The Pitfalls of In-House Drone Operations: Why Outsourcing is the Smarter Choice

As the commercial applications of aerial drones continue to expand, many organisations are tempted to develop in-house drone capabilities by training existing employees as drone pilots. However, this approach often comes with numerous challenges and drawbacks. In this blog, we will explore the negatives associated with assigning current employees as drone pilots and advocate for the more efficient, cost-effective, and less risky alternative of partnering with professional commercial drone operations companies.




The Limitations of In-House Drone Operations.


Insufficient Expertise and Training.

 While an employee may possess skills in their current role, acquiring expertise in operating drones requires specialised knowledge and training. The complexities of drone flight, regulations, and maintenance demand focused education and experience. Relying on an employee to become proficient in drone operations as a secondary duty may result in subpar performance, increased risk, and limited capabilities [1].

Divided Focus and Reduced Efficiency.

Assigning an existing employee to handle drone operations as a secondary duty divides their attention and stretches their resources thin. Juggling multiple responsibilities can lead to decreased efficiency in both their primary role and drone operations. Tasks that demand focused expertise may suffer, ultimately impacting overall productivity and quality of work [2].


Increased Liability and Risk. 

Drone operations come with inherent risks, including accidents, property damage, or privacy breaches. Employees with limited training may not possess the necessary skills to mitigate these risks effectively. Inadequate understanding of regulations, flight protocols, and safety procedures can result in compliance issues, legal complications, and reputational damage for the organisation [3].


Costly Investment in Equipment and Maintenance.

Building an in-house drone capability requires significant investments in equipment, software, and maintenance. Purchasing drones, cameras, batteries, and other accessories can quickly add up, placing a strain on the organisation's budget. Additionally, maintaining and repairing the equipment necessitates ongoing expenses and expertise in troubleshooting technical issues [4].


Lack of Specialised Services and Scalability.

In-house drone operations may limit the range of services available to the organisation. Professional commercial drone operations companies specialise in various areas such as aerial photography, videography, inspections, surveying, and mapping. Partnering with such companies provides access to a broader range of expertise and specialised services, tailored to the organisation's specific needs. Furthermore, professional drone service providers can quickly scale operations to accommodate large-scale projects or changing requirements [5].



The Advantages of Outsourcing to Commercial Drone Operations Companies.


Expertise and Specialised Knowledge.

Professional drone service providers possess extensive experience, industry-specific expertise, and the necessary certifications to ensure high-quality drone operations. Their skilled pilots are well-versed in regulatory compliance, flight safety, and advanced drone technologies. By partnering with experts, organisations can tap into their specialised knowledge and benefit from superior results [6].


Cost-Effectiveness and Flexibility.

Outsourcing drone operations eliminates the need for substantial upfront investments in equipment, maintenance, and training. Professional drone service providers offer flexible pricing models, allowing organisations to pay only for the services they need, when they need them. This cost-effective approach frees up resources for other core business activities and reduces financial risks associated with in-house operations [7].


Reduced Liability and Risk.

Professional drone service providers prioritise safety and adhere to strict protocols and regulations. They carry comprehensive insurance coverage, mitigating the organisation's liability in case of accidents or damage. By entrusting drone operations to experts, organisations can minimise risk exposure and ensure compliance with legal and ethical standards [8].


Access to Advanced Technology and Equipment.

Drone technology is continually evolving, with new advancements and specialised equipment emerging regularly. Professional drone service providers stay at the forefront of these developments, investing in cutting-edge technology and equipment. By outsourcing to experts, organisations can leverage the latest tools and technologies without the burden of maintaining and updating their own fleet [9].


While it may be tempting for organisations to assign existing employees as in-house drone pilots, the drawbacks and challenges associated with this approach make outsourcing to professional commercial drone operations companies a more sensible choice. By partnering with experts, organisations can benefit from specialised knowledge, increased efficiency, reduced liability, access to advanced technology, and cost-effectiveness. Outsourcing drone services allows organisations to focus on their core competencies while leveraging the expertise of industry professionals, ensuring optimal results and mitigating risks in the ever-expanding world of aerial drone operations.




References:

[1] Federal Aviation Administration. "Drone Pilots: Training and Certification." FAA, 2021.

[2] Dingler, Tiffany. "Avoid These 5 Common Pitfalls of In-House Drone Operations." Measure, 2019.

[3] Transport Canada. "Safety Guidelines for Drone Pilots." Transport Canada, 2021.

[4] Yarrow, Andrew. "The Costs of Drone Ownership." DroneBase, 2021.

[5] Fenn, Ryan. "The Benefits of Outsourcing Drone Services." Skyward, 2020.

[6] Davis, Christopher. "Why Your Business Should Outsource Drone Services." Dronelife, 2021.

[7] Falconer, Miriam. "Why Outsourcing Drone Operations Is More Cost-Effective." DRONELIFE, 2021.

[8] Morris, Bob. "Why Outsourcing Your Drone Operations Is a No-Brainer." Commercial UAV News, 2019.

[9] Drake, Matt. "The Advantages of Outsourcing Drone Operations." DRONELIFE, 2021.

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