Since 2013, we’ve been building confident, competent drone pilots through Experience-based Training.
It was 2013. The drone industry as we now know it was JUST getting started.. Like some of you, we were already in the air, learning the hard way that theory alone doesn’t make a pilot.
Flying drones isn’t just about following a manual. It’s about the thrill of steadying your hands on the controls, the adrenaline rush as you navigate a tight space for the first time, and the sheer joy of capturing that perfect shot that seemed impossible to achieve.
That’s the real story. That’s what Drone U was built for.
We are a group of drone pilots who have learned through broken props and close calls, so you don’t have to. Every lesson we teach comes from thousands of flight hours, countless challenges, and yes – the mistakes we made so you won’t have to repeat them. No sugar-coating. No fluff. Just pure, battle-tested experience.
Take Jimmy, a 72-year-old Vietnam veteran who joined our Mapping Boot Camp with determination in his eyes and dreams to pursue. Within just 30 days, Jimmy wasn’t merely flying—he was earning $1,100 for a single 75-minute mapping assignment. His first client, a local rancher, was so impressed that he immediately scheduled additional projects.
That’s not a marketing story. That’s what happens when real experience meets unwavering dedication.
Real-World Excellence We teach what we fly. Every strategy, every technique comes from active drone operations and real client projects. No theory – just proven methods that work in today's market.
Innovation Leadership We don't just keep up with drone technology – we help shape its future. Through partnerships with industry pioneers like Pix4D and NTSB, we ensure our community stays ahead of the curve.
Community Impact 20,000+ pilots strong and growing. Our community shares opportunities, solves challenges together, and creates a powerful network that turns passionate pilots into industry leaders.
Safety Through Mastery Beyond basic compliance, we build deep operational expertise. It's why enterprises trust us with their teams and regulators partner with us on standards.
Results-Driven Focus Every lesson, every technique, every strategy has one goal: your success. Whether it's booking your first client or scaling to six figures, we measure our success through yours.
Here’s the truth about the drone industry – it’s not the wild west anymore. Clients expect excellence. Regulations demand precision. Competition requires innovation.
More than just our chief instructor, Paul is the driving force behind Drone U’s technical excellence. A true innovator in drone technology and operations, he has:
When he’s not revolutionizing drone training, you’ll find him hiking Colorado’s Front Range with his wife, his daughter and three dogs, always looking for new perspectives from above.
With over 25 years of CPA experience, Rob brings more than financial expertise to Drone U. As co-host of Ask Drone U and our strategic mastermind, he’s:
A father of five juggling sports events and hobbies, Rob brings the same dedication to Drone U that he brings to his family – creating systems that help everyone succeed.
All the things you enjoy as a part of Drone U are brought to you by an amazing team of talented professionals. They each bring their unique business superpowers to the table, and allow Drone U to live out its mission. They are the unsung heroes, and we love them!
But now it’s time to sing their praises…
Steve is a Video Editor at Drone U. He graduated from the Art Institute of Colorado with a degree in Video Production/Editing and has spent years honing his craft in the professional arena. He is owner of Delasantos Visual Media, a small corporate/co...
Mahesh is a Member Support Specialist at Drone U. He graduated with a degree in Production Engineering in India and is a certified project management professional. Mahesh is passionate about business, project management, new technologies and customer...
Kirill is a Video Editor and filmmaker with vast experience in TV, podcasts and short films. In everlasting love with storytelling and his family, Kirill has also been with Drone U since we started. He manages all things related to the Ask Drone U Po...
The expertise and passion of Drone U Elite Instructors drive our top-tier training. These skilled professionals bring real-world experience, innovative techniques, and a commitment to elevating pilots. Their dedication ensures every lesson is more than instruction—it’s a path to mastery. They are the unsung heroes of our elite training programs, and we couldn’t do it without them!
It's time to shine a spotlight on their incredible expertise and dedication
Dave and Jon Schwalm, Owners of Northeast Dronez since 2012, are a Father/Son Team from Central New York with over a decade of drone experience. Dave's Construction Executive background grew the need for a better way to photograph large construction...
Glenn has a long career in tech. Having spent 45 years in the music industry as an Emmy Nominated Audio Engineer, Producer, Tour Manager, Lighting Designer, Director of Photography, Video Editor, Camera Operator and Recording Studio Engineer the worl...
Kevin has been a DroneU Elite Pilot since the beginning in 2018. Kevin was invited to judge the DroneU Videography event at both the first Drone U Fly-In(2016) and the second in 2018. He has had the great experience of instructing many types of pilot...
Jason Flakes, President & CEO, is a distinguished designer and award winning architectural photographer based in Washington DC. His educational training from the Art Institute of Pittsburgh and Carnegie Mellon University has helped him establish the...
We’ve assisted Netflix producers and production managers on several projects. This includes flying to produce 3D models they used for location and set planning.
More than 100 Tesla drone pilots from their solar group have used our online training for both Part 107 prep and understanding safe drone operations.
We’ve performed drone flights for several of their wake surfing events, as well as flights for many of their boat commercials
We’ve trained several of their drone pilots on solar inspections with drones. We’ve also provided photogrammetric flights on a large construction project as part of the creation of 3D models for the project.
Provided in person preparatory training for the FAA Part 107 exam as well as flights over water training.
We’ve trained dozens of Weitz pilots both online and in person. From Part 107 prep to Flight Mastery and Mapping Boot Camps. We’ve been a trusted advisor as they’ve built their program over the past few years.
One of our more exciting training opportunities, we’ve been onsite at the NTSB Training Academy multiple times to provide accident reconstruction with drones training; a complex and important element of the work they do. They’ve also had pilots attend other training events we’ve held.
We’ve been NYPA’s training partner and/or UAS consultant since late 2021. This includes over 120 pilots who’ve prepped for Part 107 on our PROPS LMS, and dozens of pilots we’ve trained in person on Flight Mastery and drone mapping. We’ve also consulted on their UAS training manual and SOPS.
We’ve trained several of their pilots in person. They took our 3 Day Enterprise Flight Mastery course, which included N.I.S.T. training.
Several drone pilots from the Geico aviation team took multiple courses on our PROPS LMS platform. Including Part 107 Prep, Safe Drone Operations, Don’t Crash Courses, and many others.
Official training partner for accident reconstruction
Preferred provider for drone insurance solutions
Collaborated on first-of-its-kind accident mapping protocols
Our enterprise training programs have equipped teams at:
Whether you’re:
We’ve got your back. Because that’s what real pilots do.
From federal agencies to passionate hobbyists, we’ve trained them all. Why? Because when it comes to drones, experience isn’t just the best teacher – it’s the only teacher that matters.
Join us. Not because we’re the biggest, but because we’re the most real. Because while others are selling dreams, we’re building pilots.
The sky’s calling. And with Drone U, you’ll answer with confidence.
Ready to write your success story?
Since 2013, we’ve transformed passion into profession for over 20,000 pilots. Your journey to becoming the next Drone U success story begins with a single click.
Because your success isn’t just our goal—it’s our legacy.
