Can you make a side hustle with drones without big profits?

General Drone Discussions
1

I know there are lots of posts about getting rich with a drone business, but this isn’t one of them.

I’m a stay-at-home parent with some free time now that my youngest has started school. I already run a small 3D printing business, which pays for itself but doesn’t keep me as busy as I’d like.

I’m considering getting my Part 107 and buying a couple of decent drones to start a side hustle. My goal is realistic: cover the startup costs and make about $1,000 a month.

I’m curious about the best industries to target, what equipment to buy, and whether this plan is feasible. I’ve got a business plan, a budget, and a shopping list, but I’d love to hear your suggestions—or your mockery, if that’s your thing. Thanks in advance!

2

You might want to check out community resources for drone recommendations. Many FAQs and threads can help with buying decisions.

3

Hart said:
You might want to check out community resources for drone recommendations. Many FAQs and threads can help with buying decisions.

It seems like your question is better suited for community input, but I recommend starting with drones that have a good balance of camera quality and flight reliability.

4

I’m a professional drone pilot. Once you get your Part 107, consider reaching out to roofing companies, land surveyors, or solar panel installers. These industries often need drone work, and if you’re willing to price competitively, you can pick up some business. Real estate photography is another good area—there’s often a lot of demand for aerial shots of properties.

5

@Tegan
Roofing and solar weren’t on my radar, but real estate definitely was. There’s a ton of new construction in my area. Thanks for the suggestions!

6

Zion said:
@Tegan
Roofing and solar weren’t on my radar, but real estate definitely was. There’s a ton of new construction in my area. Thanks for the suggestions!

New construction is perfect for recurring work. Offer your first job at a discount—like 50% off—and suggest doing progress photos for a project. You can capture shots every few weeks and put together a time-lapse or photo album of the progress. If they like your work, they’ll hire you for the next project and might refer you to others. Good luck!

7

You can also check out detailed resources on Part 107 certification to better understand the process.