Frequently Asked Questions
From the Sky Eye Network February 2020 Webcast
Questions About The Training You Will Be Receiving:
Will every SEN member who attends Flight Instructor Training Certification automatically pass and become certified?
No, unfortunately, if you cannot demonstrate the skills, knowledge and safety level required, and you do not pass the tests, then you will not be certified.
How am I qualified as an SEN Flight Instructor?
When you attend the SEN Flight Instructor Training program, you will train with Damon Darnall, the Drone Boss. There is a specific curriculum you will follow, along with a flying and written test that you must pass to become certified. Keep in mind Damon is the best of the best as far as commercial drone pilots are concerned and his job will be to ensure you are prepared to teach others as a professional flight instructor.
Do I have to have a minimum number of Drone flight hours to be an SEN flight Instructor?
Yes, you will be required to have a minimum of 25 DFH (drone flight hours) to attend the flight certification training.
You can track your drone flight hours on the DJI App (the app that you fly your DJI drone with.)
How do I track my Drone Flight Hours (DFH's)?
This is done automatically on most modern drone apps. You should also be keeping a physical flight log.
Do I need to have an aircraft pilot’s license?
Definitely not. In fact, it has been our experience that commercial pilots generally have a hard time learning to fly a drone because they are used to being inside of a cockpit. And the controls change significantly when flying a drone. Keep that in mind in the future when you start training aircraft pilots to fly drones. You will have to have your FAA 107.
How does my SEN Flight Instructor Certification better position me in the marketplace?
You are a certified flight instructor of the largest network of drone entrepreneurs in the world. This is a huge marketing and positioning advantage.
This is yet another elite credential you have to your name. The 25-hour Drone CE you have from Drone Command Live, your SEN ID card, and your FAA 107 license, in addition to other certificates you have received, all position you as “THE” expert in your market.
It’s another service to offer (branch of your business) which further expands your business foundation and reach.
Once I become an SEN Certified Flight Instructor, am I on my own?
No, not at all. We will provide you with the completed training program along with scripts, notes, presentation, and a workbook / study guide for your students to follow along and take home. We’ll also provide you with all the promotional material you’ll need including a professionally done video, hot button loaded webpage, print advertising, swipe files, and more, all created by Diego himself.
Questions About The Training You Will Be Teaching:
Is this Flight Training certified or recognized by the FAA?
No. Currently the FAA only offers the 107 as the official “license” to operate a drone commercially. However, 107 certification is not the same as drone pilot training. We are offering drone pilot training—something that the FAA does not offer.
What authority does SEN have to issue pilot’s licenses?
SEN is not issuing pilot’s licenses. We are providing drone training, a certificate of completion (after successfully completing the training) and issuing drone operator cards. The authority is based on the strength and confidence the marketplace has on SEN itself. SEN is risking its reputation in this growing marketplace with the flight instructor’s program. We will do everything in our power to ensure our reputation remains solid and that SEN is the strongest international organization for the drone industry.
By way of contrast, there are a dozen or more certification organizations that offer scuba diving licenses. None of them are recognized nor authorized by any government. But scuba divers are putting their lives at risk by diving—it is much more dangerous than flying a drone. Worldwide, these licenses to dive are recognized by scuba diving companies and operators based on the confidence they have in the reputation of the licensing organizations, like PADI. The Drone industry is new, and the Sky Eye Network is poised to be the 900-pound gorilla in this industry.
What good is a certificate of completion signed by me?
If you’re a certified Flight Instructor with the Sky Eye Network, your certificate means that your student has attended your flight instruction course and that your student understands the basics of flight, flight safety, equipment handling, and basic photography and videography and not only receives a Certificate of Completion from you their instructor, but will also be issued their Drone Operator’s Card by the premier network of professional drone entrepreneurs in the world, Sky Eye Network. That carries a lot of weight.
Will I be provided with a one-day training curriculum to hold my trainings?
Yes, you will not only receive everything you need to successfully conduct your own one-day training, but The Drone Boss is going to take you through the exact training you are going to give.
I’m a Gold Member. Will my website be updated to include the flight training info?
No. You will need to have it updated or pay a web developer to add this page to your website.
I’m concerned about competition having other SEN Flight Instructors in my area.
Having additional flight instructors in your area will work to everyone’s benefit. You’ll have the opportunity to teach larger co-classes with more students. You’ll have the flexibility of having someone cover your classes if you’re on holiday. You’ll be able to brainstorm, share ideas and much more. Just like with our other drone services, there’s plenty of demand.
What equipment will I need to hold an SEN Flight Training?
At least 1 drone (Mavic, P4, Inspire)
Enough Batteries and Chargers for 3 hours of flying
Computer to run presentation
Projector & Screen (if not provided with room)
Workbooks (provided by SEN)
Pens
Water (if not provided with the room)
Landing pad — for flight training
Small orange cones for ground markers
Is there any associated cost other than the $99 to SEN for each student’s materials and the membership card?
Totally depends on you. The course is designed so one instructor can handle up to 10 students. If you have more than that you’ll need another instructor. You’ll need a room to teach in and an area to fly in that is a large open area, typically 100ft X 200ft or larger, ideally within walking distance from your training room. It also needs to be in non-restricted airspace. They range from free (community centers, HOA, condo and apartments, country club, club houses, etc.) to paid, which usually run from $50-$200 a day (small hotels, event centers, etc.)
Is this just a way to get new SEN Members?
Absolutely not. This is created for you as an additional revenue stream and a huge positioning tool for you and your business. One of the top target markets for drone training are small businesses who are looking to have one of their employees fly a drone for their business. These businesses are willing to pay for the training of their employees and have no interest in starting drone businesses.
However, for those students who are interested in starting a drone business once you have trained them to fly, you can offer them a discount to an upcoming Drone Command Live event and you will receive a commission for it.
Click the links below for more information:
Flight Instructor Registration
Hotel Information:
Marriott Courtyard
130 Northpark Plaza Dr
Kingwood, TX 77339
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