---
title: "Why Drone Training Matters: Turning Skills Into Real-World Impact"
description: Learn how drone expert Adrian Odell uses professional training to improve safety, efficiency, and data accuracy in real-world construction projects.
---

[Blog ](https://www.flyusi.org/blog)

# [Why Drone Training Matters: Turning Skills Into Real-World Impact](https://www.flyusi.org/blog/why-drone-training-matters-turning-skills-into-real-world-impact)

 Written by [USI](https://www.flyusi.org/blog/author/usi) | Apr 2, 2026 3:14:39 PM

 In this episode of The Unmanned Podcast, Adrian Odell, Director of Flight Operations at ARO Aerial Inc, joins the conversation to share how drones are transforming construction and surveying workflows. As a USI graduate and instructor, he breaks down how professional training has elevated his approach to safety, planning, and data collection, while also highlighting the real-world impact drones have on efficiency, accuracy, and decision-making across complex job sites. 

Q1:  So how did you get into drones? 

**Adrian:** Honestly, it started back in 2016 when I saw a licensed pilot brought in for a project, and that’s when it clicked that drones are actually serious tools, not just something you fly for fun. I’d always been into aviation growing up, so once I saw the real-world application, I got hooked pretty quickly. I started with one drone, and now I’ve built that up to about twelve.

### Q2:  How did you end up getting involved with USI? 

**Adrian:** I was already teaching and working in drone education, and through that I got introduced to USI as a way to level up my own skills. I figured I’d try it out, but it ended up being way more valuable than I expected in terms of structure, professionalism, and how it applies to [real-world operations. ](https://www.flyusi.org/guides/going-beyond-part-107)

### Q3:  What surprised you most about the program? 

 **Adrian:** Probably how professional and detailed it was, especially when it came to [safety and communication](https://www.flyusi.org/visual-line-of-sight-system-operation-ground) during operations. It really focused on how to operate as a team and think beyond just flying, which made me realize there were definitely areas where I could improve and be more intentional. 

### Q4:  Has that training changed how you run your business? 

 **Adrian:** Definitely, it’s made me much more intentional in everything I do—from planning flights to communicating with clients and teams on-site. I now spend more time thinking about what kind of data is actually needed and how to deliver it in a way that’s useful, not just capturing visuals. 

### Q5:  What does your day-to-day work look like in construction? 

 **Adrian:** A lot of it is planning before I even step on-site, like mapping flights, setting up ground control points, and understanding what level of accuracy the project needs. Then when I’m on-site, it’s all about executing that plan consistently and making sure the data I collect is reliable and usable for everyone involved. 

### Q6:  Any advice for someone trying to get into drones? 

**Adrian:** Don’t just stop at getting your Part 107—use that as your starting point and [keep building from there.](https://www.flyusi.org/guides/get-108-ready) Pick a lane, whether it’s construction, agriculture, or something else, and really focus on becoming great in that specific area so you can stand out and grow professionally.

** Want more insights from industry experts?**   
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#### Click Below to Watch the Full Episode

 

[View full post](https://www.flyusi.org/blog/why-drone-training-matters-turning-skills-into-real-world-impact)

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