Reflecting on my growth in 2024 and offering advice for aspiring drone operators
By Dazon Sigo
Drone Operator
Cayuse Native Solutions
2024 was a year of growth and learning for me, in my second year of being a commercial drone operator. Both Cayuse Native Solutions, Delmar Aeroeducation and my college classes have taught me so much. While working full time, I am taking classes at Blue Mountain Community College to earn a degree in Unmanned Aircraft Systems.
I had a great time with my mentors at Delmar with the various operations we flew last year. We did a lot of flight testing on prototype platforms, flew photogrammetry and LiDAR missions, and other various flights for customers with unique needs.
I also had the opportunity to instruct several individuals in our ground school and flight camps. Many of the 2024 students were tribal members from the Confederated Tribes of the Umatilla Indian Reservation who were selected to go through training as part of the Tribe's workforce development efforts. It was great to see so many tribal members wanting to become Part 107 certified drone pilots. The majority of them came to our course not knowing anything about aviation and left with the tools and knowledge to go into the field prepared to work.
I attended a few conventions where we showcased our drone services, including the Reservation Economic Summit in Las Vegas and Xponential drone show in San Diego. At those events, I met some great people from tribes across the country. I was also selected to travel to Texas on a project where I trained some drone operators on a new platform.
If you are looking to become a drone operator, I have some tips for you.
First, Look to get educated. Consider our courses that will help you learn about flight principles, regulations, safety practices, and hands on flight training. Being knowledgeable in your profession will help you grow leaps and bounds ahead of everyone that is doing the same thing.
Second, ask questions. When learning a new skill, you might get in the way of yourself by not fully understanding what you are doing/need to do.
And finally, practice! If you have your own drone, I highly recommend enhancing your skills on the sticks. Start with simple flights to build your confidence and gradually progress to more complex maneuvers and challenging environments.
Ultimately, staying motivated and committed to your goals will make it easier to overcome obstacles and grow as a drone operator.
I can personally say that I most certainly grew as a person and drone operator in 2024. I am excited to see what 2025 has in store for Cayuse Native Solutions. I'd love to have you as part of the drone classes that I instruct or to fly a mission for your organization. Reach out through our website to start the conversation!
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