These Long Island drone instructors can help you fly

So you have a new drone and can’t wait to take your first flight. There’s just one problem — you have no idea how to fly it. If you’re not completely confident you can master flying a drone on your own, it might be worth seeking out some guided instruction.

Joseph Mazzola, a certified drone flight instructor for UAV Coach, a pilot training program for unmanned aerial vehicles, or drones, said he welcomes beginners and anyone else interested in learning to fly. Classes are held at Blydenburgh County Park in Smithtown, and Mazzola, 33, of Huntington, said that during the two-hour class he will cover the essentials to get you flying safely with hands-on experience.

“Even after one lesson, I hope my students will leave feeling confident in their abilities and familiarized with important FAA [Federal Aviation Administration] rules and regulations to follow and best practices for themselves as a remote pilot,” Mazzola said.

Mazzola first got into flying drones as a hobby in 2017. He obtained his commercial license after the pandemic and launched Dreamscape Aerials, a drone service provider that takes footage for the film, real estate and marketing industries, among others.

“As someone who likes gaming and being outdoors, it uniquely combines the two,” he said. “The first few months I was flying involved lots of crashing, but as I got better, it actually brought out an appreciation for aerial photography and videography.”

Though students of all ages are welcome, it is recommended that they’re at least 13 and up. Anyone under 18 must be accompanied by a guardian during the class.

Jayson Klein, 32, of East Northport, took his first lesson with Mazzola a few years ago and was instantly hooked. He is now a certified drone pilot who flies drones professionally.

“Joe was great with quickly teaching me the basics and explaining different scenarios,” said Klein. “This gave me the confidence to give it a shot and fly for my first time. It felt so free. I picked up on it relatively quickly. At that moment, I knew this was for me. I went home and immediately bought my own drone.”

Dronegenuity is another drone pilot school that offers training across Long Island, with local instructors available for in-person sessions at flexible locations. Lessons are available one-on-one or in group classes.