Elevating Imagery with Drone Certification

Elevating Imagery with Drone Certification

In Video by Chloe Reynolds

On May 27, I officially became an FAA certified drone pilot! For the last three years I’ve been interested in getting my drone license, but in the last five months, I made it a reality. For me this means elevating imagery for clients and reaching new heights for our entire video department.

Back in December, I set a goal that I would have my drone pilot’s license by April. I was on track, I bought an online class that went through each section of the FAA Part 107 Unmanned Pilot exam, taking the practice exams, understanding all (most) of the material, and I registered to take the exam in mid-March. Two days before I was supposed to take the exam, the entire state was put on a stay at home order due to the coronavirus. I raced over to the testing facility in hopes that I would be allowed to take the exam early. Unfortunately, I wasn’t able to, so the waiting game began. So I waited, and waited.

I continued to study and brush up on everything I had learned over the last few months. Finally, after Memorial Day, Governor Whitmer announced the state would slowly open back up with protective measures implemented. I quickly called to confirm the testing facility was open and I registered to take my exam. I was confident but very nervous at the same time. Once I finished answering that last question and submitted my test. I was overloaded with excitement when I saw that I PASSED!

This certification opens up opportunities for myself and for Michigan Creative. Now that we have another person on staff who can operate a drone, we can be more flexible with drone filming and offer more to our clients. Our clients are always excited when we offer drone video or photography, and knowing that I will be able to help them with that is going to help take the Michigan Creative video department to the next level.

Outside of Michigan Creative, I have a small business where I photograph and film weddings, and it’s one of my favorites. With a drone pilot license I can now capture even more special moments for my clients.

I’m excited to enter into this new phase. This is going to open up so many new doors for the company and my professional life. As well as allowing me to be more creative and develop my style of photography and video. We’d love to capture some unique drone footage for your next event or your business, let us know! We’d love to create with you!