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In this episode of Elevating Drone Life, host Paul Aitken speaks with Cameron Goldberg, a renowned FPV drone pilot known for his stunning aerial shots at Red Rocks. They discuss Cameron's journey into drone flying, the challenges of operating in various environments, and the importance of building relationships in the drone industry. Cameron shares insights on the technical aspects of flying, the legalities surrounding drone operations, and the future of drone cinematography. The conversation highlights the artistry and skill involved in FPV flying, as well as the evolving landscape of drone technology and regulations. Timestamps [00:00]  Introduction to Elevating Drone Life [00:52] Cameron Goldberg: The Red Rocks Pilot [02:08] The Power of FPV Drones [05:31] Cameron's Journey into Drone Flying [09:40] Navigating Regulations and Waivers [12:23] Building a Successful Drone Business [17:27] The Importance of Relationships in Business [20:40] Future Trends in Drone Filming [23:30] Mastering Indoor and Outdoor Dr

Discover how Skylights Tech has transformed the art of storytelling through drones, creating breathtaking aerial displays that captivate audiences worldwide. In this captivating episode of "Elevating Drone Life," we take you behind the scenes of the mesmerizing world of drone shows with the visionary team from Skylights Tech. Join host Rob Burdick as he sits down with Luis Sanchez, Clara Canino, and Israel Canino to explore their incredible journey from university friends to pioneers in the drone entertainment industry. Discover how Skylights Tech has transformed the art of storytelling through drones, creating breathtaking aerial displays that captivate audiences worldwide. From their humble beginnings in Mexico to executing large-scale shows for global brands like Coca-Cola and Six Flags, the team shares their insights on the technical and creative processes that make each show a unique spectacle. Learn about the challenges they face, such as navigating international regulations and overcoming techni

What should you know about the FAA Part 108 and how can it impact your drone operations? Today's podcast is brought to you by Drone U's In-Person training. We are announcing bootcamps in November and December. Sign up today before we are sold out !! This is our five-day boot camp that includes a one-day Flight Mastery + Videography Training, followed by 4 days of Desktop and Cloud Based Mapping training. In this unique training event, we cover desktop and cloud based mapping techniques. Our Desktop-Based Mapping Class is designed for drone professionals looking to gain expert-level skills in processing, analyzing, and manipulating mapping data. This intensive course utilizes Pix4DMapper, Pix4DReact, and Pix4DMatic, providing a comprehensive hands-on experience in advanced drone mapping techniques. Cloud-Based Mapping Class is designed to give you a complete, hands-on experience with modern drone mapping techniques using Site Scan by Esri. Over the course of 1.5 intensive days, you'll learn how to creat

What should you know about the FAA Part 108 and how can it impact your drone operations? Today's podcast is brought to you by Drone U's In-Person training. We are announcing bootcamps in November and December. Sign up today before we are sold out !! This is our five-day boot camp that includes a one-day Flight Mastery + Videography Training, followed by 4 days of Desktop and Cloud Based Mapping training. In this unique training event, we cover desktop and cloud based mapping techniques. Our Desktop-Based Mapping Class is designed for drone professionals looking to gain expert-level skills in processing, analyzing, and manipulating mapping data. This intensive course utilizes Pix4DMapper, Pix4DReact, and Pix4DMatic, providing a comprehensive hands-on experience in advanced drone mapping techniques. Cloud-Based Mapping Class is designed to give you a complete, hands-on experience with modern drone mapping techniques using Site Scan by Esri. Over the course of 1.5 intensive days, you'll learn how to creat

Discover how DroneSoccer is shaping teamwork, tech skills, and future aviators. Planning to get kids involved in Drones? What better way than to get them introduced to Drone Soccer - a fun and innovate program for kids to be involved in competitive environments that includes getting kids exposed to drones, teamwork, techinal studies and overall growth in the aviation industry. In today's episode we talk to Lina from CrewConcept, the company behind the revolutionary DroneSoccer program at schools allowing kids to participate and grow in the world of drones and aviation.  In today's episode we discuss everything about DroneSoccer, what it means for schools and kids, how schools can get involed and what are the steps and opportunities available for kids to start their journey in their drone world. We discuss with Lina everything about how DroneSoccer has impacted the lives of many children across the world. We talk about Xavier, a young school going kid, who got introduced to DroneSoccer, got exposed to aviati

