UAS Pilot Fees - Salaries - Compensation

[WingNut]

Hello All

I have been having some intense discussions with my fellow pilots and UAS enthusiasts regarding compensation for UAS pilots. Most of us agree that even though we dont leave the ground we are Pilots, bound by the same rules and regulations as our fixed wing counterparts and held to the same standards and accountable for our actions and occasional failures.

Having several hours of flight training under my belt in a Cessna 152 and 172 I can tell you that other than take off and landing the experience is quite similar I would even go so far as to say that when flying my craft I still experience the "pucker" effect at times.

With that said our investment in platforms, technology, insurance, software, hardware and hours spent honing our skills entitles us to commensurate compensation but what that compensation could and should be is still up for discussion. Rather than let others dictate our worth, I would like to see us, the "Pilots in Charge", the "Talent" dictate our earnings not some cheap SOB trying to make the lions share of profit off our hard work.

So, what are your thoughts on compensation?

Feel free to share links, statistics, compensation information from reputable sources or if you have established yourself and have hard info on this subject please share.

We are here to support one another. Being a licensed Pilot makes you part of an elite brotherhood and as such it is all of our responsibility to support one another in times of success and hardship.

I look forward to exchanging views, opinions and insights with you.

 

[BillyTexas]

The key is dont start cheap and try go go up.

Bill W.

 

[Tuna]

Speaking to some long time professional drone operators, with motion pictures and national adverts to their name, I can say that the glut of people who've bought a drone and think they're therefore pilots and cameramen is causing big issues, both for prices and quality of work.

Quite a few 'starting out' operators will charge next to nothing just to get a gig. They'll then deliver sub-standard work and everyone is left with a bad taste in their mouths.

One tale I was told was of an operator with 2 x $10,000 dollar professional rigs (complete with Alexa cameras and high end lenses) who turned up to do a TV show opening sequence. It turned out he was the FIFTH drone operator they had gone with after one no show, two guys who just couldn't deliver the shots required and one guy who started his drone up, got it in the sky and then watched as it disappeared over the horizon never to be seen again. Needless to say, that guy only had one drone.

The point is that you shouldn't underestimate the skill and experience needed to deliver the shot or service required of you. It's not just a question of being a responsible, capable pilot, but also being able to get to the right place, at the right time and with the right equipment and camera control to get the footage your client has in mind. Unfortunately, inexperienced clients have nothing to go on to judge your experience, and will often just pick the cheapest person with a bright smile.

You also shouldn't underestimate the business skills required to keep your diary busy with good quality clients. One of the most experienced drone operators in the industry is currently doing the lecture circuit, not because it pays more, but because directors go with other businesses over his. His show reel is incredible, but that doesn't count for much if you can't get people to pay for your services.

 

[PatR]

Establish what your knowledge and skill is worth, then establish what your cost of equipment is, then divide the cost of equipment by estimated number of hours of useful life to establish equipment cost per flight hour. After that add for profit and overhead. Profit IS NOT your wage! Establish want you want to make per hour and add all costs and overhead to that.


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