Pilot Training — Guide On What To Expect
Key Features of a Quality Drone Training Class
Not all drone classes are created equal – some will waste your time. Some are fantastic, and others… not so much. Here’s what to look for when evaluating any drone training class, whether it’s for hobby or commercial goals.
Qualified, Experienced Instructors
One of the biggest markers of a quality class is the instructor’s expertise. You want to learn from people who know their stuff inside and out. Ideally, instructors should be certified drone pilots themselves (with a Part 107 license for commercial topics) and have extensive flight experience. Many top instructors are manned aircraft pilots or have backgrounds in aviation – this background helps them bring a deep understanding of aeronautics and safety.
How much experience is enough? Look for instructors with hundreds of hours of flight time logged on drones. In fact, an industry analysis found that the most qualified trainers often have at least 700 hours of drone flying under their belts. That kind of experience means they’ve seen it all – different drone models, various weather conditions, and plenty of tricky situations. Experienced instructors can share real-life anecdotes and mistakes they’ve learned from, which enriches your learning beyond just textbook theory.
Don’t be afraid to research the instructor or training company. Reputable programs often highlight instructor bios on their websites. Read those bios! Check if they have relevant experience (for example, a lead instructor who was a commercial photographer or a former military UAV pilot). Also consider how the instructors engage with students. Are they accessible for questions during and after the course? Great teachers are approachable and eager to help you succeed, not just lecturing and moving on. In reviews, people often mention instructors by name – look for comments about their teaching style, patience, and knowledge. A personable, skilled teacher can make all the difference in a class.
Comprehensive and Up-to-Date Curriculum
A good drone class should cover all the essential topics you need, and then some. For beginners, that means the basics of how drones work, flight controls, maintenance, and the fundamental do’s and don’ts of flying. For Part 107 test prep, the curriculum must include every subject the FAA expects you to know: regulations, airspace rules, weather, loading and performance, crew resource management, and emergency procedures, to name a few.
Make sure the course material is up-to-date with regulations and technology. The drone world changes quickly. For instance, new FAA rules like Remote ID (a requirement for drones to broadcast their identification) became mandatory starting 2023. A good class will mention how to comply with Remote ID and any recent rule changes about night flying, restrictions like flying below 400 feet, and maintaining a visual line of sight. State and local laws that may apply to drones in different industries also matters. If a course hasn’t updated its content in a few years, that’s a red flag – you might learn outdated info that could get you in trouble or leave you unprepared for the current exam.
Ever spotted moving lights in the night sky? The FAA requires all aircraft flying at night, including drones, to have certain lights. Here's what you need to know! https://t.co/5nyaIVwWUH pic.twitter.com/hN6vMHb2CX
— The FAA ✈️ (@FAANews) December 18, 2024
The depth of content is important too. Beware of classes that promise to teach you “everything you need” in just an hour or two of video. Learning to be a responsible drone pilot isn’t that simple, and credible courses don’t shy away from the details. It’s common for comprehensive Part 107 courses to involve 15-20 hours of study. Some accelerated workshops exist, but if you see a course advertising a quick shortcut to passing the test with minimal effort, be skeptical. The FAA’s knowledge test is thorough, and you owe it to yourself to get thorough preparation.
Tip: Look for courses that provide outlines or previews of their curriculum. The class should clearly list what topics are included. Compare a few programs – if one is missing key items (say, it barely mentions weather or ignores drone maintenance), you might want to skip it. On the other hand, a class that offers extra modules (like basics of aerial photography, or drone software tutorials) can be a bonus, showing they go beyond the minimum.
Related Reading: Meet The 3 Ps Rule For BVLOS Flights
Hands-On Flight Training and Practice
Flying drones is a hands-on skill, so practice is essential. The best classes include actual flight time or guided practice. In an in-person course, you might spend part of the day outside with a drone, learning maneuvers under an instructor’s supervision. Ask how much flight time is included – some workshops include a dedicated flight session (or multiple sessions) to ensure you get comfortable on the controls. The more stick time you get, the more confident you’ll become.
Online courses obviously can’t provide physical flight training, but good ones still encourage you to practice on your own. Many suggest using drone flight simulators or give you exercises to do with your own drone in a safe area. Look for programs that emphasize real-world practice, not just watching videos. If you learn the theory online, make sure to schedule your own practice flights. Some training providers even offer a hybrid approach – online study combined with an optional in-person flying lesson – to help you gain practical skills.
Exam Preparation and Success Rate
If your goal is certification, then exam prep is a big deal. The class you choose should not only teach you the material, but also get you ready to pass the FAA exam with confidence. This means practice tests, quizzes, and review sessions are a huge benefit. Many top courses include full-length Part 107 practice exams that simulate the real test. These let you gauge your knowledge and get familiar with the exam format (for example, using the FAA’s knowledge testing supplement book).
Find out if the course provides question banks or sample questions throughout. It’s even better if they explain the answers, so you learn from any mistakes. When courses claim very high pass rates, it’s often because they’ve fine-tuned their teaching to cover actual exam topics in depth and they drill students with practice. Some courses update their question sets based on student feedback about the real exam – this kind of responsiveness is a good sign.
