The best places to learn to fly a drone online in 2024

Interested in mastering drone flight? While there are plenty of in-person drone courses, the convenience and affordability of online learning are hard to beat. Many online drone flying courses are available at a fraction of the cost of traditional in-person sessions, with some even being free.

These online drone flying courses are not only affordable but also flexible, allowing you to easily fit learning into your busy schedule.

Whether you’re seeking a structured program led by professional instructors or self-paced videos, online platforms offer a variety of options to suit your timetable and budget.

We’ve compiled a list of the best places to learn how to fly a drone online in 2024:

Drone Launch Academy

Drone Launch Academy, known for its Part 107 course (and flashcards!) for drone pilots seeking commercial licenses, also offers a Drones 101 course.

In this course, you’ll learn about the basic components of drones, current drone applications, and eight practical flight exercises you can practice at home.

The course is divided into 9 lessons, each containing multiple videos and a quiz at the end. With video durations ranging from 2 to 7 minutes, it’s easy to fit into your busy schedule.

The self-paced course costs $49 for lifetime access, or you can join the Drone Launch Connect community for $29 per month to access all 19 workshops. There’s even a promotional offer—your first month is just $1 with coupon code ONEDOLLAR.

DARTdrones

Prefer structured group learning but struggle to find in-person options? DARTdrones offers a live 4-hour virtual course covering safe drone operation and flight practice assignments.

You’ll have access to an instructor to address any questions, as well as a 1-hour self-paced course and a recording of the workshop after completion. However, these virtual courses are infrequent, with only one scheduled in the next 3 months.

The course costs $220, significantly cheaper than attending an in-person DARTdrones course.

Pilot Institute

Pilot Institute, known for its ‘Private Pilot Made Easy‘ online flight course, also offers a Drone Flying 101 course.

The course provides 2 hours of video content covering drone legality, basic flight maneuvers, weather considerations, how to become Part 107 certified, and more. Additionally, it includes basic and advanced photography lessons, distinguishing it from other online courses. 

Taught by drone and airplane pilot Greg Reverdiau, the course aims to enhance safety in both manned and unmanned aircraft industries.

Enrollment in the Drone Flying 101 course costs $99 for lifetime access.

UAV Coach

UAV Coach, creator of Drone Girl’s top-recommended Part 107 course, offers a drone pilot skill builder course.

Designed for both new and experienced drone pilots, the course consists of 6 lessons covering drone flight training and FAA airspace authorization application. Taught by UAV Coach founder Alan Perlman, the self-paced online course costs $99 and includes a 30-day money-back guarantee.

Fearless Drone Academy

Feeling nervous about your inaugural flight? Fearless Drone Academy is designed for novice drone pilots experiencing fear and overwhelm.

The course includes video tutorials, guidance from a drone expert, a pre-flight checklist, and access to exclusive events. 

Throughout the course, you’ll be guided by Australian drone expert and YouTuber, Dan Davis from DansTube.TV, addressing common beginner queries like flying over water or selecting appropriate apps.

The self-paced course comprises 15 sessions, ranging from 3 to 20 minutes each, and also includes a learning app and regular giveaways for students. The course fee is $100.

Use the code SALLY20 at checkout for 20% off Fearless Drone Academy’s drone course.

Free drone flying courses

For those on a tight budget, several free online options are available. UAV Coach’s YouTube channel offers a wealth of free information for beginners. This video on flying a drone for the first time is a great place to start.

Additionally, the FAA’s TRUST test, a prerequisite for all novice drone pilots, is free after completing a short online course.

Pilot Institute also provides a free course covering drone regulations and flight safety. You’ll get considerably fewer video lessons than the Drone Flying 101 course, but it’s an excellent way to test out Pilot Institute’s courses.  

For those seeking specialized knowledge, such as DJI Mini 4 Pro or Autel Evo Max 4T, Pilot Institute offers courses tailored to specific drone models.

Where do you recommend as the best places to learn how to fly a drone online in 2024? Share your secrets in the comments section for fellow Drone Girl readers!