What should pilots know about NDAA compliance for LiDAR systems. Today's podcast is brought to you by Drone U's In-Person training. This is our five-day boot camp that includes a one-day Flight Mastery + Videography Training, followed by 4 days of Desktop and Cloud Based Mapping training. In this unique training event, we cover desktop and cloud based mapping techniques. Our Desktop-Based Mapping Class is designed for drone professionals looking to gain expert-level skills in processing, analyzing, and manipulating mapping data. This intensive course utilizes Pix4DMapper, Pix4DReact, and Pix4DMatic, providing a comprehensive hands-on experience in advanced drone mapping techniques. Cloud-Based Mapping Class is designed to give you a complete, hands-on experience with modern drone mapping techniques using Site Scan by Esri. Over the course of 1.5 intensive days, you'll learn how to create high-quality 2D maps, orthomosaics, and geo-referenced models while mastering the essential principles of data acqui

Recreational, Commercial, VLOS, BVLOS, LAANC, Authorizations, Remote ID, Registrations. Flying recreationally vs commercially today and in 2026? Flooded with the tons of flight and drone requirements for flying commercially or recreationally? Today's podcast is brought to you by Drone U's In-Person training. This is our five-day boot camp that includes a one-day Flight Mastery + Videography Training, followed by 4 days of Desktop and Cloud Based Mapping training. In this unique training event, we cover desktop and cloud based mapping techniques. Our Desktop-Based Mapping Class is designed for drone professionals looking to gain expert-level skills in processing, analyzing, and manipulating mapping data. This intensive course utilizes Pix4DMapper, Pix4DReact, and Pix4DMatic, providing a comprehensive hands-on experience in advanced drone mapping techniques. Cloud-Based Mapping Class is designed to give you a complete, hands-on experience with modern drone mapping techniques using Site Scan by Esri. Ove

What drones can pilots choose based on their requirements and what are some of the best drones across multiple domains. Today's podcast is brought to you by Drone U's In-Person training. This is our five-day boot camp that includes a one-day Flight Mastery + Videography Training, followed by 4 days of Desktop and Cloud Based Mapping training. In this unique training event, we cover desktop and cloud based mapping techniques. Our Desktop-Based Mapping Class is designed for drone professionals looking to gain expert-level skills in processing, analyzing, and manipulating mapping data. This intensive course utilizes Pix4DMapper, Pix4DReact, and Pix4DMatic, providing a comprehensive hands-on experience in advanced drone mapping techniques. Cloud-Based Mapping Class is designed to give you a complete, hands-on experience with modern drone mapping techniques using Site Scan by Esri. Over the course of 1.5 intensive days, you'll learn how to create high-quality 2D maps, orthomosaics, and geo-referenced models

Have new tariffs been signed and what are the implications for pilots. Today's podcast is brought to you by Drone U's Experience Training in June. Our first three Experience Training events sold out in less than a week; and it's time to take flight again! Our all-inclusive 5-day training paired with a 2-day competition will challenge you, inspire you, and prepare you. In this unique training event, limited to no more than 10 participants, you will be immersed in an experienced-based learning environment. You'll take flight daily and often, and you'll master cutting-edge drone techniques along the way. You'll learn from experienced pilots who've been where you're trying to go; and you'll build repeatable systems to scale your business. Click HERE to book your seat today !! On today's episode we discuss about the impacts of the changing tariff environment for drone pilots and what it means for regulations and options that pilots have to navigate tariffs. We discuss about the details of regulations surroundi

Want to start a drone business in 2025 and get paid to fly? This episode reveals how Keson Drayton turned a career layoff into a profitable freelance drone business—using hustle, mindset, and the “Costco effect” to win clients. From picking up a Phantom 4 to building D Flight Productions into a recognizable name across Denver, Keson shares how he went from zero bookings to full-time drone pilot, without outside funding, gear obsession, or shortcuts. Whether you're learning real estate drone photography, looking to land your first FAA Part 107 gig, or just tired of waiting for the “perfect time,” this is the roadmap you’ve been waiting for. In this episode, Keson explains:  How he started a full-time drone pilot business from scartch Why real estate drone photography is still the best entry market How to find drone jobs using Zillow, outreach, and local leads What the Costco Effect means—and how it grows your business Why learning to edit your own footage is a superpower How to handle slow mon

