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Operator to Operator: The Honest Guide to Running an Independent Drone Business
On-demand Webinar | Free
Join us for an upcoming webinar designed with new and seasoned independent business owners in mind. This panel conversation will feature insights from experienced drone business owners who have been through the growing pains of starting a business to become successful and scalable operators.
Independent drone operators share the real dos and don'ts of going out on your own. From navigating FAA waivers and airspace approvals to marketing your services and choosing the right tech, you'll get an honest, experience-backed roadmap for building a business that's both legal and profitable.
Skip the costly mistakes most new operators make and learn what it really takes to scale. Whether you're still planning your launch or already in the thick of it, you'll leave with a clearer picture of what to prioritize, and what to leave for later.
Audience Takeaways:
- Common first-year mistakes and how to avoid them
- How to structure your business to scale
Speakers
Robert Hart, Founder & Lead Operator, Lidar Drone Services
Robert Hart is the owner of LIDAR Drone Services and a thermography specialist focused on utility-scale solar inspections, roofing, and critical infrastructure. With thousands of drone missions completed across the U.S. and more than 6 GW of solar assets inspected in 2025 alone, he helps asset owners turn aerial thermal data into actionable decisions. Robert specializes in IEC-compliant thermography, real-time reporting, and building performance-driven drone programs that deliver defensible results. He is also the author of Drone Thermography: The Field Guide to Success and a speaker at industry events including Commercial UAV Expo.
Dan Tartaglia, Owner/Operator, DroneAbility LLC
My Name is Dan Tartaglia. My company name is DroneAbility LLC and I am based in Columbus, Ohio. I started flying drones about 8 years ago as a Recreational Pilot. Soon after that I got my Part 107 Commercial license. I recently celebrated my 5-year anniversary of DroneAbility LLC. I do a lot of Commercial Real Estate and Construction Progression photography and videography work but also do events, marketing material and other drone and camera related work. It's amazing what different opportunities will just pop up.
DroneAbility LLC is my side business. My full-time job is doing Developer work for a large Architectural company called HKS which is based in Dallas, Texas. I work remotely creating applications to assist the firm in automating and making processes easier to do their work. My full-time job hours are flexible which allows me to pursue drone work when I can and make up the time on evenings and weekends if needed.
There is always a balance between my full-time job, drone company, and personal life. My general goal is to build up repeatable clients who rely on me for my drone capabilities and continually expand on them. Once I am ready to retire from my full-time job, focus more on my drone company. For now, my drone company is a 'slow burn' process to be an established and quality-driven company, build up client relationships, hone my skills and add to them with various types of drone technology including content editing and make extra income.
Matt Young, Managing Director, Aerial Ashes
Aerial Ashes is a specialist commercial drone operator recognized for pioneering professional aerial ashes scattering using unmanned aircraft systems. The concept originated from a former Royal Air Force helicopter pilot who had experience conducting ashes dispersal flights during service. After leaving the RAF, this operational knowledge was adapted to civilian UAS, creating a highly specialist and defensible drone application.
Founded in the UK, the company has been operating for over five years and works in one of the most regulated and reputation-sensitive environments for commercial drone use. Through strong compliance frameworks, controlled operating procedures, and a trust-led service model, Aerial Ashes has built a strong national reputation.
The business is highly rated by clients, has received multiple industry awards, and has since expanded internationally, demonstrating how a niche UAS application can be developed into a credible, scalable, and sustainable commercial operation.
Moderator
Erin Williams, Content Specialist, Commercial UAV News
Erin Williams is the Content Specialist for Commercial UAV News and Expo. Prior to joining Diversified Communications, Erin contributed to news sources for a major outdoor retail company. Erin graduated from the University of Maine with a Bachelor of Arts in Communications. In her spare time, she enjoys hiking, horseback riding, and reading. She is a Maine native and currently resides in Portland, Maine.
