How Flying Drones Became My Passion
I never imagined I’d be someone who owned a drone, let alone someone who flies it on almost every trip. It’s crazy how flying drones has become second nature to me. My journey with drones started from a place of frustration. I had all these creative concepts I kept dreaming up, visuals I knew I could only capture with either a second person or, in some extreme cases, a helicopter. Back then, drones weren’t popular yet, and I had no idea recreational drones even existed.
The Rise of Drone Technology and My Creative Block
For a while, I felt stuck, knowing that I couldn’t fully execute my ideas without some mystery resource. Fast forward a few years, and suddenly travel creators were popping up everywhere with these incredible aerial shots. Drones were emerging, and I was seeing angles I’d never considered possible before. But, I quickly noticed that the drone space was dominated by men. Whenever I searched for drone pilots or instructors, it was the same story — only men seemed to be in the mix. It’s typical when it comes to tech, but that didn’t stop my interest.
Women in the Drone Industry: Breaking into a Male-Dominated Space
Even today, the drone industry remains male-dominated, though the number of female pilots is slowly growing. Despite that, I dove into learning how to fly a drone because I knew it would be a game-changer for my content. I’ve been fortunate enough not to experience any major negative pushback as a female drone pilot, but there have been moments of annoyance.
Flying My Drone in Sri Lanka: Challenges and Learning Moments
For example, when I was flying my drone over the Nine Arches Bridge in Sri Lanka, I had all the necessary permissions in place. Yet, a man—another tourist—decided to stop me mid-flight to question whether I was allowed to fly there. While he clearly didn’t understand how important it is not to disturb someone mid-flight, I took the opportunity to educate him. I explained the regulations I was following and why it’s best to avoid interrupting someone when they’re operating a drone. The last thing you want to do is startle a pilot while they’re controlling a piece of equipment that can easily crash!
Becoming a Licensed FAA Part 107 Drone Pilot
After gaining some experience, I realized that if I wanted to make money from flying drones, I’d have to take things to the next level. In the U.S., the only legal way to make money as a drone pilot is by becoming a licensed FAA Part 107 pilot. This certification allows you to operate drones commercially and legally get paid for your content. It was a game-changer for me, opening up opportunities to work with brands and monetize my hobby. It was a lot of work to prepare for the exam, but the knowledge I gained about airspace, weather, and drone safety made me a better, more confident pilot.
How Flying Drones Changed My Perspective as a Content Creator
Flying drones has completely transformed the way I see the world. Now, I get to experience places from perspectives I’d never be able to see otherwise. As a creator who focuses heavily on video content, a drone adds an entirely new dimension to my work. Don’t get me wrong, being on the ground and capturing moments from that angle is great, but some of my absolute favorite shots have been taken from the air. It just makes everything feel more cinematic, more alive.
Gaining Confidence as a Drone Pilot
When I first started, I was so self-conscious about flying my drone. I was always worried about people watching me and judging me if I made a mistake or didn’t look like I knew what I was doing. But over time, my confidence grew, and I realized that the only way to get better is by flying. If you’re just starting out, my best advice is simple: get out there and fly. Take the necessary precautions, follow the regulations, but don’t hold yourself back. You can watch all the YouTube tutorials in the world, but nothing replaces hands-on practice. Could you imagine an airline pilot stepping into the cockpit for the first time without ever practicing in real life? No? Me neither. That’s why I try to get in as much practice as possible—at least once a week. It’s not always easy because of flight restrictions in my area, but I make it a priority.
From Hobby to Income: Working with Brands
In the last year, my drone skills have even opened doors for me professionally. I’ve had the chance to collaborate with several brands that loved the drone footage I created or love that it’s a service I am able to pitch or offer. What started as a hobby has turned into a source of income and opportunities I never expected. It’s proof that taking the leap into something new can lead to incredible things, even if it starts with a little frustration.