Uploaded April 2025 | Updated September 2026, 2 weeks ago
Want to grow your drone business, book high-paying contracts, and get FAA-authorized for restricted airspace?
This episode reveals how Jason Flakes did it—step by step.
In this episode of Elevating Drone Life, Rob talks with Jason Flakes, the award-winning founder of Visual 14, about how he turned a career setback into a thriving commercial drone business. You will discover how he uses cinematic storytelling, strategic proposals, and FAA-compliant flight operations to build his six figure drone business.
From filming Amazon Prime documentaries to winning a 3-year aerial contract over a 16-mile metro line, Jason shares hard-won insights on:
Pricing drone services with confidence
Getting FAA authorization in restricted zones
Submitting winning RFPs (and how to ask for a debrief)
Capturing footage that looks like it came from a Hollywood set
Turning raw content into recurring revenue
Whether you’re just starting out or looking to scale, this episode is a masterclass in real-world drone success.
Want to fly like a pro and get paid what you're worth?
Discover 40+ industry-leading courses right from FAA Part 107 prep to advanced mapping, modelling and inspections.
Go here → thedroneu.com
⏱️ Timestamps
00:00 – Who is Jason Flakes?
06:00 – Laid off → Launched business
13:00 – From architecture to drone media
19:00 – Discovering the power of drone storytelling
28:00 – Behind the 3-year metro rail aerial contract
34:00 – FAA drone rules explained (and how to build trust)
42:00 – How to price drone jobs the smart way
48:00 – Licensing, deliverables, and protecting your work
52:00 – Gear talk: Mavic 3 Pro vs Inspire 2 + DJI ban
57:00 – Upcoming documentaries and mindful filmmaking
Resources & Links
📍 Jason’s Website – visual14.com
📸 Instagram – instagram.com/jasonflakes
📕 Mocktail Monday – mocktailmondaybook.com
🎤 TED Talk – Putting Hustle Culture to Rest → youtube.com/watch?v=DhG7Pu09AZI
📗 The Hustle Equation – Buy on Amazon (amazon.com/dp/B08XYZ1234)
Want free tools to jumpstart your drone career?
📥 Download our Drone Pilot Starter Kit
Learn to Master the Skies and Build Your Confidence as a Drone Pilot. The Drone Starter Kit is a collection of 3 amazing courses worth $97 - all for free.
➡️ learn.thedroneu.com/bundles/drone-flying-starter-kit
Stay Connected
👍 Like this episode if it helped
🔔 Subscribe & turn on notifications for weekly pro tips
📣 Share this video with a friend who's trying to break into the drone industry
#DroneBusiness #DroneFilmmaking #FAA107 #DronePilotLife #DroneContracts #StorytellingWithDrones
🔥Follow us:
Site - thedroneu.com
Facebook - facebook.com/droneu
Instagram - instagram.com/thedroneu
Twitter - twitter.com/thedroneu
YouTube - youtube.com/c/droneu
Want to grow your drone business, book high-paying contracts, and get FAA-authorized for restricted airspace?
This episode reveals how Jason Flakes did it—step by step.
In this episode of Elevating Drone Life, Rob talks with Jason Flakes, the award-winning founder of Visual 14, about how he turned a career setback into a thriving commercial drone business. You will discover how he uses cinematic storytelling, strategic proposals, and FAA-compliant flight operations to build his six figure drone business.
From filming Amazon Prime documentaries to winning a 3-year aerial contract over a 16-mile metro line, Jason shares hard-won insights on:
Pricing drone services with confidence
Getting FAA authorization in restricted zones
Submitting winning RFPs (and how to ask for a debrief)
Capturing footage that looks like it came from a Hollywood set
Turning raw content into recurring revenue
Whether you’re just starting out or looking to scale, this episode is a masterclass in real-world drone success.
Want to fly like a pro and get paid what you're worth?
Discover 40+ industry-leading courses right from FAA Part 107 prep to advanced mapping, modelling and inspections.
Go here → thedroneu.com
⏱️ Timestamps
00:00 – Who is Jason Flakes?
06:00 – Laid off → Launched business
13:00 – From architecture to drone media
19:00 – Discovering the power of drone storytelling
28:00 – Behind the 3-year metro rail aerial contract
34:00 – FAA drone rules explained (and how to build trust)
42:00 – How to price drone jobs the smart way
48:00 – Licensing, deliverables, and protecting your work
52:00 – Gear talk: Mavic 3 Pro vs Inspire 2 + DJI ban
57:00 – Upcoming documentaries and mindful filmmaking
Resources & Links
📍 Jason’s Website – visual14.com
📸 Instagram – instagram.com/jasonflakes
📕 Mocktail Monday – mocktailmondaybook.com
🎤 TED Talk – Putting Hustle Culture to Rest → youtube.com/watch?v=DhG7Pu09AZI
📗 The Hustle Equation – Buy on Amazon (amazon.com/dp/B08XYZ1234)
Want free tools to jumpstart your drone career?
📥 Download our Drone Pilot Starter Kit
Learn to Master the Skies and Build Your Confidence as a Drone Pilot. The Drone Starter Kit is a collection of 3 amazing courses worth $97 - all for free.
➡️ learn.thedroneu.com/bundles/drone-flying-starter-kit
Stay Connected
👍 Like this episode if it helped
🔔 Subscribe & turn on notifications for weekly pro tips
📣 Share this video with a friend who's trying to break into the drone industry
#DroneBusiness #DroneFilmmaking #FAA107 #DronePilotLife #DroneContracts #StorytellingWithDrones
🔥Follow us:
Site - thedroneu.com
Facebook - facebook.com/droneu
Instagram - instagram.com/thedroneu
Twitter - twitter.com/thedroneu
YouTube - youtube.com/c/droneu
