Drone Education and Industry Insights with Tonie Smith

Q1: How did you go from business and operations into aviation and drone technology?

Tonie: Honestly, it was not planned at all. I was working in real estate operations and looking into becoming a home inspector. During my coursework, I saw a small note that said you could use a drone instead of climbing a 17 foot ladder to inspect roofs. I paused everything and thought why have I never considered this. That moment changed everything. I shifted gears, studied for my Part 107, and completely fell in love with the possibilities. I realized drones were not just gadgets. They were tools that could solve real problems.

Q2:  You were also involved in the early Drone as First Responder program in Chula Vista. What was that experience like?

Q3: What made you transition from industry into teaching?

Tonie: Recruiting did. When I was hiring drone pilots, I realized many applicants had their Part 107 but were missing foundational knowledge. They did not fully understand airspace, risk assessment, or troubleshooting. I thought instead of hoping someone else trains them properly, why not help shape that foundation myself. When I discovered a local adult school had a drone program but no full-time instructor, it felt like the perfect solution. I could train the kind of pilots I would want to hire.

Q4: What makes your program different from basic Part 107 prep courses?

Tonie: We go beyond the test. The 107 is just the entry point. We focus heavily on risk management, pre flight planning, maintenance, and decision making. I want students to understand that flying is actually the smallest part of being a professional drone operator. It is about preparation, responsibility, and problem solving. We use scenario based learning so students work through real world situations instead of just memorizing information.

Q5: What kinds of careers are your students moving into?

Q6:  Looking ahead, what trends should new drone pilots be paying attention to?

Tonie: Regulatory changes are huge, especially discussions around Part 108 and expanded operations. Technology changes quickly too, especially with concerns about certain manufacturers. That is why we teach transferable skills. If students understand process, safety, and systems, they can adapt to any platform. The mindset and the fundamentals will always matter more than a specific piece of equipment.

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