What a year it’s been! Twin Cities Drone School continues to improve its products and to help grow the ranks of safe, responsible drone operators in Minnesota. Read on to find out what I’ve done and where I’m going.
2024 Year In Review
First, I’d like to thank EVERYONE who has worked with me in any capacity going back to the start of this business in 2016. You all have helped make it what it is today. Here are the highlights from this year:
New Focus
After a layoff in mid-2024, I’ve found myself with time on my hands. As some of you know, my “day job” is software engineering, and thankfully, I’ve been able to pick up contract work in that field. I’m also teaching part time at South Central College in Mankato. But that still leaves me with many more hours per week than I had before to dedicate to Twin Cities Drone School.
New Book
I’ve published a new reference book that contains FARs and Advisory Circulars specific to drone operations. This book is now included in my classes.
Media Interview
I was a guest on WCCO radio to discuss the “strange” drone sightings at the end of 2024.
Video Course Updates
I completed a top-to-bottom remodeling of the online video course, updating all information for 2025, including many video reshoots.
New Scheduling Option for Private Drone Lessons
Private drone lessons continue to be popular for people who have never flown and just need a walkthrough on how to get started. There’s a new option on my website for easy scheduling.
Market Trends
- In Minnesota, the largest user of drones that I have seen is in residential and commercial roofing companies.
- But, I’ve also seen a huge uptick in drones for agricultural applications. In fact, my own neighbor used a drone to spray his field this year. Keep your eye on this expanding segment of the industry.
Coming Soon in 2025
I’ve been working on several projects which will be launching in early 2025.
New Textbook: Drone Pilot Handbook
If you have taken any of my classes, you’ve heard me lament the fact that there are no good drone textbooks on the market, to which some of you said, “You should write one!”. Well, good news! I finally did it! The textbook is in the final stages of editing and is expected to be released in early 2025.
More Focus on Private Classes
I’ve focused more of my sales and marketing efforts on private classes, and so far private bookings exceed public classes by about 4:1. It’s hard to beat the convenience of doing the training right at your office.
New Video Courses
I’m working on some new, smaller video courses for beginning drone pilots who don’t need the full FAR 107 certification course.
More Online Course Updates
This is a continual project that will never end.
Happy New Year!
Again, THANK YOU to everyone who has followed on this journey so far. I’m looking forward to another productive year.