We caught up with the brilliant and insightful John “Zagi” Jones a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.
John “Zagi”, we’re so excited for our community to get to know you and learn from your journey and the wisdom you’ve acquired over time. Let’s kick things off with a discussion on self-confidence and self-esteem. How did you develop yours?
My confidence as a licensed drone pilot and instructor is deeply rooted in a lifelong passion for remote-controlled (RC) flight. This passion began with model airplanes, where the delicate balance of aerodynamics taught me precision and patience. Over the years, this hobby evolved to include flying helicopters and quadcopters, each new craft presenting unique challenges and learning opportunities. The countless hours spent fine-tuning controls and navigating through various flight conditions have honed my skills and fostered a deep understanding of flight dynamics. This extensive hands-on experience not only equipped me with technical expertise but also instilled a sense of confidence that I carry into every project, ensuring that I approach each task with a well-informed and practiced hand.
Transitioning from hobby to profession, my journey into the realm of commercial drone operations has been marked by a commitment to excellence and innovation. The evolution from amateur enthusiast to certified professional involved rigorous training and certification under the FAA’s Part 107 regulations, which reaffirmed my dedication to this field. This transformation has enabled me to seamlessly merge my passion with professionalism, offering clients a unique blend of enthusiasm and expertise. My background in RC flight provides a solid foundation for tackling complex aerial projects, making me an ideal partner for real estate developers and industries seeking dynamic and reliable drone services.
In addition to technical prowess, my experience has cultivated a creative mindset, essential for tackling diverse projects across various industries. Whether it’s capturing stunning aerial imagery for real estate developments, conducting detailed inspections for construction sites or exploring innovative applications in agriculture and environmental monitoring, my ability to apply RC flight principles to practical scenarios sets me apart. My goal is to leverage this blend of confidence and creativity to deliver unparalleled service, ensuring that every project not only meets but exceeds client expectations.
Let’s take a small detour – maybe you can share a bit about yourself before we dive back into some of the other questions we had for you?
One of the most fulfilling aspects of my career is the opportunity to speak and teach about the transformative potential of drones. As an instructor, I am committed to demystifying drone technology and its applications, making this knowledge accessible to all. I appreciate the chance to engage with diverse audiences, from industry professionals to curious beginners, conveying the exciting possibilities that drones offer today and what they promise for tomorrow. By sharing my expertise and experiences, I aim to inspire others to explore the world of drones, sparking curiosity and encouraging innovation in this rapidly evolving field.
A key focus of my educational efforts is reaching out to underprivileged individuals and communities. I firmly believe that access to information and technology can be a catalyst for positive change, opening doors to new opportunities and career paths. By providing workshops and resources tailored to these groups, I strive to empower them with the knowledge that could significantly impact their lives. My goal is to bridge the gap between technology and those who may not traditionally have access, fostering inclusivity and diversity within the drone industry.
Looking ahead, the future of drone technology is incredibly promising, with advancements poised to revolutionize numerous sectors. From enhancing logistics and infrastructure to supporting environmental conservation and disaster response, the potential applications are vast and varied.
As a thought leader and educator in this space, I am excited to be at the forefront of these developments, advocating for responsible and innovative use of drones. By instilling a forward-thinking mindset in my students and collaborators, I aim to contribute to a future where drones are integral to solving complex global challenges, ultimately improving the quality of life for people worldwide.
If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?
Essential Qualities for Success in Drone Operations:
a. Relaying the Importance of Safety in Every Aspect of Drone Operations
Safety is the cornerstone of any successful drone operation, and it is a principle I emphasize in every aspect of my work. From pre-flight planning to post-flight analysis, maintaining a rigorous safety protocol is paramount. This involves thorough risk assessments, meticulous equipment checks and adherence to industry best practices. By fostering a culture of safety, I ensure that every project is executed with the highest standards of care, minimizing risks to both personnel and property. Clients can trust that my operations are conducted responsibly, with a steadfast commitment to protecting their interests and maintaining public confidence in drone technology.
b. Understanding the Rules and Regulations of Operating RC Aircraft
In the rapidly evolving landscape of drone technology, a comprehensive understanding of the rules and regulations governing RC aircraft is essential. As a certified Part 107 drone pilot, I am well-versed in the legal frameworks that dictate drone operations, from airspace restrictions to privacy considerations. This knowledge is critical for ensuring compliance and avoiding costly legal pitfalls. By staying informed about regulatory updates and participating in industry advocacy, I am able to navigate the complexities of drone legislation, providing clients with peace of mind and ensuring that all operations are conducted within legal boundaries.
c. Have Fun and Earn a Good Living Doing Something You Love!
The ability to have fun and earn a living doing something you love is a rare and rewarding experience. In the world of drones, this is not only possible but increasingly accessible as the industry expands. My journey from hobbyist to professional has demonstrated that passion and perseverance can translate into a fulfilling career. By combining creative problem-solving with technical expertise, I am able to deliver innovative solutions that resonate with clients and create lasting impact. This approach not only enhances client satisfaction but also reinforces my own passion for the field, driving continuous growth and success in my drone business, Drone Photography Pittsburgh.
Okay, so before we go we always love to ask if you are looking for folks to partner or collaborate with?
As a dedicated drone pilot and instructor, I am consistently seeking opportunities to partner and collaborate with individuals and organizations that share a vision for leveraging drone technology to create innovative solutions. My aim is to forge meaningful collaborations with professionals across various sectors—including real estate developers, construction managers, environmental scientists, agricultural experts, and creative industries such as film and photography. By combining our diverse expertise and perspectives, we can unlock the full potential of drone applications, driving advancements that benefit both our respective fields and the broader community.
I am particularly interested in collaborating with real estate developers and construction firms who are eager to integrate cutting-edge aerial imaging and data analysis into their projects. Drones offer unparalleled capabilities for site surveys, progress tracking and marketing visualizations, and I am excited to partner with those who are ready to embrace this technology to enhance efficiency and innovation. Additionally, I am interested in working with environmental and agricultural specialists who are exploring drones as tools for monitoring ecosystems, improving crop yields and advancing sustainability initiatives.
For those interested in collaborating, I invite you to connect with me. You can reach out via email ([email protected]) or via my YouTube channel, where you will find more information about my services and past projects. I am also active on LinkedIn, which serves as a platform for networking and exploring potential partnerships. By connecting, we can discuss how our combined efforts can lead to groundbreaking projects and mutual growth, ultimately pushing the boundaries of what drone technology can achieve. I look forward to the possibility of working together to bring innovative ideas to life.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/DronePhotographyPittsburgh
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/Thorpe169
- Youtube: https://youtube.com/@DronePhotographyPgh
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