That drone you gifted your daughter might just become a lucrative career. Certified drone pilots can earn over $50,000 annually, and the Federal Aviation Administration certifies drone pilots that meet the requirements as young as 16 years old. Roxane Romulus, founder of Black Girl Drone World, wants young Black girls to explore the world of drones. Her goal is to educate and prepare young girls for the FAA examination.
There are two paths to take in the drone world: (1) recreation (TRUST) or (2) career (PART 107). Romulus offers workshops that help attendees think of drones as viable business and career opportunities rather than just as hobbies or toys.
Consider the following uses for drones:
- Real Estate: Take aerial photos highlighting the landscape, progress of a build, or virtual walk arounds of a property.
- Professional Photography: Film an opening movie scene, the overhead photo that captures the moment.
- Health Care: Transport a lifesaving organ or much needed blood in a rural area.
- Shipping and Logistics: Think Amazon and pizza; help a business deliver goods to customers faster.
- Public Safety: Find survivors after a major storm or earthquake—a drone could navigate the area, sending back images faster.
- Racing: Feel the need for speed? Join a drone racing club!
- National Defense: Drones can sometimes enter spaces without regard to infrastructure; this is ideal when dealing with espionage.
Romulus admits that oftentimes in STEAM (science, technology, engineering, arts, and math) a specific niche is saturated by the time Blacks want to enter the market and entering the market late impacts revenue. For example, cybersecurity professionals could easily command top dollar a few short years ago, but online certifications, web conferences, seminars, and the like have made it a more competitive field.
While drones are not new, the business opportunities that can be launched are still a great option for Black girls; of the over 200,000 FAA certifications earned, less than 5% are to people of color. Opportunities are limitless, and the market is still emerging. Now—right now—is the best time for young Black girls to fly without ever leaving the ground.
Romulus partners with educators to encourage students to seek careers in the STEAM field. High school students in the SOFU community can enroll in a course offered at the Fulton College and Career Academy during the school year. The facility boasts state-of-the-art flight simulation and different sized drones for students to experience.
Those interested in learning more about drones and the possibilities flying a drone or unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) can bring can attend Romulus’ workshops at the Aviation Community Cultural Center in July and August. Her fun and informative workshops provide attendees with instructions about flying drones as well as business insight. Attendees will experience creating business plans, marketing, and, of course, flying drones. Attendees may also have the pleasure of meeting Romulus’ daughter, who has 4 years of experience at the ripe age of 8.
Interested in racing? Look for the launch of Romulus’ drone racing club soon; be one of the first to join her team.
Ready to soar to higher heights? Visit BlackGirlDroneworld.com.
Note: All drones over 0.55 pounds must be registered with the FAA, but only those used for commercial activities need to be operated by a licensed pilot (Flying.com).