About the author : Rodrigo Branco Matsumoto
Meet Rodrigo, our chief remote pilot here at Sky Perth, where he's been transforming aerial videography into captivating stories for over eight years. At the heart of Rodrigo's work lies a profound passion for both the art of flying and the art of storytelling. This combination has led his work to be featured on platforms like Netflix, Stan, AppleTV+, Paramount+, Disney+, SBS On Demand, and even internationally with ZDF in Germany.
Rodrigo's aerial videography and photography journey is a testament to his dedication to mastering this unique craft. From capturing the vast beauty of Australia's landscapes to the dynamic energy of urban life across the globe, his work offers viewers a fresh, sky-high perspective. It's not just about the technical expertise of handling a drone; for Rodrigo, every flight is an opportunity to tell a story, to reveal the unseen, and to share a new viewpoint with the world.
Renowned for his collaborative spirit and innovative approach, Rodrigo brings more than technical skills to every project at Sky Perth. Whether working on a documentary, a TV series, or a bespoke project, his focus remains on creating visuals that resonate deeply with audiences. His commitment to quality and ability to capture the heart of a story make him a skilled pilot and a storyteller of the skies.
Do you want to know more about Rodrigo? Check his website: rodmatsumoto.com
How to Get Paid to Fly a Drone Without Giving Up Early
The dream of flying drones professionally is thrilling.
It starts with imagination. Freedom. The idea of earning income while doing something creative. But for most aspiring drone pilots, the dream ends before it even begins.
Not because of lack of skill.
Not because of gear.
But because of silence.
This article explores why many people walk away from drone piloting early on and what can be done to help them keep going.
The Hidden Reality of Starting Out
When someone buys their first drone, excitement fills the air. They take it out, practise for hours, edit their first videos, and upload them with high hopes.
But then?
No comments.
No clients.
No money.
This early silence crushes motivation. Many believe they are alone in their struggle. But they are not.
Rodrigo Branco Matsumoto, Chief Remote Pilot at Sky Perth, recalls this stage vividly.
“I remember flying on empty beaches and editing late into the night, hoping someone would notice. For a long time, no one did. That silence almost made me quit.”
This is a common pain point, not a personal failure. The truth is that every drone pilot goes through this phase. What matters is what comes next.
The First Wall: Silence and Self-Doubt
Silence can be louder than criticism.
When no one is watching, it is easy to feel invisible.
This invisible wall is the first test.
At this point, new drone pilots often think:
- I may not be talented enough.
- I may need a better drone.
- I may be wasting my time.
But the issue is not talent or equipment. It is traction. And that only comes with consistency and learning the right moves.
Three Reasons Most Pilots Quit Too Soon
- Isolation – There is no team. No boss. No coworkers. Just the pilot and the sky. This independence is powerful, but it can also feel lonely.
- Lack of direction – They get certified, buy gear, and then… get stuck. There is no clear guide on what to do next.
- No feedback – They share videos and photos online, but no one replies. This leads to doubt and eventually giving up.
These struggles are real. And yet, they are common to everyone who makes it.
The Turning Point: What Keeps Them Going
What separates those who quit from those who thrive?
Not luck.
Not connections.
Not money.
Just small steps, repeated often:
- They reach out to local businesses and offer help.
- They shoot short videos for friends, cafes, or local events.
- They share their journey on social media, even when it feels awkward.
- They study not just flying but pricing, pitching, and storytelling.
Rodrigo explains,
“At one point, I realised I was not just flying drones. I was building trust. If I could help a business tell their story, they did not care if my drone was the newest model.”
This shift from focusing on gear to concentrating on value changes everything.
The Industry Is Changing
Drones are no longer just toys or tech gadgets. They are tools used in:
- Tourism campaigns
- Real estate sales
- Construction inspections
- Social media content
- TV series and documentaries
- Marketing and advertising
Sky Perth has worked with global streaming platforms like Netflix, Apple TV+, Disney+, and Paramount+. But this success did not happen overnight.
It began with consistent action and staying the course when things were quiet.
One Insight from the Books Rodrigo Has Read
One book Rodrigo read early in his journey was Grit by Angela Duckworth. The main message? Talent counts, but effort counts twice.
That message stuck with him.
“I was not the best pilot. But I kept learning, improving, and asking questions. That grit made the difference.”
This idea that showing up matters more than being perfect is something every aspiring drone pilot should embrace.
Mistakes That Hold Beginners Back
Let’s look at the biggest traps new drone operators fall into.
1. They think the drone will do the work
They believe a better drone means better results. But storytelling, editing, and knowing what clients want are more important than gear.
2. They undercharge
They fear asking for money, so they charge too little. This leads to burnout and feeling undervalued.
3. They wait to feel ready
Confidence comes after action, not before. Waiting for the perfect moment delays growth.
4. They ignore business basics
Flying is fun. Invoicing, contracts, and pricing are not. But these basics are what turn a hobby into a real income.
What Rodrigo Did Differently
Rodrigo did not have a roadmap. But he focused on three things:
- Consistency
- He flew often. Edited constantly. Posted even when no one reacted.
- Community
- He reached out to other creatives, learned from them, and gave value first.
- Clarity
- He stopped guessing and started building systems, offers, and a brand that solved real problems.
Today, Sky Perth works with top tourism brands, local councils, and global agencies. But every project started with the same first step: silence.
A Tool That Can Help
For those wondering where they stand, Rodrigo created a tool to help:
A free 2-minute quiz that asks one simple question: Are You Ready to Get Paid to Fly a Drone?
It is not a gimmick. It is a guide.
The quiz shows:
- How close you are to earning your first dollar
- Where your gaps might be
- What you can do next
Take the quiz here: https://quiz.skyperth.com/paidtofly
What to Do if You’re Just Starting
If someone is brand new to drone piloting and wants to turn it into income, here are three practical actions:
- Shoot something real
- Choose a local location or business and create a short 30-second video. Use it to start your portfolio.
- Start small, price fair
- Charge enough to cover your time and skills. Don’t race to the bottom. Value attracts value.
- Use your story
- People do not buy drone footage. They buy trust. Show your face. Share your learning process. Tell your story.
Final Words from Rodrigo Branco Matsumoto
Rodrigo often says,
“When I started, I felt invisible. But I learned that persistence creates visibility. And purpose creates confidence.”
It is not about going viral. It is about being useful, clear, and trusted.
If aspiring pilots accept that idea, they will break the silence.
Summary: Why Most Quit and Why You Should Not
Most aspiring drone pilots quit before they begin. Not because they are not good enough, but because they do not realise how normal the early silence is.
This is not failure. It is a rite of passage.
Those who make it do not wait for permission.
They act.
They learn.
They help.
If you are on the edge and wondering if this is worth it, it is.
You are closer than you think.
Take the quiz.
Take the next step.
Keep going.
