Free tool
What it takes to start.
Startup costs, monthly burn, and three revenue scenarios. From your niche.
What's your primary service?
Choose the service you'll focus on first. This shapes your equipment, insurance, and earnings projections.
Category
Inspection
Diversify with a second niche — blends your rate projection (70/30 split).
Who will you primarily serve? This influences your marketing plan.
Step 1 of 5
Methodology
How the numbers are built.
Built from 2026 industry data — UAV Coach, The Drone U, and operator surveys.
- 01 Service & market Pick the niche and client type. That sets gear, certs, and earning potential. niche drives everything
- 02 Startup costs Equipment, certs, insurance, software, legal — plus a 10% buffer for the surprises. one-time investment
- 03 Operating costs Monthly burn: depreciation, insurance, travel, marketing. Adjusted for area and commitment. monthly burn rate
- 04 Revenue projections Three scenarios at 60%, 80%, and 100% utilization. Beginner rates — honest first year. conservative · moderate · optimistic
- 05 Break-even Months until the startup spend is recovered, including your launch delay. startup cost ÷ monthly net
For a deeper dive, see our complete guide to starting a drone business or the pricing calculator for per-job rates.
The CRM for the hours you are not flying.
Start free. Add a client. Run one agent. See the margin on the first quote.