Infrastructure Inspection Services

Inspect bridges, towers, and infrastructure with drones

Startup Cost
$15,000-$80,000
Difficulty
Advanced
Time to Profit
12-18 months
Profit Potential
$17,000-$83,000/month

Overview

Infrastructure inspection services charge $1,000-$10,000 per inspection.

Completing 50-150 inspections annually generates $200,000-$1,000,000 annually with 65-85% margins.

In 2025, infrastructure inspections safer and more efficient with drones.

Services include bridge inspection and documentation, cell tower and telecom inspection, power line and utility inspection, wind turbine inspection, industrial facility inspection, and detailed defect reporting.

Successful infrastructure operators understand structural engineering, provide high-resolution documentation, work at heights safely, comply with industry regulations, and build relationships with utilities and municipalities.

Requires specialized training and insurance.

Marketing through utilities, municipalities, engineering firms, and facility managers.

Required Skills

  • Advanced Drone Operations
  • Structural Knowledge
  • High-Altitude Flying
  • Documentation
  • Safety Protocols
  • Part 107 License

Pros and Cons

Pros

  • Very high-value inspections
  • Safer than traditional methods
  • Utilities and municipalities steady clients
  • Specialized service reduces competition
  • Growing infrastructure inspection market

Cons

  • Need structural engineering knowledge
  • High liability and insurance costs
  • Specialized training required
  • Long sales cycle for contracts
  • Working at heights and hazardous areas

How to Get Started

  1. Get Part 107 and specialized training
  2. Learn structural inspection methods
  3. Invest in industrial-grade drone
  4. Get proper insurance for infrastructure work
  5. Market to utilities and engineering firms
  6. Provide detailed inspection reports
  7. Build reputation for safe thorough work

Explore More Drone Services & Operations Ideas

Discover additional business opportunities in this category.

View All Drone Services & Operations Ideas →