Drone Pilot Update July 2026 Issue

This month's Drone Pilot Update includes the following topics: 

• The FlyRoute Ops App is Officially Here! 

• Returning Drone Pilots for the 2026 Season

• Annual Certification Test Requirements

• Leadership Training FR Omaha & FR Detroit 

Thank you to everyone who completed the Returning Drone Pilot Survey—FlyRoute is incredibly proud to welcome back such a talented and experienced crew for another great year! As the season quickly approaches, our team is busy behind the scenes procuring top-tier equipment, onboarding new pilots, and uploading game schedules into Arbiter. 

Looking ahead, please keep these two critical kickoff dates on your radar: August 15 marks the official start of Flag Football, followed by the launch of the regular Tackle Football season on August 20.

As always, keep an eye on our website, www.flyroute.com, for the latest and greatest.

The FlyRoute Ops App is Officially Here! 

We’ve completely revolutionized our field operations by integrating the brand-new Drone Pilot Operations Manual into the sleek FlyRoute Ops App! Built to be your ultimate field co-pilot, it keeps everyday operations, vital safety protocols, and company policies right in your pocket. You can even put your knowledge to the test with our built-in Quiz Feature. Best of all, it works 100% offline once installed, and you can stay logged in for up to 30 days. Keep an eye out for a separate email with phone installation instructions. 

Returning Drone Pilots for the 2026 Season

A huge welcome back to our 30+ returning drone pilots for the 2026 season! Your experience, sharp skills, and pure dedication are what bring the game of football to life as we gear up for a massive year of over 1,000 games and practices. Your commitment to your teams ensures they get the elite film they need to win, making you a huge part of their game-day traditions. Mastering these precise stadium piloting skills may also set you up for future opportunities with premier industry leaders like ESPN and Amazon Prime. Thank you for returning to FlyRoute...

Annual Certification Test Requirements

The annual Drone Pilot Certification Test opens on July 13 and closes on August 13. Passing this test is required for all returning FlyRoute drone pilots to validate your knowledge of company policies, safety protocols, and customer service standards. All study materials and resources are available on the "FlyRoute - Pilots Only" shared drive, which is accessible to all returning pilots via your Gmail account. Please note that your upcoming game assignments will be officially released in Arbiter after you successfully complete the test.

Leadership Training FR Omaha & FR Detroit  

It was a pleasure bringing together the business owners of FlyRoute Omaha and

L to R:  Collin Caffrey, Mark Pennington, Troy Tweedy, and Mike Pippins

FlyRoute Detroit for our recent intensive leadership training program. Over the course of the session, everyone dove deep into essential field operations, from precise equipment preparation and setup to rigorous pilot examination procedures. This collaborative experience has fully equipped our owners with the vital knowledge and elite skills necessary to drive success in their regions. Beyond the valuable technical insights, the incredible sense of camaraderie shared among our leaders truly highlighted the strength and unity of the growing FlyRoute family.

About the Author: Michael P. Buchkoski, an FAA rated drone pilot, serves as the Chief Operations Officer of FlyRoute, a Denver-based drone service company specializing in aerial videography for athletic events throughout the nation. He is available at mbuchkoski@flyroute.com.