ABOUT
We are often asked, “How did the Drone U Flight School evolve into one of the largest online drone training schools?”
It all started when two middle-aged bald guys and a punk millennial walked into a room…
No this isn’t a warm-up for a joke, but really how it all began, back in 2014.
Tim Ray and Rob Burdick were running a mortgage company they had started together and had been looking for help with their social media presence.
Enter Paul Aitken, who they hired after a glowing recommendation by a mutual friend. Let’s be honest, to this day you can probably quickly get that Paul is a passionate, contagious personality.
As their working relationship and budding friendship grew, Paul started talking about this drone thing he was starting to get into. He was even going out of state for training so he could become a drone pilot.
Intrigued, Tim and Rob were digging for details and it became a topic often discussed when the three of them got together.
That’s when the lightbulb went on in Tim’s head,
“Hey, maybe we could create an online training site and teach people how to fly drones?”
After all, he and Rob had been talking about what they could do to transition out of their “day jobs” and create some sort of online business.
The idea was “pitched” and everyone loved it.
We could combine our love of serving people, help them grow a business, and create a community where people could help and encourage each other. This was already something that Paul could tell was missing.
And the rest, as they say, is history.
Since those early days, Drone U’s vision has stayed the same. “We exist to have a profound, positive impact on the lives of others.”
Our hope is that as you engage with Drone U either online or in person, you’ll discover and experience a positive impact in your life, in your piloting, and in your community.
Meet the People Who Make it All Happen
Paul Aitken
Founder, Chief Pilot, Co-Host Ask Drone U
Paul is a techie through and through. He loves all things drone, design, and photography related. He’s passionate about teaching others how to safely and profitably operate their drones. He loves to travel, and the perfect day would be spent near water. When he’s not on the go, he and his wife, along with their three pups, enjoy enjoy hiking up and down the Front Range of Northern Colorado.
Rob Burdick
Founder, CFO, Member Services, Co-Host Ask Drone U
Rob, a CPA for over 25 years (wow that’s a LOT of experience), brings his analytical and bean-counting prowess to the table as Drone U’s unflappable Ask Drone U Co-Host. He loves serving the community, thinking strategically, creating spreadsheets, and writing sticky notes that keep everything running smoothly. He’s a family man, who enjoys trying to keep up with his five kid’s sports and hobbies (which is quite a feat!).
PJ Kirkpatrick
Director of Operations, PROPS Flight School Drone U Elite Director
While not technically a founder, PJ has been in the mix from our humble beginnings. As of early in 2022, we FINALLY convinced him to join us as an official member of our leadership team. PJ’s extensive experience in the telecom industry and his passionate all-in approach to the drone industry make him the perfect Director of Operations. His ability to passionately share his vast knowledge makes him an all time favorite instructor of any student who’s had the privilege of training under him. When PJ’s not traveling the country serving Drone U clients he’s at home in Milwaukee, WI with his lovely wife. Their two kids are in college leaving PJ and his wife as empty nesters which leave plenty of time for them to explore the woods of northern Wisconsin.
The Team Behind The Team
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 Delasantos
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/commercial video facility focused primarily on marketing, product video solutions and documentary film. Steve balances his work with music and thus maintains a healthy side gig playing drums for various local groups throughout the state. He currently calls Tijeras, NM home.
Mahesh Bhat
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 service. Mahesh and his wife reside in Calgary, Canada along with their son.
Kirill Kokorev
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 Podcast editing, and often jumps in to help with other editing projects we have going on.
Gaurav Shah
Gaurav is a copywriter and digital marketer with vast experience of helping online businesses, consultants and coaches. He loves finding creative solutions that have the biggest impact on business operations. At Drone U, Gaurav handles just about everything that is posted on the site: blogs, courses, videos, resources, webinars, etc. He has an MS from Virginia Tech. In his free time, he loves a good book and a game of tennis.
Nico Fernandez
Nico is our the quentsential "Creative Director" for Drone U, and has been since the start! Bottom line is Nico makes us look good. When you like what you see from us, it's generally because of Nico. When you don't like what you see from us, it's generally from...well, let's just leave that up to your imagination.
Drone U Elite Instructors
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…
PJ Kirkpatrick
PJ has been one of Drone U’s Elite Pilot Instructors since the group's inaugural event back in 2018. He is the on-camera instructor for Drone U’s Construction Mapping and Cell Tower Mapping online classes. In addition, he’s trained over 1,200 students across the US in data acquisition, post-processing data for mapping deliverables and 3D models, and advanced UAS flight maneuvers.
Jason Flakes
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 prolific multi-media company, Nomoi Design, in 2008. Jason established Visual14 in 2017, an exclusive collection of exceptional photoraphers that provide full photography and videography production services nationwide.
