About Us
The American Drone Pilots Association (ADPA) was formed with a clear purpose: to ensure that drone pilots have a unified, credible voice in shaping the future of the industry. A 501c6 IRS designation is in application phase and will be approved before July 2026.
Our journey began just weeks ago—born from a growing frustration with organizations that prioritize corporate direction over the very people who form the backbone of this industry: pilots. Representation for pilots is not optional. It is essential. ADPA exists to make sure pilots are heard, valued, and included at every level.
We recognize and respect the role of corporations. They are critical providers of hardware, software, and innovation. However, they are not the sole voice of the industry’s direction. The foundation of this industry is, and always will be, the pilots. Alongside them, the FAA serves as the regulatory authority that governs the airspace. A healthy industry requires balance among all of these elements.
We operate from the pilot, to the Local Chapter, to the Regional Officers and then to the National Chapter. The National Chapter commissions Local Chapters. More to come on this very soon. Local Chapter Pilot Members must be nationally affiliated in addition to affiliated with their Local Chapter. There are no Regional Chapters.
Our Advocacy
ADPA is committed to advancing pilot interests through responsible, professional advocacy in addition to providing education, competitive events and by causing cohesion within the pilot world through camradire and helping each other learn required skills to advance their professional and hobbyist interests.
We support safe, legal operations at all times. Unsafe or illegal flights put lives, airspace access, and the future of the industry at risk. Compliance with FAA regulations is fundamental to everything we stand for.
At the same time, we will actively challenge unlawful or overreaching restrictions that limit pilots without proper authority or consistency. Drone regulations must be:
Clear
Uniform
Lawful
Enforceable at a national level
We also recognize that privacy concerns must be addressed thoughtfully. We support the development of clear, consistent definitions of privacy protections, ideally at the state level, and where necessary, through national standards that all pilots can understand and follow.
Supporting Pilots Across the Industry
On the commercial side, we recognize the challenges facing independent operators. As technology costs rise and pricing pressures increase, sustainable business models for pilots are critical. We believe there must be room for fair competition and profitability at every level, from independent operators to large corporations. That balance only exists when pilots have a unified voice.
On the recreational side, we believe hobbyist pilots should be able to operate freely in unrestricted airspace, with access to tools like LAANC where appropriate. A fair and efficient system can exist—one that respects both recreational access and commercial obligations—through smart, automated frameworks.
Join Us
If this mission resonates with you, we invite you to be part of it.
Become a Founding or Annual Member and help shape the future of the drone industry—together, as one unified pilot community.
Join ADPA. Make your voice heard.