As mentioned earlier, many reputable programs advertise their pass rate. If a program says “over 99% of our students pass,” that’s impressive (though sometimes taken with a grain of salt). More concrete is when a course offers a money-back guarantee or pays for your re-test if you fail. That shows confidence. Also, read student testimonials if available. If many people say “I passed on my first try thanks to this course,” it’s a promising indicator.
However, the exam isn’t the end-all. After passing, will the course still help you? Some classes give ongoing access to materials so you can refresh your knowledge anytime. Others might help with next steps, like how to register your drone, apply for waivers for special flights, or even how to find jobs with specialist drone programs, including surveying and 3D Modeling. This kind of support can turn a good course into a great one, especially for those starting a business or career.
In-Person vs. Online Drone Classes
Drone training in comes in two main flavors: traditional in-person classes and online programs. Both have their pros and cons. The best choice depends on your learning style, schedule, and what you hope to get out of the course.
Advantages of In-Person Drone Training
In-person drone classes are often held at flight schools, colleges, or training centers. The biggest benefit here is face-to-face instruction and immediate feedback. When you’re in a classroom (or out on the field) with an instructor, you can ask questions on the spot. The instructor can also observe your flying in real time and correct any mistakes. This kind of instant coaching is hard to replicate online.
Another advantage is structured learning. In-person courses usually run on a schedule – say every Saturday for a month, or an intensive weekend workshop. This can keep you disciplined and on track. For beginners, having someone physically show you how to handle the drone can be invaluable. The instructor might demonstrate how to calibrate a compass, or physically hand you the controls and guide your hands if needed. In-person classes can also use real environments to practice – navigating obstacles, flying under different outdoor conditions, etc., which builds confidence.
However, in-person classes can be less flexible. You have to attend at certain times and travel to the location. They might also be more expensive due to the hands-on nature and equipment use (though many will provide drones for you to practice with if you don’t have your own). Class size and quality can vary, so try to choose a reputable program where you know you’ll get personal attention.
Advantages of Online Drone Training Programs
Online drone training has exploded in popularity, and for good reason. You can learn at your own pace, on your own schedule. Busy with work or school? No problem – you can watch lessons at night or on lunch breaks. Online courses are accessible no matter where you live, which is great if there aren’t any drone classes nearby or if you don’t want to commute.
A well-designed online course can be just as informative as an in-person one. Many online programs use high-quality video lessons, interactive quizzes, and even animations or flight simulator demos to teach complex topics. Online courses also tend to be more affordable than in-person ones. As mentioned earlier, some online courses include community forums or direct instructor support via email/chat, which tries to bridge the gap of not being physically present together.
One thing to keep in mind: with online learning, you need self-discipline. Since you’re learning on your own, it’s up to you to practice flying in the real world. It’s easy to procrastinate when a course is self-paced. Setting a schedule or goals (like “finish module 3 by Friday, do a practice flight on Saturday”) can help. Also, ensure that any online program you choose is reputable – there are many out there, so check reviews or ask for recommendations (drone pilot forums can be a good place to see what courses people recommend).
Investment and Reward: Costs, Careers, and Salaries
Let’s talk money – both the money you might spend on training, and the money you can potentially earn as a drone pilot. Understanding the costs and the return on investment will help you make a smart decision about which class to take.
The Payoff: Career Opportunities and Salaries
Once you obtain your remote pilot certificate and build your skills, a variety of paths open up. You could freelance, offering services like real estate photography or roof inspections. You might get a job with a company – for example, some engineering firms hire drone pilots for surveying, media companies hire them for filming, and agribusinesses employ them for crop monitoring. There are also roles in public safety (firefighting departments using drones) and infrastructure (utility companies inspecting power lines with drones), among others.
How much do these jobs pay? As noted earlier, the average salary for a full-time drone pilot in the U.S. is around $80,000–$85,000 per year. That’s an average across industries and experience levels. Beginners will start lower, of course, and seasoned pilots with specialized skills earn more. Many freelance pilots report earning $50,000 to $100,000+ a year, depending on their project load. It’s not unheard of for top experts (with years of experience and maybe additional qualifications like being able to fly drones beyond line of sight or at night) to make over $100k, especially in sectors like film production or large-scale surveying.
Related Reading: Drone Training ROI Across Major U.S. Industries
But keep in mind, the drone job market, while hot, is also competitive and still developing. Employers and clients will look to see that you know what you’re doing. This circles back to why a solid training foundation matters – not just to pass a test, but to truly be competent. The confidence and knowledge you gain from quality training will show in your work. Some training programs have job placement assistance or at least can guide you on how to find opportunities, which is a nice bonus.
Lastly, keep in mind that the highest rewards often go to those who continue learning. Technology will advance beyond 2025, and new kinds of drone jobs will emerge. The training class you choose now should ideally be the start of a lifelong learning journey in this exciting field.