Kevin Lederer
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 pilots from beginner pilots, construction pilots, fire department personnel and swat teams to mention a few. Kevin is the owner and operator of Sky King Images which was established in 2015. He began work involving flying residential real estate, which progressed to commercial real estate photography and videography. In 2019, he signed his first large contract for construction progression footage of TopGolf Albuquerque, with the contract lasting one year. In 2020, he signed his second construction progression contract, with a contractor building an Amazon Distribution facility. The contract was for multiple weekly flights for two years. In the fall of 2020, he signed another one year construction progression contract for the same contractor building a second Amazon Distribution facility. In 2021, he signed his third one year contract with the same contractor building a third amazon facility. All of these contracts provided him the opportunity to fly many missions; mapping, still photos, videos along with interior photos and videos. Kevin has over 800 flight hours in the last three years alone. In addition, he had contracts to map multiple cell towers in the greater Albuquerque, NM area. He has contracts with ranchers to provide mapping and agriculture spraying in multiple states
Tom Powers
Born and raised in Boise, ID Tom has been flying UAS commercially since December 2016. Tom had been aware of drones but had not thought of using them for anything other than recreational use. That is until a tumble off of a ladder during a roof inspection in October 2016. At this point Tom knew there had to be a better, safer, and quicker way to get the data needed to make actionable decisions. Using his decade of claims experience Tom was able help and integrate UAS in a scaleable way into the insurance claims handling process.
Glenn Labay
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 world of unmanned systems was an easy transition for him. In 2015 when he first heard about the flying camera industry he was all in. Flying his first drone, a $45.00 Syma X5 for several months he safely learned the basics of quadcopter flight.
Dave and Jon Schwalm
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 projects, which naturally pushed them into Drones.
Janessa Ruiz
Janessa Ruiz is an experienced firefighter and Apparatus Engineer for Bernalillo County Fire Rescue, with a specialized role as the department's Drone Coordinator. Ruiz's interest in unmanned aircraft emerged when her division started managing the department's underused drones. This role allowed her to gain significant experience with different types of small Unmanned Aircraft Systems (SUAS), enhancing the department's operational utility and playing a crucial role in emergency operations. Ruiz values a comprehensive and well-defined plan for drone operation and emphasizes the importance of adequate training for drone pilots. She has worked extensively to ensure all necessary mechanisms are in place to protect drones, pilots, and the organization. In addition, she has worked collaboratively with private organizations and other first-responder agencies to establish robust sUAS programs. In addition to her firefighting career, Ruiz is an accomplished filmmaker with experience in traditional and new-age media. She understands the significant impact of capturing the perfect shot, recognizing how drones have revolutionized filming sequences. She acknowledges that a superior drone pilot must deeply understand photography and videography principles.
- Since 2019, she has accumulated over 1000 flight hours in emergency operations and film production, tirelessly honing her piloting skills. Ruiz is enthusiastic about collaborating with other organizations to improve further and extend their drone efforts.
Lorenz Nelson
It’s Really Not About Us. It’s All About
You are the reason we exist. Whether you’re an aspiring drone pilot, or you’re a seasoned veteran, we love serving all the wide-ranging needs in our Drone U community.
We love living and learning alongside you in our online community.
But we also see the value in real honest-to-goodness face-to-face interaction too!
That’s why we’ve built our Drone U Training Center, right here at our headquarters in Albuquerque, New Mexico!
Our recently renovated space enables us to host drone training in our dedicated classroom, not to mention our indoor drone racing course, right inside our building! (because who wouldn’t want to put those new skills to the test right then and there?!)
Not a member? Join now for just $57!
Join the best drone training platform & community on earth right now for just $57! You'll have unlimited, unaltered, and unadulterated access to EVERYTHING on the Drone U site. Don't forget to check out the best community around once you're in the group. Many say that alone is worth the monthly investment. See you on the other side! Unlimited Access for Just $57
"Let me first say that after exhaustively searching the internet, using my industry connections, joining AUVSI, and taking a TOPS Level 1 course with Embry Riddle Aeronautical University, I can honestly say that I've never found a more affordable,... Read More
– Todd
"I just completed the Flight Mastery Course on the front end of the Public Safety and Accident Scene Reconstruction Course at the NTSB. Wow! I thought I was a good pilot, but the training maneuvers really humbled me. This was the most challenging... Read More
– Eric
"This has been the BEST investment for my business thus far! I have gained an immense amount of knowledge and tips to help drive my business forward. Thanks Paul, Rob, Vic and everyone at DroneU!!! Keep crushing it!"
– David
"I would not be where I am today without Drone U. In addition to the knowledge and guidance you provide, you also helped with giving me the confidence to quit the corporate world, pursue my passion, and live the drone life."
