From Laid Off to 6-Figure Drone Filmmaker: Jason Flakes' FAA-Approved Flight Plan

Want to grow your drone business, book high-paying contracts, and get FAA-authorized for restricted airspace?

This episode reveals how Jason Flakes did it—step by step.
In this episode of Elevating Drone Life, Rob talks with Jason Flakes, the award-winning founder of Visual 14, about how he turned a career setback into a thriving commercial drone business. You will discover how he uses cinematic storytelling, strategic proposals, and FAA-compliant flight operations to build his six figure drone business.
From filming Amazon Prime documentaries to winning a 3-year aerial contract over a 16-mile metro line, Jason shares hard-won insights on:
Pricing drone services with confidence
Getting FAA authorization in restricted zones
Submitting winning RFPs (and how to ask for a debrief)
Capturing footage that looks like it came from a Hollywood set
Turning raw content into recurring revenue
Whether you’re just starting out or looking to scale, this episode is a masterclass in real-world drone success.
Want to fly like a pro and get paid what you're worth?
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⏱️ Timestamps
00:00 – Who is Jason Flakes?
06:00 – Laid off → Launched business
13:00 – From architecture to drone media
19:00 – Discovering the power of drone storytelling
28:00 – Behind the 3-year metro rail aerial contract
34:00 – FAA drone rules explained (and how to build trust)
42:00 – How to price drone jobs the smart way
48:00 – Licensing, deliverables, and protecting your work
52:00 – Gear talk: Mavic 3 Pro vs Inspire 2 + DJI ban
57:00 – Upcoming documentaries and mindful filmmaking

Resources & Links
📍 Jason’s Website – https://visual14.com
📸 Instagram –   / jasonflakes  
📕 Mocktail Monday – https://mocktailmondaybook.com
🎤 TED Talk – Putting Hustle Culture to Rest →    • Putting Hustle Culture to Rest | Jaso...  
📗 The Hustle Equation – Buy on Amazon (https://www.amazon.com/dp/B08XYZ1234)

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