Two Oxford High seniors who earned FAA drone pilot certificates in a school class are launching Oxford Aerial Imaging in November, offering thermal and indoor drone work.

Two Oxford High School seniors are starting their own aerial imaging business, built on what they learned in a school drone class.

The company, Oxford Aerial Imaging, is set to start work in November, the Oxford School District said Oct. 15. The two students have been friends since eighth grade.

Both took the district’s Unmanned Aircraft Systems course, part of its career and technical education program. Passing the Federal Aviation Administration’s Part 107 remote pilot test is a required part of the course, and both did.

How it started

The idea came last spring, the district said. One of the students was asked to fly his drone for roofing inspections. He then asked his friend to go into business with him, because each owns a different kind of drone:

  • A thermal drone, which uses infrared sensors to turn heat into a visible picture.
  • A first-person-view drone, often used for indoor filming and real estate mapping.

Jivaro Jones, who teaches the drone course, said the pair blend communication, technical skills and focus. “They balance each other extremely well and are well-prepared to build a successful UAS venture,” Jones said.

Aviation careers closer to home

Both students want careers in aviation. They recently went to Aviation Day at Monroe County Airport in Aberdeen, about 65 miles southeast of Oxford. The event, run by the airport and local career coaches, covered drones, commercial flying and military aviation.

Duncan Gray oversees career and technical education for the district. He said interest in aviation is growing, and that Oxford’s closeness to Memphis makes it sensible to offer students careers in aviation, transportation and logistics.

“We have always had a number of families with parents who were pilots or in the aviation industry,” Gray said. “We’re now seeing student interest in the aviation field increase, and it’s important we continue to find ways to expose them to this growing career field.”

What it means for you

  • Need aerial or thermal photos? Oxford Aerial Imaging is on Instagram under that name, the district said. It plans to take its first jobs in November.
  • Students and parents: the drone course is one of the career and technical programs at Oxford High. See our Oxford High School guide and all Oxford public schools.
  • More openings: we track new firms on our new businesses in Oxford page.

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