Meet Paul Aitken | CEO – Flight Instructor

We had the good fortune of connecting with Paul Aitken and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Paul, is there something that you feel is most responsible for your success?
Success starts with one thing self-awareness. Your business will only grow as much as you do. The most successful pilots are the ones willing to look in the mirror, identify where they can improve, and take action. That means learning to build strong teams, adopt efficient systems, implement structure, leverage data, back-test strategies, and—most importantly—learn from failure. Mistakes aren’t setbacks; they’re stepping stones—if you’re willing to use them to level up.

Would you like a version of this for a sales page or onboarding video?

What should our readers know about your business?
About Drone U Flight School

Drone U is the premier drone flight school in the nation, offering both online and in-person training to help pilots not only pass their FAA Part 107 exam but learn how to turn a toy into a powerful tool. Our curriculum goes far beyond certification—we teach real-world, practical workflows for missions in construction, engineering, surveying, mapping, inspections, and more.

What sets us apart is our relentless commitment to excellence. Our team includes certified photogrammetrists, credentialed instructors, and subject matter experts whose classes are recognized by the National Board of Engineers. We don’t just teach theory—we build systems that produce capable, confident, and competent drone pilots.

Drone U’s rise to national recognition didn’t happen by chance. We’ve grown by holding ourselves to the highest standards in the industry. We’ve tested every course, drill, and methodology against real-world outcomes—and we use data to refine everything we do. That’s why our training systems have earned recognition at the federal level, with groups like the NTSB, NNSA, and major utilities choosing Drone U to upskill their teams.

At Drone U, we’re known for turning complex workflows into simple, repeatable routines that become second nature—because great flight isn’t just about knowledge, it’s about habits. And behind every drill, every course, and every student success story is a team that deeply cares about impact, growth, and setting the highest standard in drone education.

When you train with Drone U, you don’t just learn to fly—you learn to lead.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
If a buddy was flying into Denver, the first stop would absolutely be Work & Class. I’d want them to taste what real Colorado lamb is all about—nothing fancy, just rustic perfection and hands-down some of the best meats I’ve had in the state. No debate.

For pizza? I’m a die-hard Dion’s fan. Yeah, we might have to make the pilgrimage out to Arvada, but it’s worth every mile. It’s a slice of nostalgia with unbeatable flavor.

Since I’m all about recreation, we’d head straight for Golden or Loveland for some of the best outdoor adventures Colorado has to offer. I’d take them out on the boat at Horsetooth Reservoir. And yep, we’d “diaper it up”—flip those life jackets upside down, step in, float out into a cove with a cold drink in hand, and just soak up the serenity.

From there, we might lace up for a hike near Rocky Mountain National Park—or skip the crowds and hit up Lory State Park, where the views are just as jaw-dropping.

To top it off, we’d go kayaking at Boedecker Lake, where the peaceful water and mountain views offer the perfect setting to unwind.

Of course, no trip’s complete without more great food. I’d take them to The Roost in Longmont for a local Buckner beef burger. It’s Colorado on a bun—absolutely unforgettable.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
When we navigated our flight path from New Mexico to Colorado, we didn’t just change our airspace—we changed our altitude. From day one, our mission was clear: engage with the local community, extend our wings, and lift others as we climb.

Through partnerships with organizations like Drone Soccer and collaborations with talented pilots across Northern Colorado, we’ve experienced growth at a much faster rate than expected. The reason? A thriving culture of collaboration, not competition. It’s a far cry from the economic turbulence we left behind in New Mexico.

Pilots like Jimmy Walker have been instrumental—always out in the field, fueling momentum, connecting people, and helping the entire region reach cruising altitude. His work, and the generosity of this community, reminds us that when you fly together, you rise together.

Northern Colorado isn’t just where we operate—it’s where we thrive, thanks to a community that knows how to keep the propellers turning for everyone

Website: https://TheDroneU.com

Instagram: @thedroneu

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/drone-u/

Twitter: @thedroneu

Youtube: @DroneU

Image Credits
All from Paul Aitken (me)