Hello-
I am a C-130 pilot in the Air Force who is approaching retirement from the military in a little over a year (haven't set a date yet). I have 4500+ hours of multi-engine fixed wing time. Not sure what planted the seed but I have recently become very interested in getting my Part 107 license and possibly doing some drone flying for hire to augment my military retirement. I am thinking of doing it on the side at first, while I take up a contractor job, and see where it goes. I have read some of the other posts and some good people have posted great information and advice to potential newbies like myself. I am looking for any advice anyone can provide. Below are some particular areas I am looking for information as I continue to scratch the surface in gathering information and ideas:
1. I have read that a fixed wing pilot can get their Part 107 by going to the FAA's website and completing an online computer based training module then visiting the local FSDO to get the license. What I read said there was no training (other than the FAA computer training) or test required. Is there anyone who is a licensed fix wing pilot that has gotten their Part 107 this way and would be willing to share how the process goes?
2. Can anyone offer insight on how the market is in Arkansas, Tennessee, Texas, and Oklahoma? There is a lot of business for crop dusters here and I am curious how drones might be impacting that industry in this part of the country, but I am in no way informed enough to start thinking what I would want to specialize in. Also, I am not looking to move out of Little Rock but I understand travel will be required at times.
3. Any other general information. business plan ideas, how to get started, where to get insurance and how much, you're crazy don't do it, etc.
If you are reading this I thank you for getting this far down my post. I look forward to hearing your ideas if you feel inclined to reply. Have a great day!
I am a C-130 pilot in the Air Force who is approaching retirement from the military in a little over a year (haven't set a date yet). I have 4500+ hours of multi-engine fixed wing time. Not sure what planted the seed but I have recently become very interested in getting my Part 107 license and possibly doing some drone flying for hire to augment my military retirement. I am thinking of doing it on the side at first, while I take up a contractor job, and see where it goes. I have read some of the other posts and some good people have posted great information and advice to potential newbies like myself. I am looking for any advice anyone can provide. Below are some particular areas I am looking for information as I continue to scratch the surface in gathering information and ideas:
1. I have read that a fixed wing pilot can get their Part 107 by going to the FAA's website and completing an online computer based training module then visiting the local FSDO to get the license. What I read said there was no training (other than the FAA computer training) or test required. Is there anyone who is a licensed fix wing pilot that has gotten their Part 107 this way and would be willing to share how the process goes?
2. Can anyone offer insight on how the market is in Arkansas, Tennessee, Texas, and Oklahoma? There is a lot of business for crop dusters here and I am curious how drones might be impacting that industry in this part of the country, but I am in no way informed enough to start thinking what I would want to specialize in. Also, I am not looking to move out of Little Rock but I understand travel will be required at times.
3. Any other general information. business plan ideas, how to get started, where to get insurance and how much, you're crazy don't do it, etc.
If you are reading this I thank you for getting this far down my post. I look forward to hearing your ideas if you feel inclined to reply. Have a great day!
