What our members have to say...

The path to becoming an expert mountaineer and cliffhanger takes dedication and time, but if you put your mind to it, you'll have no problem becoming one of the best. What are you waiting for?

Reviews

5 star rating

Great Course

Patrick McConnell

Always fresh content presented in a friendly manner by a pro. A must have tool for the serious remote pilot.

Always fresh content presented in a friendly manner by a pro. A must have tool for the serious remote pilot.

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5 star rating

DPA helped me change my future

Adam Orchard

I just wanted to make a quick post about how much DPA has helped me in changing my stars. I don't come from a film or photography background. In fact, before...

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I just wanted to make a quick post about how much DPA has helped me in changing my stars. I don't come from a film or photography background. In fact, before I got a drone I didn't know anything about ISO, frame rate, shutter speed, f-stop or anything like that. I had never edited a video or picture. I've never really felt like I was a creative person. Well, I joined DPA after I got a drone as a hobby. I quickly realized that I loved flying and I wanted to see how I could make money doing this. I had an ad pop up on my Facebook news feed for a free webinar to learn some cool drone shots. As you probably guessed, it was Chris. I watched his webinar and was instantly hooked on learning how I could fly professionally. I signed up and started learning and practicing. Over time I was able to put together my first demo reel. And with constant networking and meeting people I've been able to find some random jobs here and there, but the last few months is when things have started to take off. I was able to make a connection with a local real estate photographer who needed a drone guy. She loved my demo reel and we partnered up. I now have a couple of clients who have continued to send me work. This week I have earned almost $1000 flying my drone. I can't tell you how amazing it feels to make money doing something I love. I'm still far from where I want to be earning-wise, but I'm definitely off to a good start. Thank you, Chris, for putting together such an awesome course and sharing your knowledge with us! You are a giant among men. To those who are just getting started: This course works! You need to always be teachable. Be willing to learn. Use the awesome resources we have. Practice, learn, make mistakes, experiment, ask questions, just TRY. If you're willing to put the time and effort it, it will pay off in the end.

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5 star rating

Phenominal Content that is ever expanding

Teyler Hurst

Chris and his team are straight up bad-asses. Do I need to say more? Well I am anyway... a little less than a year ago maybe about 9-10 months, I decided t...

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Chris and his team are straight up bad-asses. Do I need to say more? Well I am anyway... a little less than a year ago maybe about 9-10 months, I decided to pursue this drone photography thing, with no background what so ever in anything photography or post production. By happen stance the next day Chris had a webinar ad posted on the Facebooks talking about in essence “what DPA can do for you”. I signed up and was hooked on this entire drone idea, Chris made it sound and feel obtainable if you wanted it bad enough, well I did and still do! After ripping through DPA in its entirety it was evident that Chris Newman wants us all to succeed. Chris didn’t hold back and still doesn’t. Every time I turn around there is new or redone content on here! My hat is forever off to Chris Newman for being the professor of Drone-badassery…. MONEY AND TIME WELL SPENT!!!!!!!!

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5 star rating

DPA & Chris Newman Will Take You Where You Want To Go

Noel Talavera

I am so happy that I took his course. With all the gimmicks and scams online, it was scary to give away my credit card information. But I have NO regrets. I ...

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I am so happy that I took his course. With all the gimmicks and scams online, it was scary to give away my credit card information. But I have NO regrets. I instantly felt like an insider as he took me behind the scenes, through his personal experiences and gives away every secret in his tool box. Chris is genuinely a good guy and an exceptional teacher. Although he is a leader, if not the best, in his field, he is humble and never pretends to know it all. The industry is newly evolving and he is always learning and always excited to share new information and innovations. I highly recommend this course if you're interested in the drone business, getting your part 107 or just fascinated by the drones. I believe the course is good for everyone and anyone. Whether your new at drones or have some experience, you will definitely learn something from this course. Trust Chris Newman and his DPA to guide you through this exciting and ever growing industry!

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5 star rating

Module 1 - Drone

Joe Gurkovich

Every Section provided details of Drone technology and business that would take years of trial and error experiences to learn !

Every Section provided details of Drone technology and business that would take years of trial and error experiences to learn !

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5 star rating

Amazing information that is delivered with exact amount o...

David Cooper

Whether new to the sUAS industry or seasoned photographer or aviation enthusiast, this course will increase your knowledge of photography, use of Drones/sUAS...

