Webinar Helps Drone Service Providers Stand Out in the Marketplace

Growth in the drone industry means increased competition, rapidly changing technology, shifts in the workforce, financial pressures, and a constantly evolving regulatory environment—and that makes it difficult for many drone service providers to stay stable, remain profitable, and plan for the future.

During the recent Commercial UAV News webinar “How Drone Service Providers Can Keep Up with a Changing Industry”—now available on demand—industry leaders provided practical, actionable advice to help drone service providers stake their claim in a highly competitive market, address key challenges, and plan for future growth.

Moderated by Scott Howe from Commercial UAV News, the webinar featured insights from drone scientist Jason San Souci, GISP, CMS-UAS, Jerimiah Contreras, Manager of Pilot Experience at FlyGuys, and Tyler Hazen, a drone law attorney and author with Angulo McGhee APLC. Over the course of this hour-long presentation, these three experts touched on a range of issues facing drone service providers, including growth opportunities in sectors like construction, critical infrastructure, agriculture, and renewable energy, the impact of potential regulatory changes around BVLOS operations, the implications of a possible ban on Chinese-manufactured drones, and the need for strategic market analysis and specialization.

At the outset of the webinar, the panelists defined what it means to be a drone service provider. Drawing on his experience at FlyGuys, Contreras asserted that drone service providers are “the ones that understand the intricacies of clients’ needs. We are the mission planners and the boots on the ground. We take drone technology and translate it into actionable insights that support important business decisions.”

Drone service provider work can take on many forms, from helping construction companies monitor building sites to event videography to enabling utilities firms to perform regular inspections. With this in mind, the panelists explored the pros and cons of specialization. San Souci advocated for conducting market research and finding a viable niche. “I would say one of the biggest things they could do is more of a comprehensive market analysis. I believe in that bottom-up approach,” he stated. He called on service providers to ask "what industry do I want to serve, what niche, because there’s riches in niches.”

No matter what approach service providers select, drone regulations are sure to play a major role. The panel discussed the potential impact of the recent NPRM from the FAA concerning BVLOS flights, what a Chinese drone ban might mean for service providers, and more. Each panelist strongly urged drone professionals to stay aware and engaged in the regulatory process. “Just stay educated as much as you can and keep up to date with the laws and keep an eye out for what certain lawmakers and decision makers are doing,” Contreras advised.