Flying High After 60: My Drone Business Journey
(another ChatGPT special).
Starting a new business can be tough at any age, but building a drone business when you’re of retirement age comes with its own unique challenges—and a fair share of rewards. Here’s a glimpse of what I’ve learned so far.
Learning New Technology
Drones, by nature, are highly technical machines. As someone who didn’t grow up with technology like younger generations, I had to put in extra time to master the controls, flight planning software, and photography techniques. It’s not just about flying the drone—it’s about understanding GPS coordinates, how the camera works, and troubleshooting issues mid-flight. While the learning curve has been steep, staying curious and persistent has paid off. Every successful flight is a small victory that reinforces my confidence.
Breaking into a Competitive Market
The drone photography space is growing fast, and a lot of younger professionals are already entrenched in the industry. Coming into this field at retirement age, I had to leverage my decades of experience in related fields—photography and business management—to find my niche. For me, that niche became aerial architectural photography, where my keen eye for design and composition gave me a competitive edge. Still, marketing my skills, building a client base, and proving I could deliver in a tech-heavy industry required a lot of grit and persistence.
Physical and Mental Stamina
Flying drones for commercial purposes, especially in architectural or real estate shoots, involves long hours of standing, concentrating, and even climbing to vantage points to get the perfect shot. While I stay in good shape, I can’t deny that age can sometimes slow you down. That said, I’ve found ways to work smarter, not harder—by using tools and technology to reduce strain and by building relationships with younger colleagues who help with the more physically demanding aspects of the job.
Overcoming Stereotypes
Ageism is real in any business, and the tech world is no exception. I’ve encountered my share of skepticism, with potential clients assuming I wouldn’t be as proficient with the technology simply because I’m older. However, overcoming these assumptions has been rewarding. Once clients see the results of my work and realize that experience brings a lot to the table, many of those concerns disappear.
The Reward of Lifelong Learning
One of the biggest surprises has been how much I enjoy the challenge of learning something new every day. Starting a drone business after retirement has kept me mentally sharp and constantly engaged. Whether it’s keeping up with new drone regulations or learning advanced photography techniques, I’m proof that you’re never too old to reinvent yourself.
Final Thoughts
Building a drone business at retirement age hasn’t been without its hurdles, but the sense of accomplishment I feel with each successful project makes it all worth it. The challenges keep me motivated, and the rewards—like seeing a finished project come together—make it an exciting second career.