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Whether new to the sUAS industry or seasoned photographer or aviation enthusiast, this course will increase your knowledge of photography, use of Drones/sUAS in videography as well as help you navigate the intricacies of the newly expanding usage of sUAS in lots of applications and multiple platforms being used by professionals around the globe! The network of professionals in itself is worth the price of the course, when you add-in what you will learn from Chris Newman/Drone Pro Academy (DPA), the value of the membership is second to none ! If you are at all on the fence --- check out his commitment by offering a refund . . . how many folks would be that confident that you will learn the information and remain as a member? My only regret is not knowing about it sooner and joining DPA earlier. Very seldom to go I go to any commercial shoot and not use what DPA and its members have taught me ! As NIKE says "Just Do It" ! EQB View is proud to be an associate of DPA ~

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5 star rating

What an amazing course DPA is!

Don Curo

I was a bit hesitant at first when I watched the free webinar pitch that hyped us up on signing up for DPA. I thought that it's quite a bit of money for such...

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I was a bit hesitant at first when I watched the free webinar pitch that hyped us up on signing up for DPA. I thought that it's quite a bit of money for such an online course. I must say my doubts were soon squashed as soon as I discovered the wealth of information available to me as a member. The Facebook members group is 100% invaluable and only adds to the overall value of the course. I am able to get almost immediate answers to all my drone industry questions when I post them to the FB group. If you're just getting into the drone industry, DPA is worth every penny and I highly recommend becoming a member. Thanks Chris Newman for all you do!

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5 star rating

Amazing Course!

Michael Finn

If you are thinking about starting out in the sUAS industry or even if you are already running...you have got to sign up for this course. It covers everythi...

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If you are thinking about starting out in the sUAS industry or even if you are already running...you have got to sign up for this course. It covers everything you could possibly imagine and then some! Chris Newman is an amazing instructor and has an enormous wealth of knowledge and experience. I haven't seen anything else like this online (or anywhere). The best investment I have made yet!

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5 star rating

Drone Pro Academy gave me the needed info to start my Aer...

Phillip Prest

Chris has created not just a Classroom experience but rather a Place for all DPAmembers to learn from each other. What makes this organization so great, bey...

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Chris has created not just a Classroom experience but rather a Place for all DPAmembers to learn from each other. What makes this organization so great, beyond Chris's knowledge and experience, is the fact that he will come right out and ask us for advice or help. I was fortunate enough to be one of the first day 107 testers along with Chris, and other DPA Members, we all worked together to find answers and get info so that all of us can pass the test.

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5 star rating

Course

christopher generette

Awesome course and well worth the money, the community interaction and abundance of knowledge is priceless. Good job Drone Pro Academy!

Awesome course and well worth the money, the community interaction and abundance of knowledge is priceless. Good job Drone Pro Academy!

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5 star rating

Great information to get you started

vance cassaro

I thought the program was really good, great info, straight to the point, useful techniques! Thx Chris for all the info! Vance

I thought the program was really good, great info, straight to the point, useful techniques! Thx Chris for all the info! Vance

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5 star rating

Superb!

Jay Hovanec

I can't say enough good things about this course! It explains in detail just about everything you need to know about flying a UAV for filming. Chris is very ...

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I can't say enough good things about this course! It explains in detail just about everything you need to know about flying a UAV for filming. Chris is very personable, has a vast knowledge of the business, and is always open to new ideas and suggestions. I even had the pleasure of speaking with him over the phone for more detailed info on a few subjects. Two very big thumbs up!!!!

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5 star rating

Drone Pro Academy review

Todd Ruffin

This is the best money I have spent as a business Owner. I was skeptical at first. I had a lot of previous experience with video and cameras, so naturally...

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This is the best money I have spent as a business Owner. I was skeptical at first. I had a lot of previous experience with video and cameras, so naturally I wondered if it would be worth it. It is 100% worth it! Chris Newman cares about this community. The facebook group is the best. Its very informative and industry focused. Thankyou

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5 star rating

Just Epic

Jovany Jimenez

This tutorial goes over everything I can possibly think of with regards to aerial drone footage. Chris has taken an extraordinary amount of time and effort t...

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This tutorial goes over everything I can possibly think of with regards to aerial drone footage. Chris has taken an extraordinary amount of time and effort to bring simple tips to save you the hustle of starting off. The course is well paced, organized and filled with good vibes. Thank you Chris for pioneering in this field. Truly appreciate an artist who shares his craft !

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Curriculum

  • 1

    Introduction

    • FYI : New Name! Drone Pro Academy

    • 1.1 Welcome! 6 Steps to success. My Story

    • 1.2 Drone Pro Academy Manual / Workbook (Download)

    • 1.3 Join DPA Community on Facebook!

