Introduction: Turning a Hobby into Cash
If you’re a high school student with a drone—or thinking about getting one—you may already know that flying it is fun. But here’s the exciting part: that hobby could also help you earn serious summer money for college. Today, drones aren’t just toys; they’re tools used in photography, mapping, inspections, marketing, and even creative art projects. And thanks to affordable models, you don’t need a $5,000 professional setup to get started.
With the right training, business plan, and marketing, you can turn your drone into a mini money-making machine.
Step 1: Know the Rules (Canada Edition)
- Before you start earning money with a drone in Canada, you must understand the rules set by Transport Canada.
- Registration: If your drone weighs between 250 g and 25 kg, it must be registered, and the registration number must be clearly marked on the drone.
- Pilot Certificate:
- Basic Pilot Certificate – For low-risk operations (e.g., away from bystanders, outside controlled airspace).
- Advanced Pilot Certificate – For higher-risk operations (e.g., near people, in controlled airspace).
- You’ll take an online exam for either certificate through Transport Canada’s site.
- Minimum Age: 14 for baic operations, 16 for advanced.
- Cost: $10 for drone registration + \$10 online exam fee for the basic certificate (more for advanced).
- Insurance: Not legally required, but smart to have for liability. Many companies offer short-term or seasonal drone insurance.
📌 Tip: Check out Transport Canada’s Drone Safety site for the latest rules and practice exams.
Step 2: Choosing an Affordable Drone
You don’t need a Hollywood-grade drone to run a small summer business.
Here are some budget-friendly options.
DJI Mini 2 SE
Approx. Cost (CAD) \$479 Flight Time: 31 min
Camera Quality: 2.7K videoBest Use:Real Estate,
social media content
Ryze Tello -
Approx. Cost (CAD) \$150 Flight Time: 13 min
Camera Quality:720p video
Best Use: Event teasers,
practice drone
Holy Stone HS720E
Approx. Cost (CAD) \$350
Flight Time:23 min
Camera Quality: 4K video
Best Use: Outdoor videos,
inspections
Potensic Dreamer Pro
Approx. Cost (CAD) \$400 Flight Time 28 min C1amera Qualituy:4K vide
Best Use: Agriculture surveys,
marketing
DJI Mini 3
Approx. Cost (CAD) \$699 Flight Time 38 min
Camera Quality: 4K HDR video
Best Use: Weddings,
professional-look
Go to check Amazon.ca or Amazon.com to check out the drones you are looking for. Affiliate.*
*CAD=Canadian funds
📌 Tip: Choose a drone under 250 g (like the DJI Mini series) if you want fewer regulatory hurdles, but remember you still need a certificate for commercial work.
Step 3: 20 Drone-Based Business Ideas
Here are money-making ideas a high schooler can realistically do with an inexpensive drone:
1. Real Estate Photography – Take aerial shots of homes for sale.
2. Event Highlights – Capture school sports, community fairs, or parades (with permission).
3. Tourism Videos – Create short videos of local attractions for tourism boards.
4. Roof Inspections – Check for damage after storms.
5. Agricultural Crop Surveys – Provide farmers with visual crop health checks.
6. Construction Progress Photos – Document stages for builders.
7. Marketing Videos for Small Businesses – Showcase outdoor spaces and store locations.
8. Social Media Content Creation – Flyovers for influencers or local brands.
9. Property Mapping for Landowners – Create stitched maps of properties.
10. Golf Course Overviews – Make promotional videos for golf clubs.
11. Pet Adventure Videos – Record fun outdoor clips for pet owners.
12. School Promotional Videos – Help local schools update their marketing.
13. Nature Footage Sales – Sell stock footage to sites like Shutterstock.
14. Beach & Park Safety Patrols – Help local authorities spot crowding or hazards.
15. Wedding Drone Footage – Capture aerial views of ceremonies.
16. RV Park or Campground Tours – Promote sites for summer tourists.
17. Sports Team Promo Clips – Highlight players and games from above.
18. Garden & Landscaping Showcase – Show off yards for landscapers.
19. Neighborhood History Tours – Combine drone footage with local history facts.
20. YouTube Channel – Monetize videos about your local area.
Step 4: Learning & Inspiration
Want to get inspired or learn the skills for your drone business?
YouTube Creators
Billy Kyle (drone tips & reviews)
Ken Heron (fun + educational flying)
Online Courses:
Udemy’s Drone Photography & Mapping courses
Pilot Institute’s Canadian drone pilot training
Social Media Hashtags: Search `#dronephotography`, `#dronelife`, or `#djimini` on Instagram/TikTok.
Local Meetups: Check Facebook groups for local drone pilots.
Step 5: Getting the Word Out
* Post your best shots on Instagram, TikTok, or Facebook.
* Offer a “first job free” promo to build your portfolio.
* Drop off flyers at real estate offices, golf courses, and farms.
* Join your local Chamber of Commerce youth entrepreneur program.
* Network at community fairs or farmers’ markets.
Step 6: Understanding Costs & Pricing
Startup Costs (approximate CAD):
* Drone purchase: \$150–\$700
* Registration: \$10
* Certification: \$10–\$25
* Liability insurance: \$200–\$400 (seasonal)
* Marketing (flyers, business cards, ads): \$50–\$200
Ongoing Costs:
* Battery replacements: \$60–\$150
* Maintenance/repairs: \$50–\$200 per season
* Software subscriptions (for editing/mapping): \$10–\$40/month
Typical Pricing Range (per job in Canada):
* Real estate photos: \$100–\$300
* Event highlight reel: \$150–\$500
* Roof inspection: \$75–\$200
* Mapping/agriculture: \$150–\$400
* Small business promo video: \$200–\$500
📌 One last tip: Start small, do a few jobs for free to get reviews, then raise your rates as your skills (and your drone) improve.
The Landing:
A drone can be more than a fun gadget—it can be a stepping stone toward your college fund. If you approach it as a real business, follow the rules, and focus on quality, you can earn money while building a portfolio that might even help you in future careers.
Note: We are affiliates with Amazon. If you purchase an item by going through our affiliate links, we receive credit for the referral. Thank you for your support.
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