FAA Compliant DronesTraining · Teaching · Services
FAA-licensed commercial & recreational pilot

Fly smart. Fly legal. Fly with purpose.

Drone training for kids, families, churches and professionals, plus licensed commercial drone work for real estate and investors. Taught by a Part 107 remote pilot and longtime Pathfinder leader in the Maryland / DC region.

FAA Part 107 Remote Pilot TRUST certified Pathfinder honor instructor
2
FAA drone credentials held (Part 107 + TRUST)
13 yrs
Pathfinder club director (2006 to 2019)
$0
Cost of the FAA recreational safety test (TRUST)
400 ft
Max altitude in most airspace. We teach the rest
Choose your path

Everything drones, in one place

Whether you just unboxed your first drone or you want to get paid to fly, start here.

Free · Start here

Recreational flyers

Take the free FAA safety test (TRUST), register if your drone is over 250 g, and learn where you can and can't fly.

Get your TRUST certificate →
Youth · Clubs

Pathfinder Drone Honor

A hands-on class for Pathfinder clubs: safety, rules, flight skills and a real flight session, taught by a licensed pilot.

See the class →
Career

Part 107 commercial prep

Want to fly for money? Study plan, practice questions and coaching for the FAA Remote Pilot knowledge test.

Become a commercial pilot →
Hire us

Licensed drone services

Listing photos and video, investor flyovers, roof and site imagery, and rehab progress shots.

See services →
Which path fits you?

60-second path finder

Why do you want to fly?

Who is flying?

Your path: Recreational

Take the free TRUST test, register your drone if it is over 250 g, then book a hands-on lesson.

Start with TRUST
Your path: Youth / club

The Pathfinder Drone Honor class is built for this: safety first, then real flying with a licensed instructor.

See the Drone Honor
Your path: Commercial (Part 107)

Any flying for business needs an FAA Remote Pilot Certificate. Start our prep plan.

Pilot program
Meet your instructor

Felix Nieto II

Licensed FAA Part 107 commercial remote pilot and TRUST-certified recreational flyer. Felix led Pathfinder clubs as a director for 13 years, earned a 1st Place Eagle Award, and trains Pathfinder leaders and instructors. He brings the same patience to a 10-year-old's first hover as to a commercial shoot.

  • FAA Commercial Drone Pilot (Part 107), 2023
  • FAA Recreational (TRUST), 2023
  • Pathfinder Leadership Instructor Trainer
  • Licensed Maryland real estate professional: knows what a listing shot needs

Full bio FelixNietoII.com

Regional know-how

Flying around Baltimore & Washington is different

The DC area has some of the most restricted airspace in the country, plus busy airports like BWI and DCA. Knowing the map is half the job.

Restricted zones

Large parts of the region sit inside special flight rules around Washington. Many spots that look harmless are off-limits without approval.

Learn the DC rules →

Airport airspace

Near BWI, Martin State, DCA and smaller fields you often need an airspace authorization, which many pilots can get in minutes through LAANC.

How authorizations work →

Remote ID

Most drones must broadcast Remote ID. We'll show you how to check yours and fix it if it doesn't.

Remote ID basics →
Questions

Quick answers

Do I need a license to fly a drone for fun?

You need to pass the free FAA Recreational UAS Safety Test (TRUST) and carry proof. Drones over 250 g (0.55 lb) must also be registered with the FAA.

Can I post my drone videos on YouTube?

If the flight was for fun, yes. If you are paid, promote a business, or film for a client (like a real estate listing), that is commercial and needs a Part 107 certificate.

What age can kids start?

There is no minimum age for TRUST, and kids learn fast. We recommend a sub-250 g training drone and an adult nearby for younger flyers.

Do you travel for jobs?

Yes, across Maryland and the DC region. Restricted-airspace locations need extra lead time for approvals.

Need gear?

Shop drones and arcade games at Professional Drones & Gaming

Starter drones, class kits, parts, and classic arcade cabinets. Every drone comes with a first-flight safety briefing.

Visit the store