    • 1.4 Where are you from? DPA Members Location Map

    • 1.5 Join your local Drone Club

  • 2

    Module 1 | The Drone

    • 1.1 Intro / Safety

    • 1.2 Anatomy of a Drone

    • 1.3 What Drone Should I Buy?

    • 1.3.5 Beginner Drone options, Setup and Operation

    • 1.4 Camera Drone Unboxing / Setup

    • 1.5 DJI Flight Simulator

    • 1.5.2 How to Fly - Flight Training and Drills

    • 1.6 Intelligent Flight Modes

    • 1.7 Best Camera Settings

    • 1.7.5 Exposure Tutorial - Daylight and Lowlight

    • 1.8 "Secret Sauce" Smooth Camera Settings

    • 1.9 Advanced Photo Modes

    • 1.10- Best Apps to use with Your Drone

    • 1.11 How to Travel with your Drone/Create a Media Pass

    • 1.12 Flight Log - Download - Update coming soon!

    • 1.13 DJI App Auto Update Tip!

    • 1.14 Maintenance - How to Deep Cycle DJI Smart Batteries (Important!)

    • 1.15 Getting Started Quiz

  • 3

    Module 2 | Chapter 1 | Cinematic Drone Film School

    • 1.1 Drone Composition / Framing

    • 1.2 Drone Focal Length

    • 1.3 The Effects of Aperture, Shutter speed and ISO

    • 1.4 CAMERA SETTINGS EXPLAINED

    • 1.5 Drone Shot Coverage

    • 1.6 How to Film Real Estate

    • 1.6.5 Panoramic photography Tutorial with DJI Phantom & Inspire

    • 1.7 Tips for flying in Wind

    • 1.8 Tips for Flying On a Boat

    • 1.9 Choosing your Camera Operator for Dual Operator Setup (Inspire)

    • 1.10 Top 5 Camera Operator Transmitter Settings

    • 1.12 DRONE VR Camera Control Tutorial

    • Questions?

  • 4

    Module 2 | Chapter 2 | Cinematic Drone Shots

    • 2.1 Top 11 Cinematic Shots (PDF)

    • 2.2 How to Achieve Cinematic Camera Movements

    • 2.3 Static Moving

    • 2.4 180 Wrap Around

    • 2.5 360 Wrap Around

    • 2.6 Birds Eye View

    • 2.7 Chicken Shot

    • 2.8 Closeup & Pull Away

    • 2.9 Drone Jib

    • 2.10 Followed Shot

    • 2.11 Forward Tilt down

    • 2.12 Shooting the Gap

    • 2.13 Tilt up Reveal

    • 2.14 Twist 'n Shout

  • 5

    Module 2 | Chapter 3 | Post Production (Editing)

    • 3.1 Editing Software -Adobe Premiere VS Final Cut X

    • 3.2 Final Cut X Overview w/ Taco Hornbaker

    • 3.3 Adobe Premiere student discount!

    • 3.4 - Editing - Premiere Pro - Getting Started

    • 3.5 CineChopper Iceland Reel Practice Footage Download

    • 3.6 Editing - Premiere Pro- How to Shorten Music

    • 3.7 Editing - Premiere Pro - Editing to Music like a PRO

    • 3.8 Editing - Premiere Pro - How to Export Videos in High Quality

    • 3.9 Editing - How to Make an Amazing Demo Reel! (Most important!)

    • 3.10 Editing - Premiere Pro- How to Color Correct and Make Looks

    • 3.11 Nick Sales Drone Color Correction Look Tutorial ​

    • 3.12 Editing - Premiere How to use a LUT in Premiere PRO CC

    • 3.13 Editing Premiere Pro -How to perform a Time Remap

    • 3.14 - Editing -Premiere - How to post stabilize using Warp Stabilizer

    • 3.15 How to Conform a high frame frame rate on a clip for Slow Motion.

    • 3.16 How to Post Zoom in Premiere Pro

    • 3.17 Premiere Pro Smooth Zoom Transitions (Full time Film Maker Tutorial)

    • 3.18- Before and After Fix, Rolling Shutter (Jello) with Mercalli V4! :)

    • 3.19 Drone Music Resources

    • 3.20- Build a Custom PC Computer to Meet Your 4K Editing Needs

    • 3.21- Setting up a HDD RAID

    • 3.22 After Effects 3D Title Tracking

    • 3.23 After Effects Tutorial - Advanced Tracking - With Jonathan Harris

    • 3.24 Lower Thirds/Info Boxes

    • CDU EDITING TEMPLATES FREE (Premiere Pro)

    • 3.25 How to create a Drone Timelapse

  • 6

    Module 3 | The Drone Business

    • 0.1- Working on a Film Set Explained

    • 0.2- Client Pre-Visualization

  • 7

    Module 3 | Chapter 1| Working with the FAA

    • 1.1- How to Register your Drone to operate commercially

    • 1.2- What to do before your shoot, and how to ask permission to fly!

