Stop Competing on Price. Start Delivering High-Value Drone Maps.
This 2-day, in-person workshop is the bridge from being just another drone pilot to becoming a sought-after mapping specialist who can confidently command premium rates.
Next Workshop: September 12-13, 2025
Seats are strictly limited to 6 pilots to ensure personalized instruction.
Are You Trapped in the
“Drone Race to the Bottom”?
You invested in your drone, got your Part 107, and were ready to take to the skies. But the reality of the drone business can be tough. You’re constantly bidding against low-ball offers for simple photo and video jobs, and it feels impossible to stand out.
You see the massive potential in construction, surveying, and agriculture, but you feel stuck. You lack the proven workflow, the hands-on experience with ground control points (GCPs), and the confidence to tell a client, “Yes, I can deliver the survey-grade data you need.”
Watching other pilots land these lucrative contracts is frustrating. It’s time to change that.
The Transformation: From “Unsure” to “In-Demand”
This workshop is designed for one purpose: to transform your career. In just two intensive days, you will gain the practical skills and deep understanding needed to leave the low-margin jobs behind. This is where theory meets the real world.
The “Before” Picture
Feeling like you “don’t know what you don’t know.” Confused by terms like RTK, PPK, and GCPs. Hesitant to bid on jobs outside of basic aerial photography. Worried about delivering inaccurate data and disappointing a high-paying client.
The “After” Picture
You’ll speak the language of surveyors and construction managers. You will confidently plan and execute mapping missions, capture and utilize ground control data, process it into stunningly accurate maps and models, and deliver reports that make you the go-to expert.
Learn From Proven Industry Leaders
Your training is a blended-learning experience led by two seasoned professionals: one who built a multi-million dollar mapping business from the ground up, and another who leads our UAS programs with a Master’s in the field.
Jared Janacek
Jared is the founder of Texas Drone Company, a leading service provider for the mining, construction, and survey industries. Flying over 100 mapping sites every month, Jared has perfected the streamlined workflows for accuracy and repeatability that form the foundation of your online learning.
Jason Wood
With a Master of Science in Unmanned Systems from Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University, Jason is our UAS Program Lead. He will be your hands-on guide in Prescott, helping you apply the theory and master the technology in a small, focused group setting.
What Makes This Workshop Different?
This isn’t just about flying a drone. It’s about mastering a complete commercial workflow, with an expert guiding you at every step. No more struggling on your own.
Get direct training from an industry professional who has built a career on the very skills you’re learning. Ask questions and get real answers.
You won’t be stuck in a classroom. We take you into the field to capture live data with the real-world tools used by the pros.
Learn on the same high-end equipment—like the Mavic 3 Enterprise, ground control stations, and processing software—that clients expect.
Go from data capture to final delivery. Learn to process your data into the highly accurate deliverables that clients are happy to pay for.
Your Learning Starts Now: 9.5 Hours of Online Courses Included
To ensure you arrive ready to fly and process, your enrollment includes lifetime access to our complete Drone Mapping, Modeling & Surveying online bundle ($299 value).
You are expected to complete these courses before the in-person workshop begins.
Your 2-Day, Hands-On Itinerary
This isn’t a lecture. This is a hands-on, scenario-based experience where you’ll be capturing and processing data from day one. With a maximum class size of 6, you get direct access to our expert instructor.
Briefing for Scenario #1 and mission planning.
Field Work: Set up and collect Ground Control Points (GCPs). Discuss the roles of RTK/PPK.
Field Work: Fly the mapping mission.
Field Work: Perform in-field data quality checks on imagery and ground control data.
Lunch at the building.
Classroom: Data import, management, and processing.
Classroom: Importing and tagging your GCP data.
Classroom: Point cloud cleanup, generating reports, and end-of-day debriefing.
Mission brief and assignment for a large-scale project.
Field Work: Student-led mission planning and data capture for the large-scale map.
Lunch at the building.
Classroom: Student-led data import and processing of the large-scale map.
Classroom: Making measurements, analyzing data, and creating a client report.
Classroom: Present your findings and data for review. Final debriefing and feedback.
From Your Fellow Pilots
Here’s what recent students have said after completing the mapping curriculum.
“I had been flying mapping missions for a couple years but always felt like I was missing some of the foundational knowledge… This course helped to not only fill in those gaps but gave me the confidence to take on more complex projects. The amount of information they pack into these courses is unbelievable. I can’t recommend them enough.”
