Why Black and Minority Communities Must Take Flight in the Drone Industry
- TCB Drones LLC
- Sep 17, 2025
- 2 min read
The drone industry isn’t just about cool gadgets or aerial photography anymore—it’s a billion-dollar ecosystem that touches nearly every major sector: construction, agriculture, logistics, law enforcement, media, and even healthcare. Yet despite this explosive growth, less than 3% of certified FAA drone pilots are Black or from minority communities.
This gap matters. Because when our communities aren’t represented, we miss out on opportunities for wealth creation, leadership, and influence in industries that are shaping the future.
The Wealth Factor
Think about past moments in history when emerging industries changed the world—the industrial revolution, the rise of oil and gas, the birth of technology startups. Those who stepped in early reaped rewards that created legacies lasting generations. The same opportunity is here today with drones.
Certified FAA Part 107 drone pilots can earn anywhere from $40,000 to $150,000+ annually, depending on specialization. For entrepreneurs, the sky is literally the limit—you can build businesses in aerial cinematography, inspections, delivery services, or agriculture. That means not just jobs, but ownership and wealth creation.
Representation Creates Possibility
When young people see others who look like them thriving in an industry, it changes what they believe is possible. Right now, many in our community don’t even know drone careers exist. We must change that narrative.
Imagine students at HBCUs adding drone certifications to their resumes. Picture local Black-owned businesses using drones for marketing, surveying, or delivery. Think about law enforcement and first responders in our communities trained to deploy drones for safety and disaster recovery.
How We Close the Gap
Here’s what needs to happen now:
Schools & HBCUs: Build drone pilot training into STEM programs so students graduate prepared for high-paying jobs.
City & County Governments: Invest in drone workshops as part of workforce development to equip underserved communities.
Black-Owned Businesses: Leverage drones as a competitive advantage—restaurants, contractors, realtors, and creatives can all benefit.
Community Engagement: Talk about drones. Mentor young people. Share opportunities. Representation grows when awareness spreads.
The Next Step Starts Here
At TCB Drones Academy, we believe in turning hobbies into hustles and hustles into careers. That’s why we’re offering free webinars to introduce our community to the opportunities in the drone space.
Next Free Webinar: September 29th
Don’t wait. The future of drones is already here. Let’s make sure our communities are part of it.
Comments