    • 1.3.5 How to apply for an Airspace Waiver

    • 1.4- AIRSPACE 3D MAP!

  • 8

    Module 3 | Chapter 2 | Drone Insurance

    • 2.1- Verifly The "UBER" of Drone Insurance

    • 2.2- CDU Member Liability and Hull Insurance!

  • 9

    Module 3 | Chapter 3 | Building your Brand

    • 3.1- How to Setup your LLC! (Limited Liability Corporation)

    • 3.2- Building an online Presence

    • 3.3- Building a Website (Squarespace)

    • 3.4 Setup Google Business Account

    • Questions?

  • 10

    Module 3 | Chapter 4 | Advertising / Finding

    • 4.1- How to Get Started with Your Aerial Business

    • 4.2- Business Call Script for UAV Business

    • 4.2.5 First Call with your Client / Email

    • 4.3- Drone Sales Email Templates

    • 4.3.5 Drone Quote Calculator

    • 4.4- Real Estate Call Script for Drone Business

  • 11

    Module 3 | Chapter 5 | Working with the Client

    • 5.1- How to Determine Day Rate

    • 5.2- INVOICE SOFTWARE (Update coming)

    • 5.3- Contract Proposal Download

    • 5.4- Invoice Software

    • 5.5- Pre Production - Shot Direction

    • Questions?

  • 12

    Module 3 | Chapter 6 | Drone Jobs

    • 6.1- Drone Job Websites (To help you find work!)

    • 6.2- Part 107 Holder Database

  • 13

    Module 3 | Chapter 7 | Travel and Storage

    • 7.1- HOW TO GET DISCOUNT BAGGAGE FEE'S

    • 7.3- How to make your own Custom Travel Case

    • 7.4- Choosing a Case for Travel (My custom cases)

    • 7.5- Travel Checklist Download

    • 7.6- Risk Assessment Document for AERIAL FILMING

    • 7.7- How to Make a 3D Model of a structure using Drone Deploy

    • Questions?

  • 14

    Module 3 | Chapter 8 | CDU Member Interviews

    • Interview #1- Jonathan Harris (Real Estate)

  • 15

    Module 4 | Virtual Job Shadow (BTS)

    • BOXER COMMERCIAL -TERRY O' QUINN-PUERTO RICO BTS

    • CORRIDOR DIGITAL -SHADOW OF MORDOR BTS

    • THE PIANO GUYS - BATMAN EVOLUTION BTS

    • PARKOUR BTS

    • DEERVALLEY HOUSE BTS

    • SKIING CINECHOPPER BTS

    • SONY HAWAII - BTS

    • MERCEDES DAY 01 BTS

    • MERCEDES BTS DAY 02

    • PERU MIRACLE BTS

    • Olympic Park Panoramic Photos- BTS

    • HOSPITAL AND LIFEFLIGHT BTS

    • PIANO GUYS ONE TAKE BTS

    • MOAB WATERBOTTLE SHOOT - BTS

    • LARRY H MILLER RACEWAY BTS

    • CineChopper featured on Discovery Channel Canada

    • WINDMILL BTS-HD

    • DEVINSUPERTRAMP HOTAIR BALLOON ROPE SWING BTS

    • NATIONAL FOREST MAIZE MAZE- PHIL HARRIS BTS

    • Marriott Basketball Arena w/ Inspire 1 BTS

    • Venturi Salt Flats - Inspire

    • IMAX Dogs- BTS

    • Netflix Bobsledding

    • Lexus Salt Flats Commercial- BTS

    • VALVT Boutique BTS w/ Phantom3 & Inspire1/X5

    • Nuskin Conference and Building BTS

    • Devin Graham- Paintballing @ Ice Castles- BTS

    • New Zealand- Sandboarding

    • New Zealand - Rock Slip and Slide

    • New Zealand - Hobbiton- BTS

    • New Zealand Zorbing- BTS

    • New Zealand Rafting- BTS

    • New Zealand - Hobbit Mtn Biking

    • New Zealand -Gravity Canyon Ziplining, Bungee jump

    • New Zealand - Milford Sound - BTS

    • Ski Do Aerial Photos BTS

    • Fly Fishing Kickstarter- BTS

    • IMAX Haiti- Day 1 and 2

    • Haiti IMAX- Day 3

    • Haiti IMAX- Day 4

    • Haiti IMAX- Day 5

    • Haiti IMAX- Day 6 and 7

    • Haiti IMAX- Day 8

    • Haiti IMAX- Day 9

    • Haiti IMAX- Day 10

    • Iceland BTS- Day 1-5

    • Iceland BTS- Day 7-10

    • Iceland BTS- Day 11-14

    • KTM Motorcycles- Utah- Day 1

    • KTM Motorcycles- Utah- Day 2

    • Titleist Golf-BTS

    • DI (Deseret Indesteries) BTS

    • LDS Conference Center-BTS

    • Drone Bowling BTS

    • Subaru - Slip N' Slide Basejump

  • 16

    Feedback Friday

    • Submit your Demo Reel to Feedback Friday!

