The honest part
Events pay more per day, but there is one chance to get it right, you work weekends, and flying near crowds brings extra rules on operations over people. Many venues limit drones, so check first. Most clients book through a photographer or videographer, so partnering with one is often the way in.
What this work pays
- $500 to $2,500 per event, from one pilot's rate cardTypical ranges people report: One practitioner's rate card, r/Part107 (May 2026), 2026-05, low confidence
First three moves
- Reach out to two local wedding videographers and offer to add aerials to one of their shoots.
- Learn the operations over people rules before you fly near guests.
- Cut a 30-second highlight reel from anything you have shot.
Liftoff gets you licensed and includes a full guide to this kind of work, with portfolio shot lists, pricing sheets and first messages to send.