What should DSP know from a first responder regulations perspective. Today's podcast is brought to you by Drone U's Experience Training in June. Our first three Experience Training events sold out in less than a week; and it's time to take flight again! Our all-inclusive 5-day training paired with a 2-day competition will challenge you, inspire you, and prepare you. In this unique training event, limited to no more than 10 participants, you will be immersed in an experienced-based learning environment. You'll take flight daily and often, and you'll master cutting-edge drone techniques along the way. You'll learn from experienced pilots who've been where you're trying to go; and you'll build repeatable systems to scale your business. Click HERE to book your seat today !! On today's episode we discuss about drone operations as first responders and how DSP operations can be impacted by FAA regulations. Our question for today is from James, who would like to learn more about managing drone flights from a regu

Want to build a serious drone career in construction, VDC, or mapping? This episode explores how Brian Owens transformed construction workflows using drones and BIM models—and how you can profit from it. In this episode of Elevating Drone Life, Rob talks with Brian Owens, Field Solutions Lead at The Whites Company, about how high tech drones transform construction workflows, strengthen risk management, and elevate client communication. You'll learn how drone mapping, BIM drone integration, FPV flythroughs, and Gaussian splat models are setting a new industry standard.    From mechanical engineer to construction drone innovator, Brian shares practical insights on turning drone expertise into a full-time career. He explains: How drone mapping fits into Virtual Design and Construction (VDC) workflows Which deliverables: orthomosaics, Gaussian splats, and FPV flythroughs build client trust Why polished drone media = higher client confidence + bigger contracts How drone data supports construction site

As a pilot what are my options for building and developing systems for my drone. Today's podcast is brought to you by Drone U's Experience Training in June. Our first three Experience Training events sold out in less than a week; and it's time to take flight again! Our all-inclusive 5-day training paired with a 2-day competition will challenge you, inspire you, and prepare you. In this unique training event, limited to no more than 10 participants, you will be immersed in an experienced-based learning environment. You'll take flight daily and often, and you'll master cutting-edge drone techniques along the way. You'll learn from experienced pilots who've been where you're trying to go; and you'll build repeatable systems to scale your business. Click HERE to book your seat today !! On today's episode we discuss about how pilots can build robust drones for photogrammetry work and how pilots can develop softwares and systems for these drones. Our question for today is from Nathan who is looking for developi

Want to grow your drone business, book high-paying contracts, and get FAA-authorized for restricted airspace? This episode reveals how Jason Flakes did it—step by step. In this episode of Elevating Drone Life, Rob talks with Jason Flakes, the award-winning founder of Visual 14, about how he turned a career setback into a thriving commercial drone business. You will discover how he uses cinematic storytelling, strategic proposals, and FAA-compliant flight operations to build his six figure drone business.  From filming Amazon Prime documentaries to winning a 3-year aerial contract over a 16-mile metro line, Jason shares hard-won insights on: Pricing drone services with confidence Getting FAA authorization in restricted zones Submitting winning RFPs (and how to ask for a debrief) Capturing footage that looks like it came from a Hollywood set Turning raw content into recurring revenue Whether you’re just starting out or looking to scale, this episode is a masterclass in real-world drone success. W

Tips for pilots to approach RV parks for seeking drone business. Today's podcast is brought to you by Drone U's Experience Training in June. Our first three Experience Training events sold out in less than a week; and it's time to take flight again! Our all-inclusive 5-day training paired with a 2-day competition will challenge you, inspire you, and prepare you. In this unique training event, limited to no more than 10 participants, you will be immersed in an experienced-based learning environment. You'll take flight daily and often, and you'll master cutting-edge drone techniques along the way. You'll learn from experienced pilots who've been where you're trying to go; and you'll build repeatable systems to scale your business. Click HERE to book your seat today !! On today's episode we discuss about things drone pilots can market for RV resorts. Our question for today is from John, who finds himself travelling to different RV parks and would like to know how to market his drone services to RV parks and

