We caught up with the brilliant and insightful DeAndre Daniels a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.
DeAndre, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today Let’s start big picture – what are some of biggest trends you are seeing in your industry?
Well some of the biggest trends in my industry, is how fast drones are adapting to the everyday world. So many industries have effectively added the use of drones to everyday operations. Or drones have taken over certain industries all together. For example, you have drones pressure washing buildings. Just five years ago you probably could not have imagine such a thing. Plus pretty soon flying cars will be apart of the national airspace.
Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers.
I’ve been a Drone Pilot for 8 years now, and FAA Recommended Instructor for 5 years. I help you get FAA Part 107 certified(Drone License). www.fligflightschool.com
Within almost a 5 year span December 2019 to October 2024, 51 out of 53 people have received their certification under my tutelage(96%). Very knowledgeable in FAA Rules and Regulations, with 101 FAA Certifications and 163 FAA Wings accredited hours as well. Highly experienced in commercial drone operations, working all over the United States of America (15 States 17,189 miles land/air deployments). Using commercial drones to inspect wind turbine blades, solar panels, cell towers, and real estate(6000+ flight hrs).
Creating the first drone service provider company and blueprint for the usage of drones in the City of Baltimore. Foremost leader in part 107, stem education and drone operations in the field. BVLOS, VTOL, Multirotor, Drone light show, Fixed Wing, Alta 6, DJI Phantom 4 Pro, Mavic Air 3, FPV, Simulator. Lidar, thermal, surveying, 2D, 3D.
We’d love to hear a story of resilience from your journey.
Well, how I got into the drone industry is because I got hurt at a previous job. I was 42 years old, looking for a new career that would keep me relevant. It really was not that difficult of a transition, but it kept me on my toes. I had to learn a whole new industry, and try to navigate myself through it, with out putting too much on my plate. I am what you would call a serial entrepreneur. Some of my past businesses included; hair salons, restaurants, moving/hauling and a real estate investor. All of the businesses that I previously just mentioned had failed, but I never stopped looking to create a successful business model. Now 8 years later I have done exactly that. Creating a virtual school drone school, with 51 graduates. I have traveled all over the US as a drone pilot service provider. Connecting with so many people all over the world. Not bad for a self taught person making a late career change.
What’s a lesson you had to unlearn and what’s the backstory?
The lesson I had to unlearn, was that if you fail, that does not make you a failure. I had to realize that my successes and failures made me the Man I am today. Plus it’s not all about winning, but enjoying the journey of life through all of its ups and downs. Sometimes you just have to love the life you have, and it’s as simple as that.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.fligflightschool.com
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/deandre-daniels-sr-6b466118a?utm_source=share&utm_campaign=share_via&utm_content=profile&utm_medium=android_app
Image Credits
Airman RI DeAndre L Daniels Sr
Flourishing Lives Investment Group LLC