– PJ
"I became a member of Drone U only a few short months ago. A good deal of research went into finding an online course to take my Part 107 exam, and after looking around I selected Drone U. Their track record in the drone marketplace was very... Read More
– Rich
"Can’t thank the team at Drone U enough! Without them I would never have received my 107. The $47 a month is nothing compared to the amount of support, knowledge and information these guys and our community are willing to share. Looking forward to the... Read More
– Robert
"After completing a competitor's 107 training course, I joined Drone U for more in-depth flight training and business development. Once I realized that the value from Drone U surpassed any other education forum, it was an easy decision to continue... Read More
– Lee
"Drone U has been a key part of my drone business.As an investment in safety, training, positive business outcome, continuing education, and the most recent news in our industry, Drone U is well ahead of everyone else trying to emulate their... Read More
– Greg
"Drone U truly is a cut above when it comes to investing in yourself, investing in your business and/or taking your media production skills to the next level. After joining another online drone school with a multi-thousand dollar enrollment cost, I was... Read More
– T. J.
"If you have been trying to grow a drone business or photography business in general, I can’t suggest The DroneU enough! Customer service is crazy quick. I never feel far away from answers. From ground based knowledge to air based knowledge we have a... Read More
– Nicholas
"I just wanted to say thanks for sharing the knowledge that you guys have in this industry. The mountain of information is amazing. You guys are doing an awesome job helping me in all aspects of my business."
– Randall
"I love this community and couldn’t bear to not be a part of it. I’ve learned so much and have still so much to learn!"
– Mary Ann
"So glad I found your podcast. I actually registered for a simple class with one of those other companies and the value is nowhere near the value provided by your podcasts alone. The work you are doing is greatly appreciated!"
– Bill
"Loving everything you guys do! I have a business of my own now and most of the thanks goes to the Drone U team. Keep it up! "
– Spencer
"Through Drone U's encouragement and help, I'm at a place where I'm leaving my 9-5 job and going full-time into the drone life. I appreciate you guys more than you can know and hope to meet you in person soon. Thanks for everything you all... Read More
– Rob
"I just wanted to take a minute to commend all of you for a professional job you are doing. I take the use of the word professional very seriously. I am a 20 year pilot of the Commercial Helicopter industry, a CFI-I, and Part 107 certified. When I... Read More
– John
"You guys are spot on with your videos. You blow the other drone training companies away. I must shamefully admit I went to another well-known training class and wasted $1,700. Lots of sitting in class with very little hands on. Then I found... Read More
– Jim
"Thank you for being SO AWESOME and the best drone community out there . You guys really are; no kidding"
– Keegan
"Colleges don’t even have or understand this industry like you all do. Kudos to all of you at Drone U!"
– Mark
"I’m sincere about how much Drone U has helped me in the development of my business."
– Joe
"Just landed two more jobs with a large construction firm. Thanks to the Drone U community, podcast webinars and especially Paul and Rob for all the great advice and knowledge. You’ve really showed me how to turn my passion into profit!"
– Chris
"The resources you guys have pulled together and provide are second to none."
– NikDo I have to commit to a certain time frame?
Nope, not at all. You can upgrade, cancel or pause your account anytime and for any reason. It is simple, quick and easy to come and go as you need to. If you cancel before the end of the billing period, you’ll retain access until that period is over.
How often do you release new content?
Every week! We continue to release new training videos, reviews, resources and anything else we can think of that would help our community. If you want more training on something then you can just let us know and we often work to get that done for everyone.
Is your content more focused on beginner or advanced pilots?
Both, and then some. We try to do all we can to make it helpful to anybody at any point in their pilot growth curve. Our goal is to help you by lowering your learning curve, saving you money by avoiding costly mistakes and getting you to the next levels in your piloting faster than you can do it on your own. Learn from our mistakes and so many other expert drone pilots, editors, business operators, enthusiasts, videographers, photographers, etc. You name it, they’re in the community.
Do you have a money back guarantee on memberships?
Our site has a ton of valuable information. If you want to join and check it out for a month that’s perfectly fine with us. But it wouldn’t be very fair, now would it, to just let you just go through the site, benefit from all the helpful info and then just cancel for nothing. We’ve committed to do all we can to provide you with the absolute best, most important to know info out there so you can lower your learning curve, saving you time and money. Trust us, we’ll save you far more than you’ll ever spend with Drone U.
What’s the big deal about “community”?
You will learn more from like-minded people and from those actually doing what they’re teaching than you ever can by attending a one-off class or on your own. Our community is extremely active and full of experts and enthusiasts who want to help each other get better. Trust us because we’ve been there, when you’re investing monthly to (in part) be in a community, you will find higher caliber pilots, more experts, an obvious desire to help others and far more applicable training.
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