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 techy through and through. He loves all things drone, design, and photography related, and is 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. And when he’s not on the go, he and his wife enjoy Albuquerque sunsets with a smooth Merlot.
Tim Ray
Founder, COO, Website, Systems
Tim is a systems guru, and web guy extraordinaire. He loves helping business owners create systems that explode their efficiency, profitability, and creativity. He’s a foodie, and green tea addict. He and his family of six are enjoying soaking up the heat in Gilbert, Arizona.
Rob Burdick
Founder, CFO, Member Services, Co-Host Ask Drone U
Rob, a CPA for over 20 years, 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, 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!).
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…
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.
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.
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.
Kim Ransom
Kim dives into the deep, dark world of CRM programs where few dare to follow. She is an integrations whisperer, and knows how to make two seemingly unrelated tech items talk (like the Drone U site and our CRM). It's often sort of like trying to get two estranged family members talking...it's sometimes painful, but so important. Lucky for us, Kim loves the pain.
Joel Cruz
Joel is the Producer and Project Manager at Drone U. He loves producing and believes it's similar to Mexican cooking, it takes hours to make, minutes to consume, and worth every moment. After earning a Masters degree from the University of Denver in Higher Education, he moved home to Albuquerque to continue developing his skills in producing high quality digital media on solo and team projects. When he isn't producing content, Joel loves to play bass with his family. coach tennis, bike, and cook for his loved ones.
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.
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.
Caitlan Shumaker
Caitlan is the Training and Events Coordinator for Drone U. She received her Bachelor's Degree in Industrial Engineering and her Master's Degree in Operations Management from Kettering University. After starting a family, Caitlan decided to leave the automotive sector and began working from home. She and her husband live in Greenville, SC with their daughter. In her free time, she loves to read, swim, and hang out with friends and family.
Alysa Chapin
Alysa is the Office Assistant at Drone U! She was born and raised in Albuquerque, New Mexico and is currently a nursing student who loves helping others. Her favorite things to do are being outdoors and spending time with my family!
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 $47!
Join the best drone training platform & community on earth right now for just $47! 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 $47
"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?
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.
Why do you have a monthly charge?
Because we feel this is the best, most flexible, focused and affordable way to learn. We hate models that charge by the class or resource. We want to give you access to it all, for one low price and for as long as you want it. In our case, you don’t get what you pay for…you get waaaaaaaaaay more.
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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