Can pilots secure profitable drone jobs in rural areas? What skills are required? Today's episode is brought to you by Drone U in-person training, a unique in-person training event that is focused on developing a holistic drone pilot, where you will be hands-on learning environment. Launching 2 new in-person mapping bootcamps that covers all aspects of mapping projects training you on softwares, flight missions, data acquisitions, desktop or laptop based processing, flight mastery and much much more. Reach out our Events page to book your seat today. On today's episode we discuss about opportunities for drone pilots in rural areas and how pilots can leverage these opportunities. Our question for today is from Robert who have moved recently to a rural area and is exploring opportunities for his drone business. Thank you for the question, Robert. We discuss if rural areas provide profitable opportunities for drone pilots and delve into domains that provide ample profits to drone pilots. We detailed nuanced o

In this episode of Elevating Drone Life, we talk with Jorge Alvarez, founder of Drone Permission, about his journey from the concrete and construction industry to becoming a leader in drone services across Florida and the Caribbean. Jorge shares how he built a successful drone business by focusing on client communication, asking the right questions, and delivering high-quality work that meets the needs of construction stakeholders. He explains how drone technology is transforming the way project progress is documented—particularly on massive projects like the MSC Cruise Terminal—and why educating clients on what drones can do is essential for sustained business growth.  Jorge also opens up about how he built a referral-driven business, scaled a team, and created efficient pricing strategies that reflect both value and confidence. This conversation is packed with industry insights around mapping software, networking, collaboration, and using drones to enhance decision-making and stakeholder communication in

Welcome to Elevating Drone Life, the podcast for drone professionals !! Elevating Drone Life is a podcast for drone professionals by drone professionals. It is a podcast that takes you on a journey through the exciting and ever-evolving world of drone technology. Each episode, we'll be speaking with professionals from all walks of the drone industry, Drone U Elite Instructors and members to learn about their experiences, insights, and tips for success. We'll explore the latest trends in drone technology, dive into real-world applications, and uncover the unique challenges and opportunities facing today's drone pilots. On our show today, we talk to Keith Stancil from NashvilleDrone.co on his journey, drone life and thoughts on becoming a successful drone business owner. In this episode, Keith from NashvilleDrone.Co shares his fascinating journey from the music industry to the world of drones. Keith discusses his early experiences with music, starting out by working with big names like the Red Hot Chili Peppe

Should we emphasize getting the latest drone for business or bootstrap? Today's episode is brought to you by Drone U in-person training, a unique in-person training event that is focused on developing a holistic drone pilot, where you will be hands-on learning environment. Launching 2 new in-person mapping bootcamps that covers all aspects of mapping projects training you on softwares, flight missions, data acquisitions, desktop or laptop based processing, flight mastery and much much more. Reach out to us to book your seat today. View our recent review of the Matrice 4 Enterprise and learn why we believe the M4E lives up to the hype. and Our latest NEWS show on all the hottest news and updates in the drone industry. On today's episode we discuss about timelines in products for drone business and developing the right mindset for ensuring success in your drone business. Our question for now is from Nick who would like to know how to manage the ever evolving field in drone tech, software updates and upgrad

Whats a good drone for construction project timelapse? Today's episode is brought to you by Drone U Experience training, a unique training event that is focused on developing a holistic drone pilot, where you will be immersed in an experienced-based learning environment. You'll take flight daily and often, and you'll master cutting-edge drone techniques along the way. Learn from experienced pilots to get the most out of your drone. Also, build repeatable systems to scale your business. Learn more about Drone U Experience Event and Reach out to us to book your seat today. View our recent review of the Matrice 4 Enterprise and learn why we believe the M4E lives up to the hype. Our latest NEWS show on all the hottest news and updates in the drone industry. On today's episode we discuss about drones and softwares to be used for successful modelling and acquisition of data in construction. Thank you Jack for the question. We discuss the nuances of flying and how drones and software functioning in the construc