Final Thoughts on Choosing the Right Class
Choosing a drone training class is a bit like choosing a flight path for your future – pick the right direction and you’ll soar. We’ve covered a lot, so here are a few final tips as you make your decision:
- Match the class to your goals: If you’re a hobbyist, a short beginner course might suffice. If you’re going pro, invest in a comprehensive program that covers certification and real-world skills.
- Value quality over hype: A flashy advertisement doesn’t guarantee a great class. Look for substance – experienced instructors, good curriculum, and proven results. If something sounds too good to be true (like “Become an expert pilot in one day!”), it probably is.
At the end of the day, the drone world is yours to explore. A great training class will equip you with knowledge, practice, and confidence – the things that turn a curious newcomer into a capable drone pilot.
FAQs on Drone Training
What’s the difference between training for hobbyists and commercial drone pilots?
Hobbyists train for fun and safety, while commercial pilots train to earn money and get certified.
If you’re just looking to fly recreationally, a beginner class that teaches control, safety, and rules is enough. But if you want to use your drone for business—like photography or inspections—you’ll need FAA Part 107 certification and in-depth flight training.
Do I really need training to fly a drone as a hobby?
Yes, especially if you want to fly safely and confidently. Even hobbyists must follow FAA rules, and basic training helps avoid common mistakes that lead to crashes or fines. It also boosts your skills and enjoyment.
What is the FAA Part 107 certification, and do I need it?
You need Part 107 if you plan to fly drones commercially. This FAA license proves you understand airspace, safety, regulations, and operations. Without it, you can’t legally earn money flying a drone in the U.S.
What makes a good drone training course worth the money?
A great course offers solid instruction, hands-on practice, and exam prep. Look for experienced instructors, updated curriculum, flight time, and clear learning outcomes. Avoid programs that promise too much with too little effort.
Are in-person drone classes better than online courses?
It depends on your learning style. In-person classes offer real-time feedback and hands-on coaching. Online courses are flexible, often cheaper, and let you learn at your own pace. Some programs offer both.
How long does it take to finish a drone training course?
Most solid Part 107 prep courses take 15–20 hours to complete. Shorter courses exist, but they may miss crucial details. Specialized programs (like thermography) can take several days or span multiple modules.
How much should I expect to spend on a drone training course?
Costs vary from $150 for basic online classes to $4,000 for specialist training. A good Part 107 prep course costs about $300–$400. Advanced certifications like thermal or NDT drone work can cost $1,500–$2,500 or more.
What are the job prospects for drone pilots in the U.S.?
Drone pilots can earn $80,000–$85,000 a year on average. Freelancers in high-demand fields like mapping, inspections, or media can earn even more. The drone industry is growing fast, especially in construction, energy, agriculture, and media.
What is drone thermography and who should take this course?
Drone thermography involves using infrared cameras to detect heat patterns.
It’s perfect for those inspecting solar panels, buildings, power lines, or agriculture. Certified thermographers are in demand for predictive maintenance and safety assessments.
Is there a certification for drone thermography?
Yes, you typically earn a Level I Thermography certificate after training.
This is often based on ASNT/NACBI standards and complements your FAA Part 107 license for commercial work.
What is drone NDT (Non-Destructive Testing)?
Drone NDT uses sensors to inspect structures without causing damage. You’ll work with ultrasonic, LIDAR, or eddy-current tools to assess tanks, towers, bridges, and more. It’s highly valued in aerospace, energy, and infrastructure.
Do drone NDT programs offer a specific certification?
Not always—most provide a completion certificate. However, you’re expected to pursue ASNT Level I/II certification in a specific method after training. Your FAA license is also required for commercial operations.
What can I do with drone photography and videography training?
You’ll create aerial visuals for real estate, film, events, or marketing. These skills are widely used in fast-selling listings, media productions, and commercial shoots. It’s one of the most creative—and competitive—drone careers out there.
How much does drone photography training cost?
You can find solid online courses for $149–$400. In-person workshops cost more—up to $1,000—but offer hands-on help and editing practice. Most don’t offer certification, but you’ll still need your Part 107 license.
What is multispectral drone imaging and who uses it?
Multispectral imaging lets drones “see” crop health and terrain using invisible light. Farmers, ecologists, and researchers use this data to manage fields, forests, and land. It’s especially popular in precision agriculture.
Do I need a certificate to do multispectral drone work?
Most courses provide a certificate of attendance, not a formal credential. However, having training in NDVI mapping and image processing boosts your value. Combine this with your FAA license for credibility.
Can I take more than one specialty course?
Absolutely—and doing so makes you more competitive. Many drone professionals start with a Part 107 certification and branch out into specialties like thermography, NDT, or filmmaking depending on career goals.
How can I tell if a course is up-to-date?
Look for mention of 2025 FAA rules, Remote ID, and new tech. Check course outlines, read reviews, and confirm that instructors are current in their field. Courses that skip recent updates are a risk.
Do drone training programs offer job placement help?
Some do—especially those tied to universities or flight schools. Even when there’s no formal job placement, many instructors provide career advice, client leads, or networking tips to get you started.