“Jared’s Mapping and Surveying course is the single most important and useful course I have taken to advance my drone business… If you truly want to set yourself apart from the competition, this is it. It gave me the in-depth knowledge to understand the entire workflow from flight planning to delivering the final product to the client.”
“I have pages of notes and information, half of which I came into the course knowing absolutely nothing about. The most valuable part for me was understanding how to talk to clients and what they expect. These courses have my mind racing at some of the applications for Drone mapping, surveying, and modeling. Couldn’t thank Pilot Institute enough!”
Learn New Skills In a Place That Inspires
Classes will be held at Pilot Institute’s headquarters in Prescott, AZ
The Prescott Advantage
Our program is nestled in the heart of historic Prescott, Arizona. Choosing to train here means you’re investing in a focused, high-quality learning environment that doubles as a memorable getaway.
Location
Our downtown classroom is steps away from great local restaurants and coffee shops, perfect for meals and breaks.
Flying
Enjoy mild average summer temperatures at 5,300ft elevation. You’ll be training in comfort, not Phoenix’s 105°F heat.
Atmosphere
Escape the hustle and bustle. Study in a peaceful, charming environment that helps you focus and absorb the material without distractions.
The Prescott Advantage: Learn New Skills in a Place That Inspires
Our program is nestled in the heart of historic Prescott, Arizona. Choosing to train here means you’re investing in a focused, high-quality learning environment that doubles as a memorable getaway.
Location
Our downtown classroom is steps away from great local restaurants and coffee shops, perfect for meals and breaks.
Flying
Enjoy mild average summer temperatures at 5,300ft elevation. You’ll be training in comfort, not Phoenix’s 105°F heat.
Atmosphere
Escape the hustle and bustle. Study in a peaceful, charming environment that helps you focus and absorb the material without distractions.
Weekend Adventures in Arizona
You will not have time for much else other than studying. However, you can explore Arizona on a weekend or stay a few extra days to take it all in.
Your Investment in a High-Value Skillset
When you enroll today, you get everything you need to become a confident, capable drone mapping professional. This is a complete system for success, not just a single class.
Value Your All-Inclusive Workshop
Package
- 2-Day (16-Hour) In-Person Workshop $999.00 Value
- Online Drone Mapping, Modeling & Surveying Bundle $299.00 Value
- Test Ground Control Points and Drones Before You Buy $250.00 Value
- Extended Access to Processing Software $199.00 Value
- Two Completed Projects for Your Portfolio $500.00 Value
- Direct Mentorship (Max 6 Students) Priceless
- Total Real-World Value: $2,247.00
One project could pay for this entire workshop.
Claim Your Spot for September 12-13, 2025
With a class size strictly limited to 6 students, seats fill up extremely fast. Don't miss your chance to gain the skills that will define the next stage of your career.
Frequently Asked Questions
This community is focused on growing a business that incorporates drones in some way. It’s most suited for individuals with the Part 107 certificate who are interested in starting or growing a business alongside peers and learning from experienced professionals.
This community is focused on growing a business that incorporates drones in some way. It’s most suited for individuals with the Part 107 certificate who are interested in starting or growing a business alongside peers and learning from experienced professionals.
This community is focused on growing a business that incorporates drones in some way. It’s most suited for individuals with the Part 107 certificate who are interested in starting or growing a business alongside peers and learning from experienced professionals.
This community is focused on growing a business that incorporates drones in some way. It’s most suited for individuals with the Part 107 certificate who are interested in starting or growing a business alongside peers and learning from experienced professionals.
This community is focused on growing a business that incorporates drones in some way. It’s most suited for individuals with the Part 107 certificate who are interested in starting or growing a business alongside peers and learning from experienced professionals.
This community is focused on growing a business that incorporates drones in some way. It’s most suited for individuals with the Part 107 certificate who are interested in starting or growing a business alongside peers and learning from experienced professionals.
This community is focused on growing a business that incorporates drones in some way. It’s most suited for individuals with the Part 107 certificate who are interested in starting or growing a business alongside peers and learning from experienced professionals.
This community is focused on growing a business that incorporates drones in some way. It’s most suited for individuals with the Part 107 certificate who are interested in starting or growing a business alongside peers and learning from experienced professionals.