Advise with Carrer path to Drones

[scoobydoo]

Hi Guys

Im new here and i would like to get some advise before i jump into this.

Im basically a 40 Year old M who has been in IT for over 15 years, i work for a airline so my passion is flying

Im about to purchase a Air2S and take my licence and i was wondering if its worth dishing out this kind of money if i dont have a return of investment on it ( basically i dont want a drone just to have a drone ) i want to slowly make money with my drone on the side ( photogrammatry, inspections etc )
and when time and money allows maybe upgrade to a Matrice 300 and start doing professional work.

My question to the people that know, am i wasting my money on this or do you think there is a need for this kind of work and will i if i pursue it can i turn it into something good ?

Thanks guys
Scooby

[Marno]

Hi Scoobs

Basically in South Africa you will be facing a never ending uphill battle, see viewtopic.php?t=253207

Overseas, possibilities is endless.

[scoobydoo]

So basically my dreams shattered because we live in SA ?

Dam.... was just about to press order on that drone, ok 1 last question is our Part 107 recognized overseas ? or will i have to retake it there ?

I mean we are planning to move in about 2 years so i might as well practise now ?

its sad dude because someone with a lot of passion for this type of technology gets shot down instantly.

I buy this drone and i cant even fly it anywhere ? its absurd

So your final thoughts are dont pursue it as yet ?

[viki]

Very sad Mr Scoob indeed, i and many, Many others received our licensing just to be given the bold square fist.

Unfortunately those at the top in SA only see the green they are getting from the monopoly.
They don't even know Rpas pilots exist let alone care about sharing and advancing the industry.

There is one exception (if you are willing to be kicked around like a can and be a slave and treated like livestock) The only full time drone work is in the security industry in SA.

But they literally treat you like cheap stock.My experience and many fellow friends were all treated the same. Doing drone work like this is not worth it as it kills the drive behind becoming a drone pilot in the first place.
I've spoken to 2 new friends the other day that went for interviews recently.
I was stunned at the latest process of becoming elected.
They carefully formulate their interviews these days so they can have a good assessment beforehand as to which individuals would fall prey to their slave system.

I am not sure if 107 would be accepted overseas i'm sure there must be away to "convert" and let them take your existing credentials into account. I might be wrong so make sure first. Perhaps mr Heisan would know.

[Shepherd]

Part 101 = South African Civil Aviation Authority
Part 107 = Federal Aviation Authority (The United States of America....)

There is no conversion process from CAA 101 to FAA 107, but you can do 107 prep work online, then go write the test in person at an FAA approved centre.... Here is a direct link to the complete process - https://www.faa.gov/uas/commercial_oper ... rone_pilot