In this episode of Your Drone Questions. Answered, we’re diving into one of the most in-demand (and misunderstood) drone inspection niches out there: cell tower inspections.
Today’s question is this:
👉 What are the real keys to success for drone pilots who want to work in the telecom inspection world?
To tackle this topic, we are joined by Hunter Ardrey, a drone industry veteran who has spent years flying structural, utility, renewable energy, and telecom missions across the southeast.
Together, we break down:
🔹 The scale of the telecom inspection industry
🔹 What rads (antenna arrays) are and why they matter
🔹 How digital twins are captured and delivered
🔹 What equipment is (and isn’t) used in real-world tower work
🔹 Manual vs automated tower-capture workflows
🔹 Accuracy requirements and image-quality standards
🔹 How tower work compares to inspecting other infrastructure
🔹 Whether new pilots can still break into this niche today
Hunter also shares an honest look at the current state of the telecom market, including pricing pressure, big-player consolidation, and practical paths for new pilots who want to build skills and get experience.
If you’ve ever wondered how cell tower inspections actually work — or whether this niche makes sense for your drone business — this episode lays it all out.
Have a question you want answered on the show?
📩 Submit anytime at YDQA.io or email chris@dronelaunchacademy.com
What is Your Drone Questions. Answered.?
Have a drone question? We'll answer it. Welcome to "Your Drone Questions. Answered.", the podcast where we bring you the answers to your burning drone-related questions! Each episode, we take questions submitted by our audience and find industry experts to provide insightful and informative answers. Our interviews with these experts are typically 10-15 minutes long, making it easy to fit into your busy schedule. From flying techniques and gear to regulations and industry news, we cover it all. Whether you're a drone hobbyist, a professional, or just curious about the world of drones, "Your Drone Questions. Answered." is the podcast for you. So, send in your questions and join us as we explore the exciting world of drones!