    • Feedback Friday #18

    • Feedback Friday #17

    • Feedback Friday #16

    • Feedback Friday #15

    • Feedback Friday #14

    • Feedback Friday #13

    • Feedback Friday #12

    • Feedback Friday #11

    • Feedback Friday #10

    • Feedback Friday #9

    • Feedback Friday #8

    • Feedback Friday #7

    • Feedback Friday #6

    • Feedback Friday #5

    • Feedback Friday #4

    • Feedback Friday #3

    • Feedback Friday #2

    • Feedback Friday #1

  • 17

    Part 107 Boot Camp

    • Welcome

    • Part 107 FEEDBACK

    • Part 107 Cheat Sheet

    • Airman Knowledge Testing Supplement (Download)

    • Chapter 1: The Part 107 Rules

    • 1.1 Part 107 Eligibility

    • 1.2 Night Operations

    • 1.3 Maximum Speed and Altitude

    • 1.4 Right of Way Rules

    • 1.5 Pre-flight Checklist

    • 1.6 Certificate of Waiver

    • 1.7 Operations From a Moving Vehicle

    • 1.8 Contingency Planning-Flyaways

    • 1.9 Operations Over Non-Participants

    • 1.10 Drone Maintenance

    • 1.11 Lost Link Procedures

    • 1.12 Accident Reporting

    • 1.13 Battery Fires

    • 1.14 Abnormal and Emergency Situations

    • 1.15 NTIA

    • Practice Quiz #1

    • Chapter 2: Crew Resource Management

    • 2.1 Crew Roles

    • 2.2 Task Management : Hazardous Attitudes

    • 2.3 Hyperventilation and Stress Management

    • 2.4 Drugs and Alcohol

    • Practice Quiz #2

    • Chapter 3: Aircraft Performance

    • 3.1 Load Factor

    • 3.2 How to Calculate Load Factor

    • 3.3 Center of Gravity Performance

    • 3.4 Weight and Balance

    • 3.5 Performance

    • Practice Quiz #3

    • Chapter 4: Weather

    • 4.1 True North vs Magnetic North

    • 4.2 METARS

    • 4.3 TAF's

    • 4.4 Weather Briefing

    • 4.5 Visibility and Cloud Clearance Requirements

    • 4.6 Thunderstorms

    • 4.7 Stable vs Unstable Air

    • 4.8 Fog

    • 4.9 Surface Friction

    • Practice Quiz #4

    • Chapter 5: AIRSPACE / VFR CHARTS

    • 5.1 NOTAMS & TFR’s

    • 5.2 AGL VS MSL / Towers

    • 5.3 Longitude and Latitude

    • 5.4 AIRSPACE

    • 5.6 Sectional Chart Symbols Part 2

    • 5.5 3D AIRSPACE with GOOGLE EARTH

    • 5.6 Sectional Chart Symbols

    • 5.7 Airport Traffic

    • 5.7.5 Astronomical Chart Download

    • 5.8 Airport Legend

    • 5.9 Locating an Obstacle

    • Practice Quiz #5

    • Chapter 6: Time to Take Part 107 Practice Exam

    • Final Remarks

    • IACRA FORM - You must do this after you PASS the Exam!

    • Part 107 Practice Exam

About Your Instructor

Professional Drone Pilot

Chris Newman

Chris Newman is a passionate professional remote controlled aerial videographer/photographer. Seven years in film and cinematography helped as a foundation in his aerial career. His passion and drive leads to amazing, dynamic, and cinematic shots. Equipped with technical ability, he designs and maintains his own helicopters that can heft cameras up to the Red Epic. A sampling of his clients include: Subaru, Ford, Mazda, Bear Naked Granola, Devin Super Tramp, Bass Pro Shops, Corridor Digital, Mountain Dew, Monster Energy, Goal Zero, and Contour Camera. He has also recently filmed the aerials for a Robert Duvall Feature Film and for IMAX in Haiti.

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